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"disqus_auth_disabled": false}, "realtime_enabled": false, "request": {"username": "", "is_global_moderator": false, "sharing": {}, "sort": 4, "forum": "jackandjillpolitics", "is_initial_load": true, "is_authenticated": false, "timestamp": "2009-12-09_15:31:17", "remote_domain": "", "page": 1, "is_moderator": false, "display_username": "", "points": null, "subscribe_on_post": 2, "moderator_can_edit": false, "is_remote": false, "is_verified": false, "missing_perm": "login"}, "realtime_paused": false, "posts": {"4943362": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "AARGH....for the Love of Moses....<br>spoiled<br>soiled<br>infected<br>ruined<br>dirtied<br>polluted<br>fouled<br><br>MIX IT UP!! ANY DAMN WORD BUT \"TAINTED\"....PEAK USAGE OF THAT WORD HAS BEEN MET....MMKAY??", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:16:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945412": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I taint gonna do it!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:36:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943292, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944390": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign. Reid has the nerve to call for Norm Coleman to concede.  Dude is all over the place.  <br><br>This from Norm Colemn on NPR this evening:  \"Minnesota will decide on its second Senator, not Harry Reid.\"<br><br>Dirty Harry. please sep down!!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:32:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944141, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940295": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As Miranda quoted:<br><br><i>there is absolutely nothing that suggest Burris paid to be appointed. Nothing at all.</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:30:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940062, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4941325": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hi Rorysmomma.  Happy New Year.  :-)<br><br>Now back to your post.  I would accept the seat if I was qualified, felt I would do a good job, my hands were clean, and I wanted the job why not?  <br><br>All that extra drama would not be my problem.  My focus would be to make sure I got the job that was legally appointed to me.  Regarding the position he is now in . . . a look at the $$$ on his paycheck will make all the difference.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:18:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938418, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937475": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I have been asking all along why does everyone since heck bent on Burris being played..isn't it acceptable that he could be playing Blago or at the very least they are playing each other. At any rate, all of that is IRRELEVANT to me b/c I don't understand why we aren't talking about anything but the LAW regarding the appointment. I'm not challenging anyone on Blago's integrity, morals, electability etc. Maybe those who feel he is \"tainted\" are correct but the bottom line is that LEGALLY he is the junior senator from IL.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:46:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937143, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937238": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "interestingly, burris stated quite clearly last night on rachel maddow that if seated, his supporters have asked him to run in 2010 and he has changed his mind about just being a \"fill-in\" senator.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:32:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "zackboston", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936952, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4949528": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yes, I agree -- I'm not sure I would have accepted the seat appointment either. Even if you're clean, there's the chance that the association with Blago ultimately may prove damaging. It's a risk for Burris to be sure.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_01:29:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "JillTubman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4947122, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943876": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "llolol Is this a joke?  This has got to be a joke.<br><br>Color should have nothing to do with our desire to uphold the law.  So I don't get your post.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:51:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939939, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940316": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Most of yall can't stand your boss/mgr./supervisor, but if that person gives you a promotion you will definitely take it. Even if you know that that your boss have fired employees in the past who didn't deserve to lose their job.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:30:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "d3807f11b26fc6b1cf8ad05b419f8a33", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4946456": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It's not about Burris, Blago, Reid, or White.  It's about the rule of law.  And I'm with hearts and flowers, Barack Obama could have put this whole thing to rest a long time ago but he hasn't said a mumbling word except to say Burris should not be seated because of Blago's alledged crimes.  He didn't want people to tie him to Reverend Wright but he's tying Burris to Blago.   If this is any indication of how he treats black folks we might as well have republicans in control of the government.  Reverend Wright should have told us something......", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_22:37:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "e9e4415ec669c0d6a571855a775ea53c", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943905": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "There is no \"bending over backwards to excuse Burris cuz he's black.\"<br><br>The law is the law, whether Burris is black, white or whatever.<br><br>Rod Blago is still the Gov. of IL.  Doesn't matter if he's \"tainted\" or whatever, he's still the executive authority of the state of IL and the United States Constitution as well as IL State Code says the executive authority (Blago) must appoint a replacement to fill vacancies.  He did that, and unless they find that Burriss bought, bartered or exchanged the seat from Blago, the appointment is legal and must stand.<br><br>Period.<br><br>Burris isn't some hapless lawn jockey who don't know nothing and is being used by evil Blago. Burris is trying to put a feather in his cap and get that Senate seat -- it's dude's last shot and he's going for his.  He doesn't give a sticky nickel if anyone thinks he's tainted and as a junior senator he wouldn't have been all that effective anyway from the get-go regardless of who appointed him.<br><br>Roland Burris is not to blame for this fiasco and neither is Rod Blago.  The blame is on the IL Legislature for not holding the special election and playing games.<br><br>The race business is a distraction, it's a side show.  IMO Harry Reid played it on Blago by claiming all the three black guys on the list were \"unelectable\" but conveniently ignoring the non-black lady on the list's non-electability.  He's just mad that Blago flipped the deck up on him and brought the game out into the open.<br><br>But I suppose he who has the gold makes the rules.  So we ignore the laws now and pat ourselves on the back feeling good, and we'll whine and cry about \"the law\" when the Republicans do it us.<br><br>It's interesting how this country cheers white felons, bathroom perverts, people under investigation and sheer incompetents but when a black guy gets appointed under shady (but LEGAL) circumstances, OH NOEZ!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:54:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "Town", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940835": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"Always cheering for the brother or sister even when they are wrong.\" Exactly what was this \"brother's\" wrongdoing????? Being a brother????", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:05:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939939, "depth": 6, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937253": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "AMEN! Govenor Blagojevich is still in office. He has not been removed, arrested or convicted. Gov. Blagojevich continues to conduct business as usual and if Sen. Burris did not pay for the seat why is he penalized.  His polital history speaks for itself.  The Sec. of State needs to sign the stupid form and let the man claim his seat.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:34:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "Quesmom1997", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936952, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937766": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Exactly -- pay-for-play positions are tainted, unethical and perhaps illegal.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:04:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937655, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938283": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Perhaps you need to address your comment to Jill, as she is the one who wrote the comment. And yes, I agree with her assessment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:35:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938168, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937260": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That's a very good question.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:35:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936948, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938418": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I wouldn't have accepted the seat.... Period.  Yes he is the lawful Junior Senator from Illinois, but unfortunately he put himself in a bad position.  You know it, and I know it.  thus the racial chicken post.  He needs his ass whupped.  Keep your race card in your pocket until you actually need to use it.  Go at the man with the man's law.... Can't argue one whit about that.  harrrumph!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:41:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "rorysmomma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944017": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "EXACTLY!!<br><br>Burris IS the Jr Senator of IL.<br><br>The Dems need to quit making a circus of the appointment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:01:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943611, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937265": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I.DON'T.UNDERSTAND!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:35:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936948, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936243": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This is simple to me<br><br>EITHER we are a nation of laws AGAIN after 8 years.<br><br>or we are not.<br><br>Blago was not the convicted Governor.<br>The  impeached Governor<br>or even the indicted Governor <br><br>when he made this appointment. <br><br>Reid and Madigan thought they were SLICK about a Special Election. <br><br>Now, they are STUCK. <br><br>This is about the rule of law. <br><br>Follow the rules. <br><br>Burris needs to be seated.<br><br>And no, NOBODY will ever convince me that if Blago had chosen one of NON-Blacks on this list..<br><br>that this shyt would be going  down like this.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:30:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 21, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937655": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "He is going to be seated, that I'm not arguing.  But this is high profile appointment came at the same time Blago was under investigation for trying to sell that same position.  There is no other way but \"shady\" to describe what Blago was caught on tape doing.  I don't think anyone can look at this and say Blago was acting in the best interest of Illinois and after long consideration decided Burris would be the best person for the job.  Burris is well qualified but Blago was did this as a power play against the Dems who are after him. <br><br>And, yes, Jim McGreevey's putting his boyfriend on the payroll is shady and his boyfriend's appointment is \"tainted\".", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:56:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937539, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937789": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I think when he initially wanted the seat he said he'd be a placeholder -- now he is _not_ saying he will be a placeholder.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:05:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937687, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940350": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Blago's original chief of staff, John Harris, was arrested along with the governor and later resigned.  Clayton Harris is new to the post. <br><br>Again, this is by no means a diss of the new acting COS.  I'm simply following the dance.  <br><br><a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-ethicsjan06%2C0%2C3165633.story\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/...</a>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:34:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940028, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4949568": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Agreed -- this has been mis-handled badly on all fronts and no one is likely to come out smellin rosy...", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_01:32:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "JillTubman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943852, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940128": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Say it, Miranda!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:19:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939979, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940874": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You got that right....Blago allegedly ATTEMPTED to break the law and so is Reid (attempting to break the law) so for all that are so moral.......<br><br>Reid = Blago. Period.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:08:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940387, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937803": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That's why  the Government should be held accountable for reparations because it prevented blacks from being equal in America. There are policies of slavery still be implemented today because of  it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:07:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937681, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939852": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sepia's not a troll.  No regular JJP blogger has pink Don King hair and bulging eyes!!!! LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:03:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "01cd55b5b177f7c1827c08939b7d75f4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938856, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4947021": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep, sure did. Happy New Year!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_23:06:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938923, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944975": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Oh Lord.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:11:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943609, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938680": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "NMP. Co-sign.  <br><br>\"I strongly advise Black folks to keep their third eye open b/c Fitzgerald isn't really after Blagojevich; he's after Obama.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:57:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "01cd55b5b177f7c1827c08939b7d75f4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936872, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4947027": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thanks Spirit!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_23:06:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939577, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939350": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree- either it's legal or it's not and the rest as Val said earlier is \"noise\". Not to insinuate that people can't have their own opinions about it but it is curious to me how \"moral\" some folks are now. Blago is \"tainted\" until he is proven guilty IF he is but what did Burris do? And I don't think his ego qualifies him for the \"tainted\" throne. Otherwise, there are no other suspicions clouding him. I mean if a friend or relative of mine did something wrong and asked me to be in charge of their affairs while they were jailed or being punished etc..as long as I did nothing wrong why couldn't I attend to their affairs and love them etc without being \"tainted\" myself. Everyone keeps saying Burris is tainted but there has been no valid argument to explain why. Somone went thru the details of the Blago case to prove their point but again that leads me back to Blago NOT Burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:35:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939142, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940985": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I think Clarence Thomas is a bit harsh Jill don't ya think? Lol!  I feel the democrats are letting this whole thing get out of control. Let the man sit in this seat and lets get this show on the road. It's embarrasing that they are letting it get to this level.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:13:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "kepop", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937816": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i><b>Actually I think this is a classic Uncle Clarence Thomas maneuver \u2014 select a quasi-qualified or qualified enough black stooge, insert into office, call everyone who opposes stooge\u2019s entrance to power racist, lather, rinse.</b></i><br><br>DING! DING! DING!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:07:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936872": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Blago was not the convicted Governor.\"  Not even indicted!  You know I'm not a Johnnie come lately to the opinion that Fitzgerald does NOT have a case.  Right now he's on a fishing expedition to find a substantial enough crime to justify this circus he helped create.  As I said before, Fitzgerald is a modern day Eliott Ness whose \"accomplishments\", like Ness, are more myth than reality.  He's a republican looking for springboard into elected office.  And this was supposed to be it.<br><br>I strongly advise Black folks to keep their third eye open b/c Fitzgerald isn't really after Blagojevich; he's after Obama.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:10:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "4fd3ca416b455e03c3fa02c8bc744eb4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937820": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "...being able to think for ourselves, and undertake actions on our own volition, for our own benefit. The idea that all these black people are being played by this one white guy is unconfortably close to the virulently white racist and anti-semitic charge that antiracist actions on the part of blacks are actually controlled by Jews.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:07:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937379, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940382": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I will ask again:<br><br>Who is the governor of IL?  Rod Blagojevich<br><br>Is he convicted or indicted for criminal activity? No, he is under investigation.<br><br>Therefore, his appointments are legal under the Constitution of the U.S.  My speaking in support of seating Roland Burris doesn't have a damn thing to do with tribalism, cheering for black folk or any other such nonsense.  It does, however, have everything to do with the rule of law as it exists in this moment in time.  <br><br>If folks don't like it - then they should talk with their respective representatives in the appropriate govermental body and advocate for a change in the law.   Until then, one follows the laws that exist, not the laws one wants to exist.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:34:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "b579afb848e79a9a9e8ffcb227698dc1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939939, "depth": 6, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937857": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Type the whole thing- the huge majority of black folks who are supposedly being \"played\" by Blago.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:09:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937379, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939360": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thank you! I thought his little \"last plantation\" diatribe was a bit rich coming from him!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:36:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "Ladyvenoms", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938615, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944993": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The question doesn't end at qualification.  In fact, no one - on this board, on TV or elsewhere have argued that Burris is unqualified, so that is a red herring. Meaningless.   There would be no problem with Burris without Blago.  Blago, Burris & Rush knew this and that is why they immediately invoked lynching and racism - not Burris's qualifications.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:12:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944778, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4962914": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It's over<br><br>They have agreed to appoint him.  Harry Reid . . . Remarkable.  <br><br><a href=\"http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/harry-reid-welcomes-senator-roland-burris-ap/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_12:37:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "0b26bd94a1d07b59dadc0e6314c90b16", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940387": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't see how anyone got \"played\" and I can't buy into the \"taint\" argument.  <br>All that stuff is made for TV drama.   <br><br>It is as simple as this.   Burris was offered the job by the govenor and he took it.  Simple as that.  His personality and Blagos personal problems is not relevant.  Burris IS the Jr. Senator and Reid should be penalized for attempting to break the law.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:34:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936864, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937316": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If signing the bills have anything to do with a pay to play  scheme then yes there would be a problem but since that is not the case then there's no controversy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:38:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "faba19c60bc49948a7a5801b50c79fe1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936500, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938854": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "We know Sepia isn't a troll!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:09:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938708, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940561": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Plantsmantx: \"the huge majority of the black folks who are supposedly being \"played by Blago\" would be making the exact same argument if he'd chosen someone like Jan Schakowsky\"<br><br>now you are saying : \"I would be making the same agrument if he'd picked someone like Schakowsky.\"<br><br>My point is the public supporters of Burris base their argument explicitly on race, hence _Jill_ picking up on CNN's \"racial chicken,\" and the Clarence Thomas hearings.<br><br>I don't presume to know what _you_ think about Schakowsky or Burris other than what you state. You are the one speaking about the \"huge majority of black folk\" and what they will believe in a hypothetical that you create.<br><br>However,  the Blago, Burris, Bobby brigade have based the drum-beat for support on race from the initial press conference and the critique of Reid is an extension of that \"racial chicken\" strategy.  <br><br>I think it is obvious that strategy would not be used to get black support for Schakowsky. <br>Am I wrong?<br><br>Burris AND Bobby agreed before Burris's appointment Blago should not make the appointment. Why would the CBC members be lobbied to change their mind after the Burris appointment?<br><br>Talking about Burris's competency is shifting the argument _from_ the appointment process to _who_ is appointed. Burris and Bobby Rush AGREED with the \"process / taint\" worries and the 50-senate statement interpretation, so at the very least you must admit they are hypocrites. <br><br>What changed?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:47:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938174, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938856": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Actually, Pie3, I haven't been labelled a troll or an interloper. I've been a regular poster here for a while and folks have been respectful towards me whether or not I agreed with them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:09:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938708, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943977": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "That is my issue.  Look, I didn't know anything about Burris before all of this went down, but since he has accepted this appointment, I can't even respect him.  EVERYBODY heard what the Senate Dems said about not seating a Blago appointment--he said himself that the appointee would be tainted.  Now, when he gets the appointment, he doesn't see a problem.  Yeah, Okay.  He knew the Secretary of State didn't sign his documents that he needed to be seated at the Senate, yet he went there anyway and created this circus.  This is not what the country needs.  This is a spectacle.  Burris may end up being seated, it is highly likely.  But the way that this is going down could have been avoided and he knows it.  He is not a victim--he has contributed to this mess, and I refuse to play into this foolishness.   He has undermined his credibility and reputation because of his ego, which is sad, because it wasn't necessary at all.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:59:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943129, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937384": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "THANK YOU! <br><br>I asked the same question recently too. I LIVE in Illinois. And as far as I can tell, state business is still being taken care of (though it might be shoddy or ran by insiders in some cases, but that is besides the point, lol).<br><br>Checks are being paid, services rendered, bills signed. Why are these not tainted or illegal?<br><br>Be consistent people.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:42:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "Honey01", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936500, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937329": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I am not one for the race argument but how about the law? It was a lawful appointment so I just don't get the rest?????<br><br>Why does Burris need to explain Blago's potention impeachment? Why can't he disapprove of his actions (or alleged actions) but move on UNTIL he is impeached IF that indeed even happens? So the seat is jsut supposed to go unfilled while Reid, Fitz and whoever make up the law as they go along. You can't just take it upon yourself to go above the law. Wasn't OJ \"not guilty\" of those murders? So he was a free man until he did something else stupid! Whether we like it or not Blago is a free man until/unless he gets indicited/convicted/impeached. Since when is circumventing the law acceptable?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:39:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936960, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940916": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I don't see why this isn't open and shut (regarding the appointment). Of course everyone else is morally superior to Burris. OK So what???? He doesn't have to answer to Reid or the senate for his \"lack of morals\".", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:09:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940431, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939381": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\u201cThe taint of Blagojevich's alleged crimes does not justify ignoring the Constitution,\u201d Chemerinsky writes. \u201cFor the last eight years, the Bush administration has ignored or twisted the Constitution to serve what it believed were higher ends. It would be an enormous mistake, as a new administration prepares to take charge, for Democrats to send the Senate down that same path.\u201d<br><br>SAY IT AGAIN! The taint of BLAGO.......no one else has been accused of wrongdoing to my knowledge and if they have it wasn't Burris.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:37:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938745, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938897": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<b>How about former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, who put his unqualified boyfriend on the state payroll - are any of his appointments \"tainted\"?</b><br><br>YES.<br><br>As a native New Jerseyan, I can tell you that ex-NJ governor Jim McGreevey resigned because of his unqualified boyfriend and other sketchy activities (even though he lied and hid behind being gay - and still does.)  <br><br>Did the former governors you name try to appoint a senator after being caught on tape trying to sell said seat and getting arrested?  Apples and oranges.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:11:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937539, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937848": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:07:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936960, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943481": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Uh that would be a nice retort..if it were proven true. If they had him on tape explicitly trying to sell the seat then Fitz wouldn't be asking for an extension of time.<br><br>If Blago pardons some people should they stay in prison? Are they tainted? Is the \"taint\" limited to the Senate appointment?<br><br>I'm amazed at people bending over backwards not to follow the law.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:25:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "true999", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944508": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Nope. Don't mind at all.  I LIKE your posts and your tunes ..always timely!!<br><br>LOVIN it!!<br><br>Did you see how they have an operating table on board as well?<br><br>Guess that means there is a surgeon on board at all times, too?<br><br>Michelle is going to LOOOVE flying up there with her MAAAAN....all snuggled up...when he comes from the office, where he can broadcast live from.<br><br>Malia and Sasha are going to live CHARMED lives!<br><br>What man will EVA be able to measure up to daddy?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:43:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944137, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936318": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep. ...While Blago is sitting back laughing his ass off!  The move was raw!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:36:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936177, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940417": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I can agree with you pretty much here. I think it is unwarranted for Burris to be 'tainted' with Blagojevich's dirt. Burris also should take the Senate seat and make Reid eat his words. I want to know why the SOS of IL is cooperating with the US Senate dems.<br><br>Burris appears to be getting a bad rap. The pawn here is the SOS of IL.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:38:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940246, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4948611": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'd wait for the smoke to clear and then take the job.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_23:37:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4947650, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944121": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yes, I get that - as do many others who have been following this story from the start and who believe it's wrong for Burris to allow Blago to use him to cover his own ass.  I'm on record here for the last week with my opinion, so you're a little late.<br><br>What does bending over backward have to do with it?  Bending over backwards to have a black face at any cost - even if he will have no power or real influence.  Even if it hurts future, viable Black candidates down the line.<br> <br>It is also vile that Burris (and Rush) raced right into lynching analogies from day one, minimizing real lynching.  No wonder so many people think nooses on doors and trees are okay today.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:11:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943855, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945942": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I don't buy the argument. Anytime you have a white person who has to go out of the way to claim they like teh Black it means their ACTIONS prove otherwise. It's not as if Obama has been supportive. If this is any indication of how he's going to continue to treat Black people  I'm hoping for a 4 year term! Black voters need to start flexing some muscle. Nobody is going to convince me that Burris is not qualified nor that he has any skeletons or dealings anywhere near some of these other Senators sitting up on their lofty perches unchallenged then. Case #1 Dianne Feinstein. It's not as if Burris was close to the corruption of Lieberman, Dollar Bill Jefferson or even Al Wynn. What goes for ONE should go for them ALL.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_22:08:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "heartsandflowers", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4946055": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "We do know - because of the government tapes.<br><br>Furthermore, in IL, we know because Roland Burris was not even on the radar for this appointment.  He was retired from politics.<br><br>It's amazing how easily folks can denigrate a person's good name without cause or proof.  If you don't like that Rod Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris to the seat - you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  You are not, however, entitled to your own set of facts.   And it certainly makes me look askance at folks who make unsubstantiated claims while attempting to prove that what they are saying is true.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_22:13:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "b579afb848e79a9a9e8ffcb227698dc1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4945648, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939912": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<b>Ex-Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush won't run for Senate in 2010</b><br><br><br><a href=\"http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g1g_1QTpZ5s4yTVGnK_iHsVxZK_wD95HS3P00\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALe...</a><br><br><i>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) \u2014 Former Gov. Jeb Bush says he won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 to replace the retiring Mel Martinez. Bush made the announcement Tuesday, saying \"now is not the right time to return to elected office.\"</b><br><br>The president's younger brother served as governor of Florida from 1999-2007 and remains a popular figure in the state. His announcement clears the field for several other potential Republican candidates who had said they wouldn't challenge him.<br><br><i>Bush won bipartisan praise for leading the state through eight hurricanes over a two-year period. He used standardized testing to overhaul the education system, was credited with making government more efficient and lowered taxes.</i><br><br><i>Martinez announced last month that he wouldn't seek a second six-year term.</i><br><br><br><br><br> <b>GreenLady, he needs to ........make it like Lightning and Bolt.</b><br><br>Teehee</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:06:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938892": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks Justice! :-)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:11:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938854, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936847": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Again, I'm a Chicago outsider, but I must say that Team Blago has definitely done its homework.  <br><br>Today, his office dispatched his acting chief of staff, Clayton Harris - a young brotha, btw - to Fox News to speak with Megyn Kelly.  <br><br>Don't misconstrue this observation as a diss because it is not.   I'm just peepin' the strategy, cuz this ain't nap time.  LOL", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:08:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940432": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign Miranda!.<br><br>Burris should not have to suffer for Blago's wrongs nor should he be considered tainted.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:39:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939979, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943384": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Uhm, someone needs to inform the folks over at David Shuster's <i> 1600 </i> show that KURT SCHMOKE is not William Jeffress.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:18:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937379": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"the huge majority of the black folks?\" -- pretty large assumption given the direct racial appeals cited by Jill, and given by Bobby Rush, Blago and Burris himself.<br><br>I'm not going to pretend to know what black folks would do if Jan Schakowsky was selected, but I'm going to guess Bobby Rush et al. would not being playing \"racial chicken.\"<br><br>Burris is definitely taking his shot at the seat of senator in a calculated move in the twilight of his career; however, the justification for Burris's seating (and push to have Senate Dems accept a move by Blago that is likely to have political repurcussions with Senate Repubs) is the part I'm interested in. <br><br>Please expand on your use of the \"personal agency\" terminology I'm not familiar with the term, and I don't quite understand what you are asking me to respond to that has Jill has not already addressed.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:42:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937143, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939412": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Word.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:36:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938854, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936854": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Co-Sign!<br><br>But I couldn't stop myself from laughing on:<br><br><i>\"Will it be Vaseline or baby oil?\"</i><br><br>LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:10:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936666, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940951": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "He saw an opportunity, and took it.<br><br>and that is all there is to it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:12:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940798, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944030": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Justice58:   U    R   welcome!    :&gt;)", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:04:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943692, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936864": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree with the \"taint\" and black folks being played by Blago. --<br> I wonder if folks are going to kick Jill off her own site? <br><br><br>heh.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:10:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 13, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936353": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I don't get it Jill.  Maybe it is because I haven't been watching the news or reading this stuff until today.  Just a quick read brought me to the conclusion that there is no reason why this man wasn't appointed if Blago appointed him.  So as far as I am concerned Burris IS the Jr Senator of Illinois.<br><br>All that other stuff to me is \"noise\".  Burris had nothing to do with the price of rice in China.  His qualifications are not in question.  He was offered a job and he took it.  So  . . . Harry Reid is WRONG on this.  <br><br>It is the law so why the drama?  Burris is it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:38:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943523": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thank you GLH<br><br>and Happy NY to you too!!<br><br>O my, it is getting closer and closer to Jan 20th. My excitement grows daily!!!<br><br><br>I am sitting here watching Schuster...he is about to show us AIR FORCE ONE Interior!!!<br><br>The press just has to show errrybody how the Obamas will be travelin...tee hee", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:28:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943220, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943524": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Feinstein: Seat Burris In Senate<br><br><a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/06/feinstein-seat-burris-in_n_155747.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/06/feinst...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:28:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944376": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "That's your opinion.  I just find it silly this whole notion that Burris is a \"victim\" of the Senate Dems.  That's nonsense and he knows it.  I just can't take it seriously.  One week, he is supporting going to the IL Supreme Court to get Blago removed and saying he should resign and that any appointee would be \"tainted\" (his words), and the next week he is just \"accepting\" an appointment \"under the law\"...yeah, okay.   It's crass opportunism, and while that certainly isn't illegal, it doesn't make me think very highly of him.  <br><br>And while it may not be that \"serious\" to you, I am personally tired of this shenanigans.  I really do want our politicians to raise their standard of behavior, and I think that Burris should have done so here, he didn't.   And Reid put his foot in his mouth?--again, your opinion.  He is in uncharted waters, so he may let Burris in to avoid a headache, or he may stick to his gun and let the courts decide.  He certainly can do both--I hope he let's the courts decide the issue.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:31:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "ef781b639c890767ebd1ce99011c3afa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944141, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936870": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:10:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936847, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940968": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Great analogy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:11:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940682, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938410": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This morning, MSNBC was reporting that Reid REQUESTED that the Illinois SoS not certify Burris.  If that's true, then Reid is a PUNK and the Illinois SoS is a f**ckin punk too.  <br><br>What happened to Reid's argument that the Senate has the power to exclude whomever it wants?  He can not even backup his own threats.  Like CPL has said before...<br><br>Reid threatened Republicans about funding the Iraq War...Nothing Happened!<br>Reid threatened Lieberman about being a fake Democrat...Nothing Happened!<br>Reid now threatens Burris with an legally illegitimate maneuver...Nothing will Happen...except that Reid found a DO-Boy in Illinois to do his bidding...and that Do-Boy is a dumb ***k for doing it...and now Reid is hiding behind that certification bullshyt like a  coward.<br><br>Reid is weak and he needs to step down from the leadership.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:42:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 14, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938923": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Webb, you do realize that Reids 'do-boy' is also african-american, right?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:11:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938410, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936367": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "lol.  Rikyrah I read your note after I posted.  We said the same thing.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:38:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4947120": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "what does a man's pastor have to do with your faulty analysis of \"rule of law,\" and appointments etc.<br><br>smh.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_23:12:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4946456, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940978": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "To Burris? Otherwise what does that have to do with him?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:14:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940062, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4949683": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Agreed wholeheartedly. I understand Burris' temptation but I think he would have done well to pass on the circus in Congress.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_01:33:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "JillTubman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943977, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937909": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The Jim McGreevey reference is different.  Burris had NOTHING to do with Blago's alleged pay to pay with OTHER potential candidates. He wasn't even being considered then. This is just too many degrees of separation here and if we start ignoring the law and making up the rules everytime people do something we don't agree with....<br><br>If Burris was the candidate that was accused of paying for the seat it might be different. Everyone keeps explaining the \"taint' but now how it is lawful for Reid to do what he is trying to do. Burris and Blago aren't the only ones ego tripping here. Reid, Fitz etc are too and it just so happends that the law doesn't appear to be on their side. We can't circumvent the law simply because the accusations fall against someone that is arrogant and b/c he appointed someone that may be just as arrogant. Let's face it ALL the players in this game are in it for political gain. Blago if proven guilty will be and should be the only one that goes down- for a crime unless we are trying egos, \"taint\" etc.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:12:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937655, "depth": 4, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940983": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The taint I'm talking about is not a \"legal\" one.  It\u2019s more of a political mark (or a negative judgment in the court of public opinion in this \"new\" age of transparent politics) that once it gets on you, its hard to rub off (especially if you are black).  By accepting an appointment for a seat from a Governor that is under investigation for allegedly wanting to sell that seat to the highest bidder, Burris inserted himself in that same cloud of suspicion and took on that same \"taint\" that was on Blagojevich (like picking up the hot potato).  Like I said, legally Burris must be and probably will be seated.  However, politically Burris will lose in the long run and the Republicans will gain an Illinois Senate seat in two years, because of that \u201ctaint\u201d!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:14:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "6d8bd6e6ae6e9c752a15d17f1b41743d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939142, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940660": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You are right, Burris is not a pawn because he is black.  He's a pawn for accepting an appointment from a Governor under a cloud of Suspecion when it comes to the very seat that he was appointed to.  I didn't see Blagojevich with Burris in D.C. today.  Blagojevich (player) made his move and Burris (pawn) took the hit.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:52:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "6d8bd6e6ae6e9c752a15d17f1b41743d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940246, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4946618": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<a href=\"http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=24406&title=reparations-2003\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_22:50:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "75f72d4058628abae052bbbc0bd90224", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936891": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Blago appointed him for his own purposes--jury influence.\"<br><br>I just don't get that. How would Blago's appointment of Burris help infulence a jury?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:10:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936509, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940476": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Spirit,<br>I am boycotting Greg..I want his show to be cancelled. I sooo wish CNN would put Fareed Zakaria in that time slot. Gregory is just yick!<br><br>I am enjoying AfterParty though with Brazile...how about you?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:42:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939755, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940479": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "So Rikyrah is racist because she believes...The Law  IS The Law?<br><br><br>Because one believes in following the rules of law does not spell racism! Sorry Charlie!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:40:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940104, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942016": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>The taint I'm talking about is not a \"legal\" one. It\u2019s more of a political mark (or a negative judgment in the court of public opinion in this \"new\" age of transparent politics) that once it gets on you, its hard to rub off (especially if you are black).</i><br><br><br><br><br>So......Taint trumps the rule of law?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:23:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940983, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4947650": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "That scenario you describe is different from the one with Blago. You have Blago getting sex. But if we used your scenario, what it would be is that the memo said you had to bring him a box of his favorite cigars every week. Now if you know it was only going to cost you $60.oo a month to bring him those cigars and they were going to pay you $6k dollars more a year...don't you think you would take it?<br><br>Especially, given with the memo and all...you wouldn't even have to buy him cigars, cause he was under investigation...AND you would still get the $6K in salary?<br><br>My guess is you wouldn't wait, cause if you did, someone else might get the promotion when the smoke cleared.   And even if they moved you back to your old position after 6 months...you would still be $3K dollars richer.<br><br>So, how could you lose?<br><br>And that is precisely why Burris said yes to the Senate seat. He has nothing to lose.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_23:46:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4945220, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936899": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "P.S.:  If Blago had selected the two women that Reid wanted, we all know that (white) womens groups would be marching towards the Capitol right now!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:10:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "4fd3ca416b455e03c3fa02c8bc744eb4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945605": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:48:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4945412, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4947122": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Val I hear ya.? I just know I wouldn't do it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_22:13:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "rorysmomma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4941325, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938953": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<b>;)</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:14:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938892, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940456": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hey Spirit and Justice!!<br><br>Happy New Year to you both<br><br>Yep, I am back in the cold....but Iooking forward to Inauguration!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:41:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939123, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937421": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Was Paris Hilton \"tainted\" by the bad actions of her homegirl, Brittney Spears?</i><br><br>No, but Britney Spears was tainted by her association with Paris Hilton.  I remember all the articles about Britney and other celebutants being tainted after being in the Hilton world.  So \"tainted\" does apply to others beside Black Folk.<br><br>Why would Burris be tainted?  Blago was caught on tape trying to sell a Senate seat.  Burris is now appointed to that Senate seat.  At the very least that is a \"taint\".  Prior to the appointment the Senate said it would not seat Blago's appointment and it was well known that a possible impeachment as well as an indictment was coming soon, most likely after the holidays.  Blogo made an appointment anyway, and the second or third guy asked (depending on reports Burris could have been the fourth asked, I only know for sure one person was asked prior to Burris) accepted.  That's a \"taint\".  Burris knew how the Senate would react and accepts the appointment anyway and is now claiming \"victim\".  No so much a taint as it is annoying.<br><br>After all this Burris will be a Senator because the appointment is legal.  But he will be the guy that accepted the position from a shady Gov. whose first choices turned him down and the Senate said they would block prior to knowing who the appointee was.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:44:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 18, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936948, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943992": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Penelope...you are off base here.<br>Burris seems to know the law quite well.  It isn't about race. It is about the LAW. And the LAW is on Burris' side.<br><br>The SOS signature is recommended. Besides, the sole authority to appoint a Senate resides in the executive of the state. It says nothing about SOS.  Matter of fact, the SOS signatures is merely recommended. Furthermore, the SOS has been signing pardons issued by the EXECUTIVE of the State Blagojevich and he has signed legislation for a special election. The only person out of order here is the SOS, as he is cherry picking what he will and will nto sign.<br><br>Burris is on solid legal footing. The Senate seat is his. He has been duly appointed by the Executive of IL and he has the only signature required on his certificate. Reid is doing nothing but playing games and trying to hide behind the SOS signature being missing, AFTER he called the SOS and asked him not to sign it.<br><br>It is a flimsy excuse and tacky on Reid's part. Reid has no power here and that was clear in the Powell ruling. The Senate can only require that the appointee be qualified under the US Constitution, which is what the Senators are sworn to uphold. Given that Burris does meet those Constituitonal requirements, it is Reid who is in VIOLATION of the very oath he was sworn to uphold.<br><br>Seat Burris. And Tell Reid to STFU!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:00:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943129, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939979": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "However \"tainted\" Burris may be, its not illegal to be it. He's not an accessory to a crime because he's been appointed by Blago. <br><br>Tainted, smainted.....its a legal appointment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:11:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939557, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942552": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "My boss could be a serial killer and while I would hate it for the victims etc if he offered me a promotion I would take it and know that I have NEVER killed a soul and his wrongs have nothing to do with me. The Lord would not hold me accoutable and neither could the LAW.  I would pray for the families of the victims and hope he got convicted but hey..it's not like I could take back his actions even if I didn't take the promotion.<br><br>OK maybe serial killer is a bit extreme b/c I would be too afraid to work at the same company but you get my point, right?<br><br>And if we have to pay for the sins of everyone connected to us then why wouldn't Reid's or anyone else's appointment be \"tainted\" I mean after all this is still the seat that was ALMOST sold....whooo hooo.....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:26:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940316, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939557": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Immorality and legal guilt is not the same thing.  People do moral things and are guilty of a crime, (MLK, Rosa Parks, etc.)<br><br>People do immoral things that are absolutely legal, (GW Bush).<br><br>1. Blagoyovich tried to sell the Senate appointment.<br>2. Any appointment he makes to the Senate is tainted by the previous attempt to sell.<br><br>1) If you know your cousin is a shoplifter, 2) anything he sells you is tainted by the high probability it was stolen.<br><br>It is that straight forward and simple.  Just because it is a James Brown CD instead of Paul Anka, does not make it a good thing.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:47:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939350, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937444": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Roland Burris should be seated and that's that. Legally the position is his, no matter how it came about. The fact that he is a man that has no marks against him, makes him an idea candidate. Give him the seat and move on, worry about 2010 in 2010.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:45:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "151ed69d59543e36fc74c6a460a475a8", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939729": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<a href=\"http://chicagoist.com/2009/01/05/kumas_has_a_fg_valuable_burger.php\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://chicagoist.com/2009/01/05/kumas_has_a_fg...</a><br><br><i> Kuma's Has A \"F^(#!%g Valuable\" Burger - <br>Kuma's Corner is jumping on the Blagojevich train, as if you needed another reason to head to Kuma's this month. Their January special is the \"#@(*&%^ Blagojevich.\" This gubernatorial-inspired monstrosity is made with a 10 oz. hamburger patty, thick sliced bologna and yellow mustard between two grilled cheese sandwiches (made with American cheese and wonder bread). When the burger comes out, one of the sandwiches has a large dollar sign written in mustard. The cost of this beast: $10, but <br>Kuma's is \"negotiable.\" </i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:55:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943592": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:31:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943362, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937452": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Agreed. Burris and Bobby Rush said those words December 13 and 9th respectively.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:45:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936960, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944111": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:11:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "blksista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943129, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945648": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "We don't know that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:49:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "faba19c60bc49948a7a5801b50c79fe1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940295, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942577": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "From the same article \"<i>the black political apparatus has become more and more 'ghettoized'. Black candidates have not had to develop a message that appeals to white voters, because most of them don't have very many white voters in their districts (about half the nation's African-American population is limited to the 60 blackest Congressional Districts). Nor do they have very many conservative voters in their districts, and so they have not had to develop a message that appeals to conservatives, even though the black population itself is far more diverse in its political views than is generally acknowledged\".</i><br><br>Our issues are America's issues, more politicians need  to recognize that- hopefully seing the blowback and ultimate rejection of  HRC's put on  a \"blackaccent\" and visit a black church has caused other pols to  take note of  that .   Its a lesson there for anyone running for office.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:27:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "dilettante", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4941082, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940532": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "lol why do you have to be all logical.  :-)<br><br>Agreed lewevelyn.  co-signing.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:45:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937444, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942581": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "RATOFLMAO!<br><br><br>What the heck?  lol This has got to be a joke.  lololol  <br>\"Racism\", \"Taint\", \"Played\" . . .all these words are being tossed out on this post. <br><br>LOLOL  C'mon ya'll.  It isn't that serious.  LOL really it isnt.  The Govenor was within his rights to appoint the next Jr. Senator and he did that.  That is the law.  <br><br>lolol I LOVVVVVEEEE JJP.  I miss these spirited debates.  Too funny.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:27:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940104, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937976": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "And when it was slaves had to ABIDE by the law so until/unless the law is changed the same needs to apply here.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:16:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937681, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939513": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Dubya is \"tainted\"!  How many laws do you think he has broken and he is still POTUS! Burris? What law did HE break again to become the Jr. Senator from IL???? I just can't seem to remember.....Oh NONE!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:44:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4959995": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": ":-)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_10:04:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942847, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940028": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think Harris was indicted with Blago.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:14:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936847, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942634": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Justice58:   LOL!!    <br><br>Spirit <b>STARTED</b> this train of thought!  Annnnnnnd, I'm glad about it!! [There is a SONG; but, I'll refrain.   :&gt;)]", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:30:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939912, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936960": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Amen to this post. It has been laughable how so many people are using race to push the argument for Burris. It's like the whole parable of the boy who cried wolf... crying racism when there is none lessens the validity when there are true instances of racism. And Burris still needs to explain how Blago went from deserving impeachment to being capable to pick a senator in a matter of days. Standing by and vouching for a dishonorable man for your own personal gain makes you dishonorable.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:16:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "14ab1e674d7f902b4d88668a1db28012", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943915": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I knew that was Schmoke as well, so I thought he must have been refrerring to the white fella.  But Jeffress is black?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:54:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943384, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936452": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "And THAT is what is paramount here.  Unless it was unlawful for Blago to appoint Burris, it is <b>lawful</b> for Burris to be seated.<br><br>Show us what laws have been violated, and we will step aside.  But the way I see it, there's no law against being <i>tainted</i>.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:42:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "RonnieB", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940246": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Fitzgerald arrests Blago even though he wasn't ready to because the tapes started coing up with talk of selling the seat. Fitzgerald probably feels that it's not his place to keep Blago from appointing someone, but does feel that it's his place to keep the seat from being sold. So, he arrests Blago in the knowledge that he will have to ask for an extension on the indictment date, and also knowing that he probably can't put Blago in a position to be removed. But he CAN let Blago and everyone else know that he's onto to what Blago is trying to do, so he doesn't actually sell the seat. Burris sees this, and thinks that because Blago has been inhibited from selling it, he can put himself up for the job without people thinking he bought it, which he had no intention of doing. He probably thought that people would take HIS good reputation into account- you know, the one he had for thirty years before some decided to sully it because they don't think he's \"electable statewide\", which is a codeword for you-know-what. Burris is not automatically a \"pawn\" just because he's black, and has done something some of you don't agree with. The same goes for the rest of us who are black, and don't have a problem with what he's done.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:28:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938814, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4971649": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "CPL, I stand corrected.     LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_20:09:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4971501, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944137": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "whiterosebuddy:  Watchin'   2.   Which is why I posted ANOTHER VERSION.  :&gt;)    :&gt;)  Hope it's O.K.    :&gt;)<br><br>BUT, the REAL DEAL - - -<b>A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!</b><br><br>A flying -- -  <b>5 STAR HOTEL!!</b>   :&gt;)     :&gt;)<br><br>UP!    UP! ANNNNND  AWAY!!  :&gt;)<br><br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZlMnHPYo5I&feature=related\" rel=\"nofollow\">The 5th Fifth Dimension, Up Up and Away, 5D for Me</a><br><br>ENJOY!!!!   :&gt;)      :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:13:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943523, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940556": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "WORD", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:45:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "RobM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944141": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"EVERYBODY heard what the Senate Dems said about not seating a Blago appointment\"<br><br>So what?  He was offered the position and he took it under the terms of the law.<br><br>\"He has undermined his credibility and reputation because of his ego, which is sad, because it wasn't necessary at all.\"<br><br>Dramatic hooey.  It isn't that serious.  Reid put his foot in his mouth.  Man up, admit to it and move on.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:13:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943977, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944656": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep, they will cry about the law when Republicans do the same thing against Al Franken. So...we'll get to see that uh...irony... pretty soon, won't we?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:52:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943905, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4941016": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Obviously the law means nothing to you!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:15:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940104, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936468": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I think Burris is calling himself the Jr. Senator from IL b/c he IS- LEGALLY. It doesn't matter if others question his morals or his ego for that matter. That is a separate issue IMO.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:45:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936267, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943637": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "EVENING THREAD IS UP", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:34:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4947222": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You could probably spend your whole life arguing with Paul Krugman but every once in a while the great Nobel Prize Winner comes up with a doozy that can't be ignored. (He won the prize for international trade, not political analysis.) <br>Last week Krugman announced the Republicans have become a permanent minority and it's their own fault. The reason is that the only issue Republicans have going for them is race: <br>Forty years ago the G.O.P. decided, in effect, to make itself the party of racial backlash. And everything that has happened in recent years, from the choice of Mr. Bush as the party's champion, to the Bush administration's pervasive incompetence, to the party's shrinking base, is a consequence of that decision. <br>Does that surprise you? Did you know that in the midst of the Cold War with the Soviets, welfare reform, budget deficits, international trade, immigration, Islamic terrorism and financial meltdowns, all we've really been talking about is race? (It you want to find a race-obsessed tribe you could do no better than to look among Krugman's editorial-page staff at the New York Times, but that's another story.) <br>How to deal this argument? Here's one approach. The other day I came across a bio of Larry McDonald, the five-term Georgia Congressman who died aboard KAL Flight 007 when it was shot down by the Soviets in 1983. Here's what Wikipedia says about him: <br>Larry McDonald was known for his conservative views, even by Southern standards. [O]ne study named him the second most right-wing member of either chamber since 1937. He . . considered [Communism] an international conspiracy\u2026a view later echoed in the words of President Ronald Reagan who called the Soviet Union an \"Evil Empire\". In another sense, McDonald [was] a precursor of the Reagan supply-side revolution\u2026.An admirer of Austrian economics, he was an advocate of tight monetary policy [and] a passionate advocate of laissez-faire or market based policies. <br><br>His staunch conservative views on social issues attracted controversy. For instance, McDonald is noted for using amendments to stop government aid to homosexuals. He also advocated the use of a non-approved drug Laetrile to treat patients in advanced stages of cancer. <br><br>Now here's something else interesting about McDonald. He was a Democrat. In fact in 1983 just about every Congressman from Virginia to Texas -- the boundaries of what was once called \"The Old Confederacy\" -- was Democratic. On economic, social and foreign policy issues they were probably the most conservative constituency in the country. Yet all of them voted with the Democratic Party and had been doing so for over 100 years. Why? The explanation comes in one word -- r-a-c-e. <br><br>The \"Solid South,\" which gave the Democratic Party its most reliable base from the last half of the 19th century to the end of the 20th century was there for one reason -- because the Democrats had fiercely defended the Confederacy during the Civil War. After 1865, the Democrats were the party of \"Rum, Romanism and Rebellion\" -- meaning the anti-prohibitionists, the city immigrants, and the former Confederacy. The Solid South gave Woodrow Wilson the Presidency. (Wilson, originally from Virginia, was virulently anti-Negro.) It formed the biggest electoral bloc of the Roosevelt Coalition and gave the Democrats control of the House of Representatives for half a century from 1954 to 1994. All this was payback for the Democrats supporting the South during the Civil War. Most Democratic governance during the 20th century would not have been possible except for this historic anomaly. <br><br>What happened in 1994 was that -- under the guidance of historically conscious Congressmen such as Newt Gingrich and Phil Gramm -- white Southerners finally forgot their Civil War allegiances and joined their natural constituency in the Republican Party. As Gingrich said at the time, \"the Civil War is finally over.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_23:18:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "75f72d4058628abae052bbbc0bd90224", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937496": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "That was funny!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:48:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936854, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943129": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Those who are not attorneys may ignore nuamces in the law.  Those of us who are attorneys and especially those who, like Roland Burris, cloak themselves in the mantle of its protection cannot.  Roland Burris was aware before he left for Wasington that his credentials were not in order.  He was at all times aware that ithe appointment was not countersigned by the Secretary of State.  He was aware at all times that the Secretary of State's signature was a prerequisite for claimng the senate seat.  He failed to secure the signature yet pompously appeared in Washington knowing that he would necessarily be rejected.  Yes, he was appointed by Blagojevich but appointment is a two-step process.  Failure to complete the second step is fatal to claiming the seat. It's no different than applying for a job that requires an application and at least two references and someone shows up with an application and no references.  <br><br>The only relevant issue at this juncture is whether the Secretary of State's duty to sign is discretionary or compulsory.  If this is an unanswered question under Illinois law then this is properly a legal battle in Illinois, not a forum for grandstanding in Washington. Roland Burris' time would have been better spent in Illinois coming up with a successful legal strateegy rather than making his plea in the court of public opinion. <br><br>I supported Barack Obama early in the campaign, not just because he appears to be an  extremely intelligent, level-headed black man, but because he represents a generational shift away from the cold war and Vietnam era politicians that have been directing the course of this country for decades.  As much as the argument is made that Obama should be replaced by another African American, I argue that he should be replaced by someone in the same generation.  With the average age of the senate at 63, the addition of a 71 year old is a big step in the wrong direction.   <br><br>Roland Burris has helped Blagojevich make a circus of this solemn and momentous occasion.  Several individuals turned down the appointment for obvious reasons however Burris, low on the list, was quick to snatch it up and equally as quick to drag Bobby Rush up to the podium to annoint his appointment, seeking to associate himself with the credibilty of  the African American foot soldier, almost daring naysayers to confront him with the spectre of  \"Black Power\" behind him.  Now that Burris realizes that this tack won't hold, he now insists  (Check out last night's Rachel Maddow show) that this is not a race issue openly rebuffing the man who stood behind him on day one.  <br><br>Having no knowledge of this man prior to this debacle, he appears to be a self-aggrandizing opportunist more concerned with serving himself than being of service to his state,  grabbing for that senate seat at any cost and certainly at the expense of  the dignity of the State of Illinois.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:00:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "PenelopeFlynn", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4941082": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Blago\u2019s alleged crimes inevitably taint Burris and would leave him weak as our only black leader in the Senate. <u>African Americans deserve better than this </u>and probably so does Burris.</i> <b>Jill</b>  Agreed!<br><br>As has been pointed out many times above; Burris himself called Blago tainted, to turn around and accept the post was just rank hyprocisy. Time to say goodnight to Burris, &lynch mob's of  convenience Bobby Rush.<br><br>On to more strategic things:<br><a href=\"http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/01/why-are-there-no-black-senators.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Why Are There No Black Senators? </a> link to <a href=\"http://FiveThirtyEight.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">FiveThirtyEight.com</a><br><br><i>When the House of Representatives convenes tomorrow, it will contain 39 African-American members, not including non-voting delegates in places like the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. This number, representing about 9 percent of the Congress, falls somewhat short of the fraction of African-Americans in the population as a whole -- a truly representative House would have about 55 black members -- but perhaps not dramatically so. The situation at first glance would appear to be much better than it was prior to 1990, when there were generally only about 20 black members in the House at any given time.</i>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:16:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "dilettante", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4949466": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Agreed -- Burris saw his opportunity to take the national stage and took it. We'll have to see how he plays his hand.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_01:25:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "JillTubman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940951, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940062": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Except that Blago has tried to sell the seat.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:16:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938123, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939653": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Was he on tape attempting to sell a senate seat?<br><br>I am amazed at the bending over backwards for Burris so many black folks are willing to do.  No need to respect our vote or input if we'll just take anything.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:49:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939544, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938019": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"unconfortably close to the virulently white racist and anti-semitic charge...\" -- hyperbole and non-sequitor much? <br><br>Why would it benefit black people to have a black person in office (over another person with similar views/positions)? What is the net benefit?<br><br>Politics is all about appealing to special interests and ethnic groups, I don't see how black people get a net benefit from this drama ( ESPECIALLY if the \"goal\" is more black senators).", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:19:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937820, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943141": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "When did the investigation begin? Four years or so ago?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:01:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938680, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944678": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Think O.J. or read my commentary.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:53:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "MonroeAnderson", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936891, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944679": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "WRB, hey!   Stcking to your guns, eh?  I like that!<br><br>I'v been recording MTP when there's someone scheduled of interest to me.<br><br>Yes, I do enjoy After Party.  Brazilee isholding it down.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:55:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940476, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945704": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Cole.........................you stoopid......LMAO", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:54:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4945412, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937513": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hello!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:48:51", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936500, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4950314": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i> The rule of law is on Burris' side</i><br><br>Then, Seat. him. Reid swore to uphold the Constitution!<br><br><b>Like Rikyrah quoted:</b> <br><br>\"<b>EITHER we are a nation of laws AGAIN after 8 years\".</b><br><br><b>or we are not.</b><br><br><br><b>End of Story</b>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_02:15:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4950199, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940588": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "and there you have it.  Bottomline.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:49:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940316, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4950275": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It's funny you mention Bush still appointing people because tonight on I think the Hardball repeat they were talking about all the Bush appointees being \"tainted\".  I had to laugh because it really is the word of the day.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_02:10:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939544, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945202": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Town,<br><br>I'm with you.<br><br>This isn't Blago or Burris' fault. <br><br>this is Reid and Madigan's fault.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:23:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943905, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936500": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Blagojevich is signing bills in Illnois. Why isn't that illegal? What's the d#mn difference?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:48:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936267, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4959031": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "But Burris didn't apply the law when he tried, as Attorney General, to execute an innocent man who suffered from prosecutorial errors in his first trial.  Burris went so far as to re-assign the prosecutor who wouldn't play along.<br><br>I'm not a lawyer, but I think the people of Illinois deserve better on the merits of representation, rather than whether or not a specific person should be seated or not.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_08:20:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "Amaliada", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943992, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937529": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sho ya right!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:49:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936899, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938554": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "ROTFLMBAO!!!!  So TRUE!!!!  I'll bet Dirty Harry doesn't even ask if it will hurt as he BE........NNNNNDS over!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:51:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "01cd55b5b177f7c1827c08939b7d75f4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936666, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936509": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You've missed the point on this one, Rikyrah. Roland is no stooge but, at 71, this is his last best chance to rise to a higher political station in life. Blago appointed him for his own purposes--jury influence. I've posted my observation on <a href=\"http://ebonyjet.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">ebonyjet.com</a> and on my political blog at <a href=\"http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:49:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "MonroeAnderson", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937025": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Principled action?....and how many presidential signing statements have there been defying the law?<br>Just the way we should enter the new year: Ghosts of Governors Faubus and Wallace standing at the door of the Senate.  You'd think they were be as pragmatic as they were under the criminal enterprize of Cheney/Bush; and be gracious and grateful for another \"aye'  at the beginning days of the  the Obama first hundred days of change.  <br>Not just Blagjevitch laughing...Boehner, Cocker, and all.  Betcha even Coleman in his misery.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:19:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "783cd511517a377430606c838cbdb9af", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937539": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "'But he will be the guy that accepted the position from a shady Gov...'<br><br>And, what does that mean in the real world?  Does it apply to the appointments made by former LA Governor Edwin Edwards, who is now a convicted felon?  How about former IL Governor George Ryan, another convicted felon?  How about former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, who put his unqualified boyfriend on the state payroll - are any of his appointments \"tainted\"?<br><br>Try again.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:50:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "b579afb848e79a9a9e8ffcb227698dc1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 17, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937421, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945220": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If HR sent a memo to the whole company telling my boss not to promote someone into a position because they were investigating recordings in which he is offering a promotion to other young ladies in the office in exchange for sex and he asked me to take that position even though we had never had that conversation I would pass until things with my boss and HR were worked out.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:25:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940316, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943176": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Burris as Ashton Kutcher;)", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:01:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936177, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942988": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Another Day's Journey\"?  I wanna hear...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:50:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942634, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938572": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I saw him. Standing up there announcing that Burris didn't have the credentials to be seated to the Senate, when he is the one scheming behind the scene with the SoS of Illnois not to do so.  WTF? 60's again?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:52:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938410, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944207": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Harry Reid is making a spectacle of himself!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:18:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943905, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936534": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I AGREE 100%. <br><br>All of the politics behind the scene is irrelevant. Burris's ego is irrelevant. Burris' morals are irrelevant. HIS record is clean. From what I can tell He. is. legally. the junior.senator.from.Illinois.<br><br>I really think they should let it go and MOVE ON. We have more important issues to deal with and that doesn't include Burris' tombstone or possible delusions of grandeur. It doesn't matter that he is potentially not electable etc.....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:50:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938041": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "True, but there is absolutely nothing that suggest Burris paid to be appointed. Nothing at all.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:18:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937316, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940121": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Waht is the basis for that statement?  Watch out for paranoia?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:20:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936872, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944730": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\" I really do want our politicians to raise their standard of behavior,\"<br><br>Whose standards?  Reid's or Blago's?  Because from where I am standing both of them are trying to twist the law.  Burris should not have to pay for it?  It has nothing to do with him.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:58:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944376, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940431": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "or maybe he was offered the job, he felt he was qualified and wanted the position so he accepted it.  <br><br>I still refuse to buy into the \"tainting\" stuff.  Too high school for me.  lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:39:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937475, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943162": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Justice58:  Thank you.  :&gt;)<br><br>Here it is:<br><br><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qnVRRual4M&feature=related\" rel=\"nofollow\"><b>It's another day's journey</b> 2005-LaShawn Pace-Family Worship Center</a><br><br>\"It's another day's journey annnnnd I'm glad about it!\"  :&gt;)<br><br>We sing it at a slower pace.  BUT - - it don't matter!   :&gt;)<br><br>ENJOY!   :&gt;)   GOD BLESS!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:00:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942988, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945247": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Kurt Schmoke is on Hardball. Haven't seen 1600 yet.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:24:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "rikyrah", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943384, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940640": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Harry Reid IMO is an simpleton.For the past 8 years he has bent over backwards for republicans only stopping long enough to ask \"Will it be Vaseline or baby oil?\"\"<br><br>Republican: \"Who said you get a choice?\"<br><br>Harry Reid: \"Oh...ok\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:53:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "Admiral_Komack", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938554, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936548": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Stupid as he is for appointing someone....until he's impeached, it's his appointment to make.<br><br>And, as Val said, this is just <i>Day One</i> for them. I'll resist the urge to make the standard GOP \"change\" jokes......but damn.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:51:35", "killed": false, "user_key": "Coby_D", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936551": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"I really thought he was going to break out some bongos and sing Day-O! or do a breakdance routine for realz\"<br><br>Cut it out!  LMAO", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:51:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "0b26bd94a1d07b59dadc0e6314c90b16", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938089": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You are absolutely right, Harry Reid has been an absolute joke of a Senate Majority Leader.  Not that Democrats should necessarily browbeat Republicans the same what Republicans browbeat Democrats, but Reid and his ilk seemed way too eager to capitulate to some of the most unnecessary compromises with the GOP.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:22:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "Nate_Wesley", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936666, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942698": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly! Besides if this man goes in, does his job, and rubs the right people with right way the court of public opinion will change just as quickly as Lindsay Lohan changes her sexuality, Paris Hilton changes boyfriends, Robert Downey Jr. goes to rehab, Britney Spears...OK you get my point!<br><br>This isn't about \"taint\" this is about egos. The egos of ALL included and behind the scene political manuevering that we will never know all the details of! The \"taint\" is thrown out as a stalling tactic and a distraction for the ineveitable!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:34:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942016, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939119": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "NO, someone needs to send this info to Maddow, so she can call Reid out on his role in creating UNCERTIFIED credentials.  The story needs to be told how Reid really had no leg to stand on, unless the SOS of IL was willing to be complicit.<br><br>Burris is correct. He is legally the Senator from IL. Even the lack of the SOS signature is not essential, as the power rests with the Governor not the STATE of IL.  So, any legal challenge needs to prove that the SOS signature is essential...that only applies to the STATE, it does not apply to the US Senate.  Reid is posturing and he is playing into the GOP hands because by using this flimsy excuse it also means Franken will not be seated...so the GOP is happy to hear every word Reid is saying.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:23:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "whiterosebuddy", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938918, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936560": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Rikyrah,<br><br>Until someone can make me understand why the law isn't the law on this one I don't understand what the problem is!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:52:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943611": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Roland Burris was aware before he left for Wasington that his credentials were not in order. \"<br><br>Nonsense.  There is nothing wrong with his credentials.  The signature is not a requirement under the law.  Reid on the other hand should be held responsible for attempting to break the law.<br><br>\"Having no knowledge of this man prior to this debacle, he appears to be a self-aggrandizing opportunist more concerned with serving himself than being of service to his state, grabbing for that senate seat at any cost and certainly at the expense of the dignity of the State of Illinois.\"<br><br><br>LOL I won't even touch that one.  Bottom line -- Burris IS the Jr Senator of Illinois.  Besides, since when is it okay to discriminate against someone because of their age?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:34:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943129, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939123": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hey Whiterose!   Glad you're back!<br><br>Happy New Year!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:22:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938923, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943220": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "whiterosebuddy:  <b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b>   :&gt;)     :&gt;)<br><br>WELCOME BACK!!   :&gt;)    :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:05:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "GreenLadyHere", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940417, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938814": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Jill, you are right about Burris being Blagojevich's pawn in his of (what can now be called) racial chess and ethically I agree that the Senate was correct in denying Burris access to the floor (because of the taint that Burris brings to the position simply by accepting the appointment from Blagojevich under such circumstances).  Legally however,  the Senate doesn't have a leg to stand on.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:04:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "6d8bd6e6ae6e9c752a15d17f1b41743d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 29, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945270": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Shiiiiii......you ain neva lied.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:26:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940316, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938615": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Let's not forget that Rush did not support Barack when there were NO black senators.  Just FYI.<br><br>lol", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:52:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "0b26bd94a1d07b59dadc0e6314c90b16", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936960, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936568": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The Law IS The Law!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:52:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936509, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944250": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Co-sign.  Harold Ford AKA Dark Sith is a prime example of a light -skinned house negro that will place the interests of working class people over corporations.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:22:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "spirit_55z", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943609, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938111": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"the huge majority of the black folks who are supposedly being \"played by Blago\" would be making the exact same argument if he'd chosen someone like Jan Schakowsky\"<br><br>That's the whole statement, and that's why I had an issue with it. The article is about \"racial chicken.\" <br><br>Explain to me why \"racial chicken\" is relevant to the hypothetical appointment of \"Schakowsky,\" unless you mean black people would be against her b/c she is white.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:22:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937857, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943510": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "lolol.  <br><br>I thought it was just me.  hah", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:25:39", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943362, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939142": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Since you know that the Senate has no leg to stand on, STOP saying Burrus is tainted.  Tainted is only a state of mind, it is not a charge. When you say tainted, that tells me that you are falling for the personal emotions of politics instead of the legal rules of the law.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:24:02", "killed": false, "user_key": "d3807f11b26fc6b1cf8ad05b419f8a33", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 16, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938814, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937964": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "'And, yes, Jim McGreevey's putting his boyfriend on the payroll is shady and his boyfriend's appointment is \"tainted\".' <br><br>Ahhh - you may yet get it, Grasshopper.  These two people were involved in the shenanigans.  It wasn't McGreevey and another person who had jack to do with the appointment; it is McGreevey and his boyfriend who are \"tainted\".<br><br>'Burris is well qualified but Blago was did this as a power play against the Dems who are after him.'<br><br>And the Dems are stupid, with a strong emphasis on stupid.  I live in IL.  I watched the press conference live, with popcorn.  I watched G-Rod line ALL the IL Dems upside the wall and perform the day before New Year's Eve massacre.  And he should have.  If you're stupid enough to leave a gangster with bullets and a gun, you're supposed to get shot.  Then, instead of stepping back to regroup, they remain stuck on stupid and keep digging a bigger hole.<br><br>Let's face it - the real reason the Dems are mad is Blagojevich gut them and f**cked them.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:13:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "b579afb848e79a9a9e8ffcb227698dc1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937655, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940682": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I second that on the I can't stand my boss part PLUS the promotion! LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:54:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940588, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938123": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly, Miranda.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:24:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938041, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939939": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No he did not.  Blago's move demonstrates how easy some are manipulated by appealing to tribal instincts.  This is not news.  None of the Blacks on this website would be defending Blago if he appointed Lisa Madigan, (white current Atty General)<br><br>Always cheering for the brother or sister even when they are wrong.  It is this instinct that has ruined Zimbabwe.  This instinct almost ruined the USA further, if whites had rejected Obama for McCain.  Southern whites still choose their tribe over morality and the region stays backwards.  <br><br>Intelligence, competence, and morality should guide us.  Mind, Body and Spirit.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:08:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937964, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4950199": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "That's not what I'm saying.  What I'm saying and have been saying is the exact opposite.  The rule of law is on Burris' side, but the taint (or what ever you want to call it) is still there and is only going to be a minus for Burris (and possibly the democrats of Illinois) in the end.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_02:01:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "6d8bd6e6ae6e9c752a15d17f1b41743d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942016, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943609": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "What is absurd about the Blogo debate is that pay-for-play is at the heart of how this country is run.  Corruption is on the surface--it's the law.  My point is that it is absurd to hear whining about 'corruption' from people that are inured to everyday,  blatant exploitation and political oppression.  <br><br>Following this, the entire effort to derail Burris is shabby.  He was legally appointed--and I don't think that the Blogo connection will hurt the corrupt liberal party that represents US corporate/capitalist interests, the folks that run this country. <br><br>The phoney outrage is coming from people that can't muster the strength to speak out about the oppression that stares them in the face.   <br><br>House negros calling other house negros bad names.  LOL <br><br>From the slave quarters, this all seems pretty silly.<br><br>And you think masss is going to give you DC senators?!   Not without shutting the US capital down, it ain't gonna happen.   Beg all you want--the heartless bastards that benefit from political and racist oppression only want light-skinned house negros in the senate (and, to be true, they don't want any person in the senate that will place the interests of working class people over corporations).", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:34:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "113b8b42f25d4b142e2e7f99aded9a96", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945303": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "So....Since Burris is 71, it's okay to discriminate based on his age?", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:30:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944325, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944283": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>the entire effort to derail Burris is shabby. He was legally appointed.</i><br> <br><br>Yes, even today, They're making a mockery of the Constitution!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:25:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943609, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943773": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "apples and zebras.  No comparison.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:46:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939557, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938147": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep....because if you learned to read....you died!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:26:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937976, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4949412": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This post has definitely been controversial and generated a lot of discussion. It's true - I don't know Burris as well as folks in IL might be. Seems clear that Burris has placed himself in a challenging position here. I think the whole thing is a complete mess frankly. Few appointees of Blago's would find a warm welcome in DC and Burris' many contributions to Blago weaken his claim to the Senate seat given the pay-for-play accusations. Thanks for your thoughts, y'all", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_01:20:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "JillTubman", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938283, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936101": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<i>I really thought he was going to break out some bongos and sing Day-O! or do a breakdance routine for realz.</i><br><br><br><br><br>LOL!  You're a riot!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:22:16", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4941297": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Time will tell.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:17:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "6d8bd6e6ae6e9c752a15d17f1b41743d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940798, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939577": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hey whiterosebuddy!  Welcome back and Happy New year!<br><br>Yep, 'do-boy' is Jesse White, the SoS<br><br>For Webb, taken from the Star Trib website.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/congress/37136479.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/co...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:48:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "01cd55b5b177f7c1827c08939b7d75f4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938923, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937646": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Tell it!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:57:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937539, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940104": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The fact that Reid said it would happen this way means nothing to you.  Burris said he should not make the appointment.  Danny Davis turned down the appointment.  The legislature is rushing to impeach him so he can do no more harm.<br><br>None of these things mean anything to you?  Perhaps you have not adjusted your racism meter since Obam was elected.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:17:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936243, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939190": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Daps!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:27:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939142, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937143": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well, you see, here's the thing- the huge majority of the black folks who are supposedly being \"played by Blago\" would be making the exact same argument if he'd chosen someone like Jan Schakowsky. And...Harry Reid and them would also be making the same argument.<br><br>For me, the most appalling thing about all of this is the revelation of blacks who, like racist whites, don't credit other blacks with having personal agency. I should say, the revelalation of some blacks who you wouldn't ever tthink would behave this way refusing to credit other blacks with personal agency. Why does it have to be black people, or even Burris individually, \"being played\" by Blago? Remember, Burris approached Blago about the appointment, not the other way around.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:27:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936864, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938168": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "As an IL citizen and one who is very familiar with the record of Roland Burris, comparing him to Clarence Thomas, or castigating him as a quasi-qualified black stooge, is beyond the pale.  You may not like that he is the Jr. Senator from IL or that he was appointed by Rod Blagojevich.  Fair enough.  But I would suggest you get the facts about the man before making unsupported and inflammatory comments.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:27:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "b579afb848e79a9a9e8ffcb227698dc1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 9, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937816, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936948": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm sick of the \"taint\" comment.<br><br>Really.  I'm sick of it.  Why is it that Black folk always are the one \"tainted\" by the bad actions of someone else?  Was Paris Hilton \"tainted\" by the bad actions of her homegirl, Brittney Spears?  Was the entire Democratic Presidential field in 2008 \"tainted\" by the actions of John Edwards?  <br><br>So, can someone tell me why in the blue H-E double-EL  would Roland Burris be \"tainted\" by the actions of Rod Blagojevich?  Furthermore, can someone tell me why cognizant and aware Black folk would continute to perpetuate this meme?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:15:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "b579afb848e79a9a9e8ffcb227698dc1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 21, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943292": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Lawd.....I guess we have to add those words to our political lexicons now......ahhh hell....LOL", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:11:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "c22bbad359677d681692848d5775fd8b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942581, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936952": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The interesting thing about this is that by all account Burris is more than qualifed and at the end of the day, he has been selected by the sitting governor.  Harry Reid and company need to get over this and get on with the real business of governing.  Burris r probably will not run for re-election.  He is a caretaker of the seat until the term is up (realistically that is my read, but I am not from Illinois), and will do an excellent job in representing the entire state of Illinois in the Senate.  <br><br>Reid and company have much bigger fish to fry than to allow this to be a continuing narrative.  The Illinois secretary of state needs to man up and handle his business, sign the damn paperwork and lest move on...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:14:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "NCBM", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938174": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Ask that question of someone who cares whether or not that particluar seat is taken by a black person, as opposed to a competent Democrat, which Burris is. As I said, I would be making the same agrument if he'd picked someone like Schakowsky.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:27:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938019, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936267": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Roland Burris should not allow himself to be caught up in Blagojevich's foolishness. The governor had already been told not to appointment anyone else since he was under investigation for trying to sell the seat, and he was warned that anyone he selected would not be seated. So what was the point of Burris showing up in DC with an entourage? He is too old for the nonsense. Burris keesp calling himself the junior senator from Illinois but he will not hold that title until he is sworn in, and it doesn't look like that will be happening.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:31:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "c9e6566377259ba2f122f727cc0fc8bf", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 13, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944325": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Jesus why are still spinning wheels about this? Blago pissed in everyone's face, Burris is an old line Gus Savage tool who's day is done (as evidenced by the rise of people like Barack himself)...so--PICK SOMEONE ELSE. SEAT SOMEONE ELSE SO WE CAN MOVE ON. THERE ISN'T SOMEONE, ANYONE, YOUNG, ENERGETIC, COMMITTED AND NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE MACHINE OR THIS A**HOLE BLAGO WHO CAN SERVE IN THE US SENATE? IS ILLINOIS A JOKE LIKE FREEDONIA IN A MARX BROTHERS MOVIE?!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_20:27:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "dcf2c9ce3819616f8ba0ca48c54519c4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938183": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign! <br><br>Jill hit the nail on the head with that one - and this:<br><br><i>Blago was smart to try and create an ally in a powerful place. Yet, the Senate would be smart not to admit Burris. His career is indeed admirable \u2014 He was the first African American to be elected to a statewide office in the state of Illinois, and has run for Senate and Governor several times, including a 2002 run supported by Barack Obama).<b> Blago\u2019s alleged crimes inevitably taint Burris and would leave him weak as our only black leader in the Senate. African Americans deserve better than this</b> and probably so does Burris.</i>", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:27:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "Anovelista", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937816, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943692": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks GreenLady,<br><br>One thing. I didn't know LaShawn Pace was an older lady. Shocked!<br><br>I've heard it sung at a slower pace also. But all is good.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:38:34", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943162, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937163": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:28:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "pjamma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936960, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939544": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yes, Edwin Edwards appointed many after being accused of wrongdoing. Simply because he was still the governor. Bush is still appointing jobs. Who is more tainted than he?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:44:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "d3807f11b26fc6b1cf8ad05b419f8a33", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938897, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937681": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "having a slave was once lawful", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:59:36", "killed": false, "user_key": "f17a551954c749254380a2faae0ced7a", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936568, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940707": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thank you.  This was the point I was trying to make.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:56:56", "killed": false, "user_key": "6d8bd6e6ae6e9c752a15d17f1b41743d", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939557, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938708": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "B/c after the \"concensus\" that belittled the dissenters like you and I -- labeling us as interlopers, trolls, etc. people don't want to go after the namesake of the site!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:59:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938283, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4945877": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Come on, with all this drama playing out, The Media & Harry Reid would have found any uncleaniness by now. Burris is clean and qualified to be a Senator!<br><br>There's no there...there!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_22:04:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4945648, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942806": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah, interesting stuff by Silver.<br><br>D.C. statehood ( 2 D.C. senators / 1 rep) should be PUSHED sooner rather than later. It's hard to say those people in DC do not deserve less representation than MT, ND, SD, ID, WY etc.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:42:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "Piepiepie", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4941082, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937687": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "About Burris' interview with Maddow. He said something that confused me, and I'd hope my fellow JJPers could help a sistah out. <br><br>When Rachel asked him if he would be willing to be a place holder for the seat, he said that at the end of Nov. or the beginning of Dec., he held a press conference saying that he would be willing to hold the seat until 2010, but then friends told him he shouldn't do that. <br><br>The end of Nov. or the beginning of Dec.?? Blago didn't appoint him then, so what is Burris talking about?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_14:58:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "Sepia", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4937238, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936666": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Harry Reid IMO is an simpleton.For the past 8 years he has bent over backwards for republicans only stopping long enough to ask \"Will it be Vaseline or baby oil?\"Now he wants to grow a pair by stopping a Democrat from being sworn in.Sen Reid needs to be stripped of the title of Majority Leader", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:58:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "djchefron", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940765": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If your cousin stole something for a thousand people and bought you a gift and gave you the receipt then everything else he did is \"tainted\" but this one particular gift is NOT. Besides, the past is the PAST and Blago is STILL innocent until proven guilty. So we just do away for the legal system in all of this????", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_17:58:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939557, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939743": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The Secty. Of State, Jesse White (AA-Dem), stated previously he was not going to certify.  This is a two step process.  Burris must suit for the certification before and win.  When that happens he will approach the Senate.  The Senate will reject him based on the taint issue.  That will then be litigated.  If Burris wins then he will have the seat.  The Democrats would have fought for the integrity of the process by opposing the tainted appointment and the rule of law will prevail.<br><br>This has always been the way it was going to play out.  All the big time ballers and shot callers have known this for some time.  Burris knew this when he showed up.  I believe he showed up to create spin and noise.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:56:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "b1e8e18ba31ae1e4c8fe371561db8970", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938572, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939234": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"Actually I think this is a classic Uncle Clarence Thomas maneuver \u2014 select a quasi-qualified or qualified enough black stooge, insert into office, call everyone who opposes stooge\u2019s entrance to power racist, lather, rinse.\"<br><br>This aint nothing but the truth right here. Why folks think fat meat aint greasy is beyond me.<br><br>*smh*", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:27:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "Ladyvenoms", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944778": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Is Burris qualified for the position or not?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:01:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944121, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938918": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Where I come from, we don't \"write checks that we cannot cash.\"  You make a threat, you'd better dayum sure be able to back it up.<br><br>And time-after-time, again-and-again, Reid has demonstrated he is impotent to carry out his threats.<br><br>He needs to step down.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:11:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Webb", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938572, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938728": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah.  I hear ya Webb and Justice.  lol  I was certainly concerned that they would \"punk out\" too.  I know I was SUPER ticked about Lieberman.  I mean... could you get any worse?  <br><br>I do agree with Reid in this one instance though.  There is nothing wrong with taking the politically palatable route.  (espcially in this case).  Hey, in the law we do it all the time... why address the merit if you can throw out the claim procedurally?<br><br>Since this form isn't signed, it will at least buy them some time until IL Congress meets on the 15th.  The democrats are united and the last thing you want to do is have some governor cause a rift in the party right now over this nonsense.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:00:50", "killed": false, "user_key": "0b26bd94a1d07b59dadc0e6314c90b16", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938572, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4958698": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Much like anything else...... Right Job, wrong time.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_06:31:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "rorysmomma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4949528, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4939755": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Agree.  If David Gregory had done his job on MTP Sunday, he would have called Reid out on the his (tainted) role in this hot mess.<br><br>The Dems appear weak and are doing the grunt work for the Repubs.  Dirty Harry's a weak looser and needs to go!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_16:57:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "01cd55b5b177f7c1827c08939b7d75f4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939119, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943852": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This entire thing is just eh, tacky. I'm glad I'm not from Chicago. So far no one is coming off as at all attractive including the new \"Senator\".", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:48:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "245857794a8d4da90a73fbb64352b916", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4971501": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"will place the interests of working class people over corporations.\"<br><br>Didn't you mean: \"will place the interests of the CORPORATIONS, over the interests of working class people\"?<br><br>Cause he sure as hell screwed over Memphis for ten years, and tried to take that screwing over to the Senate.  Fortunately, Bob Corker derailed his ass.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-07_19:58:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "CPL", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": true, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4944250, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4943855": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"I am amazed at the bending over backwards for Burris so many black folks are willing to do. \"<br><br>oh please.  Stop being so dramatic.<br><br>It is the law.  The man was appointed by the Governor.  What does bending over backward have to do with it?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_19:50:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4939653, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4936177": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Is this an episode of Politcally Punked?  good Lord.  Blago as Ashton Kutcher.....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_13:26:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "rorysmomma", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4937716": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I mean what is the big deal with this \"taint\" implication? I mean bigger than any other politician? Obama was \"tainted\" by Wright, Rezco, Ayers....uhm who else???????<br><br>The man saw an opening and took it for political expendiency and hey that happens everyday. I just don't see why this is bigger than anything else that goes on in politics on a daily basis not to mention it ACTUALLY is lawful and that's more than I can say for President Deject Bush and plenty of others...Stevens....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:02:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "7acec36f3ac1c3ce26f5070a275439fa", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4936452, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4944885": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well, not according to a photo I later pulled on the Web.  <br><br>The problem was that Schmoke was the focal point of the video frame. It was a bit confusing .  <br><br>:: shoulder shrug :::", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_21:03:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "bb90730b238bd2c1f318bc1437a3fc1e", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4943915, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940807": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You made me laugh out loud! <br><br>ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:03:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940640, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4938745": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Constitutional Law<br>Burris Turned Away from Senate, Setting Up Constitutional Claim<br>Posted 5 hours, 49 minutes ago <br>By Debra Cassens Weiss <br><br>Updated: The Senate has refused to seat Roland Burris, setting up the possibility of a constitutional showdown.<br><br>Erwin Chemerinsky, the new dean of the UC Irvine School of Law, agrees with Burris. In an opinion column published by the Los Angeles Times, Chemerinsky says senators seeking to deny a seat to Burris are on \u201cweak constitutional ground.\u201d Their claim to have the power to exclude Burris could create a dangerous precedent, he asserts.<br><br>Both Chemerinsky and an article in the Washington Times cite a 1969 Supreme Court decision involving former Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who was re-elected despite allegations that he misappropriated funds from a House committee. The decision, Powell v. McCormack, said the House could not exclude a member-elect who meets the constitutional requirements for membership.<br><br>In the case of a senator, Article 1 sets out the requirements, and Burris meets them, Chemerinsky writes. They require a senator to be at least 30 years old, a citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state he or she represents. Chemerinsky also cites the 17th Amendment and Illinois law, which gives the state governor the power to fill Senate vacancies.<br><br>\u201cThe taint of Blagojevich's alleged crimes does not justify ignoring the Constitution,\u201d Chemerinsky writes. \u201cFor the last eight years, the Bush administration has ignored or twisted the Constitution to serve what it believed were higher ends. It would be an enormous mistake, as a new administration prepares to take charge, for Democrats to send the Senate down that same path.\u201d<br><br>Updated at 10:10 a.m. to include news of the Senate's refusal to seat Burris.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.abajournal.com/news/supreme_court_case_favors_burris_bid_for_senate_seat\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.abajournal.com/news/supreme_court_ca...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_15:59:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "01cd55b5b177f7c1827c08939b7d75f4", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942842": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If Blagojevich did something wrong why is he still Governor and not behind bars?  Everyone says Burris is qualified so all this is a non-issue.   I think folks are overreating and Reid got caught with his zipper down so he needs to man up, mouth the words and move on.  <br><br>Two days from now we will be talking about something else.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:44:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "Val2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4938814, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4940798": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think it was proper, but leaving aside the propriety or lack thereof of what Burris has done, it seems to me that the most shrewd (and least pawn-like) person involved here is Burris, and not Blago. He wasn't on the radar at all, and no one has seriously disputed that he put himself up for the job. No, he didn't \"make himself a pawn\" He saw an opportunity, and took it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:03:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "c87fa9ab975275187368e74f6f34d3d1", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4940660, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4942847": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<i>Exactly! Besides if this man goes in, does his job, and rubs the right people with right way the court of public opinion will change just as quickly as Lindsay Lohan changes her sexuality, Paris Hilton changes boyfriends, Robert Downey Jr. goes to rehab, Britney Spears...</i><br><br><br><br>ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br><br>Okay, you're going to the \"bad chair\"!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-06_18:42:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "Justice58", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4942698, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}}, "integration": {"receiver_url": "", "theme": 4, "reply_position": true, "disqus_logo": false}, "timer": {"timer_url": "http://localhost:8005", "thread_id": "9465676", "user_id": "anonymous", "forum_id": "21630", "hash": -5906576889760066820}, "thread": {"days_alive": 0, "slug": "burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken", "paginate": false, "num_pages": 1, "num_posts": 240, "per_page": 0, "total_posts": 0, "realtime_paused": true, "id": 9465676, "queued": false}, "reactions_limit": 10, "context": {"show_reply": true, "use_fb_connect": true, "forum_facebook_key": "bd6a8bc56f8eb204984f34b6fefe228d", "use_yahoo": false, "subscribed": false, "use_twitter_signin": true, "use_openid": false, "realtime_speed": 5000}, "reactions_start": 0, "settings": {"debug": false, "disqus_url": "http://disqus.com", "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"}, "media_url": "http://media.disqus.com"};
	/* */ this.jsonData.cookie_messages = {"user_created": null, "post_has_profile": null, "post_twitter": null, "post_not_approved": null}; this.jsonData.session = {"url": null, "name": null, "email": null}; /* */

	
	this.curPageId = 'dsq-comments';

	this.frames = {};
};

var disqus_popup_reference = null;

if(typeof DsqLocal == 'undefined') {
	DsqLocal = {};
}



/**
 * Dsq.Strings: UI strings
 */
Dsq.Strings = new function() {
	this.ADD_NEW_COMMENT = "Add New Comment";
	this.LOG_INTO_DISQUS = "Log into DISQUS";
	this.USE_MEDIA = "Use Media";
	this.LOGOUT = "Logout";
	this.SHARING_OPTIONS = "Sharing options";
	this.SHARE_ON = "Share on";
	this.TWEET_THIS_COMMENT = "Tweet this comment";
	this.SHARE_ON_NEWSFEED = "Share on news feed";
	this.SEND_UPDATE_TO_YAHOO = "Send update to Yahoo!";
	this.REBLOG_ON = "Reblog on";
	this.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS = "Configure options";
	this.POST_AS = "Post as";
	this.SORT_BY = "Sort by";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe by email";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS = "Subscribe by RSS";
	this.POPULAR_NOW = "Popular now";
	this.BEST_RATING = "Best Rating";
	this.NEWEST_FIRST = "Newest first";
	this.OLDEST_FIRST = "Oldest first";
	this.HIGHLIGHTED = "Highlighted";
	this.UNSUBSCRIBE = "Unsubscribe";
	this.REQUIRED = "Required";
	this.OPTIONAL = "Optional";
	this.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A = "You are commenting as a";
	this.LOGIN_BELOW = "Login below";
	this.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT = "Please login below to comment.";
	this.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL = "Subscribe to all comments by email";
	this.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS = "Do not subscribe to comments";
	this.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS = "Real-time updating is";
	this.ENABLED = "enabled";
	this.PAUSED = "paused";
	this.PAUSE = "Pause";
	this.RESUME = "Resume";
	this.SHOW = "Show";
	this.JUST_NOW = "Just now";
	this.REPLY = "Reply";
	this.EDIT = "Edit";
	this.FLAG = "Flag";
	this.MODERATE = "Moderate";
	this.CANCEL = "Cancel";
	this.REPLYING_TO = "Replying to";
	this.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS = "Report missing reactions";
	this.POST_A_COMMENT = "Post a comment";
	this.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT = "Flag inappropriate comment";
	this.FLAGGED = "Flagged";
	this.NO = "No";
	this.YES = "Yes";
	this.NEVER_MIND = "Never mind";
	this.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR = "Are you sure you would like to report this comment to a moderator";
	this.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION = "This will flag comments for moderators to take action";
	this.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN = "To rate, please log in";
	this.JUST_A_MOMENT = "Just a moment...";
	this.GUEST = "Guest";
	this.NAME = "Name";
	this.EMAIL = "Email";
  this.WEBSITE = "Website";
  this.SETTINGS = "Settings";
  this.MODERATOR_OPTIONS = "Moderator options: ";
};
// Dsq.Strings

/**
 * Dsq.FmtStrings: functions that return interpolated UI strings
 */
Dsq.FmtStrings = new function() {
	// Seems we have to use named interpolation for Django to translate. Investigate more.
	this.LOGGED_IN_AS = function(username) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logged in as %(username)s', {username:username});
	};

	this.LOGOUT_FROM = function(disqus) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate('Logout from %(disqus)s', {disqus:disqus});
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL = function(total, num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comment", {num:num, total:total});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> of <span id='dsq-total-posts'>%(total)s</span> comments", {num:num, total:total});
		}
	};

	this.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION = function(num) {
		if (num === 1) {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comment", {num:num});
		} else {
			return Dsq.Utils.interpolate("Showing <span id='dsq-num-posts'>%(num)s</span> comments", {num:num});
		}
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s comment'
				: '%(num)s comments'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_LIKES = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s like'
				: '%(num)s likes'
			), {num:num});
	};

	this.NUMBER_OF_POINTS = function(num) {
		return Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
			(num == 1
				? '%(num)s point'
				: '%(num)s points'
			), {num:num});
	};
};
// Dsq.FmtStrings





Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN = '3a1994e3330279e78957da82fb64f754';
Dsq.COMMENTS_RE = /(<li.*?id="?dsq-comment-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/li>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_RE = /(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-header-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*?)(<\/div>)\s*(<div.*?class="?dsq-comment-body"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
Dsq.POST_BODY_RE = /\s*(<div.*?id="?dsq-comment-message-(\d+)"?.*?>)((?:.|\s)*)(<\/div>)/gim;
// HACK: Safari ends with "-->" while other browsers end with "--&gt;" as expected.
Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE = /&lt;!--\[(.*?)\]--(?:>|&gt;)/gim;



var FragmentPacket = function(reader, writer, writer_url, is_child, receiveCallback) {
	var that = this;
	this.reader = reader;
	this.writer = writer;
	this.writer_url = writer_url;

	this.is_child = is_child || false;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;

	this._lastHash = null;

	this._accumMsg = '';

	this._lastSeqno = 0;

	this.MAX_DATA_LEN	= 1024;

	this.WAIT_TIME		= 10;

	this.READY		= 0x1;
	this.WRITING	= 0x2;
	this.FIN		= 0x4;
	this.ACK		= 0x8;

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;
	var listener = function() {
		that.recv();
	};
	return window.setInterval(listener, 10);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.log = function(msg) {



};

FragmentPacket.prototype.recv = function() {
	var hash;
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {

		hash = this.reader.name;
	} else {

		var hashIndex = this.reader.location.href.indexOf('#');
		if (hashIndex == -1) {
			return;
		}
		hash = this.reader.location.href.substring(hashIndex+1);
	}
	var flags = parseInt(hash.substring(0, 4), 10);
	var seqno = parseInt(hash.substring(4, 24), 10);
	var data  = hash.substring(24);

	if (this._lastHash !== hash) {
		this._lastHash = hash;
		this.log('recv: ' + hash);

		this.log(' flags: ' + flags);
		this.log(' seqno: ' + seqno + ' len: ' + hash.substring(4, 24).length + ' (' + hash.substring(4, 24) + ')');
		this.log(' data: ' + data + ' len: ' + data.length);

		this._lastSeqno = seqno;

		if (flags & this.WRITING) {
			this._accumMsg += data;
			this.sendFlag(this.ACK, seqno);
			if (flags & this.FIN) {
				this.log('recv finished: ' + decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));
				this.receiveCallback(decodeURIComponent(this._accumMsg));

				this._accumMsg = '';

				this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
			}
		}
	}

	return {
		flags: flags,
		seqno: seqno,
		data: data
	};
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendRawPacket = function(packet) {
	if (/MSIE/.test(navigator.userAgent)) {
		this.writer.name = packet;
	} else {

		this.writer.location.href = this.writer_url + '#' + packet;
	}

};

FragmentPacket.prototype.sendFlag = function(flag, seqno) {
	this.sendRawPacket(this._zerofill(flag, 4) + this._zerofill(seqno, 20));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {
	this._send(0, encodeURIComponent(msg));
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._send = function(packetNum, msg) {
	var that = this;
	var recvBuf = this.recv();

	if (packetNum === 0) {

		if (!(recvBuf.flags & this.READY)) {
			this.log('client is not ready, waiting...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		}
	} else {

		if (!( (recvBuf.flags & this.ACK) && (recvBuf.seqno === this._lastSeqno) )) {
			this.log('waiting for ack from client...');
			window.setTimeout(function() { that._send(packetNum, msg); }, this.WAIT_TIME);
			return;
		} else {
			this.log('received ack: ' + this._lastSeqno + ' ' + recvBuf.seqno);
		}
	}

	var flags = this.WRITING;
	var num_packets = Math.ceil(msg.length / this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	this.log('num_packets: ' + num_packets);

	if (num_packets === packetNum) {

		this.log('message successfully sent!');
		this.sendFlag(this.READY | this.ACK, this._lastSeqno);
		return true;
	}

	this._lastSeqno++;

	if (packetNum == num_packets-1) {
		flags |= this.FIN;
	}

	var data = msg.substring(packetNum * this.MAX_DATA_LEN, (packetNum+1) * this.MAX_DATA_LEN);
	var packet = this._zerofill(flags, 4) + this._zerofill(this._lastSeqno, 20) + data;

	this.log('sending raw packet: ' + packet);
	this.sendRawPacket(packet);

	return this._send(packetNum + 1, msg);
};

FragmentPacket.prototype._zerofill = function(num, width) {
	var retval = num.toString();
	var retval_len = retval.length;
	for (var i = 0; i < width - retval_len; i++) {
		retval = '0' + retval;
	}
	return retval;
};

var PostMessagePacket = function(receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId) {
	var that = this;
	this.receiver = receiver;
	this.receiveCallback = receiveCallback;
	this.id = id;


	this.receiverId = receiverId;
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.createListener = function() {
	var that = this;

	var listener = function(e) {

		if (!that.id) {
			that.id = e.data;
			return;
		}


		var id = e.data.split(';')[0];
		if (id !== that.id) {
			return;
		}
		var data = e.data.substring(e.data.indexOf(';') + 1);

		that.receiveCallback(data);
	};

	if (typeof window.attachEvent == 'function') {
		window.attachEvent('onmessage', listener);
	} else if (typeof window.addEventListener == 'function') {
		window.addEventListener('message', listener, false);
	} else {
		throw new Error('No method found to create event listener for PostMessagePacket.');
	}
};

PostMessagePacket.prototype.send = function(msg) {



	var needs_reget = false;
	try {
		if (typeof this.receiver.id == 'undefined' || typeof this.receiver.postMessage == 'undefined') {
			needs_reget = true;
		}
	} catch(e) {


	}
	if (needs_reget && typeof this.receiverId != 'undefined') {
		this.receiver = document.getElementById(this.receiverId).contentWindow;
	}

	var packet;
	if (!msg) {

		packet = this.id;
	} else {
		packet = this.id + ';' + msg;
	}
	this.receiver.postMessage(packet, '*');
};

PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = null;
PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id = function() {
	var id = (new Date()).getTime();
	if (id == PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id) {
		id++;
	}
	PostMessagePacket._last_unique_id = id;
	return id.toString();
};

var JsonRpc = function() {

	this.ids = {};

	this.objectToJSON = function(obj) {
		var json = '';
		var results = [];

		if (obj === undefined || obj === null) {
			return 'null';
		}

		switch (obj.constructor) {
			case Object:
				for (var property in obj) {
					if (obj.hasOwnProperty(property)) {
						results.push(this.objectToJSON(property) + ': ' + this.objectToJSON(obj[property]));
					}
				}
				json = '{' + results.join(', ') + '}';
				break;
			case Array:
				for (var i = 0; i < obj.length; i++) {
					results.push(this.objectToJSON(obj[i]));
				}
				json = '[' + results.join(', ') + ']';
				break;
			case Number:
			case Boolean:
				json = obj.toString();
				break;
			case String:

				var specialChars = {'\b': '\\b', '\t': '\\t', '\n': '\\n', '\f': '\\f', '\r': '\\r', '\\': '\\\\'};

				json = obj.replace(/[\x00-\x1f\\]/g, function(match) {
					var ch = specialChars[match];
					return ch ? ch : '\\u00' + match.charCodeAt().toPaddedString(2, 16);
				});

				json = '"' + json.replace(/"/g, '\\"') + '"';
				break;
			default:

				json = 'null';
				break;
		}

		return json;
	};

	this.createHandler = function(send_func, registered_funcs) {
		var that = this;
		var handler = function(message) {

			try {
				var rpc = eval('(' + message + ')');
			} catch(e) {
				alert('bad JSON: ' + message);
				return;
			}
			if (rpc.method) {

				if (!registered_funcs[rpc.method]) {
					return;
				}

				var retval = registered_funcs[rpc.method].apply(null, rpc.params);
				if (rpc.id) {
					var response = {
						result: retval,
						error: null,	// TODO
						id: rpc.id
					};
					send_func(that.objectToJSON(response));
				}
			} else if(rpc.result) {

				if (!that.ids[rpc.id]) {
					return;
				}

				that.ids[rpc.id](rpc.result);
				delete that.ids[rpc.id];
			}
		};
		return handler;
	};

	this.execute = function(send_func, method, params, response_callback) {
		response_callback = response_callback || null;
		var id = (response_callback) ? (new Date()).getTime() : null;

		var request = {
			method: method,
			params: params,
			id: id
		};

		send_func(this.objectToJSON(request));

		if (id) {
			this.ids[id] = response_callback;
		}
	};
};
JsonRpc = new JsonRpc();

var ParentMessenger = function(childUrl, receiverUrl, container, receiveCallback) {


	if (navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Safari') >= 0 && parseInt(navigator.userAgent.substring(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Version/') + 8), 10) == 3) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	} else if (window.opera) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}



	if (!receiverUrl &&
		navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Gecko') >= 0 &&
		parseFloat(navigator.userAgent.slice(navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 3, navigator.userAgent.indexOf('rv:') + 6)) < 1.9) {
		throw new Error("unsupported.");
	}


	if (/msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent)) {


		if (document.domain == window.location.hostname) {
			receiverUrl = '';
		}
	}

	var that = this;
	this.childUrl = childUrl;
	this.receiverUrl = receiverUrl;
	this.container = container || document.body;

	this.packetHandler = null;


	this._ready = false;
	this._error = false;


	var _createReceiverForFragmentPacket = function() {

		that.receiver = document.createElement('iframe');
		that.receiver.src = receiverUrl;
		that.receiver.id = 'receiver_' + (new Date()).getTime();
		that.receiver.name = that.receiver.id;

		that.receiver.frameBorder = '0';
		that.receiver.frameSpacing = '0';
		that.receiver.style.borderStyle = 'none';

		var receiver_onload = function() {
			var receiver = document.getElementById(that.receiver.id).contentWindow;

			try {
				receiver.document.body.innerHTML = '';
			} catch(e) {

				that._error = true;
			}
			receiver.document.body.style.padding = '0px';
			receiver.document.body.style.margin = '0px';

			var child = receiver.document.createElement('iframe');
			child.id = 'child';
			child.name = 'child';
			child.src = that.childUrl;

			child.frameBorder = '0';
			child.frameSpacing = '0';
			child.style.borderStyle = 'none';
			child.style.width = '100%';
			child.style.height = '100%';
			receiver.document.body.appendChild(child);

			that.child = receiver.document.getElementById('child').contentWindow;
			that.receiver = receiver;

			that.packetHandler = new FragmentPacket(that.receiver, that.child, that.childUrl, false, receiveCallback);

			that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();

			that.packetHandler.sendFlag(that.packetHandler.READY, 0);

			that._ready = true;
		};

		that.receiver.onreadystatechange = function() {
			if (this.readyState == 'complete') {
				receiver_onload();
			}
		};

		that.receiver.onload = receiver_onload;







		if (Dsq.Utils.ie) {
			if (that.container.clientWidth === 0) {

				var _waitForWidth = function() {
					if (that.container.clientWidth > 0) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					} else {
						window.setTimeout(_waitForWidth, 100);
					}
				};
				_waitForWidth();

				that._once = false;
				that.receiver.onresize = function() {
					if (!that._once) {
						Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(that.container.id);
					}
					that._once = true;
				};
			}
		}

		that.container.appendChild(that.receiver);
	};


	var _createReceiverForPostMessage = function() {

		var receiver_onload = function() {

			that.packetHandler.send();
			that._ready = true;
		};

		var id = PostMessagePacket._get_unique_id();
		var receiverId = 'child_' + id;


		ParentMessenger['_receiver_onload_' + receiverId] = receiver_onload;

		that.container.innerHTML += '<iframe ' +
			'src="' + childUrl + '" ' +
			'id="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'name="' + receiverId + '" ' +
			'onload="ParentMessenger._receiver_onload_' + receiverId +'();" ' +
			'></iframe>';

		that.receiver = document.getElementById(receiverId).contentWindow;
		that.packetHandler = new PostMessagePacket(that.receiver, receiveCallback, id, receiverId);
		that._listener = that.packetHandler.createListener();
	};

	if (typeof window.postMessage == 'function') {
		_createReceiverForPostMessage();
	} else {
		_createReceiverForFragmentPacket();
	}

};

ParentMessenger.prototype.sendMessage = function(message) {
	var that = this;
	if (!this._ready) {

		window.setTimeout(function() { that.sendMessage(message); }, 10);
		return;
	}
	this.packetHandler.send(message);
	return true;
};

Dsq.NewFrames = function(url) {
	this.url = url;
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype.init = function(onFailure) {
	var that = this;

	try {
		this.messenger = new ParentMessenger(this.url, Dsq.jsonData.integration.receiver_url, this.container, this.receive_callback);
	} catch(e) {
		if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
			onFailure();
		}
	}

	if (typeof onFailure == 'function') {
		var iId = window.setInterval(function() {
			if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				return;
			}
			if (that.messenger._ready) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
			} else if (that.messenger._error) {
				window.clearInterval(iId);
				onFailure();
			}
		}, 10);
	}
};

Dsq.NewFrames.prototype._execute = function(method, args, callback) {
	var that = this;
	if (typeof that.messenger == 'undefined') {
		return false;
	}
	JsonRpc.execute(
		function(msg) { that.messenger.sendMessage(msg); },
		method,
		args || [],
		callback);
	return true;
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame = function(container, parent_post_id) {
	var that = this;
	this.container = container;
	this.parent_post_id = parent_post_id;

	var sendFunc = function(msg) {

		Dsq.Debug.log('Dsq.ReplyFrame.sendFunc');
		that.messenger.sendMessage(msg);
	};


	var postComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		Dsq.jsonData.posts[response.message.id] = response.message.post_meta;
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key]) {
			Dsq.jsonData.users[response.message.post_meta.user_key] = response.message.user_meta;
		}


		var reply_position = (typeof(disqus_insert_wrt_sort) == 'undefined' 
			? (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reply_position ? -1 : null) 
			: (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? null : -1));
		
		if (response.message.post_meta.approved) {
			Dsq.Post.insert(response.message.post_meta.parent_post_id || reply_position, response.message.id, response.message.post_meta.message);
		}

		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var postComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(response.message, 'Error');
		Dsq.Templates.postComment_onFailure(response, parent_post_id, response.message.id);
	};

	var editComment_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);
		
		message.innerHTML = response.message;
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
	
	var editComment_onFailure = function(response) {
		var post_id = parent_post_id;
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('Sorry, there was an error editing this comment.', 'Edit Error');
		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	var getUserByEmail_onSuccess = function(response) {
		var msg = response.message;
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(parent_post_id);

		if (msg.username) {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'login', {
				'username': msg.username,
				'display_name': msg.display_name,
				'avatar_url': msg.avatar_url,
				'verified': msg.verified,
				'email': fields.email.value
			});
		} else {

			Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(parent_post_id, 'register');
		}
	};

	var validateAuth_onSuccess = function(response, auth_choice) {
		Dsq.Templates.postComment(parent_post_id, null, true, auth_choice);
	};

	var validateAuth_onFailure = function(response, auth_choice) {
		var pid = parent_post_id ? '-' + parent_post_id : '';
		var msg = response.message;

		if (auth_choice == 'register') {
			var fields = ['email', 'username', 'password'];

			for (var i = 0; i < fields.length; i++) {
				var field = fields[i];
				var errorDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-' + field + '-errors' + pid);

				if (msg[field]) {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = msg[field];
				} else {
					errorDiv.innerHTML = '';
				}
			}
		} else if (auth_choice == 'login') {
			Dsq.$('dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid).innerHTML = '<p>We couldn\'t log you in. Please verify your login.</p>';
		}
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.receive_callback = JsonRpc.createHandler(sendFunc, {
		'postComment.onSuccess': postComment_onSuccess,
		'postComment.onFailure': postComment_onFailure,
		'editComment.onSuccess': editComment_onSuccess,
		'editComment.onFailure': editComment_onFailure,		
		'getUserByEmail.onSuccess': getUserByEmail_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onSuccess': validateAuth_onSuccess,
		'validateAuth.onFailure': validateAuth_onFailure,
		'reload': function() { window.location.reload(); }
	});

	this.url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY +
		'?' + (new Date()).getTime() +
		'&f=jackandjillpolitics' +
		'&t=burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken' +
		'&ff=' + Dsq.Thread.ff +
		'&default_text=' + disqus_default_text +
		'&ifrs=' + encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css);
	if (this.parent_post_id) {
		this.url += '&parent_post=' + this.parent_post_id;
	}
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype = new Dsq.NewFrames(Dsq.ReplyFrame.url);

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.post = function(author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe) {
	this._execute('postComment', [author_name, author_email, author_url, authenticate, sharing_services, subscribe]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.edit = function(post_id, message) {
	this._execute('editComment', [post_id, message]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.setState = function(parent_post_id, depth) {
	this._execute('setState', [parent_post_id, depth]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.getUserByEmail = function(email) {
	this._execute('getUserByEmail', [email]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.validateAuth = function(auth_choice, email, username, password) {
	this._execute('validateAuth', [auth_choice, email, username, password]);
};

Dsq.ReplyFrame.prototype.authenticateFacebook = function(session, forum_url) {
	this._execute('authenticateFacebook', [session, forum_url]);
};

	Dsq.Facebook = function() {
	var that = this;

	var handleSessionData = function(session) {

		var forum_url = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;




		if (typeof disqus_facebook_forum != 'undefined') {
			forum_url = disqus_facebook_forum;
		}
		Dsq.frames.reply_0.authenticateFacebook(session, forum_url);
	};

	var onLogin = function() {
		FB.Connect.getSignedPublicSessionData(handleSessionData);
	};

	this.login = function() {
		FB.Connect.requireSession(onLogin, true);
	};
};
Dsq.Facebook = new Dsq.Facebook();


	






Dsq.Themes = {};

Dsq.Themes.narcissus = new function() {
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-form-area';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-textarea-wrapper';



	
	this.header = function() {
		var comments_count, total_posts, num_posts;
		var html = '';
		var missing_perm_tmpl;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.missing_perm) {
			missing_perm_tmpl = Dsq.Templates.missingPermissions();
			if (missing_perm_tmpl) {
				html += '<div class="dsq-missing-permissions">' + missing_perm_tmpl + '</div>';
			}
		}

		total_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.total_posts;
		num_posts = Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_posts;

		if (total_posts) {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_FULL(total_posts, num_posts);
		} else {
			comments_count = Dsq.FmtStrings.SHOWING_COMMENTS_WITHOUT_PAGINATION(num_posts);
		}

		html += ' \
		<div id="dsq-comments-title"> \
			<h3>' + comments_count + '</h3> \
		</div> \
		';

		html += ' \
		<div class="dsq-options"> \
			<span class="dsq-item-sort">'
				+ Dsq.Strings.SORT_BY + ' \
				<select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);"> \
					<option value="hot" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 4 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.POPULAR_NOW + '</option> \
					<option value="best" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 3 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.BEST_RATING + '</option> \
					<option value="newest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 2 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.NEWEST_FIRST + '</option> \
					<option value="oldest" ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sort == 1 ? 'selected="selected"' : '') + '>' + Dsq.Strings.OLDEST_FIRST + '</option> \
				</select> \
				&nbsp; \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<span id="dsq-subscribe">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.subscribed
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.UNSUBSCRIBE + '</a>'
						: '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_EMAIL + '</a>')
				+ '</span> \
			</span> \
			<span class="dsq-subscribe-rss" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle"> \
				<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png" alt="" /> \
				<a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken/latest.rss">' + Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_BY_RSS + '</a> \
			</span> \
		</div> \
		';

		
		

		return html;

	};
	
	this.footer = function() {
		var html = '';

		html += Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
		
			html += Dsq.Templates.realtime();
			html += Dsq.Templates.showThreadSettings();
			html += Dsq.Templates.postBox();

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		


		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) {
 			html += ' \
				<div class="dsq-global-moderator-extras">'
					+ '<strong>shortname:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url
					+ '<strong>thread id:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.id
					+ '<strong>thread slug:</strong> ' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.slug
				+ '</div> \
			';
		}

		return html;
	};
	
	this.realtime = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			html += '<div id="dsq-realtime-options" class="dsq-options">'
					 + Dsq.Strings.REALTIME_UPDATING_IS + ' <strong id="dsq-realtime-status" style="text-transform: lowercase">' + Dsq.Strings.ENABLED + '</strong>. \
					 <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-toggle" style="text-transform: capitalize"></a> \
					</div>';
		}

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
			html += ' \
				<div style="display: none" id="dsq-realtime-alert" class="dsq-realtime-alert"><span id="dsq-realtime-queued"></span> <a href="#" id="dsq-realtime-show"></a></div> \
			';
		}
		
		return html;
	};

	this.showThreadSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '<div id="dsq-thread-settings" class="dsq-thread-settings">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATOR_OPTIONS;
		html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.showSettings(); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.SETTINGS + '</a>';
		if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled && Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			html += '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.reportMissingReactions(); return false;">'
						+ Dsq.Strings.REPORT_MISSING_REACTIONS
						+ '</a>';
		}
		html +='</div>';

		return html;
	};

	this.postBox = function(post_id, use_fallback_iframe) {


		var html;
		var display_sharing_options = Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated;

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post) {
			return '';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.hasOwnProperty(Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain)) {
				display_sharing_options = false;
			}
		}
		
		if (post_id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];				
		}
		
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		var _requestUserInfo = function() {
			var html;



			var user_has_email = false;

			html = '<div class="dsq-request-user-info"> <!-- // If authenticated --> \
				<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT + '?ctkn=' + Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN + '" class="dsq-request-user-logout">' + Dsq.Strings.LOGOUT + '</a> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td rowspan="2">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '')
								+ '<img src="' + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR + '" width="48" height="48" class="dsq-request-user-avatar">'
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-name">'
								+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
									 ? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '">' + Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain + '</span>'
									 : (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_verified
											? '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span>'
											: '<span class="dsq-badge-small dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span>'))
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE + '">' : '') 
								+ Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username 
							+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '</a>' : '')
							+  (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && user_has_email ? ' <small>(<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.remoteAccountSettings(); return false;">change settings</a>)</small>' : '')
							+  (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? ' <small>(<a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/info/" target="_blank">change name</a> or <a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/avatar/" target="_blank">picture</a>)</small>' : '')
						+ '</td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-request-user-stats"> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.comments_count == 1 ? 'comment' : 'comments') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.likes_count == 1 ? 'like' : 'likes') + '</span> \
							<span><big>' + Dsq.jsonData.request.points + '</big> ' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.points == 1 ? 'point' : 'points') + '</span> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		var _loginOptions = function() {
			var html;
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-authenticate"> \
				<p class="dsq-autheneticate-copy">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
					? Dsq.Strings.YOU_ARE_COMMENTING_AS_A + ' <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. ' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.LOGIN_BELOW + '.'
					: Dsq.Strings.REQUIRED + ': ' + Dsq.Strings.PLEASE_LOGIN_BELOW_TO_COMMENT + '.')
				+ '</p> \
				<ul class="dsq-login-buttons">'
					+ (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-disqus.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Facebook.login(); return false;"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-facebook.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-twitter.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL(); return false" ><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-openid.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_yahoo ? '<li class="dsq-login-button"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Yahoo.startYahooConnect(); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/login-yahoo.gif" /></a></li>' : '')
				+ '</ul> \
			</div> \
			';
			return html;
		};

		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {


			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {



				return '<div id="dsq-form-area" style="display:none"><div id="dsq-textarea-wrapper"></div></div>' + _loginOptions();
			} else {
				return '';
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<div id="' + (post_id 
			? 'dsq-reply-post-' + post_id
			: 'dsq-new-post')
		 	+ '" class="dsq-post-area"> \
			<div class="dsq-dc-logo"> \
				<a href="http://disqus.com/comments" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/disqus-logo.png"></a> \
			</div>'
			+ (post_id 
				? '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.REPLYING_TO + ' ' + userData.display_name + '</h3>'
				: '<h3>' + Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT + '</h3>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated 
				? _requestUserInfo()
				: _loginOptions() )
			+ '<div id="dsq-form-area' + pid + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-textarea"> \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper" id="dsq-textarea-wrapper' + pid + '"></div> \
			</div>'
			+ (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated
			? ' \
			<div class="dsq-post-fields"> \
				<form action="." method="GET" onsubmit="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false); return false;"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-name' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_name ? disqus_def_name : (Dsq.jsonData.session.name ? Dsq.jsonData.session.name : Dsq.Strings.NAME + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'name\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-website' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (Dsq.jsonData.session.url ? Dsq.jsonData.session.url : Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')" class="dsq-placeholder') + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'website\')" /></div></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-left"><div class="dsq-input-wrapper"><input id="dsq-field-email' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (disqus_def_email ? disqus_def_email : (Dsq.jsonData.session.email ? Dsq.jsonData.session.email : Dsq.Strings.EMAIL + '" class="dsq-placeholder')) + '" onfocus="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" onblur="Dsq.Templates.handlePlaceholder(event, this, \'email\')" /></div></td> \
						<td class="dsq-post-fields-right"> \
							<div class="dsq-subscribe"> \
								<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.chooseSubscribe(' + post_id + '); return false" class="dsq-subscribe-menu"><span id="dsq-subscribe-select' + pid + '">' + (Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post ? Dsq.Strings.SUBSCRIBE_TO_ALL_COMMENTS_BY_EMAIL : Dsq.Strings.DO_NOT_SUBSCRIBE_TO_COMMENTS) + '</span> <small>&#9660;</small></a> \
								<ul class="dsq-panel" id="dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid + '"> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(2, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Subscribe to all comments by email</a></li> \
									<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.setSubscribe(0, this, ' + post_id + '); return false">Do not subscribe to comments</a></li> \
								</ul> \
								<input id="dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid + '" type="hidden" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.request.subscribe_on_post + '" /> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
				</form> \
			</div>'
			: '')
			+ '<div class="dsq-post-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-sharing-options" ' + (!display_sharing_options ? 'style="display:none;"' : '') + '> \
					<button class="dsq-button-small" onfocus="document.getElementById(\'dsq-post-button' + pid + '\').focus();"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.SHARING_OPTIONS + ' <small>&#9660;</small></span></button> \
					<div class="dsq-panel"> '
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '"'
								  + (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.twitter.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-twitter' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Twitter</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook
								&& (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.enabled === true ||
										(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote && Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'facebook'))
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.facebook.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-facebook' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Facebook</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.yahoo.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-yahoo' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Yahoo!</label> \
								</div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.tumblr.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-tumblr' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Tumblr</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress !== undefined
								&& Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.wordpress.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-wordpress' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Wordpress</label> \
								 </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.movabletype.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
									<label for="dsq-sharing-movabletype' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' Movable Type</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad !== undefined
							  && Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.enabled === true
							? '<div><input type="checkbox" id="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '"'
									+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.sharing.typepad.auto === true ? 'checked=true' : '') + '/> \
								  <label for="dsq-sharing-typepad' + pid + '">' + Dsq.Strings.SHARE_ON + ' TypePad</label> \
							   </div>'
							: '')
						+ '<div><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections/" target="_blank" class="dsq-configure-options">' + Dsq.Strings.CONFIGURE_OPTIONS + '</a></div>'
					+ '</div> \
				</div>'
				+ '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-post-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, false)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.POST_AS + ' '
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					? Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username
					: Dsq.Strings.GUEST)
				+ '</span></button>'
				+ (post_id
					? '<button class="dsq-button" id="dsq-cancel-button' + pid + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"><span>' + Dsq.Strings.CANCEL + '</span></button>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
			+ '</div>' // end dsq-form-area
		+ '</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};




	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-append-post-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		html = ' \
		<table> \
			<tr> \
				<td id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-avatar" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
					<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
					? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
					: '')
				+ '</a> \
				</td> \
				<td class="dsq-comment-header-meta"> \
		';

		
		return html;
	};
	
	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var html;
		var parent_display_name = '';
		
		if(_meta.parent_post_id) {

			var _parent_meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[_meta.parent_post_id];

			if (_parent_meta) {
				var parentUserData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_parent_meta.user_key];
				parent_display_name = parentUserData.display_name;
			}
		}

		html = ' \
		<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/themes/narcissus/moderator.png" class="dsq-moderator-star" title="Moderator" /> \
		<span class="dsq-comment-header-time"><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')" title="Permalink">' + (_meta.is_realtime ? Dsq.Strings.JUST_NOW : _meta.date) + '</a></span> '
		+ (_meta.parent_post_id && parent_display_name
			? '<a href="#comment-' + _meta.parent_post_id + '" title="Jump to comment">in reply to ' + parent_display_name + '</a>'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		<td id="dsq-like-pts-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-comment-header-likes">'
		+ (_meta.points
			? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.'
			: '')
		+ '</td> \
		</tr> \
		</table> \
		';
		return html;
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		var html = '';
		return html;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		var html;
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed || !_meta.approved) { return ''; }
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left">'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
					? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.moderateOptions(' + post_id+ '); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.MODERATE + '</a>'
					: '')
				+ '<a href="#" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG + '</a> \
			</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right">'
				+ (_meta.votable 
					? '<span id="dsq-like-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-like">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1)" >Like</button>'
						: 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;')
					+ '</span>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-post-edit" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + ')" >' + Dsq.Strings.EDIT + '</button>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<span class="dsq-comment-footer-reply" id="dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(' + post_id +', this)"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button> \
						<button class="dsq-comment-footer-reply-tab">' + Dsq.Strings.REPLY + '</button><span></span> \
					</span>'
					: '')
			+ '</div> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		return html;
	};



	
	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		var item = '<li class="dsq-comment dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-header"> \
			<table> \
			<tr> \
			<td class="dsq-header-avatar"> \
			';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'" class="dsq-avatar">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {

			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar92.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== ''
				? '</a>'
				: '')
			+ '</td>'
			+ '<td><cite class="dsq-comment-cite">' + reaction.author_name + '</cite> <span class="dsq-comment-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</span></td>'
			+ '<td class="dsq-comment-header-likes"></td>'
			+ '</tr></table></div>' // end dsq-comment-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header" \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-reaction-header-left">'
							+ '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png" />'
							+ ' From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
							+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
						+ '</td>'
						+ '<td class="dsq-reaction-header-right">';
			
			if(reaction.retweets) {
				var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
				if (num_retweets > 0) {
					if (num_retweets == 1) {
						item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
					} else {
						item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');
						item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
						var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 3) ? 3 : num_retweets;
						item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);
						if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
							item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
								+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
						}
					}
				}
			}	
			item += '</td></tr> \
			</table> \
			</div>' // end dsq-reaction-header
			+ '<div class="dsq-comment-body"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '</div> \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer"> \
				<div class="dsq-comment-footer-left"> \
				</div>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator 
					? ' \
					<div class="dsq-comment-footer-right"> \
						<button class="dsq-button-small dsq-hide-reaction" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + ')">Hide</button> \
					</div>'
					: '')
			+ '</div>'
		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions" class="dsq-show-more-reactions"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</button></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 id="dsq-reactions-title" class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-container"> \
			<table> \
				<tbody> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-tl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-tr"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-body"> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
								<div class="dsq-popup-title"> \
									<button class="dsq-button-small" style="float:right" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)">Close</button>' 
									+ content['header'] 
								+ '</div>'
								+ content['body']
							+ '</div> \
							<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
						</td> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-b"></td> \
					</tr> \
					<tr> \
						<td class="dsq-popup-bl"></td><td class="dsq-popup-b"></td><td class="dsq-popup-br"></td> \
					</tr> \
				</tbody> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
	};



	
	this.chooseSubscribe = function(post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		menu.style.display = menu.style.display == 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';
		
	};
	
	this.setSubscribe = function(value, el, post_id) {

		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var input = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + pid);
		var select = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-select' + pid);
		var menu = Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-menu' + pid);
		
		select.innerHTML = el.innerHTML;
		input.value = value;
		this.chooseSubscribe(post_id);
	};
	
	this.getFormFields = function(post_id) {

		var fields = {};
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var name = Dsq.$('dsq-field-name' + pid);
		var email = Dsq.$('dsq-field-email' + pid);
		var website = Dsq.$('dsq-field-website' + pid);
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid);
		var password = Dsq.$('dsq-field-password' + pid);

		fields = {
			'name': name,
			'email': email,
			'website': website,
			'username': username,
			'password': password
		}
		
		return fields;
	}
	
	this.validateFields = function(post_id) {
		
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) { return true; }
		
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		
		var nameField = fields.name;
		var websiteField = fields.website;
		var emailField = fields.email;
		
		websiteField.value = (websiteField.value == Dsq.Templates.placeholder['website']) ? '' : websiteField.value;
		
		var v = [{

			validator: Dsq.Validators.name,
			value: nameField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.email,
			value: emailField.value
		}, {

			validator: Dsq.Validators.url,
			value: websiteField.value
		}];
		
		return Dsq.Validators.validate(v, function(e) { Dsq.Popup.popModal(e, 'Oops...') } );
	};
	
	this.checkExistingUser = function(post_id) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);		
		Dsq.Popup.loading(post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].getUserByEmail(fields.email.value);
		}
	};

	this.validateAuth = function(el_clicked, post_id, auth_choice) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		var email = fields.email ? fields.email.value : '';
		var username = fields.username ? fields.username.value : '';
		var password = fields.password ? fields.password.value : '';
		
		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		
		if (post_id) {
			Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		} else {
			Dsq.frames['reply_0'].validateAuth(auth_choice, email, username, password);
		}
	};

	this.lightboxUpdateEmail = function(post_id, new_email) {
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		fields.email.value = new_email;
	};

	this.lightboxAuthenticate = function(post_id, auth_choice, auth_data) {
		var title, body;
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';

		if(typeof(auth_data) == 'undefined') {
			var auth_data = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);
		}

		d = auth_data;

		switch(auth_choice) {
			case 'register':
				var suggestedUsername = d.name.value.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9-]/g,'').toLowerCase();
			
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Register a <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';

				body = ' \
				<ul class="dsq-lightbox-register-reasons"> \
				<li>Verify your comments</li> \
				<li>Edit and delete comments</li> \
				<li>Manage comments and replies</li> \
				</ul> \
				';

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Email</td> \
							<td><input type="text" value="' + d.email.value + '" onchange="Dsq.Templates.lightboxUpdateEmail(' + post_id + ', this.value)" /><div id="dsq-email-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + suggestedUsername + '"/><div id="dsq-username-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /><div id="dsq-password-errors' + pid + '"></div></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'login\'); return false">Login instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Register and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			case 'login':
				title = Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post ? 'Optional:' : 'Required:';
				title += ' Login to your <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-profile.png" alt=Disqus Profile" />';
				body = '';
				
				if(d.avatar_url) {
					body += '<div class="dsq-lightbox-recognized"><table><tr>';
					body += '<td><img src="' + d.avatar_url + '" alt="" /></td>';
					body += '<td><span class="dsq-badge ' + (d.verified ? 'dsq-badge-verified' : 'dsq-badge-registered') + '">' + (d.verified ? 'Verified' : 'Registered') + '</span></td>';
					body += '<td>Hey <strong>' + d.display_name + '</strong>, is that you? Login below to claim this comment.';
					body += '</tr></table></div>';
				}

				body += ' \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-fields"> \
					<table> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Username or Email</td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-username' + pid + '" type="text" value="' + (d.avatar_url ? d.username : '') + '" /></td> \
						</tr> \
						<tr> \
							<td>Password <a href="http://disqus.com/forgot" target="_blank">(cannot log in?)</a></td> \
							<td><input id="dsq-field-password' + pid + '" type="password" /></td> \
						</tr> \
					</table> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-switch-auth"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Templates.lightboxAuthenticate(' + post_id + ',\'register\'); return false">Register instead</a></div> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-lightbox-errors' + pid + '" class="dsq-lightbox-errors"></div> \
				<div class="dsq-lightbox-submit"> \
					<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-post"><button class="dsq-button" onclick="Dsq.Templates.validateAuth(this, ' + post_id + ',\'' + auth_choice + '\')">Login and Post comment</button></div>'
					+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
						? '<div class="dsq-lightbox-auth-skip"><button class="dsq-button-small" onclick="Dsq.Templates.postComment(' + post_id + ', this, true)">Just post as a Guest</button></div>'
						: '')
				+ '</div> \
				';
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
		Dsq.$('dsq-field-username' + pid).focus();
	};
	
	this.buttonsToRestore = [];
	this.setLoadingButton = function(btn, post_id) {
		var pid = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		if (btn) {

			var loadingBtn = document.createElement('button');
			loadingBtn.id = btn.id + '-loading';
			loadingBtn.innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-lite.gif" alt="" /> Just a moment...';
			loadingBtn.className = btn.className + ' dsq-post-loading';
			btn.parentNode.appendChild(loadingBtn);
			btn.style.display = 'none';
			var cancelBtn = Dsq.$('dsq-cancel-button' + pid);
			if(cancelBtn) { cancelBtn.style.display = 'none'; this.buttonsToRestore.push(cancelBtn); }
			this.buttonsToRestore.push(btn);
		} else {

			var buttons = this.buttonsToRestore;
			for(var i = 0; i < buttons.length; i++) {
				buttons[i].style.display = 'inline';
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$(buttons[i].id + '-loading'));
			}
		}
		
	};

	this.postComment = function(post_id, el_clicked, force, auth_choice) {
		var append_id = post_id ? '-' + post_id : '';
		var fields = Dsq.Templates.getFormFields(post_id);

		if (Dsq.Templates.validateFields(post_id)) {

			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && !force &&
				((!Dsq.Utils.readCookie('skipped_auth') && !disqus_skip_auth && !Dsq.jsonData.forum.disqus_auth_disabled) || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post)) {
				Dsq.Templates.checkExistingUser(post_id);
				return false;
			}
			var params = [];
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
				params.push(fields.name.value,
					fields.email.value,
					fields.website.value);

				if (auth_choice == 'login' || auth_choice == 'register') {
					params.push({
						auth_choice: auth_choice,
						username: fields.username.value,
						password: fields.password.value,
						email: fields.email.value
					});
				} else {
					params.push(null);
				}

				params.push(null /* sharing options */, Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe-on-post' + append_id).value);
			} else {
				var service_checked = function(name) {
					var el = Dsq.$('dsq-sharing-' + name + append_id);
					return (el !== null && el.checked === true) ? '1' : '0';
				};
				params.push(null, null, null, null, {
					tw: service_checked('twitter'),
					fb: service_checked('facebook'),
					tr: service_checked('tumblr'),
					wp: service_checked('wordpress'),
					mt: service_checked('movabletype'),
					tp: service_checked('typepad'),
					yh: service_checked('yahoo')
				});
			}

			var frame = Dsq.frames['reply_' + (post_id ? post_id : 0)];
			frame.post.apply(frame, params);

			if (el_clicked) {
				Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
			}
			
			if (force) {
				Dsq.Utils.createCookie('skipped_auth', true);	
			}
			
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	};

	this.editComment = function(el_clicked, post_id) {
		var edited_message = Dsq.$('dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id).value;

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked, post_id);
		Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].edit(post_id, edited_message);
	};

	this.toggleEdit = function(post_id) {
		var body = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-body-' + post_id);
		var message = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + post_id);

		if (!Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id]) {


			message.style.display = 'none';
			if (Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {

				var edit_area = document.createElement('div');
				edit_area.id = 'dsq-edit-' + post_id;
				edit_area.className = 'dsq-edit dsq-textarea';
				edit_area.innerHTML = ' \
				<div class="dsq-textarea-wrapper"> \
					<textarea class="dsq-edit-textarea" id="dsq-edit-textarea-' + post_id + '">' + message.innerHTML + '</textarea> \
				</div> \
				<div class="dsq-save-edit"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Templates.editComment(this, ' + post_id + ')" class="dsq-button-small">Save Edit</button> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id + '" style="display: none"></div> \
				';

				body.appendChild(edit_area);

				if (!Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-edit-iframe-' + post_id), post_id);
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].init();
					Dsq.frames['edit_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
		} else {

			message.style.display = 'block';
			Dsq.$('dsq-edit-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id] = !Dsq.Post.stateEditToggled[post_id];
	};
	
	this.edit = function(el, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.toggleEdit(post_id);
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(post_id, button) {
		
		if(!this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

			if (Dsq.$('dsq-reply-post-' + post_id)) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'block';
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id);
				var container = Dsq.$('dsq-textarea-wrapper-' + post_id);
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] && container) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(container, post_id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].init(function() {

						Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.postBox(post_id, true);
						Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id).innerHTML = '';

						var theme = (typeof disqus_frame_theme == 'undefined') ? 'default' : disqus_frame_theme;
						Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-form-area-' + post_id), post_id, {theme: theme});

					});
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + post_id].setState(post_id, _meta.depth);
				}
			}
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-append-post';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply-active';
			
		} else {

			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.$('dsq-append-post-' + post_id).className = '';
			Dsq.$('dsq-comment-footer-reply-' + post_id).className = 'dsq-comment-footer-reply';
		}
		
		this.stateReplyToggled[post_id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[post_id];

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie && this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]) {

		}

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: post_id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[post_id]
		});
	};
	
	this.moderateOptions = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		
		if(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator) { return false; }

		var html;
		
		html = ' \
		<div class="dsq-moderate-options"> \
		<table>'
		+ (_meta.email ? '<tr><td>Email</td><td>' + _meta.email + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ (_meta.ip ? '<tr><td>IP address</td><td>' + _meta.ip + '</td></tr>' : '')
		+ '<tr> \
			<td>Actions</td> \
			<td><ul>'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
				? '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
				: '')
			+ '<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Delete Comment</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li> \
			</ul></td> \
			</table> \
		</div> \
		';
		
		html += '<p>Go to the full <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/moderate/" target="_blank">moderate panel</a> for more options.</p>';
		
		return Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Moderate Options', post_id);
	};
	
	this.placeholder = {
		'class': 'dsq-placeholder',
		'name': Dsq.Strings.NAME,
		'email': Dsq.Strings.EMAIL,
		'website': Dsq.Strings.WEBSITE + ' (' + Dsq.Strings.OPTIONAL.toLowerCase() + ')'
	};
	
	this.handlePlaceholder = function(evt, el, key) {
		var placeholder = Dsq.Templates.placeholder[key];
		var className = Dsq.Templates.placeholder['class'];
		
		switch(evt.type) {
			case 'focus':
				if(el.value == placeholder) {
					el.value = '';
					el.className = '';
				}
				break;

			case 'blur':
				if(el.value == '') {
					el.value = placeholder;
					el.className = className;
				}
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}
	};
	
	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked) {

		var extra_params = '';

		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(el_clicked);
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};
	
	
	this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {


		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
			}
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
				+ '?post_id='    + id
				+ '&vote='        + vote);
		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login('To rate, please log in');
		}
	};

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {

		Dsq.$('dsq-like-pts-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this.';

		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-like-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.&nbsp;&nbsp;';
		}
	};




	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {
		var approved = response.message.post_meta.approved;

		if (parent_post_id) {
			Dsq.Post.toggleReply(parent_post_id);
		}

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
		
		if (approved) {
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		} else {			
			var unapproved_msg = 'Thanks for posting!\
	 Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.\
			';
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(unapproved_msg, 'Comment awaiting approval', post_id);
		}

		var sharing_results = response.message.sharing_results;
		var sharing_errors = '';
		for (var service in sharing_results) {
			if (sharing_results.hasOwnProperty(service) === true) {
				if (sharing_results[service].error === true) {
					sharing_errors += service + ', ';
				}
			}
		}

		if (sharing_results.facebook && sharing_results.facebook.callback) {
			FB.ensureInit(function() {
				FB.Connect.streamPublish('', sharing_results.facebook.attachment);
			});
		}

		if (sharing_errors !== '') {
			var message = 'Your comment was posted, but there were errors sharing with the following connections: ';
			message += sharing_errors.replace(/,\s$/, '');
			message += '<p><a href="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/profile/connections" target="_blank">Configure your connections here</a></p>'
			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sharing options');
		}

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};

	this.postComment_onFailure = function(response, parent_post_id, post_id) {

		Dsq.Templates.setLoadingButton(false);
	};
};




// TODO: It might be faster to use string methods to find all <li (...) </li> blocks and pass to Dsq.PostHandler manually.
Dsq.CommentsHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_post = Dsq.Templates.prependPost(post_id);
	var append_post = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(post_id);

	content = content.replace(Dsq.POST_RE, Dsq.PostHandler);
	Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter++;
	head = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContainer(post_id, head);
	return prepend_post + head + content + tail + append_post;
};

Dsq.PostHandler = function(str, h_head, post_id, h_content, h_tail, b_head, b_content, b_tail, offset, s) {
	var prepend_header = Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader(post_id);
	var append_header = Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader(post_id);
	var prepend_body = Dsq.Templates.preBody(post_id);
	var append_body = Dsq.Templates.postBody(post_id);
	var append_footer = Dsq.Templates.postFooter(post_id);

	b_content = b_content.replace(Dsq.POST_BODY_RE, Dsq.PostBodyHandler);
	return h_head + prepend_header + h_content + append_header + h_tail + b_head + prepend_body + b_content + append_body + b_tail + append_footer;
};

Dsq.PostBodyHandler = function(str, head, post_id, content, tail, offset, s) {
	content = Dsq.Templates.Filters.commentContent(post_id, content);
	return head + content + tail;
};

Dsq.MediaPostHandler = function(str, args, offset, s) {
	args = args.split(' ');
	if(args[0] == 'seesmic') {
		return '<br />' + Dsq.Templates.mediaSeesmic(args[1], args[2]);
	}
	return '';
};


/**
 * Shorcuts
 */
Dsq.$ = function(element) { return document.getElementById(element); };
Dsq.$b = document.body || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0];


/**
 * Dsq.Debug: Logging functions.
 */

Dsq.Debug = new function() {this.log=function(s){};this.profile=function(f){if(typeof f == 'function')return f();else return eval(f);};};


/**
 * Dsq.Urls: URL paths
 */
Dsq.Urls = new function() {
	this.LOGIN = '/profile/login/';
	this.LOGOUT = '/logout/';
	this.REPLY = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken/reply.html';
	this.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE = '/AnonymousUser/';
	this.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR = 'http://media.disqus.com/images/noavatar92.png';
};
// Dsq.Urls

/**
 * Dsq.Validators: Validation for form fields
 */
Dsq.Validators = new function() {
	this.VALID_EMAIL_RE = /^[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*\@(([a-z0-9\-\_\+]+(\.[a-z0-9\-\_\+]+)*)+\.[a-z]{2,}|([0-9]+\.){3}[0-9]+)$/i;
	this.name = function(name) {
		var error = false;

		if(typeof Dsq.Templates.placeholder !== 'undefined' &&
		   name == Dsq.Templates.placeholder.name) {
			error = true;
		}
		if(name.length <= 1) {
			error = true;
		}

		if(error) {
			return "Please enter a name to comment.";
		} else {
			return true;
		}
	};
	this.email = function(addr) {
		if(Dsq.Validators.VALID_EMAIL_RE.test(addr)) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please enter a valid email to comment.";
		}
	};
	this.url = function(addr) {
		if(!addr || addr.indexOf('.') != -1) {
			return true;
		} else {
			return "Please check your website URL (this field is optional).";
		}
	};

	this.validate = function(bulk_validation, failure_callback) {
		failure_callback = failure_callback || function(e){ alert(e); };

		for(var i = 0; i < bulk_validation.length; i++) {
			v = bulk_validation[i];
			ret = v.validator(v.value);
			if(ret !== true) {
				failure_callback(ret);
				return false;
			}
		}
		return true;
	};
};

/**
 * Dsq.Utils: Generic utility functions.
 */
Dsq.Utils = new function() {
	this.ie = /msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent);
	this.ie7 = (document.all && !window.opera && window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true : false;
	this.ie6 = (!window.XMLHttpRequest) ? true: false;
	this.webkit = navigator.userAgent.indexOf('AppleWebKit/') >= 0;
	this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache = {};
	this._styleSheet = null;

	this.gebiFromElement = function(el, id, tag) {
		// This only method only helps IE.
		if(!this.ie) {
			return Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var cacheKey = el.id + '-' + tag;
			tag = tag || 'div';
			if(typeof this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] != 'undefined') {
				collection = this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey];
			} else {
				collection = el.getElementsByTagName(tag);
				this.gebiFromElementCollectionCache[cacheKey] = collection;
			}

			for(var i = 0; i < collection.length; i++) {
				if(collection[i].id == id) {
					return collection[i];
				}
			}
			return null;
		}
	};

	this.execOnReady = function(func) {
		var node = document.createElement('document:ready');
		try {
			node.doScroll('left');
			func();
			node = null;
		} catch(err) {
			setTimeout(function() { Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(func); }, 10);
		}
	};


	// Courtesy of http://www.quirksmode.org/js/cookies.html
	this.createCookie = function(name,value,days) {
		if (days) {
			var date = new Date();
			date.setTime(date.getTime()+(days*24*60*60*1000));
			var expires = "; expires="+date.toGMTString();
		}
		else var expires = "";
		document.cookie = name+"="+value+expires+"; path=/";
	};

	this.readCookie = function(name) {
		var nameEQ = name + "=";
		var ca = document.cookie.split(';');
		for(var i=0;i < ca.length;i++) {
			var c = ca[i];
			while (c.charAt(0)==' ') c = c.substring(1,c.length);
			if (c.indexOf(nameEQ) == 0) return c.substring(nameEQ.length,c.length);
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.eraseCookie = function(name) {
		Dsq.Utils.createCookie(name,"",-1);
	};

	this.deleteNode = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			this.deleteChildren(node);
			if(typeof node.outerHTML != 'undefined') { node.outerHTML = ''; }
			else if(node.parentNode) { node.parentNode.removeChild(node); }
			delete node;
		}
	};

	this.deleteChildren = function(node) {
		if(node) {
			for(var x = node.childNodes.length-1; x >= 0; x--) {
				var childNode = node.childNodes[x];
				if(childNode.hasChildNodes()) { this.deleteChildren(childNode); }
				if(typeof childNode.outerHTML != 'undefined') { childNode.outerHTML = ''; }
				else node.removeChild(childNode);
				delete childNode;
			}
		}
	};

	this.findPos = function(obj) {
		var curleft = 0;
		var curtop = 0;
		if (obj.offsetParent) {
			do {
				curleft += obj.offsetLeft;
				curtop += obj.offsetTop;
			} while (obj = obj.offsetParent);
		}
		return [curleft,curtop];
	};

	this.getWindowSize = function() {
		var windowWidth = -1;
		var windowHeight = -1;

		if(typeof(window.innerWidth) == 'number') { //Non-IE
			windowWidth = window.innerWidth;
			windowHeight = window.innerHeight;
		} else if(document.documentElement) { // IE 6+ in 'standards compliant mode'
			windowWidth = document.documentElement.clientWidth || document.body.clientWidth;
			windowHeight = document.documentElement.clientHeight || document.body.clientHeight;
		}

		return [windowWidth, windowHeight];
	}

	this.getScrollPos = function() {
		var scrollWidth, scrollTop;

		if(document.documentElement && (document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.documentElement.scrollWidth)) {
			scrollWidth = document.documentElement.scrollWidth;
			// IE is weird here.  If no doctype is provided, document.body.scrollTop is 0,
			// otherwise document.documentElement.scrollTop is 0.
			scrollTop = document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop;
		} else if(document.body.scrollTop && document.body.scrollWidth) {
			scrollWidth = document.body.scrollWidth;
			scrollTop = document.body.scrollTop;
		}

		return [scrollWidth, scrollTop];
	}

	this.addEventListener = function(instance, eventName, listener) {
		var listenerFn = listener;
		if (instance.addEventListener) {
			instance.addEventListener(eventName, listenerFn, false);
		} else if (instance.attachEvent) {
			listenerFn = function() {
				listener(window.event);
			};
			instance.attachEvent("on" + eventName, listenerFn);
		} else {
			throw new Error("Event registration not supported");
		}
		return {
			instance: instance,
			name: eventName,
			listener: listenerFn
		};
	};

	this.removeEventListener = function(event) {
		var instance = event.instance;
		if (instance.removeEventListener) {
			instance.removeEventListener(event.name, event.listener, false);
		} else if (instance.detachEvent) {
			instance.detachEvent("on" + event.name, event.listener);
		}
	};

	this.fixIframesIE = function(id) {
		var disqusThread = Dsq.$(disqus_container_id);
		var iframes = disqusThread.getElementsByTagName('iframe');

		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$(id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-content');
		}

		for(i = 0; i < iframes.length; i++) {
			if (container) {
				iframes[i].style.width = container.offsetWidth;
			}
		}
	};

	this.getElementsByClassName = function(oElm, strTagName, strClassName) {
	/* Credit: Jonathan Snook [http://www.snook.ca/jonathan], Robert Nyman [http://www.robertnyman.com] */
		var arrElements = (strTagName == "*" && oElm.all)? oElm.all : oElm.getElementsByTagName(strTagName);
		var arrReturnElements = new Array();
		strClassName = strClassName.replace(/\-/g, "\\-");
		var oRegExp = new RegExp("(^|\\s)" + strClassName + "(\\s|$)");
		var oElement;
		for(var i = 0; i < arrElements.length; i++) {
			oElement = arrElements[i];
			if(oRegExp.test(oElement.className)) {
				arrReturnElements.push(oElement);
			}
		}
		return (arrReturnElements);
	};

	this.postToUrl = function(url, post_data, opt_redirect) {
		var form = document.createElement('form');
		var iframe_container = document.createElement('div');
		var id = 'dsq-temp-iframe-' + (new Date()).getTime();

		form.method = 'POST';
		form.action = url;
		if (!opt_redirect) {
			form.target = id;
		}
		iframe_container.innerHTML = '<iframe style="display:none" name="' + id + '" id="' + id + '"></iframe>';

		for(var key in post_data) {
			if(post_data.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var input = document.createElement('input');
				input.name = key;
				input.type = 'hidden';
				input.value = post_data[key];

				form.appendChild(input);
			}
		}

		Dsq.$b.appendChild(iframe_container);
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(form);
		form.submit();
	};

	// Strips integer id from id of element in the form ('some-id-###')
	this.extractId = function(e) {
		var chunks = e.id.split('-');
		if(chunks.length <= 1) {
			return 0;
		} else {
			return parseInt(chunks[chunks.length-1]);
		}
	};

	this.getStyle = function(el, styleProp) {
		if(el.currentStyle) {
			var y = el.currentStyle[styleProp];
		} else if(window.getComputedStyle) {
			var y = document.defaultView.getComputedStyle(el, null).getPropertyValue(styleProp);
		}

		if(y == 'transparent' || y == '') {
			this.getStyle(el.parentNode, styleProp);
		} else {
			return y;
		}
	};

	this.execScript = function(url, append_qs, container) {
		var script = document.createElement('script');
		append_qs = typeof append_qs == 'undefined' ? true : append_qs;
		container = container || Dsq.container;

		if(append_qs) {
			var j = (url.indexOf('?') >= 0) ? '&' : '?';
			url += j + (new Date()).getTime();
		}
		script.type = 'text/javascript';
		script.charset = 'UTF-8';
		script.src = url;
		container.appendChild(script);
		return script;
	};

	this.pluralize = function(num, singular, plural) {
		return (num != 1) ? plural || 's' : singular || '';
	};

	this.getRequestParams = function(queryString /* optional */) {
		var pairs, tuple;
		var params = {};

		queryString = queryString || window.location.search.substring(1);
		pairs = queryString.split('&');

		for (var i = 0, pair; pair = pairs[i]; i++) {
			tuple = pair.split('=');
			params[tuple[0]] = (tuple[1] || true);
		}

		return params;
	};

	this.addCssRule = function(selector, styleText, index) {
		var stylesheet;
		index = index || 0;

		if(!this._styleSheet) {
			var styleEl = document.createElement('style');
			document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(styleEl);
			this._styleSheet = styleEl.sheet;
			if(!this._styleSheet) {
				// IE does not like our newly created stylesheet.
				this._styleSheet = document.styleSheets[document.styleSheets.length-1];
			}
		}
		stylesheet = this._styleSheet;

		if(stylesheet.insertRule) {
			var ruleText = selector + ' { ' + styleText + ' }';
			if(index == -1) {
				index = stylesheet.cssRules.length;
			}
			stylesheet.insertRule(ruleText, index);
		} else if(stylesheet.addRule) {
			stylesheet.addRule(selector, styleText, index);
		}
	};

	this.forEachIn = function(obj, callback) {
		for(var key in obj) {
			if(obj.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				callback(key, obj[key]);
			}
		}
	};

	this._interpolateGlobalContext = {
		// values that get used a lot and are global to the request
		'profile_url': Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE,

		'disqus_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url,
		'media_url': Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url,
		'request_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.username,
		'request_display_username': Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username,
		'forum_name': Dsq.jsonData.forum.name
	};

	this.renderFromContextStack = function(key, contexts) {
		// Returns the first instance of `key` in the array of objects `contexts` or else ''
		for (var i=0; i<contexts.length; i++) {
			if (contexts[i][key] !== undefined) {
				return String(contexts[i][key]);
			}
		}
		throw new Error('key ' + key + ' not found in context');
	};

	var that = this;
	this.interpolate = function(fmt, opt_localContext) {
		// Interpolate `fmt` named-format string with an assumed global context.
		// Based on `interpolate` in django.views.i18n
		var contextStack = [opt_localContext || {}, that._interpolateGlobalContext];
		return fmt.replace(/%\(\w+\)s/g, function(match){
			return that.renderFromContextStack(match.slice(2,-2), contextStack);
		});
	};

	this.stripTags = function(s) {
		// Removes HTML tags from `s`
		return s.replace(/(<([^>]+)>)/g,"");

	};

	this.assert = function(b) {
		if (!b) {
			throw new Error('Assertion error.');
		}
	};

};
// Dsq.Utils

/**
 * Dsq.Popup: Popup helper functions.
 */
Dsq.Popup = new function() {
	this.timeHide = new Array();
	this.timeShow = new Array();
	this.activePopup = {};
	this.profileCache = {};
	this.statusCache = {};

	this.showTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the hide timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeHide[post_id]);

		// start the timer
		if(!Dsq.Popup.profileIsOn && !Dsq.Thread.adminIsOn) {
			this.timeShow[post_id] = setTimeout("Dsq.Popup.popProfile(\"" + post_id + "\")", 400);
		}
	};

	this.hideTimer = function(post_id) {
		// clear the show timer
		clearTimeout(this.timeShow[post_id]);
	};

	this.updateProfile = function(username) {
		// Callback from /embed/profile.js
		if (this.statusCache[username]) {
			var statusEl = Dsq.$('dsq-profile-status-' + username);
			statusEl.innerHTML = this.statusCache[username];
			statusEl.style.display = 'block';
		}

		if (this.profileCache[username]) {
			var _cache = this.profileCache[username];

			var _genhtml = function(text) { return '<span><big>' + text + '</big></span>'; };
			var _no_comments = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_COMMENTS(_cache.comments_count));
			var _no_likes = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_LIKES(_cache.likes_count));
			var _no_points = _genhtml(Dsq.FmtStrings.NUMBER_OF_POINTS(_cache.points));

			var statsEl = Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + username);
			statsEl.innerHTML = '';

			if (Dsq.jsonData.users[username].registered) {
				statsEl.innerHTML = _no_comments + _no_likes;
			}
			statsEl.innerHTML += _no_points;

			var activeSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.active_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.active_sites[i];
				activeSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (activeSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = activeSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + username).innerHTML = 'This site.';
			}

			var moderatedSites = '';
			for (var i = 0; i < _cache.moderated_sites.length; i++) {
				var site = _cache.moderated_sites[i];
				moderatedSites += '<li><a href="' + site.url + '"> \
					<img src="' + site.favicon + '"/ width="16" height="16"/></a>\
					<a href="' + site.url + '">' + site.name + '</a></li>';
			}
			if (moderatedSites !== '') {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + username).innerHTML = moderatedSites;
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + username).innerHTML = '';
			}
		}

		// Reposition popup after full HTML is rendered
		if(Dsq.Popup.activePopup && Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el) {
			Dsq.Popup.initPopup(Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id, Dsq.Popup.activePopup.type);
		}

	};

	this.showCookieMsgs = function() {
		var title = '';
		var message = '';
		var numAlerts = 0;

		Dsq.Utils.forEachIn(Dsq.jsonData.cookie_messages, function(k, v) {
			if (!v) return;

			switch(k) {
				// Cookie: Twitter
				case 'post_twitter':
					if (v === 'error') {
						title = 'Twitter Error!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-error">Oops, we couldn\'t tweet this comment. Please check your <a href="http://disqus.com/account/services">account settings</a>.</li>';
					} else {
						var _msg = v.split(':');
						title = 'Tweeted!';
						message += '<li id="dsq-msg-twitter-success">Your comment was successfully tweeted. <a href="http://twitter.com/' + _msg[0] + '/status/' + _msg[1] + '">Click here to view the tweet</a>.</li>';
					}
					break;
				// Cookie: Unapproved Post
				case 'post_not_approved':
					title = 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-not-approved">Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.</li>';
					break;
				// Cookie: Profile Found
				case 'post_has_profile':
					title = 'Use your existing commenter profile';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-post-has-profile">You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a></li>';
					break;
				case 'user_created':
					var _data = v.split(':');
					title = 'Profile created!';
					message += '<li id="dsq-msg-user-created">You have just created a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, the best way to claim, manage, and track your comments all over the web. \
					<br /><br />A confirmation is being sent to <strong>' + _data[1] + '</strong>. Please check for this email in order to verify your profile. \
					<ul class="dsq-list-tick"> \
						<li>Your username is <strong>' + _data[0] +'</strong>. <a href="http://disqus.com/people/' + _data[0] + '/" target="_blank">Click here to view your public profile</a>.</li> \
						<li>Be sure to set your profile picture, as well as connect your <span class="dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> and <span class="dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> accounts. <a href="http://disqus.com/account/" target="_blank">Click here for account settings</a>.</li> \
					</ul> \
					</li>'
					break;
				default:
					break;
			}
			numAlerts++;
		});

		if(numAlerts > 1) {
			message = '<ul class="dsq-list-bluebullet">' + message;
			message += '</ul>';
			title = 'Thanks for posting!';
		}
		if(numAlerts > 0) {
			if(typeof(disqus_cookie_msgs) == 'function') {
				disqus_cookie_msgs(message, title);
			} else {
				Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
			}
		}
	};

	this.helpBadges = function(post_id) {
		var html = ' \
			<ul class="dsq-popup-help"> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile with a confirmed email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> has a <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> Profile, but has not yet confirmed his or her email address.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span> is not logged in with any account and has not claimed his or her comments.</li> \
				<li class="dsq-help-otheraccts">Other accounts</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-facebook">Facebook</span> is using his or her Facebook profile via Facebook Connect.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-twitter">Twitter</span> is using his or her Twitter profile via Twitter Sign-in.</li> \
				<li><span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-openid">OpenID</span> is using his or her OpenID.</li> \
			</ul> \
		';

		this.popModal(html, 'Help: Types of Commenters', post_id);
		return;
	};

	this.permalink = function(post_id) {
		var header = 'Link to this comment';
		var body = '<strong>You are anchored to</strong>:<br />' + document.location.protocol + '//' + document.location.host + document.location.pathname + document.location.search + '#comment-' + post_id;

		this.popModal(body, header, post_id);
	};

	this.login = function(header, body) {
		var h = header || 'Login or Register';
		var b = body || '';
		b += Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: 'dsq-popup-login'});
		b += '</iframe>'; // HACK: Sometimes there is something funky with the IFRAME SRC that causes no end tag
		this.popModal(b, h, null, true, 'dsq-popup-login');
	};

	this.blacklist = function(id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		var title = 'Add to Blacklist';
		var message = ' \
		Adding this person to the blacklist will block him or her from commenting on this site. Check the following types that you would like to add to the blacklist:'
		+ (userData['registered'] ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-username" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-username"><strong>Username</strong>: ' + userData['username'] + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ (_meta.email ?
			'<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
				<input id="dsq-blacklist-email" type="checkbox" checked> \
				<label for="dsq-blacklist-email"><strong>Email address</strong>: ' + _meta.email + '</label> \
			</div>'
			: '')
		+ '<div class="dsq-blacklist-option"> \
			<input id="dsq-blacklist-ip" type="checkbox" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-blacklist-ip-warning\').style.display=\'block\'"> \
			<label for="dsq-blacklist-ip"><strong>IP address</strong>: ' + _meta.ip + '</label> \
		</div> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p id="dsq-blacklist-ip-warning" style="display:none">	\
				Note: Blocking this person\'s IP address may also unintentionally prevent others, who share his/her IP address, from commenting on this site. \
				This may include people who are sharing the same computer, living in the same house, or using the same Internet provider. Only block an IP address as a last resort. \
			</p> \
		';

		message += ' \
			<p style="text-align:center"><button onclick="Dsq.Post.blockUser(' + id + '); this.disabled=true; this.innerHTML=\'Just one moment...\'">Add to Blacklist</button></p> \
		';

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
	};

	this.remoteAccountSettings = function() {
		var body = '';
		// Set up IFrame.
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/_auth/embed/remote_settings/';
		var attributes = {id: 'dsq-popup-account-settings'};
		if (typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}

		body = Dsq.Templates._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
		this.popModal(body, 'Account Settings', null, true, 'dsq-popup-account-settings');
	};

	this.popModal = function(message, title, post_id, use_listener, extra_classes) {
		var container = document.createElement('div');
		var header, body;

		Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);

		if(typeof(title) == 'undefined') { title = ''; }
		if(typeof(use_listener) == 'undefined') { use_listener = true; }

		if(post_id) {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message-' + post_id;
		} else {
			container.id = 'dsq-popup-message';
		}

		header = title;
		body = message;

		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupModal(header, body);
		Dsq.Popup.initPopup(container, post_id, 'message', extra_classes);
		if(use_listener) {
			Dsq.Popup.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', Dsq.Popup._closePopup);
		}
	};

	this.popAlert = this.popModal;

	this.loading = function(post_id) {
		var title = Dsq.Strings.JUST_A_MOMENT;
		var body = '<div style="text-align:center; padding: 5px 0 10px 0"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif" alt="" /></div>'
		Dsq.Popup.lightbox(body, title, post_id);
	};

	this.lightbox = function(message, title, post_id) {
		// Wraps Dsq.Popup.popModal

		var overlay = document.createElement('div');
		overlay.id = 'dsq-overlay';
		overlay.className = 'dsq-overlay';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(overlay);
		
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, post_id, false, 'dsq-lightbox');
	};

	this.popProfile = function(post_id, userKey) {
		var post = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id];
		if (post && post.has_been_anonymized) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('This message was anonymized by its previous owner.', 'Anonymized', post_id);
			return;
		}

		if(post_id) {
			userKey = Dsq.jsonData['posts'][post_id].user_key;	
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][userKey];
		var elId = 'dsq-popup-profile-' + userKey;
		var container = document.createElement('div');

		if(this.activePopup.el) {
			this._closePopup(null, true);
			if(this.activePopup.linkClicked) {
				this.activePopup.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		container.id = elId;
		container.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.popupProfile(userKey);

		this.initPopup(container, post_id, 'profile');
		this.popupListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._closePopup);

		if(!this.profileCache[userKey]) {
			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/embed/profile.js'
				+ '?username=' + userKey
				+ '&anon=' + (userData['registered'] ? 0 : 1)
				+ '&f=' + Dsq.jsonData['request'].forum);
		} else {
			this.updateProfile(userKey);
		}
	};

	this._closePopup = function(e, force) {
		var activePopup = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.el;
		var id = Dsq.Popup.activePopup.id;
		var link = 'dsq-avatar-' + id; // HACK: Specific to profile toggle target

		// HACK: This event should be gone if there is no active popup.
		if(!activePopup) {
			return;
		}
		if(force || !Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, activePopup.id)) {
			// TODO: This is breaking iE?
			if(Dsq.Popup.popupListener) {
				Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Popup.popupListener);
			}
			
			// Kill overlay
			var overlay = Dsq.$('dsq-overlay');
			if(overlay) { Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(overlay); }
			
			try {
				Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(activePopup);
			} catch(e) {
				// HACK: IE6 throws an error when using deleteNode() with a node containing a <table> in the html.
				activePopup.parentNode.removeChild(activePopup);
			}
			Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {};
		}

		if(!force && Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Popup.activePopup.linkClicked = true;
		}

	};

	this.initPopup = function(popup, post_id, type, extra_classes) {
		popup.className = 'dsq-popup dsq-popup-' + type + ' ' + (extra_classes ? extra_classes : '');
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6 || Dsq.Utils.ie7) {
			// HACK: We can't modify the body before it's ready, so we need
			//       to use an IE-safe "DOMReady" workaround before loading
			//       our popup.
			Dsq.Utils.execOnReady(function() {Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup); });
		} else {
			Dsq.$b.appendChild(popup);
		}

		popup.style.display = 'block';

		var xPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[0] - popup.offsetWidth) / 2;
		var yPos = (Dsq.Utils.getWindowSize()[1] - popup.offsetHeight) / 2;

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
			yPos += Dsq.Utils.getScrollPos()[1];
		}

		popup.style.left = xPos + 'px';
		popup.style.top = yPos + 'px';

		Dsq.Popup.activePopup = {
			'el' : popup,
			'id' : post_id,
			'type': type,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};
	};

	this.isClicked = function(e, id) {
		var t = e.target || e.srcElement;
		while(t && t.parentNode) {
			if(t.id == id) {
				return true;
			}

			t = t.parentNode;
		}
		return false;
	};
};
// Dsq.Popup

/**
 * Dsq.Templates
 */
Dsq.Templates = new function() {
	/*
	 * Counter keeping track of the number of posts iterated over.
	 */
	this.postLoopCounter = 0;
	this.filters = {};
	this.addPostContainer = 'dsq-post-add';
	this.textareaContainer = 'dsq-post-add';

	this.registerTemplate = function(name, func) {
		this['$$_' + name] = func;

		if(typeof DsqLocal.Filters != 'undefined'
		&& typeof DsqLocal.Filters[name] == 'function') {
			// Push filters to this.filters to unify code.
			this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
			this.filters[name].push(DsqLocal.Filters[name]);
		}

		this[name] = function() {
			var ret;

			if(typeof DsqLocal.Templates != 'undefined'
			&& typeof DsqLocal.Templates[name] == 'function') {
				ret = DsqLocal.Templates[name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(ret === undefined) {
				ret = this['$$_' + name].apply(this, arguments);
			}

			if(this.filters[name]) {
				var args = [ret];

				args.push.apply(args, arguments);
				for(var i = 0; i < this.filters[name].length; i++) {
					ret = this.filters[name][i].apply(this, args);
				}
			}

			return ret;
		};
	};

	this.registerFilter = function(name, func) {
		this.filters[name] = this.filters[name] || [];
		this.filters[name].push(func);
	};

	/**
	 * Dsq.Templates.Filters
	 */
	this.Filters = new function() {
		this.commentContainer = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			var classes = [];
			if(Dsq.jsonData.request.page > 1) {
				classes.push('dsq-append');
			}

			//
			// Extra classes used for custom themes
			//

			if(_meta.depth) {
				classes.push('dsq-comment-child', 'dsq-depth-' + _meta.depth, 'dsq-parent-is-' + _meta.parent_post_id);
			}


			//

			if(_meta.author_is_creator) {
				// TODO: We need to deprecate the "special" class since it is not properly prefixed.
				classes.push('special', 'dsq-special');
			}
			if(_meta.author_is_moderator) {
				classes.push('dsq-moderator');
			}
			classes.push(['dsq-odd', 'dsq-even'][Dsq.Templates.postLoopCounter % 2]);

			s = s.substring(0, s.lastIndexOf('>'));
			return s + ' class="dsq-comment ' + classes.join(' ') + '" style="margin-left:' + _meta.depth*30 + 'px">';
		};

		this.commentContent = function(post_id, s) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
			if (_meta.killed) {
				return '<em>Comment removed.</em>';
			} else if (!_meta.approved) {
				return '<em>This comment was flagged for review.</em>';
			}

			s = s.replace(Dsq.MEDIA_POST_RE, Dsq.MediaPostHandler);
			return s;
		};
	};

	//
	// Thread
	//
	// TODO: These need to be stripped of all Django template tags.

	this.authPost = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			return '';
		}
		var result = [];
		result = result.concat([
				'<div id="dsq-auth"',
						Dsq.jsonData.integration.reply_position ? 'class="dsq-auth-bottom"' : '',
						'>',
					'<div class="dsq-by">',
						'<a href="http://disqus.com" target="_blank">',
							(Dsq.jsonData.integration.disqus_logo ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/by-disqus.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">') :
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img src="%(media_url)s/images/embed/dsq-button-120x19.png" alt="discussion by DISQUS">')
							),
						'</a>',
					'</div>',
					'<div class="dsq-auth-header">',
						'<h3 id="dsq-add-new-comment" class="dsq-h3-addcomment">',
								Dsq.Strings.ADD_NEW_COMMENT,
						'</h3>',
						'<div id="dsq-login">',
						(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated && Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post
								? '<p class="dsq-login-message" id="dsq-login-message">You are commenting as a <a class="dsq-help" title="Click for more information" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Guest</a>. You may select one to log into:</p>'
								: '')
		]);
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			result = result.concat([
							Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
								'<a id="dsq-login-toggle" href="%(disqus_url)s%(login_url)s?next=article:%(thread_id)s" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false"><img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsq-profile-btn.png" title="%(log_into)s" alt="%(log_into)s"/></a>',
								{login_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGIN, thread_id: Dsq.jsonData.thread.id, log_into: Dsq.Strings.LOG_INTO_DISQUS}
								),
							'&nbsp; ',
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ?
								'<div id="dsq-fbc-login" onlogin="DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin()" size="medium" background="light" length="short" style="display:inline; margin-right:7px"></div>' :
								''
							),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-twitter-login" class="dsq-twitter-login" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect();" style="display:inline; cursor: pointer"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/twitter-signin-short.png" style="margin-right:7px" /></div>', {}) : ''),
							(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ?
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate(
									'<div id="dsq-openid-login" class="dsq-openid-login" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.requestURL();" style="display:inline; cursor:pointer;"><img src="%(media_url)s/images/openid-login-button.png"/></div>', {}
								) : '')
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
						'</div>', // dsq-login
					'</div>', // dsq-auth-header
					'<div id="dsq-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated" ',
						Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated ? 'style="display:block"' : '',
						'>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-pic">',
								Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">' +
																			'<img class="dsq-post-avatar" src="%(avatar_url)s" alt="" /></a>',
																			{avatar_url: Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_AVATAR,
																			url: (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
																					 ? Dsq.jsonData.request.url
																					 : Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + Dsq.Urls.REQUEST_USER_PROFILE) }),
						'</div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>', {url:Dsq.jsonData.request.url})
										  )
										: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(
												Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(profile_url)s" title="%(request_display_username)s">%(request_display_username)s</a>')
											)
									),
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">',
									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="%(media_url)s/images/dsqicon12.png" alt="%(logged_in_as)s"/>&nbsp',
											{logged_in_as: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGGED_IN_AS(Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username)})
										: ''),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote
										? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="%(logout_from_disqus)s">',
											{logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN, logout_from_disqus: Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('DISQUS')})
										: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'twitter')
												? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using Twitter (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
												 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
												: ((Dsq.jsonData.request.remote_domain == 'openid')
													 ? Dsq.Utils.interpolate('using OpenID (<a href="%(disqus_url)s%(logout_url)s?ctkn=%(csrf_token)s" title="Logout">Logout</a>)',
													 {logout_url: Dsq.Urls.LOGOUT, csrf_token: Dsq.CSRF_TOKEN})
													 : ''
													)
											)
									),

									(!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_remote ? Dsq.FmtStrings.LOGOUT_FROM('<span class="logo-disqus">DISQUS</span>') : ''),
									'</a>',
								'</li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
		]);
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect) {
			result = result.concat([
					'<div id="dsq-fbc-authenticated" class="dsq-authenticated">',
						'<div id="dsq-fbc-profilepic" class="dsq-authenticated-pic" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.ProfilePic" size="square" facebook-logo="true"></div>',
						'<div class="dsq-authenticated-info">',
							'<ul>',
								'<li>',
									'Logged in as <span id="dsq-fbc-name" uid="loggedinuser" type="FB.XFBML.Name" linked="true" useyou="false"></span>',
								'</li>',
								'<li class="logout">using Facebook Connect <a href="#" onclick="javascript:DisqusFbcParentController.logout();return false;">(Logout)</a></li>',
							'</ul>',
						'</div>',
					'</div>'
			]);
		}
		result = result.concat([
				'</div>', // dsq-auth
				'<div id="dsq-toolbar-items">',
				'</div>'
		]);
		result = result.concat([
					//
					//
					//
				((!Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_post && !Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) ?
					// Needs to be translated:
					('<p id="dsq-no-anon-msg">Required: Please log into <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span> ' +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_fb_connect ? 'or connect with Facebook ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_twitter_signin ? 'or sign in with Twitter ' : '') +
					(Dsq.jsonData.context.use_openid ? 'or sign in using OpenID ' : '') +
					Dsq.Utils.interpolate('to comment on <strong>%(forum_name)s</strong>.</p>')) :
					''
				),
				'<div id="dsq-post-add"></div>',
				'<div style="margin:10px 0">',
				((Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media) ?
						'<a href="#" id="dsq-media-link" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, false, \'media\'); return false">' + Dsq.Strings.USE_MEDIA + ' <small>&#9660;</small></a>' :
						''),
				'</div>'
		]);
		return result.join('');
	};


	this.header = function() {

		var html = '\<h3 id="dsq-comments-count" class="dsq-h3-commentcount">\
	 <span id="dsq-num-posts">240</span> Comments\
	 &nbsp;\
	 <span class="dsq-item-feed">\
	 <a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken/latest.rss"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/bullet-feed.png"></a>\
	 </span>\
	 </h3>\
	 <div id="dsq-options" style="margin:15px 0">\
	 <span class="dsq-item-sort">\
	 Sort by\
	 <select id="dsq-sort-select" onchange="Dsq.Thread.sortBy(this.value);">\
	 <option value="hot" selected="selected">Popular now</option>\
	 <option value="best" >Best Rating</option>\
	 <option value="newest" >Newest first</option>\
	 <option value="oldest" >Oldest first</option>\
	 </select>\
	 &nbsp;\
	 </span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-cp"><a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken/">Community Page</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>\
	 <span class="dsq-item-subscribe">\
	 <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/email.png" style="width:12px;height:12px;vertical-align:middle">\
	 <span id="dsq-subscribe">\
	 <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a>\
	 </span>\
	 </span>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-alerts">\
	 <p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:9465676" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p>\
	 </div>\
		';

		

		
		if (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) { 
			html = ' \
			<div class="dsq-alert-message dsq-upgrade-message"> \
				<strong>Disqus upgrade available.</strong> Hi ' + Dsq.jsonData.request.display_username + ', this message is being displayed to you because you are a moderator of this site. <a href="#" onclick="Dsq.$(\'dsq-upgrade-message\').style.display=\'block\';this.style.display=\'none\';return false">Click here for details.</a> \
				<div style="display:none; margin-top:10px;" id="dsq-upgrade-message"> \
					A new theme is available with added features. <a href="http://disqus.com/comments/settings/' + Dsq.jsonData.forum.url + '/?p=customize">To change your theme, click here</a> and choose the theme Narcissus. \
					If you do not upgrade, you are missing out on features such as: real-time commenting, new sign-in integrations, and an upgrade interface. \
					<strong>This message will automatically go away in one week.</strong> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			' + html; 
		}
		return html;
	};

	this.footer = function() {
		var html = Dsq.Templates.pagination();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.authPost();
		

		html += Dsq.Templates.reactions();

		
			html += Dsq.Templates.trackbacks();
		

		return html;
	};

	this.pagination = function() {
		var html = '';
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) { Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = ''; }
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.thread.paginate) { return ''; }

		//
		// TODO: num_paginator still uses the template tag for pagination, 
		// 		while append_paginator does it all in JavaScript.
		//		This should all be in JavaScript.
		//

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages > 1 && Dsq.jsonData.request.page < Dsq.jsonData.thread.num_pages) {
			html = ' \<a class="dsq-paginate-append-text" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this); return false">Show more comments...</a>\
	 <button class="dsq-button-small dsq-paginate-append-button" onclick="Dsq.Thread.paginate(Dsq.jsonData.request.page + 1, this);">Load more comments</button>\
			';
		}
		
		if (Dsq.$('dsq-pagination')) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML = html;
			return '';
		} else {
			return '<div id="dsq-pagination" class="dsq-pagination">' + html + '</div>';
		}
	};

	this.trackbacks = function() {
		var html = '';

		if(typeof DsqLocal != 'undefined' && DsqLocal.trackback_url && DsqLocal.trackbacks) {
			var trackbacks = DsqLocal.trackbacks;
			var trackback_url = DsqLocal.trackback_url;
		} else {
			var trackbacks = [
			
			
			];
			var trackback_url = 'http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken/trackback/';
		}

		html += '<div class="dsq-item-trackback">Trackback URL&nbsp;&nbsp;<input class="dsq-trackback-url" onclick="this.select()" readonly="true" value="' + trackback_url + '"></div>';

		if(trackbacks.length) {
			html += '<ul id="dsq-references">'
			for(var i = 0; i < trackbacks.length; i++) {
				var trackback = trackbacks[i];
				html += '<li><cite><a href="' + trackback.author_url + '" rel="nofollow">' + trackback.author_name + '</a></cite> \
						<p class="dsq-meta">' + trackback.date + '</p> \
						<p class="dsq-content">' + trackback.excerpt + '</p></li>';
			}
			html += '</ul>';
			html = '<h3 class="dsq-h3-trackbacks">Trackbacks</h3>' + html;
		}

		return html;
	}

	this.showRetweets = function(id, limit, element_id /* Optional */) {
		var source, html = '';

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			if (reaction.id === id) {
				source = reaction.retweets;
			}
		}

		if (source) {
			if (limit === 0) {
				limit = source.length;
			}

			for (var j = 0; j < limit; j++) {
				var rt = source[j];
				html += '<a href="' + rt.url + '">' + rt.author_name + '</a>'	+ ((j === (limit - 1)) ? '.' : ', ');
			}
		}

		if (element_id === undefined) {
			return html;
		}

		var element = document.getElementById(element_id);
		element.innerHTML = html;
		return element;
	};

	this.showMoreReactions = function(reactions, has_more, start, limit) {
		var link = document.getElementById('dsq-show-more-reactions');
		var container = link.parentNode;
		container.removeChild(link);

		for (var i = 0, reaction; reaction = reactions[i]; i++) {
			var el = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (el) {
				container.innerHTML += el;
			}
		}

		if (has_more) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = start;
			var l = limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			container.innerHTML += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}
	};

	this.generateReactionHTML = function(reaction) {
		if (reaction.body === null || reaction.body == '') {
			return;
		}

		if (reaction.author_name === '') {
			reaction.author_name = '&nbsp;';
		}

		if (reaction.url === '') {
			reaction.url = reaction.get_service_url;
		}

		/* Reaction HTML begins */
		var item = '<li class="dsq-reaction" id="dsq-reaction-' + reaction.id + '">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-header">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-header-avatar">';

		if (reaction.author_url && reaction.author_url !== '') {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="' + reaction.author_url +'">';
		} else {
			item += '<a target="_blank" href="#" onclick="return false;">';
		}

		if (reaction.avatar_url && reaction.avatar_url !== '') {
			item += '<img src="' + reaction.avatar_url + '"/>';
		} else {
			item += '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/noavatar32.png"/>';
		}

		var service_icon = (reaction.get_service_name == 'trackback' || reaction.get_service_name == 'pingback' ? 'rss' : reaction.get_service_name.replace(' ', ''));
		item += '<img class="dsq-service-icon" src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/reactions/services/' + service_icon + '.png"/>'
			+ '</a></div>'
			+ '<cite><span>' + reaction.author_name + '</span></cite>'
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"><a class="dsq-header-time">' + reaction.date_created + '</a></span>'
			+ '</div><div class="dsq-reaction-body">'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-message">' + reaction.body + '</div>'
			+ '<div class="dsq-reaction-footer">From <a class="dsq-service-name" target="_blank" href="' + reaction.url + '">' + reaction.get_service_name + '</a> '
			+ 'via ' + (reaction.source == 'backtype' ? '<a href="http://backtype.com/">BackType</a>' : '<a href="' + reaction.source_url + '">UberVU</a>')
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator ? '&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;<a class="dsq-hide-reaction" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Reaction.hide(' + reaction.id + '); return false;">Hide</a>' : '') + '</div></div>';

		if(reaction.retweets) {
			var num_retweets = reaction.retweets.length;
			if (num_retweets > 0) {
				item += '<div class="dsq-reaction-retweets">';
				if (num_retweets == 1) {
					item += 'One more retweet from <a href="' + reaction.retweets[0].url + '">'  + reaction.retweets[0].author_name + '</a>';
				} else {
					item += (num_retweets + ' more retweets from ');

					item += '<span id="dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '">';
					var n_tweets = (num_retweets > 15) ? 15 : num_retweets;
					item += Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(reaction.id, n_tweets);

					if (n_tweets != num_retweets) {
						item += '</span> <a onclick="Dsq.Templates.showRetweets(' + reaction.id + ', 0, \'dsq-reaction-retweets-' + reaction.id + '\');'
							+ 'this.parentNode.removeChild(this); return false;" href="#">Show all</a>';
					}
				}
				item += '</div>';
			}
		}

		item += '</li>'; /* Reaction HTML ends */
		return item;
	};

	this.reactions = function() {
		var html, reaction;

		if (Dsq.jsonData.reactions === undefined || Dsq.jsonData.reactions.length === 0) {
			return '';
		}

		html = '';
		for (var i = 0; reaction = Dsq.jsonData.reactions[i]; i++) {
			var item = Dsq.Templates.generateReactionHTML(reaction);
			if (item) {
				html += item;
			}
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.has_more_reactions) {
			var d = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url;
			var f = Dsq.jsonData.forum.url;
			var t = Dsq.jsonData.thread.id;
			var s = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_start;
			var l = Dsq.jsonData.reactions_limit;

			var handler = 'Dsq.Utils.execScript(\'' + d + '/forums/' + f + '/more_reactions.js?t=' + t + '&s=' + s + '&l=' + l + '\', true); return false;';
			html += '<li id="dsq-show-more-reactions"><a href="#" onclick="' + handler + '">Show more reactions</a></li>';
		}

		return '<h3 class="dsq-h3-reactions">Reactions</h3><ul id="dsq-reactions" class="dsq-reactions">' + html + '</ul>';
	};
	
	this.missingPermissions = function() {
		return '	<p><a href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:9465676" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">You must log into your Disqus Profile in order to post comments.</a></p> \n';
	};

	//
	// Post
	//

	this.prependPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="comment-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.appendPost = function(post_id) {
		var html = '<div id="dsq-comment-reply-' + post_id + '"></div>';
		return html;
	};

	this.postPrependHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-header-avatar" id="dsq-header-avatar-' + post_id + '" onmouseover="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')"> \
				<a id="dsq-avatar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-avatar" href="' + userData.url + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">'
			+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.show_avatar
				? '<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key].avatar + '" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '</a>'
			+ '</div> \
		';
	};

	this.postAppendHeader = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];

		return ''
			+ (_meta.author_is_moderator
				? '<img class="dsq-mod-star" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/bullet-star.png" title="Moderator" alt="" />'
				: '')
			+ '<span class="dsq-header-meta"> \
				<a id="dsq-time-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-header-time" href="#comment-' + post_id + '" title="Permalink">' + _meta.date + '</a> \
			</span>';
	};

	this.preBody = function(post_id) {
		return '';
	}

	this.postBody = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Deprecate flagging conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		return ''
			+ (_meta.edited
				? '<p class="dsq-editedtxt">(Edited by a moderator)</p>'
				: '')
			;
	};

	this.postFooter = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: Use media should be conditional
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		if(_meta.killed) { return ''; }

		return ' \
			<div class="dsq-comment-footer" id="dsq-comment-footer-' + post_id + '"> \
				<div id="dsq-points-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-likedtxt">'
				+ (_meta.points
					? _meta.points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(_meta.points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.'
					: '')
				+ '</div>'
				+ '<ul class="dsq-comment-options dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.votable
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first dsq-rate" id="dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id + '">'
					+ (!_meta.up_voted
						? '<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.rate(this, ' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Like</a>'
						: 'You liked this.') + '</li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-report' + (!_meta.votable ? ' dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-post-report-' + post_id + '"><a href="#" class="dsq-post-report" onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + post_id + ', false); return false;">Report</a></li> \
				</ul> \
				<ul class="dsq-list-style">'
				+ (_meta.can_reply
					? '<li class="dsq-list-first"><a href="#" id="dsq-reply-link-' + post_id +'" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleReply(this, ' + post_id +'); return false;">Reply</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ (_meta.can_reply && !_meta.has_replies && _meta.from_request_user
					? '<li id="dsq-edit-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-edit-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit</a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="' + (!_meta.can_reply ? 'dsq-list-first' : '') + '" id="dsq-more-el-' + post_id + '"><a id="dsq-more-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'more\'); return false">More <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
				+ (Dsq.jsonData.forum.use_media
					? '<li id="dsq-media-el-' + post_id +'" style="display:none"><a id="dsq-media-link-' + post_id + '" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.showMenu(this, ' + post_id + ', \'media\'); return false">Use Media <small>&#9660;</small></a></li>'
					: '')
				+ '</ul>'
				+ '<div id="dsq-reply-bar-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar" style="display:none"> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-items-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-items"> \
						</div> \
						<div id="dsq-reply-bar-auth-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-reply-bar-auth"> \
							 \
								 \
									<a href="#" class="dsq-help dsq-reply-req-opt" title="You must log into an account in order to comment on Jack and Jill Politics" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges(); return false">Required:</a> \
								 \
								<img class="dsq-login-icon" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/dsq-favicon-16x16.png" alt="" /> \
								<a id="dsq-reply-login-' + post_id + '" href="http://disqus.com/profile/login/?next=article:9465676" onclick="Dsq.Popup.login(); return false">Login</a> \
								 \
									&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img class="fb_login_image" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/fbconnect/login-buttons/connect_light_small_short.gif" alt="Facebook Connect"/> \
									<a href="#" onclick="FB.Connect.requireSession(DisqusFbcParentController.onLogin); return false;">Connect</a> \
								 \
								&nbsp;or&nbsp; \
									<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/twitter-signin-icon.png" alt="" /> \
									<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Twitter.startTwitterConnect(); return false">Sign-in</a> \
								 \
								 \
							 \
						</div> \
					</div> \
					<div id="dsq-reply-' + post_id + '"></div> \
			</div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Iframes
	//

	this._makeAttributes = function(attributes) {
		// Makes a tag attributes string out of an object.
		// Caller is responsible for making sure nothing needs to be escaped.
		var result = [];
		for (key in attributes) {
			result.push(' ' + key + '="' + attributes[key] + '"');
		}
		result = result.join('');
		return result;
	};

	this._frameGeneric = function(base_url, params, attributes) {
		if(typeof(disqus_callback_params) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_callback_params = '';
		}

		var default_params = {
			// TODO: These should be moved to Dsq.jsonData.
			'f'				: 'jackandjillpolitics',
			't'				: 'burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken',
			// Do we need encodeURIComponent here?
			'ifrs'			: encodeURIComponent(disqus_iframe_css),
			'to_redirect'	: encodeURIComponent(window.location),
			'cbp'			: disqus_callback_params,
			'ff'			: Dsq.Thread.ff,
			'fc'			: Dsq.Thread.fc,
			'ac'			: Dsq.Thread.ac,
			'default_text'	: disqus_default_text
		};

		base_url += '?' + (new Date()).getTime();
		// Add params to default_params.
		if(params) {
			for(var key in params) {
				if(params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					default_params[key] = encodeURIComponent(params[key]);
				}
			}
		}
		// Build querystring.
		for(var key in default_params) {
			if(default_params[key] && default_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				base_url += '&' + key + '=' + default_params[key];
			}
		}

		return [
			'<iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0"',
			(' allowtransparency="true" src="' + base_url + '"'),
			this._makeAttributes(attributes),
			'</iframe>'].join('');
	};

	this.frameLogin = function(opt_attributes) {
		var params = {};
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/login.html';
		var attributes = opt_attributes || {};
		attributes['class'] = 'dsq-post-login';

		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameReply = function(post_id, extra_params, attributes) {
		// Returns the HTML for a reply iframe. Called by Dsq.Iframes.setReplyIframeToContainer
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = Dsq.Urls.REPLY;
		var params = {
			'def_email'		: disqus_def_email,
			'def_name'		: disqus_def_name
		};
		if(extra_params) {
			for(var key in extra_params) {
				if(extra_params.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
					params[key] = extra_params[key];
				}
			}
		}
		if(_meta) {
			params['parent_post'] = post_id;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined') {
			params['per_page'] = disqus_per_page;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_frame_theme != 'undefined') {
			params['theme'] = disqus_frame_theme;
		}
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated) {
			attributes['class'] += '-authenticated';
		}
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, attributes);
	};

	this.frameEdit = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = (typeof post_id != 'undefined') ? Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] : false;
		var base_url = 'http://disqus.com/embed/edit.html';
		var params = {
			'p' : post_id
		};
		return this._frameGeneric(base_url, params, {'class': 'dsq-post-edit', 'name': 'dsq-edit_' + post_id + '-frame'});
	};

	//
	// Menus
	//

	this.menuMore = function(post_id) {
		// TODO: "Remove post" button should hide menu.
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#comment-' + post_id + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.permalink(' + post_id + ')">Link</a></li> \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Profile</a></li>'
	+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || Dsq.jsonData.request.is_global_moderator
		? '	<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>' + (_meta.email ? '<li class="dsq-admin-email">' + _meta.email + '</li>' : '')
		+ '	<li class="dsq-admin-ip">' + _meta.ip + '</li> \
			<li class="dsq-menu-sep"></li>'
		+ (Dsq.jsonData.request.moderator_can_edit
			? ' <li class="dsq-admin-edit"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.edit(this, ' + post_id + '); return false;">Edit Comment</a></li>'
			: '')
		+ ' <li class="dsq-remove"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.removePost(' + post_id + ', 1); return false;">Remove Comment</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-report-spam"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.reportSpam(' + post_id + '); return false;">Mark Spam</a></li> \
			<li class="dsq-block-user"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.blacklist(' + post_id + '); return false">Block User</a></li>'
		: '');
	};

	this.menuMedia = function(post_id) {
		return ' \
			<li><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(this, ' + post_id + ', \'seesmic\'); return false;">Record video</a></li> \
		';
	};

	this.dropProfile = function(post_id) {
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id];
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][_meta.user_key];

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(null, post_id);
			var html = '';
			var hiddenThreshold = 3; // Define # of services to show before stuffing them in hidden div

			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == hiddenThreshold
					? '<li id="dsq-drop-hidden-' + post_id +'" class="dsq-drop-hidden"><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li class="dsq-drop-services"> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank"> \
						<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>';
			}

			if(i >= hiddenThreshold) {
				html += '</ul></li> \
				<li id="dsq-drop-more-' + post_id + '" class="dsq-drop-more"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Post.dropProfileMore(this, '+ post_id + '); return false"><small>&#9660;</small></a></li> \
				';
			}
			return html;
		};


		var menu = '<li class="dsq-drop-showlnk"><a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup.popProfile(' + post_id + '); return false;">Expand &#8663;</a></li>';
		var pointsMessage = '';
		if (userData['registered']) {
			pointsMessage = 'with ' + userData['points'] + ' points (more points are better).';
		}

		if (userData['is_remote']) {
			var domain = userData['remote_domain_name'];
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' is a ' + domain + ' user ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
			menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-' + domain.toLowerCase() + '">' + domain + '</span></li>';
		} else if (userData['registered']) {
			if (userData['verified']) {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a verified commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-verified">Verified</span></li>';
			} else {
				menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has a registered, but unverified, commenter profile ' + pointsMessage + '" onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()">';
				menu += '<span class="dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span></li>';
			}
		} else {
			menu += '<li class="dsq-drop-badge" title="' + userData['display_name'] + ' has not claimed this commenter profile." onclick="Dsq.Popup.helpBadges()"><span class="dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span></li>';
		}

		menu += _includeServices();
		return menu;
	};

	//
	// Popups
	//

	this._popupGeneric = function(content) {
		return ' \
		<div class="dsq-popup-content"> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-top"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-body" class="clearfix"> \
				<div class="dsq-popup-body-padding"> \
					<div class="dsq-popup-header"> \
						<a class="dsq-close-link" href="#" onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true); return false"><img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/modal-close.png" alt="" /></a>'
						+ content['header']
					+ '</div>'
					+ content['body']
					+ '<div class="powered-by"><a href="http://disqus.com/comments/">Powered by <img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/embed/disqus-logo.png" alt="Disqus Comments" style="margin-bottom:-5px" /></a></div> \
				</div> <!-- padding --> \
			</div> <!-- body --> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-bottom"></div> \
		</div> \
		';
	};

	this.popupProfile = function(user_key) {
		var userServices = Dsq.Post.getUserServices(user_key, null);
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		var _includeServices = function() {
			var html = '';
			for(var i = 0; i < userServices.length; i++) {
				html +=
				(i == 0
					? '<h4>Connections</h4><ul>'
					: '')
				+ '<li> \
					<img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.media_url + '/images/embed/services/' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '.png" alt="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" title="' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" /> \
					<a class="dsq-service-' + userServices[i].name.toLowerCase() + '" href="' + userServices[i].url + '" target="_blank">'
					+ userServices[i].name
					+ '</a> \
				</li>'
				+ (i+1 == userServices.length ? '</ul>' : '');
			}
			return html;
		};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<table> \
				<tr> \
					<td> \
						<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><img class="dsq-popup-profile-avatar" src="' + userData['avatar'] + '" alt="" /></a> \
					</td> \
					<td> \
						<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user"> \
							<h3>' + userData['display_name'] + '</h3> \
							<div class="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats" id="dsq-popup-profile-user-stats-' + user_key + '">Loading...</div> \
						</div> \
					</td> \
				</tr> \
			</table> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-state"> \
				This is a&nbsp;<span class="'
					+ (userData['registered']
						? (userData['verified']
							? ' dsq-badge-verified'
							: (userData['is_remote']
								? ' dsq-badge-' + userData['remote_domain_name'].toLowerCase()
								: ' dsq-badge-registered')
							)
							: ' dsq-badge-guest') + '">'
			+ (userData['registered']
				? (userData['verified']
					? 'Verified'
					: (userData['is_remote']
						 ? userData['remote_domain_name']
						 : 'Registered')
					)
				: 'Guest')
			+ '</span>&nbsp;commenter profile.'
			+ '&nbsp;<a class="dsq-profile-userurl" href="' + userData.url + '"><strong>View more comments </strong></a>'
			+ (!userData['points']
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice">If this is you, <a href="http://disqus.com/profile" target="_blank">claim it now</a> to manage your comments.</p>'
				: '')
			+ ((userData['registered'] && !userData['verified'] && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username && (Dsq.jsonData.request.username == userData['username'])) && !userData['is_remote'])
				? '<p class="dsq-popup-notice"><strong>Alert</strong>: You have not verified this account. <a href="http://disqus.com/verify">Verify it now.</a></p>'
				: '')
			+ '</div> \
			<div id="dsq-profile-status-' + user_key + '" class="dsq-popup-profile-status" style="display:none"></div> \
			<div class="dsq-popup-profile-snapshot"> \
				<table> \
					<tr> \
						<td> \
							<div id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Most active sites</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-active-sites-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
						<td>'
							+ _includeServices()
							+ '<div id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-wrapper-' + user_key + '"> \
								<h4>Moderator of</h4> \
								<ul id="dsq-popup-profile-moderated-' + user_key + '"> \
									<li>Loading...</li> \
								</ul> \
							</div> \
						</td> \
					</tr> \
				</table> \
			</div> \
			';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupReblog = function() {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<cite><span>Reblog this comment</span></cite> \
		';

		bodyHtml = ' \
			<div id="dsq-reblog-form" class="dsq-reblog-form"> \
			</div> \
		';

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.popupModal = function(title, message) {
		var headerHtml = '';
		var bodyHtml = '';
		var content = {};

		headerHtml = ' \
			<h3>' + title + '</h3> \
		';

		bodyHtml = message;

		content = {
			'header': headerHtml,
			'body': bodyHtml
		};

		return this._popupGeneric(content);
	};

	this.alertContent = function(name, post_id) {
		var alert = {
			'post_not_approved': {
				'title': 'Comment awaiting approval by a moderator',
				'message': 'Thanks for posting. Your comment must be approved by a moderator before appearing here.'
			},
			'post_has_profile': {
				'title': 'Use your existing commenter profile',
				'message': 'You have just posted your commment as a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-guest">Guest</span>, but you may already have a <span class="dsq-badge dsq-badge-registered">Registered</span> commenter profile.<br /><br /><a href="http://disqus.com/claim">Log in and claim this comment!</a>'
			}
		};
		return alert[name] || false;
	};

	//
	// Actions
	//

	this.voted = function(post_id, points, vote) {
		// Update number of points
		Dsq.$('dsq-points-' + post_id).innerHTML = points + Dsq.Utils.pluralize(points, ' person', ' people') + ' liked this comment.';

		// Update link text
		if(vote) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + post_id).innerHTML = 'You liked this.';
		}
	};

	this.subscribed = function(status) {
		var title, message;

		if(status) {
			title = 'Subscribed!';
			message = 'You have subscribed to this comment thread. New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox, where you may read and respond by email.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(0); return false">Unsubscribe</a> \
			';
		} else {
			title = 'Unsubscribed';
			message = 'You have unsubscribed to this comment thread. New comments will no longer be sent to your email inbox.';
			Dsq.$('dsq-subscribe').innerHTML = ' \
				<a href="#" onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1); return false">Subscribe by email</a> \
			';
		}

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);

	};
	
	this.highlighted = function() {
		Dsq.Popup.popModal('This comment has been highlighted.', 'Highlighted comment');
	};

	//
	// Media
	//

	this.mediaSeesmic = function(id, thumb) {
		return ' \
			<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_preview" class="dsq-seesmic-preview"><a href="http://www.seesmic.com/video/' + id + '" target="_blank" class="see_link">&nbsp;</a> \
				<div style="display:block;width:160px; height:120px; border:none; background-image:url(http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/' + thumb + ')"> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_hide" class="seePlayOverlay" style="display:none;"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',false)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/stopOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
					<div id="dsq-seesmic-' + id + '_show" class="seePlayOverlay"><img onclick="see_play_video(\'' + id + '\',true)" src="http://media.disqus.com/images/seesmic/playOverlay.png" width="50" height="50" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; border:none; padding-top: 30px; padding-left: 50px" alt="" /></div> \
				</div> \
			</div> \
			<div id="' + id + '_content" style="display:block; width:100%; padding-top:5px"></div> \
		';
	};

	//
	// Callbacks
	//

	this.postComment_onSuccess = function(parent_post_id) {
		// Increment post count
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');
		
		if (num_posts) { 
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) { 
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML) + 1;
		}
	};
};
// Dsq.Templates


/**
 * Dsq.Post
 */
Dsq.Post = new function() {
	this.openedMenu = {};
	this.menuEventListener = null;
	this.stateReplyToggled = {};
	this.stateEditToggled = {};
	this.stateRecordLink = {};

	/**
	 * Inserts a new post into the document.
	 *
	 * @param after_id {Number}	Insert a post before specified id.  If after_id
	 *							evaluates to false, then post in the front.  If
	 *							after_id is -1, post at the end.
	 */
	this.insert = function(after_id, id, message, author) {
		// Skeleton template from thread_posts.html.
		var skeleton = ' \
			<li id="dsq-comment-%(id)s"> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-header-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-header"> \
					<cite id="dsq-cite-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-cite"> \
						<a id="dsq-author-user-%(id)s" href="%(author_url)s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">%(author_name)s</a> \
					</cite> \
				</div> \
				<div id="dsq-comment-body-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-body"> \
					<div id="dsq-comment-message-%(id)s" class="dsq-comment-message">%(message)s</div> \
				</div> \
			</li> \
		';
		var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
		var _user_meta = Dsq.jsonData.users[_meta.user_key];
		var markup = Dsq.Utils.interpolate(skeleton, {
			id: id,
			message: message,
			author_url: _user_meta.blog,
			author_name: _user_meta.display_name
		});
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		markup = markup.replace(Dsq.COMMENTS_RE, Dsq.CommentsHandler);
		div.innerHTML = markup;

		if (after_id === -1) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').appendChild(div);
		} else if (!after_id) {
			Dsq.$('dsq-comments').insertBefore(div, Dsq.$('dsq-comments').firstChild);
		} else if (Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + after_id)) {
			// Get next node after "after_id", so we can insert before it.
			// If "after_id" is the last comment, the target node is the
			// last node.
			
			// var append_post_id = Dsq.Templates.appendPost(after_id).replace('<div id="','').replace('"></div>', '');
			var append_post_id = 'dsq-append-post-' + after_id;
			var node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			while (node = node.nextSibling) {
				if (!node || node.nodeType == 1) { // 1 == Node.ELEMENT_NODE
					break;
				}
			}
			if (!node) {
				node = Dsq.$(append_post_id);
			}
			node.parentNode.insertBefore(div, node);
		}
	};

	this.incrementPostCount = function() {
		
		var num_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-num-posts');
		var total_posts = Dsq.$('dsq-total-posts');

		if (num_posts) {
			num_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(num_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
		if (total_posts) {
			total_posts.innerHTML = parseInt(total_posts.innerHTML, 10) + 1;
		}
	}
	
	this.outlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className += ' dsq-comment-outline';
		setTimeout("(function () { Dsq.Post.clearOutlineComment(" + post_id + ") })()", 3000);
	};
	
	this.clearOutlineComment = function(post_id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-' + post_id).className.replace('dsq-comment-outline', '');
	};

	this.showMenu = function(el, id, name) {
		var anchorPos = Dsq.Utils.findPos(el);
		var menu = document.createElement('ul');

		if(this.openedMenu) {
			if(this.openedMenu.linkClicked) {
				this.openedMenu.linkClicked = false;
				return;
			}
		}

		switch(name) {
			case 'more':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMore(id);
				break;
			case 'media':
				menu.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.menuMedia(id);
				break;
			default:
				break;
		}

		// Add menu to document body
		menu.id = 'dsq-menu-' + id;
		menu.className = 'dsq-menu';
		Dsq.$b.appendChild(menu);

		// Position and show
		anchorPos[1] += 15;
		menu.style.left = anchorPos[0] + 'px';
		menu.style.top = anchorPos[1] + 'px';
		menu.style.display = 'block';

		// Set global reference
		this.openedMenu = {
			'el' : menu,
			'id' : id,
			'name' : name,
			'linkClicked' : false
		};

		// Set listener
		this.menuEventListener = Dsq.Utils.addEventListener(document, 'mouseup', this._hideMenu);
	};

	this._hideMenu = function(e) {
		var el = e.target || e.srcElement;
		var openedMenu = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el;
		var id = Dsq.Post.openedMenu.id;

		if(!id) {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link';
		} else {
			var link = 'dsq-' + Dsq.Post.openedMenu.name + '-link-' + id;
		}

		if(!openedMenu) {
			return;
		}

		if(!Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, openedMenu.id)) {
			openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
			Dsq.Utils.removeEventListener(Dsq.Post.menuEventListener);
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(openedMenu);

		} else {
			// Hide the menu if a link was clicked inside the menu.  We can't
			// completely remove the menu until the onclick event on the link
			// fires, but the menuEventListener will prevent multiple menus
			// from polluting the DOM.
			if(el && typeof el.href != 'undefined') {
				openedMenu.style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Post.openedMenu.el = null;
			}
		}

		if(Dsq.Popup.isClicked(e, link)) {
 			Dsq.Post.openedMenu.linkClicked = true;
		}
	};


	this.getUserServices = function(user_key, id) {
		if(!user_key && id) {
			var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
			user_key = _meta.user_key;
		}
		var userData = Dsq.jsonData['users'][user_key];
		var userServices = [];

		// Keep a full list of supported services. This is the order they will display in the drop-profile.
		// Each service must have a corresponding case in _buildServiceUrl()
		var supportedServices = ['blog', 'twitter', 'facebook', 'tumblr'];

		function _buildServiceUrl(serviceName) {
			var data = userData[serviceName];
			var services = {
				blog:		function(d) { return d; },
				twitter:	function(d) { return d; },
				facebook:	function(d) { return d; },
				tumblr:		function(d) { return 'http://' + d + '.tumblr.com'; }
			};
			return services[serviceName](data);
		}

		for(var i = 0; i < supportedServices.length; i++) {
			if(userData[supportedServices[i]]) {
				var serviceUrl = _buildServiceUrl(supportedServices[i]);
				userServices.push({'name' : supportedServices[i], 'url' : serviceUrl});
			}
		}
		return userServices;
	}

	this.dropProfile = function(id) {
		var dp = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-profile-' + id);

		// IE6 needs JS to display/hide. All other browsers use CSS.
		if(dp) {
			if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) dp.style.display = (dp.style.display == 'inline') ? 'none' : 'inline';
			return false;
		} else {
			dp = document.createElement('ul');
		}

		dp.id = 'dsq-drop-profile-' + id;
		dp.className = 'dsq-drop-profile';

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) { dp.style.display = 'inline'; }

		var container = Dsq.$('dsq-header-avatar-' + id);
		dp.innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.dropProfile(id);
		container.appendChild(dp);
	};

	this.dropProfileMore = function(el, id) {
		var hiddenItems = Dsq.$('dsq-drop-hidden-' + id);

		hiddenItems.style.display = 'inline';
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
	};

	this._updateReplyLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "reply / cancel" links based on state.
		var displayDict = {};

		if(id) {
			if(this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				el.innerHTML = 'Cancel';
				displayDict['media'] = 'inline';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'none';
			} else {
				el.innerHTML = 'Reply';
				displayDict['media'] = 'none';
				displayDict['edit'] = 'inline';
			}
		}

		for(var key in displayDict) {
			if(displayDict.hasOwnProperty(key)) {
				var	linkEl = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-el-' + id),
					spacer = Dsq.$('dsq-' + key + '-spacer-' + id);

				if(linkEl) {
					linkEl.style.display = displayDict[key];
					if(spacer) spacer.style.display = displayDict[key];
				}
			}
		}
	};

	this._updateMediaLinks = function(el, id) {
		// Update "use media / cancel" links based on state.
		var appendId = (id) ? ('-' + id) : '';
		var link = Dsq.$('dsq-media-link' + appendId);

		if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			link.innerHTML = 'Cancel Media';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.toggleMediaReply(link, id); return false; };
		} else {
			link.innerHTML = 'Use Media <small>&#9660;</small>';
			link.onclick = function() { Dsq.Post.showMenu(link, id, 'media'); return false; };
		}
	};

	this.toggleReply = function(el, id) {
		// Create reply IFrame
		if (window.disqus_use_postmessage) {
			if (!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				// Create IFrame if it doesn't exist.
				if (!Dsq.frames['reply_' + id]) {
					var _meta = Dsq.jsonData.posts[id];
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id] = new Dsq.ReplyFrame(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-frame-' + id), id);
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].init();
					Dsq.frames['reply_' + id].setState(id, _meta.depth);
				}
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
			}
		} else {
			// DEPRECATED
			if(!this.stateReplyToggled[id]) {
				// Reply toolbar
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'block';
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id), id);
			} else {
				Dsq.$('dsq-reply-bar-' + id).style.display = 'none';
				Dsq.Iframes.hideAllInContainer(Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id));
				if(this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
					// HACK: Cancel media before canceling self.
					this.toggleMediaReply(Dsq.$('dsq-media-link-' + id), id);
				}
			}
		}

		this.stateReplyToggled[id] = !this.stateReplyToggled[id];
		this._updateReplyLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-reply-' + id); }

		Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED, {
			postId: id,
			opened: this.stateReplyToggled[id]
		});
	};

	this.toggleMediaReply = function(el, id, xtype) {
		id = id || 0;
		if(id) {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + id);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(!this.stateRecordLink[id]) {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id, {xtype:xtype}, 'dsq-post-video');
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, id);
		}
		this.stateRecordLink[id] = !this.stateRecordLink[id];
		this._updateMediaLinks(el, id);

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};

	this.edit = function(el, id) {
		Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id).innerHTML = Dsq.Templates.frameEdit(id);
		el.parentNode.style.display = 'none';
		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE('dsq-comment-message-' + id); }
	};

    this.rate = function(el, id, vote) {
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || Dsq.jsonData.forum.allow_anon_votes) {
			if(vote == 1) {
                Dsq.$('dsq-rate-cont-' + id).innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
            }

            Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/vote.js'
                + '?post_id='    + id
                + '&vote='        + vote);

		} else {
			Dsq.Popup.login(Dsq.Strings.TO_RATE_PLEASE_LOG_IN);
		}
    };

	this.report = function(id, confirmed) {
		if(confirmed) {
			Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken/post_report/', {'post_id': id});
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Thank you. This comment has been flagged for moderator attention.', 'Successfully flagged');
			Dsq.Utils.deleteNode(Dsq.$('dsq-post-report-' + id));
		} else {
			var title = Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT;
			var message = Dsq.Strings.ARE_YOU_SURE_YOU_WOULD_LIKE_TO_REPORT_THIS_COMMENT_TO_A_MODERATOR + '? \
			<br /><br /> \
			<button onclick="Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true)"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.NO + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.NEVER_MIND + '</button>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<button onclick="Dsq.Post.report(' + id + ', true);"><strong>' + Dsq.Strings.YES + '</strong>, ' + Dsq.Strings.FLAG_INAPPROPRIATE_COMMENT + '</button><br /><br />'
			+ Dsq.Strings.THIS_WILL_FLAG_COMMENTS_FOR_MODERATORS_TO_TAKE_ACTION + '. \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title, id);
		}
	};



	this.showAlert = function(id, msg) {
		var msgEl = Dsq.$('dsq-comment-message-' + id);
		var alert = '<div class="dsq-comment-alert">' + msg + '</div>';

		msgEl.innerHTML = alert + msgEl.innerHTML;
	};

};
// Dsq.Post


/**
 * Dsq.Thread
 */
Dsq.Thread = new function() {
	this.fc = null;
	this.ff = null;
	this.ac = null;

	
	this.adminIsOn = false;

	
	
	

	this.hlComment = null;
	this.hlCommentClass = null;

	this.getNextComment = function(el) {
		var start_id = el.id;
		while(el = el.nextSibling) {
			if(el.id && el.id.indexOf('dsq-comment-') != -1 && el.id != start_id) {
				return el;
			}
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.getActiveCommentId = function() {
		if (document.URL.indexOf('#comment-') >= 0) {
			var anchor = document.URL.slice(document.URL.indexOf('#') + 1);
			return anchor.replace('comment-', '');
		}
		return null;
	};

	this.highlightAnchor = function() {
		var i = this.getActiveCommentId();
		if (i == null) return false;
		var id = 'dsq-comment-' + i;
		var hash = window.location.hash;

		// Toggle the hash incase the comment isn't available when the page loads
		// for WebKit-based browsers.
		if (Dsq.Utils.webkit) {
			window.location.hash = '';
			window.location.hash = hash;
		}

		this.hlComment = Dsq.$(id);
		// Adding this conditional guard pending #289
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlCommentClass = this.hlComment.className;
		this.hlComment.className += ' dsq-hl-anchor';

		setTimeout("Dsq.Thread.highlightClear()", 3000);
	};

	this.highlightClear = function() {
		if (!this.hlComment) {
			return;
		}
		this.hlComment.className = this.hlCommentClass;
	};

	this.login = function(toggle) {
		// toggle id is #dsq-reply-login-[id]
		var postId;
		if(toggle.id.indexOf('dsq-reply-login') != -1) {
			postId = toggle.id.slice(16);
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-reply-' + postId);
		} else {
			var container = Dsq.$('dsq-post-add');
		}

		if(toggle) {
			if(toggle.className == 'dsq-login-active') {
				Dsq.Iframes.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed(container, postId);
				toggle.className = '';
			} else {
				Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
				toggle.className = 'dsq-login-active';
			}
		} else {
			Dsq.Iframes.showLoginIframeInContainer(container, postId);
		}

		if(Dsq.Utils.ie) { Dsq.Utils.fixIframesIE(); }
	};


	this.paginate = function(page, el_clicked, per_page) {
		// Use extra_params to pass any override parameters that we need to persist.
		var extra_params = '';

		// "Per page" can either be overriden by providing it as an argument
		// (per-call) or setting the disqus_per_page override variable (global).
		if(typeof per_page == 'undefined') {
			per_page = null;
		}
		if(typeof disqus_per_page != 'undefined' && per_page === null) {
			per_page = disqus_per_page;
		}

		if(typeof disqus_sort != 'undefined') {
			extra_params += '&sort=' + disqus_sort;
		}
		if(per_page !== null) {
			extra_params += '&per_page=' + per_page;
		}

		Dsq.$('dsq-pagination').innerHTML += '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading-small.gif">';
		
		if(el_clicked) {
			el_clicked.style.display = 'none';
		}
		
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken'
			+ '&p='		+ page
			+ extra_params);
	};

	this.sortBy = function(sort) {
		var disqus_script = document.createElement('script');
		var disqus_date = new Date();

		if (location.hash != '') {
			location.hash = '#disqus_thread';
		}

		if(typeof(disqus_url) == 'undefined') {
			disqus_url = disqus_href;
		}
		disqus_script.type = 'text/javascript';
		disqus_script.src = 'http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/thread.js'
			+ '?slug='	+ 'burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken'
			+ '&sort='	+ sort
			+ '&title='
			+ '&'		+ disqus_date.getTime();

		Dsq.$('dsq-comments').innerHTML = '<img src="http://media.disqus.com/images/loading.gif">';
		Dsq.container.appendChild(disqus_script);
	};

	this.subscribe = function(status, email) {
		// `status` is an int -- 1 to subscribe, 0 to unsubscribe
		if(Dsq.jsonData.request.is_authenticated || email) {
			// If authenticated user OR anonymous email provided

			if(email) {
				Dsq.Popup._closePopup(null, true);
			}

			Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/subscribe.js'
				+'?status=' 	+ status
				+ '&slug='		+ 'burris_refused_seat_in_congress_8212_let8217s_play_racial_chicken'
				+ '&email=' 	+ encodeURIComponent(email));

		} else if(!email) {
			// If anonymous user and no email has been provided yet, prompt for email

			var title = 'Subscribe to this comment thread';
			var message = ' \
				New comments will be sent directly to your email inbox! \
				<div class="dsq-subscribe-submit"> \
					<p><strong>Enter your email address below.</strong></p> \
					<input type="text" id="dsq-subscribe-email"> \
					<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.subscribe(1, Dsq.$(\'dsq-subscribe-email\').value)">Subscribe</button> \
				</div> \
			';

			Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, title);
		}
	};

	this.showSettings = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator) {
			return;
		}

		/* The form has to be re-designed when more options will come out. */
		var html = 'Automatically close comments after <input size="3" id="dsq-thread-days-alive" value="' + Dsq.jsonData.thread.days_alive + '" type="text" /> days. Existing comments will still be displayed.<br /><br />(Using 0 days will disable this feature)<br /><br />'
								 + '<button onclick="Dsq.Thread.updateDaysAlive();" class="dsq-button-small"><span>Save</span></button>'
								 + '<span id="dsq-thread-settings-status" class="dsq-options-status"></span>';
		Dsq.Popup.popModal(html, 'Settings');
	};

	this.updateDaysAlive = function() {
		var days = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-days-alive').value;
		var status = Dsq.$('dsq-thread-settings-status');
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/update_days_alive.js', {days:days,thread:Dsq.jsonData.thread.id});
		status.innerHTML = 'Saved!';
		window.setTimeout(function() { status.innerHTML = ''; }, 1000);
	};
};
// Dsq.Thread

Dsq.Events = function() {
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var handlers = {};
	var getHandlers = function(event) {
		if (handlers[event] === undefined) {
			handlers[event] = [];
		}
		return handlers[event];
	};

	// Public
	// Value keys : postId, node, xtype
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED = 1;
	// Value keys : postId, opened
	obj.REPLY_IFRAME_TOGGLED = 2;
	obj.fire = function(event, opt_value) {
		if (!event) {
			throw new Error('Unknown event');
		}
		var value = opt_value || {};
		for (var i=0; i<getHandlers(event).length; i++) {
			getHandlers(event)[i](value);
		}
	};
	obj.addHandler = function(event, callback) {
		getHandlers(event).push(callback);
	};

	return obj;
}();

/**
 * Dsq.Realtime
 */
Dsq.Realtime = new function() {
	var initialized = false;
	var interval = null;
	var last_checked = Dsq.jsonData.request.timestamp;
	var new_posts = [];
	var ongoing_request = false;
	var prev_script = null;

	function updateNewPostCount() {
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-alert').style.display = new_posts.length ? 'block' : 'none';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-queued').innerHTML = new_posts.length
		+ ' new '
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, 'comment', 'comments')
		+ Dsq.Utils.pluralize(new_posts.length, ' was', ' were')
		+ ' just posted.';

		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.SHOW + ')';
	}

	function insertNewPosts() {
		var post_id = null;
		var after_id = Dsq.$('dsq-sort-select').value === 'oldest' ? -1 : null;

		for (var i=0; i<new_posts.length; i++) {
			post_id = new_posts[i];
			Dsq.Post.insert(after_id, post_id, Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id].message);
			Dsq.Post.incrementPostCount();
			Dsq.Post.outlineComment(post_id);
		}
		new_posts = [];
	}

	this.enableInterval = function() {
		interval = setInterval(Dsq.Realtime.check, Dsq.jsonData.context.realtime_speed);
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.ENABLED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.PAUSE + ')';
	}

	this.disableInterval = function() {
		if (interval) {
			clearInterval(interval);
			interval = null;
		}
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-status').innerHTML = Dsq.Strings.PAUSED;
		Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').innerHTML = '(' + Dsq.Strings.RESUME + ')';
	}

	this.toggleInterval = function() {
		if (!interval) {
			Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
		} else {
			Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
		}
		return false;
	}

	this.initialize = function() {
		if (!initialized) {
			initialized = true;
			Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-toggle').onclick = this.toggleInterval;
			if (!Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				Dsq.$('dsq-realtime-show').onclick = this.show;
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
			if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.realtime_paused) {
				Dsq.Realtime.disableInterval();
			} else {
				Dsq.Realtime.enableInterval();
			}
		}
	}

	this.show = function() {
		insertNewPosts();
		updateNewPostCount();
		return false;
	}

	this.check = function() {
		if (!ongoing_request && Dsq.jsonData.realtime_enabled) {
			if (prev_script) {
				prev_script.parentNode.removeChild(prev_script);
			}
			ongoing_request = true;
			prev_script = Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/9465676/realtime.js?timestamp=' + last_checked);
		}
	};

	this.update = function(timestamp, posts, users) {
		ongoing_request = false;
		last_checked = timestamp;

		if (users) {
			for (var user_id in users) {
				if (users.hasOwnProperty(user_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.users[user_id] = users[user_id];
					}
				}
			}
		}

		if (posts) {
			for (var post_id in posts) {
				if (posts.hasOwnProperty(post_id)) {
					if (!Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id]) {
						Dsq.jsonData.posts[post_id] = posts[post_id];
						new_posts.push(post_id);
					}
				}
			}

			if (Dsq.jsonData.forum.streaming_realtime) {
				insertNewPosts();
			} else {
				updateNewPostCount();
			}
		}
	};

}();

// DEPRECATED
Dsq.Iframes = function() {
	// Different style of object from the above. Hoping to switch to this for some reason.
	var obj = {};

	// Private
	var showIframeInContainer = function(container, id, markup) {
		// Look through container for iframes, hiding them, except show one that matches id
		// If none of them matched id, create a new iframe using markup and insert it.
		// Returns the iframe node if and only if it was newly created.
		var found = false;
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				if (child.id == id) {
					child.style.display = 'block';
					found = true;
				} else {
					child.style.display = 'none';
				}
			}
		}
		if (found) {
			return;
		}
		// The iframe wasn't found, so construct it and add it to the container.
		// Don't use innerHTML because it might reload iframes
		var div = document.createElement('div');
		div.innerHTML = markup;
		var iframe = div.childNodes[0];
		div.removeChild(iframe);
		container.appendChild(iframe);
		return iframe;
	};

	// Public
	obj.makeReplyIframeId = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var id = 'dsq-post-add-iframe';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			id += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			id += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return id;
	};
	obj.makeLoginIframeId = function(opt_postId) {
		if (!opt_postId) {
			return 'dsq-login-iframe';
		}
		return 'dsq-login-iframe-' + opt_postId;
	};
	obj.makeReplyIframeName = function(opt_postId, opt_xtype) {
		var name = 'dsq-reply-frame';
		if (opt_xtype) {
			name += '-' + opt_xtype;
		}
		if (opt_postId) {
			name += '-' + opt_postId;
		}
		return name;
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId, opt_extraParams, opt_className) {
		// Construct the id so we can check if it's already present.
		// Hide any other iframes we find, and show this one if it's found.
		var params = opt_extraParams || {};
		// use xtype in the id and name so we can distinguish media replies from text replies:
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeId(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var name = Dsq.Iframes.makeReplyIframeName(opt_postId, params.xtype);
		var attributes = {
			'id': id,
			'name': name,
			'class': opt_className || 'dsq-post-reply'
			};
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameReply(opt_postId, opt_extraParams, attributes);
		var iframe = showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
		// It was newly created
		if (iframe) {
			Dsq.Events.fire(Dsq.Events.REPLY_IFRAME_CREATED, {
				postId: opt_postId,
				node: iframe,
				xtype: params.xtype
			});
		}
	};
	obj.showLoginIframeInContainer = function(container, opt_postId) {
		var id = Dsq.Iframes.makeLoginIframeId(opt_postId);
		var markup = Dsq.Templates.frameLogin({id: id});
		showIframeInContainer(container, id, markup);
	};
	obj.showReplyIframeInContainerIfAllowed = function(container, opt_postId) {
		if (Dsq.jsonData.context.show_reply) {
			obj.showReplyIframeInContainer(container, opt_postId);
		} else {
			obj.hideAllInContainer(container);
		}
	};
	obj.hideAllInContainer = function(container) {
		for (var i=0; i<container.childNodes.length; i++) {
			var child = container.childNodes[i];
			if (child.nodeName == 'IFRAME') {
				child.style.display = 'none';
			}
		}
	};

	return obj;
}();

Dsq.Twitter = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startTwitterConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._twitterWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/twitter/begin/', 'twitterWindow', popupParams);
		that._twitterInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeTwitterConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeTwitterConnect = function() {
		if (that._twitterWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._twitterInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Yahoo = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.startYahooConnect = function() {
		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=400';
		that._yahooWindow = window.open(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/yahoo/begin/', 'yahooWindow', popupParams);
		that._yahooInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeYahooConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeYahooConnect = function() {
		if (that._yahooWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._yahooInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.OpenID = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.requestURL = function() {
		var message = '<table class="dsq-openid-form"><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="2"><img src="' + Dsq.jsonData.settings.media_url + '/images/openid-icon-100x100.png" /></td>';
		message += '<td><label for="dsq-openid-url">OpenID URL:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-url" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td><label for="dsq-openid-username">Display name:</label></td><td><input type="text" id="dsq-openid-username" /></td></tr>';
		message += '<tr><td class="dsq-openid-submit" colspan="3"><input type="button" value="Sign in" onclick="Dsq.OpenID.startConnect();" /></td></tr>';
		message += "</table>";

		Dsq.Popup.popModal(message, 'Sign in using OpenID');
	};

	this.startConnect = function() {
		var isblank = function(str) {
			return /^\s*$/.test(str);
		};

		var openid_url = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-url').value;
		var username = Dsq.$('dsq-openid-username').value;

		if (isblank(openid_url)) {
			return;
		}

		var popupParams = 'location=0,status=0,width=800,height=500';
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/_ax/openid/begin/' + '?url=' + encodeURIComponent(openid_url) + '&username=' + encodeURIComponent(username);
		that._openidWindow = window.open(url, 'openidWindow', popupParams);
		that._openidInterval = window.setInterval(that.completeConnect, 1000);
	};

	this.completeConnect = function() {
		if (that._openidWindow.closed) {
			window.clearInterval(that._openidInterval);
			window.location.reload();
		}
	};
};

Dsq.Reaction = new function() {
	var that = this;

	this.hide = function(id) {
		Dsq.Utils.execScript('http://disqus.com/forums/jackandjillpolitics/hidereaction.js?' + 'reaction_id=' + id);
	};

	this.reportMissingReactions = function() {
		if (!Dsq.jsonData.request.is_moderator || !Dsq.jsonData.forum.reactions_enabled) {
			return;
		}

		if (Dsq.jsonData.thread.queued) {
			Dsq.Popup.popModal('Your report has been received. The system will automatically search for new reactions; if any are found, they will be displayed on this comment thread.<br/><br/>Thank&nbsp;you.',
												 'Reported missing reactions');
			return;
		}

		Dsq.Utils.execScript(Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + '/forums/jackandjillpolitics/queueurl.js');
	};
};

Dsq.CNN = function() {
	var obj = {};

	obj.authenticate = function() {
		var url = Dsq.jsonData.settings.disqus_url + "/saml/cnn/try/";
		Dsq.Utils.postToUrl(url, {'target': document.location}, true);
	};

	return obj;
}();


if(Dsq.Utils.ie6) {
	(function() {
		DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE = /<div class="dsq-header-avatar"(.*?)>/gim;
		Dsq.Templates.registerFilter('postPrependHeader', function(html, post_id) {
			// Add "onmouseout" for dsq-header-avatar for dropProfile
			// functionality since IE6 cannot use :hover.
			function _headerAvatarReplace(content, inner, _unused, html) {
				return '<div class="dsq-header-avatar" '
					+ inner
					+ ' onmouseout="Dsq.Post.dropProfile(' + post_id + ')">';
			}
			html = html.replace(DSQ_HEADER_AVATAR_RE, _headerAvatarReplace);
			return html;
		});
	})();
}





	// TODO: Move Seesmic code outside of the main script.  Don't let this script clobber the global namespace.
	if(typeof seesmic == 'undefined') { var seesmic = {}; }
	seesmic.widget = new function () {
		this.callback = function (data) {
			playerVersion = data.disqusplayer;
		};
	};

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('src', 'http://seesmic.com/version.js?callback=seesmic.widget.callback');
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(scriptEl);

	
	var scriptEl = document.createElement('script');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript');
	scriptEl.setAttribute('src', 'http://media.disqus.com/javascript/library/swfobject.js');
	document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(scriptEl);

	function see_play_video(_videoUri, _add) {
		var swf = !!playerVersion ? playerVersion : 'http://seesmic.com/embeds/StandalonePlayer.swf';

		flashcontentDiv = Dsq.$(_videoUri + '_content');
		previewDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_preview');
		hideDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_hide');
		showDiv = Dsq.$('dsq-seesmic-' + _videoUri + '_show');
		if(_add) {
			// push flash widget
			var so = new SWFObject(swf, 'sotester', '300', '270', '9', '#000000');
			so.addVariable('video', _videoUri);
			so.addParam('allowFullScreen', 'true');
			so.addParam('allowScriptAccess','always');
			so.useExpressInstall('swfobject/expressinstall.swf');
			so.write(_videoUri + '_content');

			previewDiv.style.display = 'none';
			hideDiv.style.display = 'block';
			showDiv.style.display = 'none';
		}
		else {
			flashcontentDiv.innerHTML = '';
			previewDiv.style.display = 'block';
			hideDiv.style.display = 'none';
			showDiv.style.display = 'block';
		}
	};





(function() {
	//
	// Load theme.  This overrides the base templates with template functions
	// from the respective themes.
	//
	if (Dsq.jsonData.integration.theme == 4) {
		var theme = 'narcissus';
		// HACK: Set variable on window to use post message.
		window.disqus_use_postmessage = true;

		
		for(var prop in Dsq.Themes[theme]) {
			if(Dsq.Themes[theme] && Dsq.Themes[theme].hasOwnProperty(prop)) {
				Dsq.Templates[prop] = Dsq.Themes[theme][prop];
			}
		}
		
		for(var prop in Dsq.Post) {
			if(Dsq.Themes[theme] && Dsq.Themes[theme].hasOwnProperty(prop)) {
				Dsq.Post[prop] = Dsq.Themes[theme][prop];
			}
		}
	}

	//
	// Register templates.  This must be done after all themes are loaded.
	//
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('authPost', Dsq.Templates.authPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('header', Dsq.Templates.header);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('footer', Dsq.Templates.footer);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('trackbacks', Dsq.Templates.trackbacks);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('reactions', Dsq.Templates.reactions);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('prependPost', Dsq.Templates.prependPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('appendPost', Dsq.Templates.appendPost);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postPrependHeader', Dsq.Templates.postPrependHeader);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postAppendHeader', Dsq.Templates.postAppendHeader);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('preBody', Dsq.Templates.preBody);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postBody', Dsq.Templates.postBody);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postFooter', Dsq.Templates.postFooter);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('_popupGeneric', Dsq.Templates._popupGeneric);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('voted', Dsq.Templates.voted);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('popupProfile', Dsq.Templates.popupProfile);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postBox', Dsq.Templates.postBox);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('pagination', Dsq.Templates.pagination);
	Dsq.Templates.registerTemplate('postComment_onSuccess', Dsq.Templates.postComment_onSuccess);

})();

Dsq.container.className = "clearfix";
Dsq.container.innerHTML = ' \
<ul id="dsq-comments">\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944325">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944325" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944325" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4944325" href="http://www.natturnersrevenge.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">chris chambers</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944325" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944325" class="dsq-comment-message">Jesus why are still spinning wheels about this? Blago pissed in everyone\'s face, Burris is an old line Gus Savage tool who\'s day is done (as evidenced by the rise of people like Barack himself)...so--PICK SOMEONE ELSE. SEAT SOMEONE ELSE SO WE CAN MOVE ON. THERE ISN\'T SOMEONE, ANYONE, YOUNG, ENERGETIC, COMMITTED AND NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE MACHINE OR THIS A**HOLE BLAGO WHO CAN SERVE IN THE US SENATE? IS ILLINOIS A JOKE LIKE FREEDONIA IN A MARX BROTHERS MOVIE?!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945303">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945303" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945303" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945303">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945303" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945303" class="dsq-comment-message">So....Since Burris is 71, it\'s okay to discriminate based on his age?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4941082">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4941082" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4941082" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4941082">dilettante</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4941082" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4941082" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Blago’s alleged crimes inevitably taint Burris and would leave him weak as our only black leader in the Senate. <u>African Americans deserve better than this </u>and probably so does Burris.</i> <b>Jill</b>  Agreed!<br><br>As has been pointed out many times above; Burris himself called Blago tainted, to turn around and accept the post was just rank hyprocisy. Time to say goodnight to Burris, &lynch mob\'s of  convenience Bobby Rush.<br><br>On to more strategic things:<br><a href="http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/01/why-are-there-no-black-senators.html" rel="nofollow">Why Are There No Black Senators? </a> link to <a href="http://FiveThirtyEight.com" rel="nofollow">FiveThirtyEight.com</a><br><br><i>When the House of Representatives convenes tomorrow, it will contain 39 African-American members, not including non-voting delegates in places like the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. This number, representing about 9 percent of the Congress, falls somewhat short of the fraction of African-Americans in the population as a whole -- a truly representative House would have about 55 black members -- but perhaps not dramatically so. The situation at first glance would appear to be much better than it was prior to 1990, when there were generally only about 20 black members in the House at any given time.</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942577">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942577" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942577" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942577">dilettante</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942577" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942577" class="dsq-comment-message">From the same article "<i>the black political apparatus has become more and more \'ghettoized\'. Black candidates have not had to develop a message that appeals to white voters, because most of them don\'t have very many white voters in their districts (about half the nation\'s African-American population is limited to the 60 blackest Congressional Districts). Nor do they have very many conservative voters in their districts, and so they have not had to develop a message that appeals to conservatives, even though the black population itself is far more diverse in its political views than is generally acknowledged".</i><br><br>Our issues are America\'s issues, more politicians need  to recognize that- hopefully seing the blowback and ultimate rejection of  HRC\'s put on  a "blackaccent" and visit a black church has caused other pols to  take note of  that .   Its a lesson there for anyone running for office.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942806">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942806" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942806" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4942806" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942806" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942806" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah, interesting stuff by Silver.<br><br>D.C. statehood ( 2 D.C. senators / 1 rep) should be PUSHED sooner rather than later. It\'s hard to say those people in DC do not deserve less representation than MT, ND, SD, ID, WY etc.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940316">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940316" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940316" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940316">Ro</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940316" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940316" class="dsq-comment-message">Most of yall can\'t stand your boss/mgr./supervisor, but if that person gives you a promotion you will definitely take it. Even if you know that that your boss have fired employees in the past who didn\'t deserve to lose their job.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940588">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940588" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940588" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940588">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940588" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940588" class="dsq-comment-message">and there you have it.  Bottomline.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940682">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940682" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940682" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940682">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940682" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940682" class="dsq-comment-message">I second that on the I can\'t stand my boss part PLUS the promotion! LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940968">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940968" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940968" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940968">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940968" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940968" class="dsq-comment-message">Great analogy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942552">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942552" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942552" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942552">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942552" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942552" class="dsq-comment-message">My boss could be a serial killer and while I would hate it for the victims etc if he offered me a promotion I would take it and know that I have NEVER killed a soul and his wrongs have nothing to do with me. The Lord would not hold me accoutable and neither could the LAW.  I would pray for the families of the victims and hope he got convicted but hey..it\'s not like I could take back his actions even if I didn\'t take the promotion.<br><br>OK maybe serial killer is a bit extreme b/c I would be too afraid to work at the same company but you get my point, right?<br><br>And if we have to pay for the sins of everyone connected to us then why wouldn\'t Reid\'s or anyone else\'s appointment be "tainted" I mean after all this is still the seat that was ALMOST sold....whooo hooo.....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945220">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945220" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945220" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945220">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945220" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945220" class="dsq-comment-message">If HR sent a memo to the whole company telling my boss not to promote someone into a position because they were investigating recordings in which he is offering a promotion to other young ladies in the office in exchange for sex and he asked me to take that position even though we had never had that conversation I would pass until things with my boss and HR were worked out.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4947650">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4947650" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4947650" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4947650">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4947650" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4947650" class="dsq-comment-message">That scenario you describe is different from the one with Blago. You have Blago getting sex. But if we used your scenario, what it would be is that the memo said you had to bring him a box of his favorite cigars every week. Now if you know it was only going to cost you $60.oo a month to bring him those cigars and they were going to pay you $6k dollars more a year...don\'t you think you would take it?<br><br>Especially, given with the memo and all...you wouldn\'t even have to buy him cigars, cause he was under investigation...AND you would still get the $6K in salary?<br><br>My guess is you wouldn\'t wait, cause if you did, someone else might get the promotion when the smoke cleared.   And even if they moved you back to your old position after 6 months...you would still be $3K dollars richer.<br><br>So, how could you lose?<br><br>And that is precisely why Burris said yes to the Senate seat. He has nothing to lose.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4948611">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4948611" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4948611" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4948611">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4948611" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4948611" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'d wait for the smoke to clear and then take the job.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945270">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945270" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945270" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945270">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945270" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945270" class="dsq-comment-message">Shiiiiii......you ain neva lied.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937816">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937816" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937816" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937816">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937816" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937816" class="dsq-comment-message"><i><b>Actually I think this is a classic Uncle Clarence Thomas maneuver — select a quasi-qualified or qualified enough black stooge, insert into office, call everyone who opposes stooge’s entrance to power racist, lather, rinse.</b></i><br><br>DING! DING! DING!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938168">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938168" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938168" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938168">Sagittarius</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938168" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938168" class="dsq-comment-message">As an IL citizen and one who is very familiar with the record of Roland Burris, comparing him to Clarence Thomas, or castigating him as a quasi-qualified black stooge, is beyond the pale.  You may not like that he is the Jr. Senator from IL or that he was appointed by Rod Blagojevich.  Fair enough.  But I would suggest you get the facts about the man before making unsupported and inflammatory comments.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938283">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938283" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938283" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938283">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938283" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938283" class="dsq-comment-message">Perhaps you need to address your comment to Jill, as she is the one who wrote the comment. And yes, I agree with her assessment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4949412">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4949412" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4949412" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4949412" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cheryl aka jill tubman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4949412" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4949412" class="dsq-comment-message">This post has definitely been controversial and generated a lot of discussion. It\'s true - I don\'t know Burris as well as folks in IL might be. Seems clear that Burris has placed himself in a challenging position here. I think the whole thing is a complete mess frankly. Few appointees of Blago\'s would find a warm welcome in DC and Burris\' many contributions to Blago weaken his claim to the Senate seat given the pay-for-play accusations. Thanks for your thoughts, y\'all</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938708">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938708" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938708" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938708" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938708" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938708" class="dsq-comment-message">B/c after the "concensus" that belittled the dissenters like you and I -- labeling us as interlopers, trolls, etc. people don\'t want to go after the namesake of the site!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938854">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938854" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938854" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938854">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938854" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938854" class="dsq-comment-message">We know Sepia isn\'t a troll!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938892">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938892" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938892" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938892">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938892" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938892" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks Justice! :-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938953">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938953" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938953" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938953">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938953" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938953" class="dsq-comment-message"><b>;)</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939412">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939412" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939412" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939412">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939412" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939412" class="dsq-comment-message">Word.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938856">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938856" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938856" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938856">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938856" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938856" class="dsq-comment-message">Actually, Pie3, I haven\'t been labelled a troll or an interloper. I\'ve been a regular poster here for a while and folks have been respectful towards me whether or not I agreed with them.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939852">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939852" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939852" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939852">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939852" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939852" class="dsq-comment-message">Sepia\'s not a troll.  No regular JJP blogger has pink Don King hair and bulging eyes!!!! LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938183">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938183" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938183" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938183" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938183" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938183" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign! <br><br>Jill hit the nail on the head with that one - and this:<br><br><i>Blago was smart to try and create an ally in a powerful place. Yet, the Senate would be smart not to admit Burris. His career is indeed admirable — He was the first African American to be elected to a statewide office in the state of Illinois, and has run for Senate and Governor several times, including a 2002 run supported by Barack Obama).<b> Blago’s alleged crimes inevitably taint Burris and would leave him weak as our only black leader in the Senate. African Americans deserve better than this</b> and probably so does Burris.</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936960">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936960" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936960" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936960">khal02</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936960" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936960" class="dsq-comment-message">Amen to this post. It has been laughable how so many people are using race to push the argument for Burris. It\'s like the whole parable of the boy who cried wolf... crying racism when there is none lessens the validity when there are true instances of racism. And Burris still needs to explain how Blago went from deserving impeachment to being capable to pick a senator in a matter of days. Standing by and vouching for a dishonorable man for your own personal gain makes you dishonorable.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937329">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937329" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937329" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937329">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937329" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937329" class="dsq-comment-message">I am not one for the race argument but how about the law? It was a lawful appointment so I just don\'t get the rest?????<br><br>Why does Burris need to explain Blago\'s potention impeachment? Why can\'t he disapprove of his actions (or alleged actions) but move on UNTIL he is impeached IF that indeed even happens? So the seat is jsut supposed to go unfilled while Reid, Fitz and whoever make up the law as they go along. You can\'t just take it upon yourself to go above the law. Wasn\'t OJ "not guilty" of those murders? So he was a free man until he did something else stupid! Whether we like it or not Blago is a free man until/unless he gets indicited/convicted/impeached. Since when is circumventing the law acceptable?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937163">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937163" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937163" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937163">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937163" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937163" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937452">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937452" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937452" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4937452" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937452" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937452" class="dsq-comment-message">Agreed. Burris and Bobby Rush said those words December 13 and 9th respectively.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937848">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937848" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937848" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937848">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937848" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937848" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938615">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938615" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938615" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938615" href="http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Political Pete</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938615" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938615" class="dsq-comment-message">Let\'s not forget that Rush did not support Barack when there were NO black senators.  Just FYI.<br><br>lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939360">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939360" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939360" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4939360" href="http://ladyvenoms.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ladyvenoms</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939360" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939360" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you! I thought his little "last plantation" diatribe was a bit rich coming from him!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936243">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936243" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936243" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936243">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936243" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936243" class="dsq-comment-message">This is simple to me<br><br>EITHER we are a nation of laws AGAIN after 8 years.<br><br>or we are not.<br><br>Blago was not the convicted Governor.<br>The  impeached Governor<br>or even the indicted Governor <br><br>when he made this appointment. <br><br>Reid and Madigan thought they were SLICK about a Special Election. <br><br>Now, they are STUCK. <br><br>This is about the rule of law. <br><br>Follow the rules. <br><br>Burris needs to be seated.<br><br>And no, NOBODY will ever convince me that if Blago had chosen one of NON-Blacks on this list..<br><br>that this shyt would be going  down like this.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936452">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936452" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936452" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936452">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936452" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936452" class="dsq-comment-message">And THAT is what is paramount here.  Unless it was unlawful for Blago to appoint Burris, it is <b>lawful</b> for Burris to be seated.<br><br>Show us what laws have been violated, and we will step aside.  But the way I see it, there\'s no law against being <i>tainted</i>.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937716">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937716" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937716" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937716">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937716" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937716" class="dsq-comment-message">I mean what is the big deal with this "taint" implication? I mean bigger than any other politician? Obama was "tainted" by Wright, Rezco, Ayers....uhm who else???????<br><br>The man saw an opening and took it for political expendiency and hey that happens everyday. I just don\'t see why this is bigger than anything else that goes on in politics on a daily basis not to mention it ACTUALLY is lawful and that\'s more than I can say for President Deject Bush and plenty of others...Stevens....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936548">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936548" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936548" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4936548" href="http://dillarddoctrine.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">D.</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936548" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936548" class="dsq-comment-message">Stupid as he is for appointing someone....until he\'s impeached, it\'s his appointment to make.<br><br>And, as Val said, this is just <i>Day One</i> for them. I\'ll resist the urge to make the standard GOP "change" jokes......but damn.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936872">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936872" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936872" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936872">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936872" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936872" class="dsq-comment-message">"Blago was not the convicted Governor."  Not even indicted!  You know I\'m not a Johnnie come lately to the opinion that Fitzgerald does NOT have a case.  Right now he\'s on a fishing expedition to find a substantial enough crime to justify this circus he helped create.  As I said before, Fitzgerald is a modern day Eliott Ness whose "accomplishments", like Ness, are more myth than reality.  He\'s a republican looking for springboard into elected office.  And this was supposed to be it.<br><br>I strongly advise Black folks to keep their third eye open b/c Fitzgerald isn\'t really after Blagojevich; he\'s after Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938680">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938680" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938680" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938680">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938680" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938680" class="dsq-comment-message">NMP. Co-sign.  <br><br>"I strongly advise Black folks to keep their third eye open b/c Fitzgerald isn\'t really after Blagojevich; he\'s after Obama."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943141">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943141" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943141" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943141">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943141" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943141" class="dsq-comment-message">When did the investigation begin? Four years or so ago?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940121">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940121" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940121" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940121">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940121" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940121" class="dsq-comment-message">Waht is the basis for that statement?  Watch out for paranoia?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936367">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936367" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936367" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936367">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936367" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936367" class="dsq-comment-message">lol.  Rikyrah I read your note after I posted.  We said the same thing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936534">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936534" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936534" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936534">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936534" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936534" class="dsq-comment-message">I AGREE 100%. <br><br>All of the politics behind the scene is irrelevant. Burris\'s ego is irrelevant. Burris\' morals are irrelevant. HIS record is clean. From what I can tell He. is. legally. the junior.senator.from.Illinois.<br><br>I really think they should let it go and MOVE ON. We have more important issues to deal with and that doesn\'t include Burris\' tombstone or possible delusions of grandeur. It doesn\'t matter that he is potentially not electable etc.....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936560">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936560" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936560" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936560">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936560" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936560" class="dsq-comment-message">Rikyrah,<br><br>Until someone can make me understand why the law isn\'t the law on this one I don\'t understand what the problem is!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936899">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936899" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936899" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936899">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936899" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936899" class="dsq-comment-message">P.S.:  If Blago had selected the two women that Reid wanted, we all know that (white) womens groups would be marching towards the Capitol right now!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937529">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937529" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937529" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937529">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937529" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937529" class="dsq-comment-message">Sho ya right!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940556">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940556" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940556" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940556">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940556" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940556" class="dsq-comment-message">WORD</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940104">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940104" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940104" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940104">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940104" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940104" class="dsq-comment-message">The fact that Reid said it would happen this way means nothing to you.  Burris said he should not make the appointment.  Danny Davis turned down the appointment.  The legislature is rushing to impeach him so he can do no more harm.<br><br>None of these things mean anything to you?  Perhaps you have not adjusted your racism meter since Obam was elected.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940479">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940479" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940479" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940479">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940479" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940479" class="dsq-comment-message">So Rikyrah is racist because she believes...The Law  IS The Law?<br><br><br>Because one believes in following the rules of law does not spell racism! Sorry Charlie!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4941016">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4941016" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4941016" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4941016">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4941016" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4941016" class="dsq-comment-message">Obviously the law means nothing to you!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942581">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942581" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942581" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942581">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942581" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942581" class="dsq-comment-message">RATOFLMAO!<br><br><br>What the heck?  lol This has got to be a joke.  lololol  <br>"Racism", "Taint", "Played" . . .all these words are being tossed out on this post. <br><br>LOLOL  C\'mon ya\'ll.  It isn\'t that serious.  LOL really it isnt.  The Govenor was within his rights to appoint the next Jr. Senator and he did that.  That is the law.  <br><br>lolol I LOVVVVVEEEE JJP.  I miss these spirited debates.  Too funny.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943292">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943292" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943292" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943292">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943292" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943292" class="dsq-comment-message">Lawd.....I guess we have to add those words to our political lexicons now......ahhh hell....LOL</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945412">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945412" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945412" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945412">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945412" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945412" class="dsq-comment-message">I taint gonna do it!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945605">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945605" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945605" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945605">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945605" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945605" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945704">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945704" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945704" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945704">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945704" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945704" class="dsq-comment-message">Cole.........................you stoopid......LMAO</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936101">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936101" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936101" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936101">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936101" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936101" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>I really thought he was going to break out some bongos and sing Day-O! or do a breakdance routine for realz.</i><br><br><br><br><br>LOL!  You\'re a riot!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936177">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936177" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936177" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936177">rorysmomma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936177" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936177" class="dsq-comment-message">Is this an episode of Politcally Punked?  good Lord.  Blago as Ashton Kutcher.....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936318">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936318" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936318" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936318">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936318" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936318" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep. ...While Blago is sitting back laughing his ass off!  The move was raw!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943176">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943176" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943176" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943176">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943176" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943176" class="dsq-comment-message">Burris as Ashton Kutcher;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936267">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936267" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936267" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936267">Marvy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936267" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936267" class="dsq-comment-message">Roland Burris should not allow himself to be caught up in Blagojevich\'s foolishness. The governor had already been told not to appointment anyone else since he was under investigation for trying to sell the seat, and he was warned that anyone he selected would not be seated. So what was the point of Burris showing up in DC with an entourage? He is too old for the nonsense. Burris keesp calling himself the junior senator from Illinois but he will not hold that title until he is sworn in, and it doesn\'t look like that will be happening.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936468">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936468" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936468" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936468">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936468" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936468" class="dsq-comment-message">I think Burris is calling himself the Jr. Senator from IL b/c he IS- LEGALLY. It doesn\'t matter if others question his morals or his ego for that matter. That is a separate issue IMO.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936500">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936500" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936500" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936500">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936500" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936500" class="dsq-comment-message">Blagojevich is signing bills in Illnois. Why isn\'t that illegal? What\'s the d#mn difference?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937316">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937316" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937316" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937316">Micheline </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937316" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937316" class="dsq-comment-message">If signing the bills have anything to do with a pay to play  scheme then yes there would be a problem but since that is not the case then there\'s no controversy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938041">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938041" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938041" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938041">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938041" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938041" class="dsq-comment-message">True, but there is absolutely nothing that suggest Burris paid to be appointed. Nothing at all.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938123">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938123" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938123" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938123">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938123" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938123" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly, Miranda.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940062">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940062" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940062" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940062">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940062" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940062" class="dsq-comment-message">Except that Blago has tried to sell the seat.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940295">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940295" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940295" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940295">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940295" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940295" class="dsq-comment-message">As Miranda quoted:<br><br><i>there is absolutely nothing that suggest Burris paid to be appointed. Nothing at all.</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945648">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945648" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945648" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945648">Micheline </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945648" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945648" class="dsq-comment-message">We don\'t know that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945877">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945877" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945877" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945877">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945877" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945877" class="dsq-comment-message">Come on, with all this drama playing out, The Media & Harry Reid would have found any uncleaniness by now. Burris is clean and qualified to be a Senator!<br><br>There\'s no there...there!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4946055">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4946055" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4946055" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4946055">Sagittarius</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4946055" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4946055" class="dsq-comment-message">We do know - because of the government tapes.<br><br>Furthermore, in IL, we know because Roland Burris was not even on the radar for this appointment.  He was retired from politics.<br><br>It\'s amazing how easily folks can denigrate a person\'s good name without cause or proof.  If you don\'t like that Rod Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris to the seat - you are certainly entitled to your opinion.  You are not, however, entitled to your own set of facts.   And it certainly makes me look askance at folks who make unsubstantiated claims while attempting to prove that what they are saying is true.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940978">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940978" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940978" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940978">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940978" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940978" class="dsq-comment-message">To Burris? Otherwise what does that have to do with him?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937384">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937384" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937384" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937384">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937384" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937384" class="dsq-comment-message">THANK YOU! <br><br>I asked the same question recently too. I LIVE in Illinois. And as far as I can tell, state business is still being taken care of (though it might be shoddy or ran by insiders in some cases, but that is besides the point, lol).<br><br>Checks are being paid, services rendered, bills signed. Why are these not tainted or illegal?<br><br>Be consistent people.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937513">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937513" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937513" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937513">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937513" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937513" class="dsq-comment-message">Hello!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936353">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936353" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936353" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936353">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936353" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936353" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t get it Jill.  Maybe it is because I haven\'t been watching the news or reading this stuff until today.  Just a quick read brought me to the conclusion that there is no reason why this man wasn\'t appointed if Blago appointed him.  So as far as I am concerned Burris IS the Jr Senator of Illinois.<br><br>All that other stuff to me is "noise".  Burris had nothing to do with the price of rice in China.  His qualifications are not in question.  He was offered a job and he took it.  So  . . . Harry Reid is WRONG on this.  <br><br>It is the law so why the drama?  Burris is it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936509">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936509" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936509" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936509">MonroeAnderson</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936509" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936509" class="dsq-comment-message">You\'ve missed the point on this one, Rikyrah. Roland is no stooge but, at 71, this is his last best chance to rise to a higher political station in life. Blago appointed him for his own purposes--jury influence. I\'ve posted my observation on <a href="http://ebonyjet.com" rel="nofollow">ebonyjet.com</a> and on my political blog at <a href="http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/" rel="nofollow">http://monroeanderson.typepad.com/</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936568">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936568" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936568" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936568">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936568" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936568" class="dsq-comment-message">The Law IS The Law!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937681">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937681" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937681" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937681">hotchimera</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937681" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937681" class="dsq-comment-message">having a slave was once lawful</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937803">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937803" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937803" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937803">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937803" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937803" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s why  the Government should be held accountable for reparations because it prevented blacks from being equal in America. There are policies of slavery still be implemented today because of  it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937976">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937976" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937976" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937976">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937976" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937976" class="dsq-comment-message">And when it was slaves had to ABIDE by the law so until/unless the law is changed the same needs to apply here.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938147">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938147" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938147" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938147">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938147" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938147" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep....because if you learned to read....you died!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936891">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936891" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936891" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936891">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936891" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936891" class="dsq-comment-message">"Blago appointed him for his own purposes--jury influence."<br><br>I just don\'t get that. How would Blago\'s appointment of Burris help infulence a jury?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944678">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944678" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944678" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944678">MonroeAnderson</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944678" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944678" class="dsq-comment-message">Think O.J. or read my commentary.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936551">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936551" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936551" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4936551" href="http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Political Pete</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936551" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936551" class="dsq-comment-message">"I really thought he was going to break out some bongos and sing Day-O! or do a breakdance routine for realz"<br><br>Cut it out!  LMAO</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936666">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936666" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936666" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936666">djchefron</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936666" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936666" class="dsq-comment-message">Harry Reid IMO is an simpleton.For the past 8 years he has bent over backwards for republicans only stopping long enough to ask "Will it be Vaseline or baby oil?"Now he wants to grow a pair by stopping a Democrat from being sworn in.Sen Reid needs to be stripped of the title of Majority Leader</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936854">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936854" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936854" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936854">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936854" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936854" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-Sign!<br><br>But I couldn\'t stop myself from laughing on:<br><br><i>"Will it be Vaseline or baby oil?"</i><br><br>LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937496">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937496" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937496" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937496">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937496" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937496" class="dsq-comment-message">That was funny!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938089">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938089" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938089" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938089">Nate_Wesley</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938089" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938089" class="dsq-comment-message">You are absolutely right, Harry Reid has been an absolute joke of a Senate Majority Leader.  Not that Democrats should necessarily browbeat Republicans the same what Republicans browbeat Democrats, but Reid and his ilk seemed way too eager to capitulate to some of the most unnecessary compromises with the GOP.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938554">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938554" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938554" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938554">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938554" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938554" class="dsq-comment-message">ROTFLMBAO!!!!  So TRUE!!!!  I\'ll bet Dirty Harry doesn\'t even ask if it will hurt as he BE........NNNNNDS over!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940640">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940640" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940640" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940640">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940640" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940640" class="dsq-comment-message">"Harry Reid IMO is an simpleton.For the past 8 years he has bent over backwards for republicans only stopping long enough to ask "Will it be Vaseline or baby oil?""<br><br>Republican: "Who said you get a choice?"<br><br>Harry Reid: "Oh...ok"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940807">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940807" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940807" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940807">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940807" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940807" class="dsq-comment-message">You made me laugh out loud! <br><br>ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936847">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936847" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936847" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936847">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936847" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936847" class="dsq-comment-message">Again, I\'m a Chicago outsider, but I must say that Team Blago has definitely done its homework.  <br><br>Today, his office dispatched his acting chief of staff, Clayton Harris - a young brotha, btw - to Fox News to speak with Megyn Kelly.  <br><br>Don\'t misconstrue this observation as a diss because it is not.   I\'m just peepin\' the strategy, cuz this ain\'t nap time.  LOL</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936870">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936870" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936870" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936870">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936870" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936870" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940028">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940028" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940028" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940028">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940028" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940028" class="dsq-comment-message">I think Harris was indicted with Blago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940350">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940350" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940350" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940350">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940350" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940350" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago\'s original chief of staff, John Harris, was arrested along with the governor and later resigned.  Clayton Harris is new to the post. <br><br>Again, this is by no means a diss of the new acting COS.  I\'m simply following the dance.  <br><br><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-ethicsjan06%2C0%2C3165633.story" rel="nofollow">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936952">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936952" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936952" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936952">NCBM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936952" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936952" class="dsq-comment-message">The interesting thing about this is that by all account Burris is more than qualifed and at the end of the day, he has been selected by the sitting governor.  Harry Reid and company need to get over this and get on with the real business of governing.  Burris r probably will not run for re-election.  He is a caretaker of the seat until the term is up (realistically that is my read, but I am not from Illinois), and will do an excellent job in representing the entire state of Illinois in the Senate.  <br><br>Reid and company have much bigger fish to fry than to allow this to be a continuing narrative.  The Illinois secretary of state needs to man up and handle his business, sign the damn paperwork and lest move on...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937253">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937253" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937253" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937253">Quesmom1997</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937253" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937253" class="dsq-comment-message">AMEN! Govenor Blagojevich is still in office. He has not been removed, arrested or convicted. Gov. Blagojevich continues to conduct business as usual and if Sen. Burris did not pay for the seat why is he penalized.  His polital history speaks for itself.  The Sec. of State needs to sign the stupid form and let the man claim his seat.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937238">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937238" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937238" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937238">zackboston</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937238" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937238" class="dsq-comment-message">interestingly, burris stated quite clearly last night on rachel maddow that if seated, his supporters have asked him to run in 2010 and he has changed his mind about just being a "fill-in" senator.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937687">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937687" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937687" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937687">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937687" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937687" class="dsq-comment-message">About Burris\' interview with Maddow. He said something that confused me, and I\'d hope my fellow JJPers could help a sistah out. <br><br>When Rachel asked him if he would be willing to be a place holder for the seat, he said that at the end of Nov. or the beginning of Dec., he held a press conference saying that he would be willing to hold the seat until 2010, but then friends told him he shouldn\'t do that. <br><br>The end of Nov. or the beginning of Dec.?? Blago didn\'t appoint him then, so what is Burris talking about?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937789">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937789" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937789" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4937789" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937789" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937789" class="dsq-comment-message">I think when he initially wanted the seat he said he\'d be a placeholder -- now he is _not_ saying he will be a placeholder.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937025">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937025" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937025" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937025">Palli</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937025" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937025" class="dsq-comment-message">Principled action?....and how many presidential signing statements have there been defying the law?<br>Just the way we should enter the new year: Ghosts of Governors Faubus and Wallace standing at the door of the Senate.  You\'d think they were be as pragmatic as they were under the criminal enterprize of Cheney/Bush; and be gracious and grateful for another "aye\'  at the beginning days of the  the Obama first hundred days of change.  <br>Not just Blagjevitch laughing...Boehner, Cocker, and all.  Betcha even Coleman in his misery.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937444">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937444" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937444" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937444">lewevelyn</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937444" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937444" class="dsq-comment-message">Roland Burris should be seated and that\'s that. Legally the position is his, no matter how it came about. The fact that he is a man that has no marks against him, makes him an idea candidate. Give him the seat and move on, worry about 2010 in 2010.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940532">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940532" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940532" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940532">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940532" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940532" class="dsq-comment-message">lol why do you have to be all logical.  :-)<br><br>Agreed lewevelyn.  co-signing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938418">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938418" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938418" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938418">rorysmomma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938418" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938418" class="dsq-comment-message">I wouldn\'t have accepted the seat.... Period.  Yes he is the lawful Junior Senator from Illinois, but unfortunately he put himself in a bad position.  You know it, and I know it.  thus the racial chicken post.  He needs his ass whupped.  Keep your race card in your pocket until you actually need to use it.  Go at the man with the man\'s law.... Can\'t argue one whit about that.  harrrumph!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4941325">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4941325" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4941325" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4941325">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4941325" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4941325" class="dsq-comment-message">Hi Rorysmomma.  Happy New Year.  :-)<br><br>Now back to your post.  I would accept the seat if I was qualified, felt I would do a good job, my hands were clean, and I wanted the job why not?  <br><br>All that extra drama would not be my problem.  My focus would be to make sure I got the job that was legally appointed to me.  Regarding the position he is now in . . . a look at the $$$ on his paycheck will make all the difference.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4947122">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4947122" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4947122" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4947122">rorysmomma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4947122" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4947122" class="dsq-comment-message">Val I hear ya.? I just know I wouldn\'t do it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4949528">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4949528" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4949528" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4949528" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cheryl aka jill tubman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4949528" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4949528" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes, I agree -- I\'m not sure I would have accepted the seat appointment either. Even if you\'re clean, there\'s the chance that the association with Blago ultimately may prove damaging. It\'s a risk for Burris to be sure.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4958698">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4958698" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4958698" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4958698">rorysmomma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4958698" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4958698" class="dsq-comment-message">Much like anything else...... Right Job, wrong time.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938410">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938410" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938410" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938410" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938410" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938410" class="dsq-comment-message">This morning, MSNBC was reporting that Reid REQUESTED that the Illinois SoS not certify Burris.  If that\'s true, then Reid is a PUNK and the Illinois SoS is a f**ckin punk too.  <br><br>What happened to Reid\'s argument that the Senate has the power to exclude whomever it wants?  He can not even backup his own threats.  Like CPL has said before...<br><br>Reid threatened Republicans about funding the Iraq War...Nothing Happened!<br>Reid threatened Lieberman about being a fake Democrat...Nothing Happened!<br>Reid now threatens Burris with an legally illegitimate maneuver...Nothing will Happen...except that Reid found a DO-Boy in Illinois to do his bidding...and that Do-Boy is a dumb ***k for doing it...and now Reid is hiding behind that certification bullshyt like a  coward.<br><br>Reid is weak and he needs to step down from the leadership.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938572">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938572" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938572" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938572">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938572" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938572" class="dsq-comment-message">I saw him. Standing up there announcing that Burris didn\'t have the credentials to be seated to the Senate, when he is the one scheming behind the scene with the SoS of Illnois not to do so.  WTF? 60\'s again?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938728">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938728" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938728" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938728" href="http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Political Pete</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938728" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938728" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah.  I hear ya Webb and Justice.  lol  I was certainly concerned that they would "punk out" too.  I know I was SUPER ticked about Lieberman.  I mean... could you get any worse?  <br><br>I do agree with Reid in this one instance though.  There is nothing wrong with taking the politically palatable route.  (espcially in this case).  Hey, in the law we do it all the time... why address the merit if you can throw out the claim procedurally?<br><br>Since this form isn\'t signed, it will at least buy them some time until IL Congress meets on the 15th.  The democrats are united and the last thing you want to do is have some governor cause a rift in the party right now over this nonsense.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938918">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938918" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938918" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938918" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938918" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938918" class="dsq-comment-message">Where I come from, we don\'t "write checks that we cannot cash."  You make a threat, you\'d better dayum sure be able to back it up.<br><br>And time-after-time, again-and-again, Reid has demonstrated he is impotent to carry out his threats.<br><br>He needs to step down.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939119">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939119" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939119" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939119">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939119" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939119" class="dsq-comment-message">NO, someone needs to send this info to Maddow, so she can call Reid out on his role in creating UNCERTIFIED credentials.  The story needs to be told how Reid really had no leg to stand on, unless the SOS of IL was willing to be complicit.<br><br>Burris is correct. He is legally the Senator from IL. Even the lack of the SOS signature is not essential, as the power rests with the Governor not the STATE of IL.  So, any legal challenge needs to prove that the SOS signature is essential...that only applies to the STATE, it does not apply to the US Senate.  Reid is posturing and he is playing into the GOP hands because by using this flimsy excuse it also means Franken will not be seated...so the GOP is happy to hear every word Reid is saying.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939755">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939755" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939755" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939755">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939755" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939755" class="dsq-comment-message">Agree.  If David Gregory had done his job on MTP Sunday, he would have called Reid out on the his (tainted) role in this hot mess.<br><br>The Dems appear weak and are doing the grunt work for the Repubs.  Dirty Harry\'s a weak looser and needs to go!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940476">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940476" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940476" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940476">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940476" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940476" class="dsq-comment-message">Spirit,<br>I am boycotting Greg..I want his show to be cancelled. I sooo wish CNN would put Fareed Zakaria in that time slot. Gregory is just yick!<br><br>I am enjoying AfterParty though with Brazile...how about you?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944679">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944679" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944679" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944679">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944679" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944679" class="dsq-comment-message">WRB, hey!   Stcking to your guns, eh?  I like that!<br><br>I\'v been recording MTP when there\'s someone scheduled of interest to me.<br><br>Yes, I do enjoy After Party.  Brazilee isholding it down.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939743">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939743" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939743" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939743">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939743" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939743" class="dsq-comment-message">The Secty. Of State, Jesse White (AA-Dem), stated previously he was not going to certify.  This is a two step process.  Burris must suit for the certification before and win.  When that happens he will approach the Senate.  The Senate will reject him based on the taint issue.  That will then be litigated.  If Burris wins then he will have the seat.  The Democrats would have fought for the integrity of the process by opposing the tainted appointment and the rule of law will prevail.<br><br>This has always been the way it was going to play out.  All the big time ballers and shot callers have known this for some time.  Burris knew this when he showed up.  I believe he showed up to create spin and noise.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938923">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938923" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938923" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938923">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938923" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938923" class="dsq-comment-message">Webb, you do realize that Reids \'do-boy\' is also african-american, right?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939123">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939123" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939123" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939123">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939123" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939123" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey Whiterose!   Glad you\'re back!<br><br>Happy New Year!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940456">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940456" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940456" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940456">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940456" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940456" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey Spirit and Justice!!<br><br>Happy New Year to you both<br><br>Yep, I am back in the cold....but Iooking forward to Inauguration!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939577">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939577" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939577" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939577">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939577" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939577" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey whiterosebuddy!  Welcome back and Happy New year!<br><br>Yep, \'do-boy\' is Jesse White, the SoS<br><br>For Webb, taken from the Star Trib website.<br><br><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/congress/37136479.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU" rel="nofollow">http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/co...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4947027">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4947027" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4947027" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4947027" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4947027" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4947027" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks Spirit!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4947021">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4947021" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4947021" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4947021" href="http://www.WEESeeYou.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Webb</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4947021" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4947021" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep, sure did. Happy New Year!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938745">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938745" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938745" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938745">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938745" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938745" class="dsq-comment-message">Constitutional Law<br>Burris Turned Away from Senate, Setting Up Constitutional Claim<br>Posted 5 hours, 49 minutes ago <br>By Debra Cassens Weiss <br><br>Updated: The Senate has refused to seat Roland Burris, setting up the possibility of a constitutional showdown.<br><br>Erwin Chemerinsky, the new dean of the UC Irvine School of Law, agrees with Burris. In an opinion column published by the Los Angeles Times, Chemerinsky says senators seeking to deny a seat to Burris are on “weak constitutional ground.” Their claim to have the power to exclude Burris could create a dangerous precedent, he asserts.<br><br>Both Chemerinsky and an article in the Washington Times cite a 1969 Supreme Court decision involving former Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who was re-elected despite allegations that he misappropriated funds from a House committee. The decision, Powell v. McCormack, said the House could not exclude a member-elect who meets the constitutional requirements for membership.<br><br>In the case of a senator, Article 1 sets out the requirements, and Burris meets them, Chemerinsky writes. They require a senator to be at least 30 years old, a citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state he or she represents. Chemerinsky also cites the 17th Amendment and Illinois law, which gives the state governor the power to fill Senate vacancies.<br><br>“The taint of Blagojevich\'s alleged crimes does not justify ignoring the Constitution,” Chemerinsky writes. “For the last eight years, the Bush administration has ignored or twisted the Constitution to serve what it believed were higher ends. It would be an enormous mistake, as a new administration prepares to take charge, for Democrats to send the Senate down that same path.”<br><br>Updated at 10:10 a.m. to include news of the Senate\'s refusal to seat Burris.<br><br><a href="http://www.abajournal.com/news/supreme_court_case_favors_burris_bid_for_senate_seat" rel="nofollow">http://www.abajournal.com/news/supreme_court_ca...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939381">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939381" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939381" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939381">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939381" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939381" class="dsq-comment-message">“The taint of Blagojevich\'s alleged crimes does not justify ignoring the Constitution,” Chemerinsky writes. “For the last eight years, the Bush administration has ignored or twisted the Constitution to serve what it believed were higher ends. It would be an enormous mistake, as a new administration prepares to take charge, for Democrats to send the Senate down that same path.”<br><br>SAY IT AGAIN! The taint of BLAGO.......no one else has been accused of wrongdoing to my knowledge and if they have it wasn\'t Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938814">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938814" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938814" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938814" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938814" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938814" class="dsq-comment-message">Jill, you are right about Burris being Blagojevich\'s pawn in his of (what can now be called) racial chess and ethically I agree that the Senate was correct in denying Burris access to the floor (because of the taint that Burris brings to the position simply by accepting the appointment from Blagojevich under such circumstances).  Legally however,  the Senate doesn\'t have a leg to stand on.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940246">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940246" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940246" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940246">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940246" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940246" class="dsq-comment-message">Fitzgerald arrests Blago even though he wasn\'t ready to because the tapes started coing up with talk of selling the seat. Fitzgerald probably feels that it\'s not his place to keep Blago from appointing someone, but does feel that it\'s his place to keep the seat from being sold. So, he arrests Blago in the knowledge that he will have to ask for an extension on the indictment date, and also knowing that he probably can\'t put Blago in a position to be removed. But he CAN let Blago and everyone else know that he\'s onto to what Blago is trying to do, so he doesn\'t actually sell the seat. Burris sees this, and thinks that because Blago has been inhibited from selling it, he can put himself up for the job without people thinking he bought it, which he had no intention of doing. He probably thought that people would take HIS good reputation into account- you know, the one he had for thirty years before some decided to sully it because they don\'t think he\'s "electable statewide", which is a codeword for you-know-what. Burris is not automatically a "pawn" just because he\'s black, and has done something some of you don\'t agree with. The same goes for the rest of us who are black, and don\'t have a problem with what he\'s done.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940417">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940417" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940417" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940417">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940417" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940417" class="dsq-comment-message">I can agree with you pretty much here. I think it is unwarranted for Burris to be \'tainted\' with Blagojevich\'s dirt. Burris also should take the Senate seat and make Reid eat his words. I want to know why the SOS of IL is cooperating with the US Senate dems.<br><br>Burris appears to be getting a bad rap. The pawn here is the SOS of IL.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943220">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943220" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943220" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943220">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943220" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943220" class="dsq-comment-message">whiterosebuddy:  <b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b>   :&gt;)     :&gt;)<br><br>WELCOME BACK!!   :&gt;)    :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943523">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943523" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943523" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943523">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943523" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943523" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you GLH<br><br>and Happy NY to you too!!<br><br>O my, it is getting closer and closer to Jan 20th. My excitement grows daily!!!<br><br><br>I am sitting here watching Schuster...he is about to show us AIR FORCE ONE Interior!!!<br><br>The press just has to show errrybody how the Obamas will be travelin...tee hee</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944137">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944137" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944137" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944137">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944137" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944137" class="dsq-comment-message">whiterosebuddy:  Watchin\'   2.   Which is why I posted ANOTHER VERSION.  :&gt;)    :&gt;)  Hope it\'s O.K.    :&gt;)<br><br>BUT, the REAL DEAL - - -<b>A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!</b><br><br>A flying -- -  <b>5 STAR HOTEL!!</b>   :&gt;)     :&gt;)<br><br>UP!    UP! ANNNNND  AWAY!!  :&gt;)<br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZlMnHPYo5I&feature=related" rel="nofollow">The 5th Fifth Dimension, Up Up and Away, 5D for Me</a><br><br>ENJOY!!!!   :&gt;)      :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944508">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944508" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944508" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944508">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944508" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944508" class="dsq-comment-message">Nope. Don\'t mind at all.  I LIKE your posts and your tunes ..always timely!!<br><br>LOVIN it!!<br><br>Did you see how they have an operating table on board as well?<br><br>Guess that means there is a surgeon on board at all times, too?<br><br>Michelle is going to LOOOVE flying up there with her MAAAAN....all snuggled up...when he comes from the office, where he can broadcast live from.<br><br>Malia and Sasha are going to live CHARMED lives!<br><br>What man will EVA be able to measure up to daddy?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940660">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940660" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940660" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4940660" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940660" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940660" class="dsq-comment-message">You are right, Burris is not a pawn because he is black.  He\'s a pawn for accepting an appointment from a Governor under a cloud of Suspecion when it comes to the very seat that he was appointed to.  I didn\'t see Blagojevich with Burris in D.C. today.  Blagojevich (player) made his move and Burris (pawn) took the hit.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940798">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940798" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940798" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940798">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940798" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940798" class="dsq-comment-message">I think it was proper, but leaving aside the propriety or lack thereof of what Burris has done, it seems to me that the most shrewd (and least pawn-like) person involved here is Burris, and not Blago. He wasn\'t on the radar at all, and no one has seriously disputed that he put himself up for the job. No, he didn\'t "make himself a pawn" He saw an opportunity, and took it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940951">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940951" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940951" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940951">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940951" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940951" class="dsq-comment-message">He saw an opportunity, and took it.<br><br>and that is all there is to it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4949466">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4949466" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4949466" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4949466" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cheryl aka jill tubman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4949466" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4949466" class="dsq-comment-message">Agreed -- Burris saw his opportunity to take the national stage and took it. We\'ll have to see how he plays his hand.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4941297">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4941297" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4941297" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4941297" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4941297" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4941297" class="dsq-comment-message">Time will tell.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939142">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939142" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939142" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939142">Ro</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939142" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939142" class="dsq-comment-message">Since you know that the Senate has no leg to stand on, STOP saying Burrus is tainted.  Tainted is only a state of mind, it is not a charge. When you say tainted, that tells me that you are falling for the personal emotions of politics instead of the legal rules of the law.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939350">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939350" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939350" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939350">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939350" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939350" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree- either it\'s legal or it\'s not and the rest as Val said earlier is "noise". Not to insinuate that people can\'t have their own opinions about it but it is curious to me how "moral" some folks are now. Blago is "tainted" until he is proven guilty IF he is but what did Burris do? And I don\'t think his ego qualifies him for the "tainted" throne. Otherwise, there are no other suspicions clouding him. I mean if a friend or relative of mine did something wrong and asked me to be in charge of their affairs while they were jailed or being punished etc..as long as I did nothing wrong why couldn\'t I attend to their affairs and love them etc without being "tainted" myself. Everyone keeps saying Burris is tainted but there has been no valid argument to explain why. Somone went thru the details of the Blago case to prove their point but again that leads me back to Blago NOT Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939557">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939557" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939557" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939557">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939557" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939557" class="dsq-comment-message">Immorality and legal guilt is not the same thing.  People do moral things and are guilty of a crime, (MLK, Rosa Parks, etc.)<br><br>People do immoral things that are absolutely legal, (GW Bush).<br><br>1. Blagoyovich tried to sell the Senate appointment.<br>2. Any appointment he makes to the Senate is tainted by the previous attempt to sell.<br><br>1) If you know your cousin is a shoplifter, 2) anything he sells you is tainted by the high probability it was stolen.<br><br>It is that straight forward and simple.  Just because it is a James Brown CD instead of Paul Anka, does not make it a good thing.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940765">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940765" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940765" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940765">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940765" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940765" class="dsq-comment-message">If your cousin stole something for a thousand people and bought you a gift and gave you the receipt then everything else he did is "tainted" but this one particular gift is NOT. Besides, the past is the PAST and Blago is STILL innocent until proven guilty. So we just do away for the legal system in all of this????</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939979">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939979" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939979" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939979">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939979" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939979" class="dsq-comment-message">However "tainted" Burris may be, its not illegal to be it. He\'s not an accessory to a crime because he\'s been appointed by Blago. <br><br>Tainted, smainted.....its a legal appointment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940128">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940128" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940128" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940128">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940128" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940128" class="dsq-comment-message">Say it, Miranda!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940432">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940432" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940432" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940432">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940432" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940432" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign Miranda!.<br><br>Burris should not have to suffer for Blago\'s wrongs nor should he be considered tainted.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940707">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940707" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940707" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4940707" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940707" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940707" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you.  This was the point I was trying to make.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943773">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943773" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943773" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943773">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943773" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943773" class="dsq-comment-message">apples and zebras.  No comparison.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939190">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939190" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939190" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939190">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939190" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939190" class="dsq-comment-message">Daps!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940983">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940983" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940983" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4940983" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940983" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940983" class="dsq-comment-message">The taint I\'m talking about is not a "legal" one.  It’s more of a political mark (or a negative judgment in the court of public opinion in this "new" age of transparent politics) that once it gets on you, its hard to rub off (especially if you are black).  By accepting an appointment for a seat from a Governor that is under investigation for allegedly wanting to sell that seat to the highest bidder, Burris inserted himself in that same cloud of suspicion and took on that same "taint" that was on Blagojevich (like picking up the hot potato).  Like I said, legally Burris must be and probably will be seated.  However, politically Burris will lose in the long run and the Republicans will gain an Illinois Senate seat in two years, because of that “taint”!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942016">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942016" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942016" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942016">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942016" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942016" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>The taint I\'m talking about is not a "legal" one. It’s more of a political mark (or a negative judgment in the court of public opinion in this "new" age of transparent politics) that once it gets on you, its hard to rub off (especially if you are black).</i><br><br><br><br><br>So......Taint trumps the rule of law?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942698">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942698" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942698" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942698">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942698" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942698" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly! Besides if this man goes in, does his job, and rubs the right people with right way the court of public opinion will change just as quickly as Lindsay Lohan changes her sexuality, Paris Hilton changes boyfriends, Robert Downey Jr. goes to rehab, Britney Spears...OK you get my point!<br><br>This isn\'t about "taint" this is about egos. The egos of ALL included and behind the scene political manuevering that we will never know all the details of! The "taint" is thrown out as a stalling tactic and a distraction for the ineveitable!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942847">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942847" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942847" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942847">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942847" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942847" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Exactly! Besides if this man goes in, does his job, and rubs the right people with right way the court of public opinion will change just as quickly as Lindsay Lohan changes her sexuality, Paris Hilton changes boyfriends, Robert Downey Jr. goes to rehab, Britney Spears...</i><br><br><br><br>ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br><br>Okay, you\'re going to the "bad chair"!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4959995">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4959995" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4959995" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4959995">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4959995" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4959995" class="dsq-comment-message">:-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4950199">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4950199" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4950199" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4950199" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4950199" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4950199" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s not what I\'m saying.  What I\'m saying and have been saying is the exact opposite.  The rule of law is on Burris\' side, but the taint (or what ever you want to call it) is still there and is only going to be a minus for Burris (and possibly the democrats of Illinois) in the end.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4950314">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4950314" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4950314" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4950314">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4950314" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4950314" class="dsq-comment-message"><i> The rule of law is on Burris\' side</i><br><br>Then, Seat. him. Reid swore to uphold the Constitution!<br><br><b>Like Rikyrah quoted:</b> <br><br>"<b>EITHER we are a nation of laws AGAIN after 8 years".</b><br><br><b>or we are not.</b><br><br><br><b>End of Story</b></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942842">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942842" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942842" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942842">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942842" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942842" class="dsq-comment-message">If Blagojevich did something wrong why is he still Governor and not behind bars?  Everyone says Burris is qualified so all this is a non-issue.   I think folks are overreating and Reid got caught with his zipper down so he needs to man up, mouth the words and move on.  <br><br>Two days from now we will be talking about something else.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939234">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939234" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939234" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4939234" href="http://ladyvenoms.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ladyvenoms</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939234" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939234" class="dsq-comment-message">"Actually I think this is a classic Uncle Clarence Thomas maneuver — select a quasi-qualified or qualified enough black stooge, insert into office, call everyone who opposes stooge’s entrance to power racist, lather, rinse."<br><br>This aint nothing but the truth right here. Why folks think fat meat aint greasy is beyond me.<br><br>*smh*</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939513">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939513" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939513" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939513">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939513" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939513" class="dsq-comment-message">Dubya is "tainted"!  How many laws do you think he has broken and he is still POTUS! Burris? What law did HE break again to become the Jr. Senator from IL???? I just can\'t seem to remember.....Oh NONE!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939729">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939729" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939729" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939729">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939729" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939729" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://chicagoist.com/2009/01/05/kumas_has_a_fg_valuable_burger.php" rel="nofollow">http://chicagoist.com/2009/01/05/kumas_has_a_fg...</a><br><br><i> Kuma\'s Has A "F^(#!%g Valuable" Burger - <br>Kuma\'s Corner is jumping on the Blagojevich train, as if you needed another reason to head to Kuma\'s this month. Their January special is the "#@(*&%^ Blagojevich." This gubernatorial-inspired monstrosity is made with a 10 oz. hamburger patty, thick sliced bologna and yellow mustard between two grilled cheese sandwiches (made with American cheese and wonder bread). When the burger comes out, one of the sandwiches has a large dollar sign written in mustard. The cost of this beast: $10, but <br>Kuma\'s is "negotiable." </i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939912">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939912" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939912" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939912">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939912" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939912" class="dsq-comment-message"><b>Ex-Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush won\'t run for Senate in 2010</b><br><br><br><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g1g_1QTpZ5s4yTVGnK_iHsVxZK_wD95HS3P00" rel="nofollow">http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALe...</a><br><br><i>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Former Gov. Jeb Bush says he won\'t run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 to replace the retiring Mel Martinez. Bush made the announcement Tuesday, saying "now is not the right time to return to elected office."</b><br><br>The president\'s younger brother served as governor of Florida from 1999-2007 and remains a popular figure in the state. His announcement clears the field for several other potential Republican candidates who had said they wouldn\'t challenge him.<br><br><i>Bush won bipartisan praise for leading the state through eight hurricanes over a two-year period. He used standardized testing to overhaul the education system, was credited with making government more efficient and lowered taxes.</i><br><br><i>Martinez announced last month that he wouldn\'t seek a second six-year term.</i><br><br><br><br><br> <b>GreenLady, he needs to ........make it like Lightning and Bolt.</b><br><br>Teehee</i></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942634">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942634" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942634" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942634">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942634" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942634" class="dsq-comment-message">Justice58:   LOL!!    <br><br>Spirit <b>STARTED</b> this train of thought!  Annnnnnnd, I\'m glad about it!! [There is a SONG; but, I\'ll refrain.   :&gt;)]</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4942988">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4942988" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4942988" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4942988">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4942988" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4942988" class="dsq-comment-message">"Another Day\'s Journey"?  I wanna hear...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943162">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943162" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943162" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943162">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943162" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943162" class="dsq-comment-message">Justice58:  Thank you.  :&gt;)<br><br>Here it is:<br><br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qnVRRual4M&feature=related" rel="nofollow"><b>It\'s another day\'s journey</b> 2005-LaShawn Pace-Family Worship Center</a><br><br>"It\'s another day\'s journey annnnnd I\'m glad about it!"  :&gt;)<br><br>We sing it at a slower pace.  BUT - - it don\'t matter!   :&gt;)<br><br>ENJOY!   :&gt;)   GOD BLESS!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943692">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943692" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943692" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943692">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943692" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943692" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks GreenLady,<br><br>One thing. I didn\'t know LaShawn Pace was an older lady. Shocked!<br><br>I\'ve heard it sung at a slower pace also. But all is good.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944030">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944030" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944030" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944030">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944030" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944030" class="dsq-comment-message">Justice58:   U    R   welcome!    :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940985">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940985" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940985" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940985">kepop</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940985" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940985" class="dsq-comment-message">I think Clarence Thomas is a bit harsh Jill don\'t ya think? Lol!  I feel the democrats are letting this whole thing get out of control. Let the man sit in this seat and lets get this show on the road. It\'s embarrasing that they are letting it get to this level.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943362">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943362" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943362" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943362">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943362" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943362" class="dsq-comment-message">AARGH....for the Love of Moses....<br>spoiled<br>soiled<br>infected<br>ruined<br>dirtied<br>polluted<br>fouled<br><br>MIX IT UP!! ANY DAMN WORD BUT "TAINTED"....PEAK USAGE OF THAT WORD HAS BEEN MET....MMKAY??</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943510">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943510" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943510" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943510">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943510" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943510" class="dsq-comment-message">lolol.  <br><br>I thought it was just me.  hah</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943592">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943592" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943592" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943592">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943592" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943592" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943384">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943384" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943384" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943384">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943384" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943384" class="dsq-comment-message">Uhm, someone needs to inform the folks over at David Shuster\'s <i> 1600 </i> show that KURT SCHMOKE is not William Jeffress.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943915">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943915" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943915" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943915">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943915" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943915" class="dsq-comment-message">I knew that was Schmoke as well, so I thought he must have been refrerring to the white fella.  But Jeffress is black?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944885">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944885" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944885" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944885">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944885" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944885" class="dsq-comment-message">Well, not according to a photo I later pulled on the Web.  <br><br>The problem was that Schmoke was the focal point of the video frame. It was a bit confusing .  <br><br>:: shoulder shrug :::</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945247">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945247" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945247" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945247">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945247" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945247" class="dsq-comment-message">Kurt Schmoke is on Hardball. Haven\'t seen 1600 yet.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943481">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943481" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943481" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943481">true999</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943481" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943481" class="dsq-comment-message">Uh that would be a nice retort..if it were proven true. If they had him on tape explicitly trying to sell the seat then Fitz wouldn\'t be asking for an extension of time.<br><br>If Blago pardons some people should they stay in prison? Are they tainted? Is the "taint" limited to the Senate appointment?<br><br>I\'m amazed at people bending over backwards not to follow the law.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943524">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943524" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943524" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943524">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943524" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943524" class="dsq-comment-message">Feinstein: Seat Burris In Senate<br><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/06/feinstein-seat-burris-in_n_155747.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/06/feinst...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943609">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943609" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943609" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943609">Slave Revolt</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943609" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943609" class="dsq-comment-message">What is absurd about the Blogo debate is that pay-for-play is at the heart of how this country is run.  Corruption is on the surface--it\'s the law.  My point is that it is absurd to hear whining about \'corruption\' from people that are inured to everyday,  blatant exploitation and political oppression.  <br><br>Following this, the entire effort to derail Burris is shabby.  He was legally appointed--and I don\'t think that the Blogo connection will hurt the corrupt liberal party that represents US corporate/capitalist interests, the folks that run this country. <br><br>The phoney outrage is coming from people that can\'t muster the strength to speak out about the oppression that stares them in the face.   <br><br>House negros calling other house negros bad names.  LOL <br><br>From the slave quarters, this all seems pretty silly.<br><br>And you think masss is going to give you DC senators?!   Not without shutting the US capital down, it ain\'t gonna happen.   Beg all you want--the heartless bastards that benefit from political and racist oppression only want light-skinned house negros in the senate (and, to be true, they don\'t want any person in the senate that will place the interests of working class people over corporations).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944250">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944250" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944250" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944250">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944250" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944250" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign.  Harold Ford AKA Dark Sith is a prime example of a light -skinned house negro that will place the interests of working class people over corporations.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4971501">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4971501" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4971501" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4971501" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4971501" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4971501" class="dsq-comment-message">"will place the interests of working class people over corporations."<br><br>Didn\'t you mean: "will place the interests of the CORPORATIONS, over the interests of working class people"?<br><br>Cause he sure as hell screwed over Memphis for ten years, and tried to take that screwing over to the Senate.  Fortunately, Bob Corker derailed his ass.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4971649">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4971649" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4971649" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4971649">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4971649" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4971649" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL, I stand corrected.     LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944283">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944283" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944283" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944283">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944283" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944283" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>the entire effort to derail Burris is shabby. He was legally appointed.</i><br> <br><br>Yes, even today, They\'re making a mockery of the Constitution!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944975">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944975" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944975" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944975">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944975" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944975" class="dsq-comment-message">Oh Lord.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943637">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943637" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943637" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943637">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943637" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943637" class="dsq-comment-message">EVENING THREAD IS UP</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943852">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943852" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943852" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943852">Miss- Opinion </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943852" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943852" class="dsq-comment-message">This entire thing is just eh, tacky. I\'m glad I\'m not from Chicago. So far no one is coming off as at all attractive including the new "Senator".</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4949568">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4949568" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4949568" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4949568" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cheryl aka jill tubman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4949568" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4949568" class="dsq-comment-message">Agreed -- this has been mis-handled badly on all fronts and no one is likely to come out smellin rosy...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4946618">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4946618" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4946618" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4946618">ju</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4946618" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4946618" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=24406&title=reparations-2003" rel="nofollow">http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4947222">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4947222" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4947222" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4947222">ju</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4947222" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4947222" class="dsq-comment-message">You could probably spend your whole life arguing with Paul Krugman but every once in a while the great Nobel Prize Winner comes up with a doozy that can\'t be ignored. (He won the prize for international trade, not political analysis.) <br>Last week Krugman announced the Republicans have become a permanent minority and it\'s their own fault. The reason is that the only issue Republicans have going for them is race: <br>Forty years ago the G.O.P. decided, in effect, to make itself the party of racial backlash. And everything that has happened in recent years, from the choice of Mr. Bush as the party\'s champion, to the Bush administration\'s pervasive incompetence, to the party\'s shrinking base, is a consequence of that decision. <br>Does that surprise you? Did you know that in the midst of the Cold War with the Soviets, welfare reform, budget deficits, international trade, immigration, Islamic terrorism and financial meltdowns, all we\'ve really been talking about is race? (It you want to find a race-obsessed tribe you could do no better than to look among Krugman\'s editorial-page staff at the New York Times, but that\'s another story.) <br>How to deal this argument? Here\'s one approach. The other day I came across a bio of Larry McDonald, the five-term Georgia Congressman who died aboard KAL Flight 007 when it was shot down by the Soviets in 1983. Here\'s what Wikipedia says about him: <br>Larry McDonald was known for his conservative views, even by Southern standards. [O]ne study named him the second most right-wing member of either chamber since 1937. He . . considered [Communism] an international conspiracy…a view later echoed in the words of President Ronald Reagan who called the Soviet Union an "Evil Empire". In another sense, McDonald [was] a precursor of the Reagan supply-side revolution….An admirer of Austrian economics, he was an advocate of tight monetary policy [and] a passionate advocate of laissez-faire or market based policies. <br><br>His staunch conservative views on social issues attracted controversy. For instance, McDonald is noted for using amendments to stop government aid to homosexuals. He also advocated the use of a non-approved drug Laetrile to treat patients in advanced stages of cancer. <br><br>Now here\'s something else interesting about McDonald. He was a Democrat. In fact in 1983 just about every Congressman from Virginia to Texas -- the boundaries of what was once called "The Old Confederacy" -- was Democratic. On economic, social and foreign policy issues they were probably the most conservative constituency in the country. Yet all of them voted with the Democratic Party and had been doing so for over 100 years. Why? The explanation comes in one word -- r-a-c-e. <br><br>The "Solid South," which gave the Democratic Party its most reliable base from the last half of the 19th century to the end of the 20th century was there for one reason -- because the Democrats had fiercely defended the Confederacy during the Civil War. After 1865, the Democrats were the party of "Rum, Romanism and Rebellion" -- meaning the anti-prohibitionists, the city immigrants, and the former Confederacy. The Solid South gave Woodrow Wilson the Presidency. (Wilson, originally from Virginia, was virulently anti-Negro.) It formed the biggest electoral bloc of the Roosevelt Coalition and gave the Democrats control of the House of Representatives for half a century from 1954 to 1994. All this was payback for the Democrats supporting the South during the Civil War. Most Democratic governance during the 20th century would not have been possible except for this historic anomaly. <br><br>What happened in 1994 was that -- under the guidance of historically conscious Congressmen such as Newt Gingrich and Phil Gramm -- white Southerners finally forgot their Civil War allegiances and joined their natural constituency in the Republican Party. As Gingrich said at the time, "the Civil War is finally over."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4962914">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4962914" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4962914" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4962914" href="http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Political Pete</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4962914" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4962914" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s over<br><br>They have agreed to appoint him.  Harry Reid . . . Remarkable.  <br><br><a href="http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/harry-reid-welcomes-senator-roland-burris-ap/" rel="nofollow">http://politicalmusic.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936864">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936864" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936864" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4936864" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936864" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936864" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree with the "taint" and black folks being played by Blago. --<br> I wonder if folks are going to kick Jill off her own site? <br><br><br>heh.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940387">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940387" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940387" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940387">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940387" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940387" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t see how anyone got "played" and I can\'t buy into the "taint" argument.  <br>All that stuff is made for TV drama.   <br><br>It is as simple as this.   Burris was offered the job by the govenor and he took it.  Simple as that.  His personality and Blagos personal problems is not relevant.  Burris IS the Jr. Senator and Reid should be penalized for attempting to break the law.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940874">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940874" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940874" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940874">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940874" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940874" class="dsq-comment-message">You got that right....Blago allegedly ATTEMPTED to break the law and so is Reid (attempting to break the law) so for all that are so moral.......<br><br>Reid = Blago. Period.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937143">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937143" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937143" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937143">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937143" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937143" class="dsq-comment-message">Well, you see, here\'s the thing- the huge majority of the black folks who are supposedly being "played by Blago" would be making the exact same argument if he\'d chosen someone like Jan Schakowsky. And...Harry Reid and them would also be making the same argument.<br><br>For me, the most appalling thing about all of this is the revelation of blacks who, like racist whites, don\'t credit other blacks with having personal agency. I should say, the revelalation of some blacks who you wouldn\'t ever tthink would behave this way refusing to credit other blacks with personal agency. Why does it have to be black people, or even Burris individually, "being played" by Blago? Remember, Burris approached Blago about the appointment, not the other way around.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937475">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937475" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937475" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937475">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937475" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937475" class="dsq-comment-message">I have been asking all along why does everyone since heck bent on Burris being played..isn\'t it acceptable that he could be playing Blago or at the very least they are playing each other. At any rate, all of that is IRRELEVANT to me b/c I don\'t understand why we aren\'t talking about anything but the LAW regarding the appointment. I\'m not challenging anyone on Blago\'s integrity, morals, electability etc. Maybe those who feel he is "tainted" are correct but the bottom line is that LEGALLY he is the junior senator from IL.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940431">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940431" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940431" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940431">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940431" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940431" class="dsq-comment-message">or maybe he was offered the job, he felt he was qualified and wanted the position so he accepted it.  <br><br>I still refuse to buy into the "tainting" stuff.  Too high school for me.  lol</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940916">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940916" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940916" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940916">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940916" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940916" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t see why this isn\'t open and shut (regarding the appointment). Of course everyone else is morally superior to Burris. OK So what???? He doesn\'t have to answer to Reid or the senate for his "lack of morals".</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937379">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937379" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937379" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4937379" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937379" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937379" class="dsq-comment-message">"the huge majority of the black folks?" -- pretty large assumption given the direct racial appeals cited by Jill, and given by Bobby Rush, Blago and Burris himself.<br><br>I\'m not going to pretend to know what black folks would do if Jan Schakowsky was selected, but I\'m going to guess Bobby Rush et al. would not being playing "racial chicken."<br><br>Burris is definitely taking his shot at the seat of senator in a calculated move in the twilight of his career; however, the justification for Burris\'s seating (and push to have Senate Dems accept a move by Blago that is likely to have political repurcussions with Senate Repubs) is the part I\'m interested in. <br><br>Please expand on your use of the "personal agency" terminology I\'m not familiar with the term, and I don\'t quite understand what you are asking me to respond to that has Jill has not already addressed.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937820">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937820" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937820" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937820">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937820" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937820" class="dsq-comment-message">...being able to think for ourselves, and undertake actions on our own volition, for our own benefit. The idea that all these black people are being played by this one white guy is unconfortably close to the virulently white racist and anti-semitic charge that antiracist actions on the part of blacks are actually controlled by Jews.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938019">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938019" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938019" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938019" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938019" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938019" class="dsq-comment-message">"unconfortably close to the virulently white racist and anti-semitic charge..." -- hyperbole and non-sequitor much? <br><br>Why would it benefit black people to have a black person in office (over another person with similar views/positions)? What is the net benefit?<br><br>Politics is all about appealing to special interests and ethnic groups, I don\'t see how black people get a net benefit from this drama ( ESPECIALLY if the "goal" is more black senators).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938174">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938174" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938174" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4938174">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938174" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938174" class="dsq-comment-message">Ask that question of someone who cares whether or not that particluar seat is taken by a black person, as opposed to a competent Democrat, which Burris is. As I said, I would be making the same agrument if he\'d picked someone like Schakowsky.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940561">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940561" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940561" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4940561" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940561" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940561" class="dsq-comment-message">Plantsmantx: "the huge majority of the black folks who are supposedly being "played by Blago" would be making the exact same argument if he\'d chosen someone like Jan Schakowsky"<br><br>now you are saying : "I would be making the same agrument if he\'d picked someone like Schakowsky."<br><br>My point is the public supporters of Burris base their argument explicitly on race, hence _Jill_ picking up on CNN\'s "racial chicken," and the Clarence Thomas hearings.<br><br>I don\'t presume to know what _you_ think about Schakowsky or Burris other than what you state. You are the one speaking about the "huge majority of black folk" and what they will believe in a hypothetical that you create.<br><br>However,  the Blago, Burris, Bobby brigade have based the drum-beat for support on race from the initial press conference and the critique of Reid is an extension of that "racial chicken" strategy.  <br><br>I think it is obvious that strategy would not be used to get black support for Schakowsky. <br>Am I wrong?<br><br>Burris AND Bobby agreed before Burris\'s appointment Blago should not make the appointment. Why would the CBC members be lobbied to change their mind after the Burris appointment?<br><br>Talking about Burris\'s competency is shifting the argument _from_ the appointment process to _who_ is appointed. Burris and Bobby Rush AGREED with the "process / taint" worries and the 50-senate statement interpretation, so at the very least you must admit they are hypocrites. <br><br>What changed?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937857">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937857" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937857" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937857">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937857" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937857" class="dsq-comment-message">Type the whole thing- the huge majority of black folks who are supposedly being "played" by Blago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938111">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938111" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938111" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938111" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938111" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938111" class="dsq-comment-message">"the huge majority of the black folks who are supposedly being "played by Blago" would be making the exact same argument if he\'d chosen someone like Jan Schakowsky"<br><br>That\'s the whole statement, and that\'s why I had an issue with it. The article is about "racial chicken." <br><br>Explain to me why "racial chicken" is relevant to the hypothetical appointment of "Schakowsky," unless you mean black people would be against her b/c she is white.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4936948">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4936948" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4936948" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4936948">Sagittarius</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4936948" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4936948" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m sick of the "taint" comment.<br><br>Really.  I\'m sick of it.  Why is it that Black folk always are the one "tainted" by the bad actions of someone else?  Was Paris Hilton "tainted" by the bad actions of her homegirl, Brittney Spears?  Was the entire Democratic Presidential field in 2008 "tainted" by the actions of John Edwards?  <br><br>So, can someone tell me why in the blue H-E double-EL  would Roland Burris be "tainted" by the actions of Rod Blagojevich?  Furthermore, can someone tell me why cognizant and aware Black folk would continute to perpetuate this meme?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937260">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937260" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937260" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937260">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937260" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937260" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s a very good question.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937265">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937265" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937265" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937265">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937265" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937265" class="dsq-comment-message">I.DON\'T.UNDERSTAND!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937421">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937421" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937421" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937421">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937421" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937421" class="dsq-comment-message"><i>Was Paris Hilton "tainted" by the bad actions of her homegirl, Brittney Spears?</i><br><br>No, but Britney Spears was tainted by her association with Paris Hilton.  I remember all the articles about Britney and other celebutants being tainted after being in the Hilton world.  So "tainted" does apply to others beside Black Folk.<br><br>Why would Burris be tainted?  Blago was caught on tape trying to sell a Senate seat.  Burris is now appointed to that Senate seat.  At the very least that is a "taint".  Prior to the appointment the Senate said it would not seat Blago\'s appointment and it was well known that a possible impeachment as well as an indictment was coming soon, most likely after the holidays.  Blogo made an appointment anyway, and the second or third guy asked (depending on reports Burris could have been the fourth asked, I only know for sure one person was asked prior to Burris) accepted.  That\'s a "taint".  Burris knew how the Senate would react and accepts the appointment anyway and is now claiming "victim".  No so much a taint as it is annoying.<br><br>After all this Burris will be a Senator because the appointment is legal.  But he will be the guy that accepted the position from a shady Gov. whose first choices turned him down and the Senate said they would block prior to knowing who the appointee was.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937539">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937539" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937539" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937539">Sagittarius</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937539" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937539" class="dsq-comment-message">\'But he will be the guy that accepted the position from a shady Gov...\'<br><br>And, what does that mean in the real world?  Does it apply to the appointments made by former LA Governor Edwin Edwards, who is now a convicted felon?  How about former IL Governor George Ryan, another convicted felon?  How about former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, who put his unqualified boyfriend on the state payroll - are any of his appointments "tainted"?<br><br>Try again.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937655">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937655" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937655" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937655">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937655" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937655" class="dsq-comment-message">He is going to be seated, that I\'m not arguing.  But this is high profile appointment came at the same time Blago was under investigation for trying to sell that same position.  There is no other way but "shady" to describe what Blago was caught on tape doing.  I don\'t think anyone can look at this and say Blago was acting in the best interest of Illinois and after long consideration decided Burris would be the best person for the job.  Burris is well qualified but Blago was did this as a power play against the Dems who are after him. <br><br>And, yes, Jim McGreevey\'s putting his boyfriend on the payroll is shady and his boyfriend\'s appointment is "tainted".</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937909">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937909" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937909" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937909">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937909" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937909" class="dsq-comment-message">The Jim McGreevey reference is different.  Burris had NOTHING to do with Blago\'s alleged pay to pay with OTHER potential candidates. He wasn\'t even being considered then. This is just too many degrees of separation here and if we start ignoring the law and making up the rules everytime people do something we don\'t agree with....<br><br>If Burris was the candidate that was accused of paying for the seat it might be different. Everyone keeps explaining the "taint\' but now how it is lawful for Reid to do what he is trying to do. Burris and Blago aren\'t the only ones ego tripping here. Reid, Fitz etc are too and it just so happends that the law doesn\'t appear to be on their side. We can\'t circumvent the law simply because the accusations fall against someone that is arrogant and b/c he appointed someone that may be just as arrogant. Let\'s face it ALL the players in this game are in it for political gain. Blago if proven guilty will be and should be the only one that goes down- for a crime unless we are trying egos, "taint" etc.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937964">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937964" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937964" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937964">Sagittarius</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937964" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937964" class="dsq-comment-message">\'And, yes, Jim McGreevey\'s putting his boyfriend on the payroll is shady and his boyfriend\'s appointment is "tainted".\' <br><br>Ahhh - you may yet get it, Grasshopper.  These two people were involved in the shenanigans.  It wasn\'t McGreevey and another person who had jack to do with the appointment; it is McGreevey and his boyfriend who are "tainted".<br><br>\'Burris is well qualified but Blago was did this as a power play against the Dems who are after him.\'<br><br>And the Dems are stupid, with a strong emphasis on stupid.  I live in IL.  I watched the press conference live, with popcorn.  I watched G-Rod line ALL the IL Dems upside the wall and perform the day before New Year\'s Eve massacre.  And he should have.  If you\'re stupid enough to leave a gangster with bullets and a gun, you\'re supposed to get shot.  Then, instead of stepping back to regroup, they remain stuck on stupid and keep digging a bigger hole.<br><br>Let\'s face it - the real reason the Dems are mad is Blagojevich gut them and f**cked them.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939939">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939939" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939939" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939939">Nardwilly</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939939" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939939" class="dsq-comment-message">No he did not.  Blago\'s move demonstrates how easy some are manipulated by appealing to tribal instincts.  This is not news.  None of the Blacks on this website would be defending Blago if he appointed Lisa Madigan, (white current Atty General)<br><br>Always cheering for the brother or sister even when they are wrong.  It is this instinct that has ruined Zimbabwe.  This instinct almost ruined the USA further, if whites had rejected Obama for McCain.  Southern whites still choose their tribe over morality and the region stays backwards.  <br><br>Intelligence, competence, and morality should guide us.  Mind, Body and Spirit.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940382">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940382" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940382" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940382">Sagittarius</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940382" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940382" class="dsq-comment-message">I will ask again:<br><br>Who is the governor of IL?  Rod Blagojevich<br><br>Is he convicted or indicted for criminal activity? No, he is under investigation.<br><br>Therefore, his appointments are legal under the Constitution of the U.S.  My speaking in support of seating Roland Burris doesn\'t have a damn thing to do with tribalism, cheering for black folk or any other such nonsense.  It does, however, have everything to do with the rule of law as it exists in this moment in time.  <br><br>If folks don\'t like it - then they should talk with their respective representatives in the appropriate govermental body and advocate for a change in the law.   Until then, one follows the laws that exist, not the laws one wants to exist.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4940835">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4940835" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4940835" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4940835">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4940835" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4940835" class="dsq-comment-message">"Always cheering for the brother or sister even when they are wrong." Exactly what was this "brother\'s" wrongdoing????? Being a brother????</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943876">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943876" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943876" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943876">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943876" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943876" class="dsq-comment-message">llolol Is this a joke?  This has got to be a joke.<br><br>Color should have nothing to do with our desire to uphold the law.  So I don\'t get your post.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937766">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937766" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937766" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4937766" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937766" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937766" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly -- pay-for-play positions are tainted, unethical and perhaps illegal.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4937646">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4937646" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4937646" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4937646">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4937646" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4937646" class="dsq-comment-message">Tell it!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4938897">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4938897" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4938897" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4938897" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4938897" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4938897" class="dsq-comment-message"><b>How about former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, who put his unqualified boyfriend on the state payroll - are any of his appointments "tainted"?</b><br><br>YES.<br><br>As a native New Jerseyan, I can tell you that ex-NJ governor Jim McGreevey resigned because of his unqualified boyfriend and other sketchy activities (even though he lied and hid behind being gay - and still does.)  <br><br>Did the former governors you name try to appoint a senator after being caught on tape trying to sell said seat and getting arrested?  Apples and oranges.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939544">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939544" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939544" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4939544">Ro</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939544" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939544" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes, Edwin Edwards appointed many after being accused of wrongdoing. Simply because he was still the governor. Bush is still appointing jobs. Who is more tainted than he?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4950275">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4950275" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4950275" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4950275">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4950275" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4950275" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s funny you mention Bush still appointing people because tonight on I think the Hardball repeat they were talking about all the Bush appointees being "tainted".  I had to laugh because it really is the word of the day.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4939653">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4939653" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4939653" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4939653" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4939653" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4939653" class="dsq-comment-message">Was he on tape attempting to sell a senate seat?<br><br>I am amazed at the bending over backwards for Burris so many black folks are willing to do.  No need to respect our vote or input if we\'ll just take anything.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943855">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943855" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943855" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943855">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943855" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943855" class="dsq-comment-message">"I am amazed at the bending over backwards for Burris so many black folks are willing to do. "<br><br>oh please.  Stop being so dramatic.<br><br>It is the law.  The man was appointed by the Governor.  What does bending over backward have to do with it?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944121">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944121" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944121" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4944121" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944121" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944121" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes, I get that - as do many others who have been following this story from the start and who believe it\'s wrong for Burris to allow Blago to use him to cover his own ass.  I\'m on record here for the last week with my opinion, so you\'re a little late.<br><br>What does bending over backward have to do with it?  Bending over backwards to have a black face at any cost - even if he will have no power or real influence.  Even if it hurts future, viable Black candidates down the line.<br> <br>It is also vile that Burris (and Rush) raced right into lynching analogies from day one, minimizing real lynching.  No wonder so many people think nooses on doors and trees are okay today.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944778">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944778" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944778" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944778">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944778" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944778" class="dsq-comment-message">Is Burris qualified for the position or not?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944993">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944993" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944993" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4944993" href="http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/anovelista/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anovelista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944993" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944993" class="dsq-comment-message">The question doesn\'t end at qualification.  In fact, no one - on this board, on TV or elsewhere have argued that Burris is unqualified, so that is a red herring. Meaningless.   There would be no problem with Burris without Blago.  Blago, Burris & Rush knew this and that is why they immediately invoked lynching and racism - not Burris\'s qualifications.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943129">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943129" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943129" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943129">PenelopeFlynn</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943129" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943129" class="dsq-comment-message">Those who are not attorneys may ignore nuamces in the law.  Those of us who are attorneys and especially those who, like Roland Burris, cloak themselves in the mantle of its protection cannot.  Roland Burris was aware before he left for Wasington that his credentials were not in order.  He was at all times aware that ithe appointment was not countersigned by the Secretary of State.  He was aware at all times that the Secretary of State\'s signature was a prerequisite for claimng the senate seat.  He failed to secure the signature yet pompously appeared in Washington knowing that he would necessarily be rejected.  Yes, he was appointed by Blagojevich but appointment is a two-step process.  Failure to complete the second step is fatal to claiming the seat. It\'s no different than applying for a job that requires an application and at least two references and someone shows up with an application and no references.  <br><br>The only relevant issue at this juncture is whether the Secretary of State\'s duty to sign is discretionary or compulsory.  If this is an unanswered question under Illinois law then this is properly a legal battle in Illinois, not a forum for grandstanding in Washington. Roland Burris\' time would have been better spent in Illinois coming up with a successful legal strateegy rather than making his plea in the court of public opinion. <br><br>I supported Barack Obama early in the campaign, not just because he appears to be an  extremely intelligent, level-headed black man, but because he represents a generational shift away from the cold war and Vietnam era politicians that have been directing the course of this country for decades.  As much as the argument is made that Obama should be replaced by another African American, I argue that he should be replaced by someone in the same generation.  With the average age of the senate at 63, the addition of a 71 year old is a big step in the wrong direction.   <br><br>Roland Burris has helped Blagojevich make a circus of this solemn and momentous occasion.  Several individuals turned down the appointment for obvious reasons however Burris, low on the list, was quick to snatch it up and equally as quick to drag Bobby Rush up to the podium to annoint his appointment, seeking to associate himself with the credibilty of  the African American foot soldier, almost daring naysayers to confront him with the spectre of  "Black Power" behind him.  Now that Burris realizes that this tack won\'t hold, he now insists  (Check out last night\'s Rachel Maddow show) that this is not a race issue openly rebuffing the man who stood behind him on day one.  <br><br>Having no knowledge of this man prior to this debacle, he appears to be a self-aggrandizing opportunist more concerned with serving himself than being of service to his state,  grabbing for that senate seat at any cost and certainly at the expense of  the dignity of the State of Illinois.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943611">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943611" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943611" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943611">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943611" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943611" class="dsq-comment-message">"Roland Burris was aware before he left for Wasington that his credentials were not in order. "<br><br>Nonsense.  There is nothing wrong with his credentials.  The signature is not a requirement under the law.  Reid on the other hand should be held responsible for attempting to break the law.<br><br>"Having no knowledge of this man prior to this debacle, he appears to be a self-aggrandizing opportunist more concerned with serving himself than being of service to his state, grabbing for that senate seat at any cost and certainly at the expense of the dignity of the State of Illinois."<br><br><br>LOL I won\'t even touch that one.  Bottom line -- Burris IS the Jr Senator of Illinois.  Besides, since when is it okay to discriminate against someone because of their age?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944017">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944017" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944017" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944017">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944017" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944017" class="dsq-comment-message">EXACTLY!!<br><br>Burris IS the Jr Senator of IL.<br><br>The Dems need to quit making a circus of the appointment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943977">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943977" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943977" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943977">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943977" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943977" class="dsq-comment-message">That is my issue.  Look, I didn\'t know anything about Burris before all of this went down, but since he has accepted this appointment, I can\'t even respect him.  EVERYBODY heard what the Senate Dems said about not seating a Blago appointment--he said himself that the appointee would be tainted.  Now, when he gets the appointment, he doesn\'t see a problem.  Yeah, Okay.  He knew the Secretary of State didn\'t sign his documents that he needed to be seated at the Senate, yet he went there anyway and created this circus.  This is not what the country needs.  This is a spectacle.  Burris may end up being seated, it is highly likely.  But the way that this is going down could have been avoided and he knows it.  He is not a victim--he has contributed to this mess, and I refuse to play into this foolishness.   He has undermined his credibility and reputation because of his ego, which is sad, because it wasn\'t necessary at all.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944141">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944141" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944141" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944141">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944141" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944141" class="dsq-comment-message">"EVERYBODY heard what the Senate Dems said about not seating a Blago appointment"<br><br>So what?  He was offered the position and he took it under the terms of the law.<br><br>"He has undermined his credibility and reputation because of his ego, which is sad, because it wasn\'t necessary at all."<br><br>Dramatic hooey.  It isn\'t that serious.  Reid put his foot in his mouth.  Man up, admit to it and move on.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944376">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944376" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944376" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944376">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944376" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944376" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s your opinion.  I just find it silly this whole notion that Burris is a "victim" of the Senate Dems.  That\'s nonsense and he knows it.  I just can\'t take it seriously.  One week, he is supporting going to the IL Supreme Court to get Blago removed and saying he should resign and that any appointee would be "tainted" (his words), and the next week he is just "accepting" an appointment "under the law"...yeah, okay.   It\'s crass opportunism, and while that certainly isn\'t illegal, it doesn\'t make me think very highly of him.  <br><br>And while it may not be that "serious" to you, I am personally tired of this shenanigans.  I really do want our politicians to raise their standard of behavior, and I think that Burris should have done so here, he didn\'t.   And Reid put his foot in his mouth?--again, your opinion.  He is in uncharted waters, so he may let Burris in to avoid a headache, or he may stick to his gun and let the courts decide.  He certainly can do both--I hope he let\'s the courts decide the issue.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944730">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944730" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944730" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944730">Val</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944730" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944730" class="dsq-comment-message">" I really do want our politicians to raise their standard of behavior,"<br><br>Whose standards?  Reid\'s or Blago\'s?  Because from where I am standing both of them are trying to twist the law.  Burris should not have to pay for it?  It has nothing to do with him.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944390">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944390" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944390" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944390">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944390" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944390" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign. Reid has the nerve to call for Norm Coleman to concede.  Dude is all over the place.  <br><br>This from Norm Colemn on NPR this evening:  "Minnesota will decide on its second Senator, not Harry Reid."<br><br>Dirty Harry. please sep down!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4949683">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4949683" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4949683" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4949683" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cheryl aka jill tubman</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4949683" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4949683" class="dsq-comment-message">Agreed wholeheartedly. I understand Burris\' temptation but I think he would have done well to pass on the circus in Congress.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943992">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943992" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943992" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943992">whiterosebuddy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943992" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943992" class="dsq-comment-message">Penelope...you are off base here.<br>Burris seems to know the law quite well.  It isn\'t about race. It is about the LAW. And the LAW is on Burris\' side.<br><br>The SOS signature is recommended. Besides, the sole authority to appoint a Senate resides in the executive of the state. It says nothing about SOS.  Matter of fact, the SOS signatures is merely recommended. Furthermore, the SOS has been signing pardons issued by the EXECUTIVE of the State Blagojevich and he has signed legislation for a special election. The only person out of order here is the SOS, as he is cherry picking what he will and will nto sign.<br><br>Burris is on solid legal footing. The Senate seat is his. He has been duly appointed by the Executive of IL and he has the only signature required on his certificate. Reid is doing nothing but playing games and trying to hide behind the SOS signature being missing, AFTER he called the SOS and asked him not to sign it.<br><br>It is a flimsy excuse and tacky on Reid\'s part. Reid has no power here and that was clear in the Powell ruling. The Senate can only require that the appointee be qualified under the US Constitution, which is what the Senators are sworn to uphold. Given that Burris does meet those Constituitonal requirements, it is Reid who is in VIOLATION of the very oath he was sworn to uphold.<br><br>Seat Burris. And Tell Reid to STFU!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4959031">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4959031" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4959031" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4959031">Amaliada</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4959031" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4959031" class="dsq-comment-message">But Burris didn\'t apply the law when he tried, as Attorney General, to execute an innocent man who suffered from prosecutorial errors in his first trial.  Burris went so far as to re-assign the prosecutor who wouldn\'t play along.<br><br>I\'m not a lawyer, but I think the people of Illinois deserve better on the merits of representation, rather than whether or not a specific person should be seated or not.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944111">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944111" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944111" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4944111" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944111" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944111" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4943905">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4943905" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4943905" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4943905">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4943905" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4943905" class="dsq-comment-message">There is no "bending over backwards to excuse Burris cuz he\'s black."<br><br>The law is the law, whether Burris is black, white or whatever.<br><br>Rod Blago is still the Gov. of IL.  Doesn\'t matter if he\'s "tainted" or whatever, he\'s still the executive authority of the state of IL and the United States Constitution as well as IL State Code says the executive authority (Blago) must appoint a replacement to fill vacancies.  He did that, and unless they find that Burriss bought, bartered or exchanged the seat from Blago, the appointment is legal and must stand.<br><br>Period.<br><br>Burris isn\'t some hapless lawn jockey who don\'t know nothing and is being used by evil Blago. Burris is trying to put a feather in his cap and get that Senate seat -- it\'s dude\'s last shot and he\'s going for his.  He doesn\'t give a sticky nickel if anyone thinks he\'s tainted and as a junior senator he wouldn\'t have been all that effective anyway from the get-go regardless of who appointed him.<br><br>Roland Burris is not to blame for this fiasco and neither is Rod Blago.  The blame is on the IL Legislature for not holding the special election and playing games.<br><br>The race business is a distraction, it\'s a side show.  IMO Harry Reid played it on Blago by claiming all the three black guys on the list were "unelectable" but conveniently ignoring the non-black lady on the list\'s non-electability.  He\'s just mad that Blago flipped the deck up on him and brought the game out into the open.<br><br>But I suppose he who has the gold makes the rules.  So we ignore the laws now and pat ourselves on the back feeling good, and we\'ll whine and cry about "the law" when the Republicans do it us.<br><br>It\'s interesting how this country cheers white felons, bathroom perverts, people under investigation and sheer incompetents but when a black guy gets appointed under shady (but LEGAL) circumstances, OH NOEZ!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944207">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944207" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944207" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944207">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944207" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944207" class="dsq-comment-message">Harry Reid is making a spectacle of himself!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4944656">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4944656" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4944656" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4944656">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4944656" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4944656" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep, they will cry about the law when Republicans do the same thing against Al Franken. So...we\'ll get to see that uh...irony... pretty soon, won\'t we?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945202">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945202" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945202" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4945202">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945202" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945202" class="dsq-comment-message">Town,<br><br>I\'m with you.<br><br>This isn\'t Blago or Burris\' fault. <br><br>this is Reid and Madigan\'s fault.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4945942">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4945942" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4945942" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4945942" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4945942" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4945942" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t buy the argument. Anytime you have a white person who has to go out of the way to claim they like teh Black it means their ACTIONS prove otherwise. It\'s not as if Obama has been supportive. If this is any indication of how he\'s going to continue to treat Black people  I\'m hoping for a 4 year term! Black voters need to start flexing some muscle. Nobody is going to convince me that Burris is not qualified nor that he has any skeletons or dealings anywhere near some of these other Senators sitting up on their lofty perches unchallenged then. Case #1 Dianne Feinstein. It\'s not as if Burris was close to the corruption of Lieberman, Dollar Bill Jefferson or even Al Wynn. What goes for ONE should go for them ALL.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4946456">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4946456" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4946456" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4946456">Booky</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4946456" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4946456" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s not about Burris, Blago, Reid, or White.  It\'s about the rule of law.  And I\'m with hearts and flowers, Barack Obama could have put this whole thing to rest a long time ago but he hasn\'t said a mumbling word except to say Burris should not be seated because of Blago\'s alledged crimes.  He didn\'t want people to tie him to Reverend Wright but he\'s tying Burris to Blago.   If this is any indication of how he treats black folks we might as well have republicans in control of the government.  Reverend Wright should have told us something......</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4947120">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4947120" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4947120" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4947120" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5L3M8Pn9KU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Piepiepie</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4947120" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4947120" class="dsq-comment-message">what does a man\'s pastor have to do with your faulty analysis of "rule of law," and appointments etc.<br><br>smh.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 </ul>\
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