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{"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Blago is showing he actually learned something on the Northside with Daddy Mell. <br><br>LOL", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:48:12", "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": 4807583, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810754": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Puleeeeze, he's more a snake than he is Jewish.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:31:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4801383, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805635": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I don't see Burris as a pawn.  He knew what he was getting into and choose to push forward excepting a nomination that he knew was going to be denied.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:21:41", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800990, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805125": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "If the guy was White, Green, Orange, or Blue, they'd be standing by what they said which was they wouldn't accept ANYONE Blago nominated.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:30:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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": 4803403, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800519": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Because the appointee is an African-American.  I want to see what they would have done if the appointee was White.<br><br>And the Lieberman comparison applies - he was rewarded for bad behavior when Obama could have had Reid strip him of committee assignments and everything to make Lieberman useless and ineffective, but Obama didn't do that.<br><br>I still say that the appointment by Blago is tainted, and yeah, Blago is probably spoiling for a fight to take down the entire Democratic party and stain Obama going into the door of the White House; however, just as Obama has managed to don Teflon when needed, he should have done so in this instance and let the Blago connection play itself out elsewhere.<br><br>I don't know enough about Burris to really say \"yea\" or \"Nay\" on him - I thought Blago showed cajones by telling Obama and the DC Establishment \"Eff You; I'll do whatever the hell I want, and you mofos can't tell me I can't make the appointment to fill Obama's Senate Seat if I'm still the Mother-Effing Governor.\"<br><br>Honestly, the Illinois Government could have moved to have Blagojevich impeached and removed from office - THEY DIDN'T DO THAT, and in not doing so, allowed a small mess to become massive on a whole lot of levels.<br><br>The double standard? Obama left Lieberman alone, but he's going after the brotha, yeah, even though Blagojevich is appointing him.  Someone needs to ask \"WHY COME?\" and I'm doing it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:22:27", "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": 9, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800405, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801032": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Which is sad because in other circumstances, I think the people of Illinois would have had no problem with sending him to DC.<br><br>Blago's outside and trying to tear up the Party -ala Hillary Clinton.<br><br>Lieberman's on the inside.<br><br>Both can damage Obama in ways he can't possibly anticipate - that's where the similarities are.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:58:55", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800761, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801033": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Exactly, Lieberman is a weak analogy that should be discarded on its face.<br><br>1.) There are no legal issues that taint Lieberman<br>2.) Lieberman is technically an independent. <br>He beat the dem nominee in CT in a general election, with his own apparatus. He held firm to his beliefs on the war and was re-elected.<br>.<br>3.) Like it or not he had significant power to negotiate given the split in the senate <br><br>4.) Campaigning for McCain although some was in poor taste -- it was withing his rights clearly.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:59:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4800832, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810762": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Read Obama's press statement regarding Burris - he spells it out:<br><br>\t<br><i> December 30, 2008<br><br>President-elect Obama issued the following statement on Gov. Blagojevich tapping Roland Burris to fill the Senate seat:<br><br>\"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.\"</i><br><br>Sounds like he's trying to derail this to me.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:33:58", "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": 4805697, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805644": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Chris,<br><br>I was thinking the same thing!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:21:56", "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": 4805506, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804621": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks. I knew it was Ryan something or other. <br><br>He was favored to win in the general right and Obama was the underdog?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:52:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4804593, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801552": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "&lt;&lt;&lt;Blushes&gt;&gt;&gt;<br><br>Aw, shucks.....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:33:19", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801394, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804625": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "After they buck danced for Hillary, they need to keep quiet on this one.  As far as Rush is concerned, he's taking it too personally that Obama challenged his ass for his Congressional seat years ago and hasn't let it go yet.<br><br>Could be that Obama might have exposed Rush's incompetency long before it is managing to surface on its own.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:52:30", "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": 4803340, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805123": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The bottom line and the law: <br><br>1. The senate cannot fail and refuse to seat a legally appointed/elected Senator from any State of the Union..<br><br>2. Indited or not, Rod Blagojevichis the duly elected Governot of the State of Illinois, who has all legal authority to name and appoint  a Senator to serve in the United States Senate. It  matters not what the President-Elect thinks, what the  Speaker of the United States House of Representatives  thinks, nor does it matter what the  Senate Majority Leader thinks. It is not about them-it is about the Rule of Law.<br><br>As for the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois, the job is ministerial-that is rubber stamp  and certify what the Governor decided, <br>Do not waste the taxpayers' dollars making lawyers rich. There is no win here.  <br>As for Obama, he is a Constitutional scholar who  knows all of this. <br>He can do nothing other than support the Rule of Law.   <br>Hello and Greetings Senator Burris!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:31:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae910114423f18cdde8e818abcfb1452", "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": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805655": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't think Obama capitulated at all. He stood up for what was right and I commend him for it. Blago is using Burris and made this appointment to throw race into the situation, knowing many blacks would take the bait. This was not done for any altruistic reason. Blago is a crook that needs to be removed from his position as govenor as soon as possible. The democrats stated from early on they would not seat anyone Blago appointed and I am glad they are sticking to it. Now is not the time for blacks to get all emotional and trying to state this is a situation of people trying to keep a black man down.That is thinking way too small.  Bobby Rush made me cringe with his performance at that press conference. This is not the way to go about having another african american in the senate. Blago needs to be impeached and removed from office. His replacement can appoint someone to the senate.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:22:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "9caaa185827880772943d1821474b5b5", "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": 4805183, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800024": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "My concern with this episode of \"Chi-Town\" politics is where Obama truly stands on Burris.  I have not heard his sentiments at all other than the appointment should not be honored. I have always thought that Obama was behind this snitch to the FBI after Valarie Jarrett got pimped and wouln't play.  Obama seems to be really reluctant to anybody  from Chicago, particularly AA, getting an appointment.  I wonder why since his ascension was not greatly supported by any of them.  Again, it was Divine Providence that Obama made it to the highest position in the land based on never having been supported by establishment leadership.<br><br>My point though, does Obama have good karma with Burris?  Why wouldn't he be acceptable if he is as squeaky clean as everyone says?  Something is wrong with this picture to reject this man just because Blagojebitch is recommending him IF he would represent the state well?  The news and pundits leave me with more questions about what is REALLY going on here. Roland Martin saying one thing, Jeffrey Toobin going in another direction, so it's hard to piece it all together if you remove Blagojebitch from the mix.  WHO DOES OBAMA REALLY WANT TO HAVE THE SEAT???", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_12:48:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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}, "4806548": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "he's been signing bills, left and right. You are correct. they can't pick and choose which duties he can do.<br><br>Madigan tried to have him declared unfit and the Ill. Supreme Court wouldn't even hear the case.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_20:04:12", "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": 4805827, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805660": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yeah I know. I was just wondering out loud I guess.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:24:54", "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": 4805562, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803102": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Just like I was feeling you on Obama's response to this nonsense.<br><br>He gets his tighty whities in a knot over what Blagojevich does, when Lieberman essentially told him to kiss his ass and Obama says \"all is forgiven\"?<br><br>I call bullshyt when I see it and when I smell it - Obama allows a brotha to get dogged but gives Lieberman a pass; which Harry Reid was all too content to comply with as well?<br><br>I don't know about you, but as much as I like Obama, I'm getting tired of him dogging out POC just to earn more brownie points with those who didn't give him those points in the first damned place.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:49:02", "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": 4802079, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802079": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "fist in air.<br><br>I'm feeling you today", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:01:34", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800519, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803105": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well stated Linda. Burris, via this appt, is unlikely to win in 2010. <br><br>Obama is actually in a decent situation of standing up to a blatant racial shake-down by Rush, Burris and Blago. Regardless of the outcome, Obama and senate dems are in decent shape. <br><br>Unfortunately, Burris and Blago's potential gain hurts IL-dems, and those other AAs who would have liked to replace Obama.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:50:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803049, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805467": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "My feeling is the Senate had to say no to whoever Blago put forth because they had taken a stand before he made any appointment that the process was tainted.  Blago could have nominated anyone of any race and they would have been rejected.  By selecting a black man with a solid background he now makes the Senate look bad because they have to stand by their position less they look like they are only changing their mind only because he is black.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:06:01", "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": 4801992, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804644": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I think it's worth noting that <a href=\"http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1356051,CST-NWS-sweet31.article\" rel=\"nofollow\">Danny Davis was offered, and turned down, the seat by Blago before Burris was</a>. It seems to me that if the goal is black representation in the Senate, there are an abundance of qualified african american candidates for this position. Burris is just the first guy Blago could find who was willing to go along with his game. Burris is being used.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:54:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "0800a8f74d23d39eb9819b1330390f07", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802225, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4858019": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Here are the reality facts. Politics is all about vote securing and vote counting. I'm sorry, Barack's inner circle has shown extreme political immaturity not only in the replacement for the Obama senate seat but across the board relative to filling the play book for Barack's \"hit the ground running\" program on January 21st. Axelrod and company may be good campaign managers but when it comes to capitol hill politics they don't know squat. For some reason they think that once all the cabinet selections are made, that Barack's legislation will just start rolling through both chambers once he becomes the POTUS. It ain't gonna happen and Barack through his failure to control the nation-wide controversy over his vacant senate seat, has signalled to the Republicans just how easy it's gonna be to oppose everything the Obama administration sends up to the hill (with the exception of bills to name post offices for outstanding citizens).<br><br>Obama's legislative fights will take place in the senate and he is already facing stubborn resistance from Harry Reid who has made it clear that he will not provide any significant support for the Obama administration. Reid's push back will be in the form of his usual complaint heard in the last congress that he could not  \"get the votes\" to bring critical legislation to a floor vote. However, this time he will use the same wimpish complaint concerning  his failure to get key parts of the Obama stimulus package to the senate floor for a definiitive vote. Harry is a cute clever politician and he will run circles around the Obama White House. Therefore, Obama NEEDS every Democratic vote he can get in the Senate, and screwing around with an empty Illinois seat for 60 or 90 days is not going to cut it for the problems that the country is facing. The Franken/Coleman battle for the other seat will most likely find its way onto some court calendar for final resolution, and nobody knows how long that will take. So there is currently another empty Senate seat that Obama urgently needs to get this stimulus package moving.<br><br>The republicans are loving what they see coming from the Democrats. It fits right in with their (Repubs) plan to sidetrack Obama's stimulus package so that as the depression deepens and millions of Americans become destitute, homeless, and hungry, the American public will get totally fed up with Obama and the Democrats and in between riots, turn the congress over in 2010. The Repubs are elated to see that their plan is starting to work courtesy of the Senate Democrats, even before Obama takes his oath of office.<br><br>If Barack wants to have a chance at winning this game, he needs to forget all of that Lincolnesque crap about building a government that  embraces and includes one's political enemies. We ain't living in Lincoln's time and those who know how to play the political game will be the winners. Some people rave over what an astute politician Tip O'Neal was in his day in Washington. Tip was a great Boston Pol and a lousy Pol in Washington. Whereas, People like Rayburn, Johnson, and Stevenson were real Washington movers and shakers. Political idealism is just like graffiti, a lot of people may become aware of it but it is totally insignificant  respective of its impact on society. If Obama wants to win his first major fight as President, he needs to choose a smart floor team for the Senate and most importantly start building political capitol. These things are urgent and must be done even before he takes the oath of office.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-02_22:07:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "05814c845f33f183b2c271d4490e2d4f", "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}, "4804673": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I thought that the senate could refuse to seat him; but apparently they can't so he may just make it through.<br><br>That's not good news IMO.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:55:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "3479206fcf43dbff699f1a4de016869b", "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": 4804545, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810791": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I guess that really is the bottom line when it is all said and said and said!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:39:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4800076, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804648": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I co-sign!!<br><br>Oops I guess I should duck too.<br><br><br>P.S. I am going to head back over to that thread from last week and read through alll the trouble I started in the thread.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:54:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Rhondacoca", "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": 4800578, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804649": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "For REAL.  America is supposed to be a nation of the people, for the people and by the people.  I'm hoping Obama doesn't forget that; otherwise he'll go the way Jimmy Carter did, and Carter didn't deserve the treatment he got.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:54:07", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804034, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805674": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If Joe Lieberman was black, he'd be sitting by himself at the lunch table as Obama, Reid, etc. kicked him to the curb.<br><br>Joe Lieb does belong in this discussion because Joe Lieb outright disrespected Obama and the Democrats as he tap danced and shuffle boogied at the Republicans' party all year long.  And all Harry Reid and the Democrats did was issue tepid warnings.<br><br>But now with the Burris situation, all of a sudden Reid & Co. have found some new burst of strenff like they are the good guy wrestlers in the WWE almost down for the count but finding some superhuman burst of strength to defeat the bad guys.  It doesn't compute:  you're weak and passive on everything else but strong on this?  It makes people want to go hmmmmmmmm?[/arsenio]", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:24:45", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802318, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806003": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well said. This is not the way to go about it.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:00:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "9caaa185827880772943d1821474b5b5", "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": 4802978, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806182": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You're exactly right, Hillary would NOT have needed to racebait because if Barack Obama were a charismatic white guy named Barry Johnson her ass would have been out of the race right along with Biden, Richardson, Dodd, etc.  Her ass came in THIRD in Iowa, remember?<br><br>And if she did try to \"hang on\" Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi would have been sweeping her off the stage.<br><br>And Barry Johnson would have gotten approx. 90% of the black vote as John Kerry and Al Gore did.<br><br>Hell, Hillary Clinton would have gotten 90% of the black vote had she been the Democratic nominee.  There might have only been 10 black people voting on 11/4 but 9 of them would have voted for Hillary.<br><br>Somehow I don't think we'd be so strident on holding a white person \"accountable\" even if we rewarded that white person with 95% of our vote.  Hell Bill Clinton Sista Souljah'd black people and black folks up until he and Hillary openly started racebaiting against Obama were still falling all over themselves for some Bill.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:19:02", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805858, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805678": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "What else has Obama done other than release that statement? I havent seen anything else...are their rumblings of backdoor shenanigans? The statement was more benign than the mole that's been on my back for 25 years - completely generic and nothing out of order - praise the appointee, chastise the appointer, mention the will of the people of Illinois - pretty textbook....but what else are you guys seeing/hearing in Chitown??", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:26:33", "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": 4803243, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4815407": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Read the article on the strategy they will use to delay, then unseat Burris. I can summarize it here:<br><br>First, delay Burris being seated in a procedural fashion -- that will last 90 days.<br>Then, use the \"tainted process\" to try to unseat him via constitutional authority.<br><br>The \"tainted appointment\" is the heart of the Senate case. <br><br>It's a fairly clear argument:<br>1.) Blago tried to sell the senate seat.<br>2.) Blago comprimised the process, much like a comprimised election due to fraud.<br>3.) As a result of Blago's fraudulent process, the senate can unseat his selection.<br><br>Whether the Senate wins or not, they will have signficantly delayed Burris being seated.  <br><br>Due to the democrats large majority, Dem Leadership will not be concerned with the absence of one vote in the Senate (presently 57-41). Regardless, the Senate will exhaust all options to unseat Burris, likely ending in a special election.<br><br>The latest Blago actions are quite sad to watch -- even sadder to watch folks sucked in b/c Blago has used racial grievance to try to save his career.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_13:36:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4811154, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800560": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I can't remember when Congress kept their promises - same difference.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:25:18", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800229, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805183": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well Obama has capitulated time and time again to get to where he is. Why is anyone surprised. I mean trying to sell us LIEberman and HILLPATINE was just a bitter pill to swallow. Bobby Rush doesn't deserve any defense, but to me his points were valid and it's about taking initiative. It is just pathetic that there's only been 3 Black Senators and what, 1 or 2 Governors since Reconstruction. And I'm all for a Rainbow Coalition, but we REALLY need to focus on BLACK people who identify and support other BLACKS. Not just any Black face and not other people who may or may not be allies. And we really need to be supporting more Black FEMALE candidates, those like Donna Edwards. And this needs to be said: What are Black people SERIOUSLY going to do when Obama does something to majorly piss us off - or ignore us? What exactly has he promised Black people SPECIFICALLY? I don't recall one thing. Just a lot of vague concepts tied up with everyone else that sounded good, but to US - NADA! That's not to say he doesn't want to help, but since the majority of us voted for him anyway - here's where the race baiting came in handy - he didn't have to do anything but show up to get our votes. That's on us. Or on some of ya'll because I my vote was largely a vote for putting a Black First Lady - Michelle - in the White House and I didn't want Hillpatine anywhere near the WH again. I have 'hopes' but I'm not holding my breath.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:37:46", "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": 28, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804275": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't even think Burris would run in 2010. But then, I thought anyone who got appointed to this seat would have to face challengers in 2010, no matter who they were.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:25:53", "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": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803439, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805176": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "lamh31,<br><br>I agree b/c if I remember correctly it was urgent that they arrest Blago that particular day b/f the alleged act went down. Why is it not so urgent any more? Why couldn' t they indict him with the same sense of urgency? At any rate, I hate to sound like a broken record but he is still the govenor (even if they do speed up the indictment). Like. It. Or. Not. Until then, does anyone know if  there is any precedence that an official INNOCENT until proven guilty cannot proceed with their job? I guess I need to find out the basis on him being told in the first place that he could not make the appointment to begin with b/c that is where I am stuck in that I don't understand how that could be. Maybe they don't have to accept it but again that is what I am not clear on.<br><br> Is that not the same if ..let's see there was another poster and unfortunately I don't remember who it was but just this week she indicated that she was accused of stealing in the upscale store she works in..well she isn't fired b/c apparently they have no proof so either she works there or she doesn't...or can they tell her well you can work here and help customers but you can't run the register??? Uhg maybe that wasn't the best example. :-) but are all his other job duties stripped or just that one??? Maybe it's like working somewhere and being put on probation and certain restrictions apply???<br><br>This just doesn't seem like a black and white area otherwise we could stop other officials from doing certain things every time they did something we don't like. Make no mistake I think what Blago did was terrible but either impeach him or let him do his job until you can get your act together and figure out what the rules are. Having said that, with Blago's attorney quitting after this maybe Blago isn't as slick as he thinks he is although from what has been presented so far he seems to be doing pretty good - at least in that area.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:37:07", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804880, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4816394": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Fitz is probably doing two things:<br><br>1. Allowing other witnesses to beat a path to his door and <i>testify.</i><br><br>2. Making it easier for Obama to have his Inauguration and installation in the White House <i>before</i> all this stuff breaks out once more.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_15:46:59", "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": 4805176, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800063": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "So we're going to hold him accountable on Burris . . . not on the preacher man?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_12:49:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "bigassbelle", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805697": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Is Obama trying to derail his appointment?  The comments I heard was him basically saying no comment or let the Senate take care of it.  I have yet to hear him say he didn't want Burris.  I haven't watched the news in a couple of hours so I could be wrong.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:28:31", "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": 4803243, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800578": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I've already been flamed for pointing out that Rick Warren is essentially being rewarded for foul behavior, but Jeremiah Wright got flung under the bus and told he should have drank his glass of STHU when he spoke out against being attacked for his views.<br><br>Views, I might add, Obama sat under his leadership for 20 years as a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, and had no problem with until he ran for POTUS.<br><br>&lt;&lt;&lt;ducks&gt;&gt;&gt;", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:27:13", "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": 4800063, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4821572": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It's something for the court to figure out, I won't presume to know how the S.C. will decide the specifics of the case. My point is that it is not cut and dry one way or the other. <br><br>Al Franken is a separate case, and I won't presume to know how the courts will sort that out either. <br><br>However, it is important either way for senators to have legitimacy of the office. As far as the logic of the appointment -- I've reiterated my stance enough times.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_20:13:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4820825, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4809254": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Couldn't have said it better myself!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_22:17:32", "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": 4805301, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801606": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Stevens lost.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:36:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": 4800227, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806379": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ok.....what are we being distracted from? This is all bogus...what the hell are they diverting our attention away from? I don't trust the justice department as far as I can throw'em.....and we are still in a Bush-Cheney administration...what the hell are we being distracted from?? The McConnell plane crash?? More investigations regarding Katrina deaths?? What? Something...we are being distracted from SOMETHING.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:45:00", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4806274, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802123": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I know the transision team released that generic statement...what else is happening from Obama's camp? They seem way subdued about it from what I've seen, I fgiured they were keeping their distance - the statement seemed to be pretty standard in that there had to be some kind of reaction, because total silence...naw, that wouldn't fly. Beyond that though, it looks like they're doing what you suggest - staying clear.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:05:42", "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": 4800718, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800076": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I've reached a point where I don't give a shit about anything but him fixing the economy and health care. I don't care what he has to do to get that done, who he has to sell out or buy, just. get. it. done.<br><br>I  keep going back to Maslow and the heirarchy of needs: basic security, then the rest.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_12:52:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "bigassbelle", "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": 4800063, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800589": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Everyone needs to let that water keep flowing under the bridge on Lieberman.  Obama is not going to rescind that and neither will he on Rick Warren.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:28:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800372, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802127": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Some examples?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:06:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4801992, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804689": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "WE at CBC Monitor, see that shyt but he couldn't be bothered to open his yap when Pelosi stripped 20 CBC members off the legislation to renew the Voting Rights Act.  Rush and everyone else went along with that shyt:<br><br><a href=\"http://www.blackcommentator.com/183/183_cbc_monitor_voting_rights.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.blackcommentator.com/183/183_cbc_mon...</a><br><br>I've been on the race-baiting when convenient CBC since 2005.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:57:46", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804482, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802132": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Burris backed OBAMA, when nobody else thought Obama had a chance for the Senate.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:05:20", "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": 13, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800024, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805493": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Cute. Did he owe Danny Davis also? I wonder what that story would have been.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:07:11", "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": 4, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805420, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805721": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Stellar!!!!!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:30:06", "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": 4801055, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806748": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree with Mandy's assessment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_20:23:52", "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": 4805994, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805905": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "This for me is beyond this one situation and about a larger issue.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:51:11", "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": 4805849, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804880": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "OT, but pertinent to the discussion:<br><br>Politico Blurb: <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/No_end_in_sight.html?showall\" rel=\"nofollow\">No End In Site</a><br><br>What the hell is Fitzgerald up to?  I'm no lawyer or conspiracy theorist, but this is getting ridiculous.  I'm putting my tinfoil hat on.  I'm beginning to believe that Fitzy jumped the gun on his arrest of Blago, and is now trying to play catch up.  It's either that or he has something up his sleeve, either way, he not Obama, not Blago, not the Senate Dems has the power to end this.  If he indicts Blago, then the IL gov't can speed up their impeachment of Blago right...<br><br>Orginal article in Chicago Business: <a href=\"http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32441&seenIt=1\" rel=\"nofollow\">Feds Seek Extension for Guv Indictment</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:12:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "fd35c4322b63b2dab06baea3e23047cf", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": null, "num_replies": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4813411": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sounds like he is supporting the Senate's decision not to seat anyone Blago picked to me.  It's not negative with regards to Burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_08:47:22", "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": 4810762, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807780": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Nancy Pelosi was <i>supposedly</i> a liberal.  Even in San Francisco, she managed to play to the corporate interests.<br><br>Unfortunately, to choose between her and The Dark Sith these days is like choosing between living in Sodom  or  Gomorrah, knowing you're gonna get burned regardless.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:57:30", "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": 4800673, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4808119": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree, until blacks move enmasse as they did for Obama for themselves and their communities nothing will change.  We are the change we need not Obama.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_22:09:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4805488, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800614": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Myth, you and I would handle our adversaries by being polite and courteous and working with them when necessary - we wouldn't allow them into our circle where they can resort to their true nature and bite us in the ass because they haven't fully and honestly embraced the concept of true reconciliation and unity.  I'm going to be on watch and taking bets as to whether it will be Hillary, Gates or Lieberman to take the first bite out of the POTUS' ass.<br><br>You don't see Joe Biden giving appointments to HIS Enemies, and Biden's been on the Hill long enough to have made MANY.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:29:01", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800434, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802151": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Some writer for Saturday Night Live or Mad TV is SO gonna see that and steal it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:07:36", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802031, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804948": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'm not saying it's good news but I thought the law was the law (whatever it is b/c I still might be confused) and now (and no other time for that matter) is not the time to start making up stuff as we go along. We didn't do it for OJ. As you can see he was stupid enough to....<br><br>I just feel that we have to abide by the legal process and let God be guide for the other b/c if not we could get into really sticky areas making it up as we go along and I'm afraid this will not work out for African Americans.<br><br>Blago might be a crook. He might be slick. He might be dirty. He might be using Burris but can they really stop him until he is impeached?", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:17:14", "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": 4804673, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805479": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "yep...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:07:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805073, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803181": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Lieberman's religion has NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS CONVERSATION.<br><br>What is YOUR issues with JEWS?  I don't have any, and if I wanted to point out Lieberman's religion, I would have done so, and would have promptly been labeled \"anti-semite\".<br><br>I have not done that.  You are doing that in trying to hijack this entire conversation, which I will NOT ALLOW YOU TO DO.<br><br>I stand by what I posted here, damn you, and I will not backtrack on the fact that Lieberman enjoys his privilages in the Senate that he essentially pissed on when he hooked his wagon to McCain, and Obama gave him a pass.<br><br>Blagojevich appoints a Black Man to succeed another Black Man in the U. S. Senate, and Obama joins in the hunt to derail this appointment.<br><br>I've compared this to Clarence Thomas' appointment to the SCOTUS as well - so where is the anti-semitism of which you try to infer, BUT FAIL TO DO SO?<br><br>You REFUSE to see the comparison, but when Lieberman aides and abet Mitch McConnell in derailing Obama's legislative agenda, while a sure vote in Roland Burris is kept out of the Senate, I bet you will see it THEN, when it's too damned late to do anything about it.<br><br>Post where I've made any mention of Lieberman's religion, ANY TIME, ANY WHERE - OTHERWISE DRINK YOUR CAN OF STHU ON THE religions bias because I haven't introduced it into the conversation.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:57:06", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801939, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804718": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yup, but this might have gone down with any AA being nominated by Blago.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:59:48", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804644, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805538": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't know about the CBC being used against Obama because they are on record as NOT having supported Obama (their only Senator) all through the primaries and not really being out there for him during the general election either.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:13:13", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804282, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804723": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "OK this is where I get confused...he is STILL the governor so how can they say he cannot do his job- by appointing Obama's replacement? I still don't understand how they could have threatened him on that in the first place so everything that comes after is kind of null and void to me...all this he is under a cloud...what does that mean? Is it a legal cloud? OJ was free to go after Nicole Brown's death- well until....sounless I am missing something either he is the governor or he's not. Whether he is guilty of the charges that came before this should be irrelevant.<br><br>I'm not saying Blago isn't being slick. Shoot, he did that! But hey he isn't the first slick politician and he won't be the last.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:00:16", "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": 4803331, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805748": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Chile please....if Joe Lieberman was black he'd be in a tattered bathrobe sitting in a recliner wondering \"how did it come to THIS?\"...he'd be as welcome as a cold sore on prom night. He would be completely powerless and just a distant memory of the 2008 elections.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:33:59", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805674, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4811381": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No. that came out later. It was about the fiance and him sexual harrassing HER workers.....and the trip she made to Africa - going to see dictators on the State Dept. NOT-Approved list.....with said fiance.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_01:08:46", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4810449, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800633": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I've reached the point where I just want Obama to get the job done.<br>He's not going to please everybody, and he's going to make mistakes.<br>He's not perfect, but then again none of the other 43 occupants of the Oval Office were either.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:30:12", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800076, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803194": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I live with a difference of opinion when it is not accompanied by outright lies and innuendo that I have not introduced into this discussion, but you keep bringing it up.<br><br>ME THINKS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH JEWS, because no one has discussed or introduced Lieberman's religion into this conversation AT ALL.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:58:31", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801939, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806780": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Danny Davis is a sitting Congressman in a safe district who has given no indication that he was going to retire and give up that paycheck. He knows that he has absolutely NO appeal outside the borders of the Chicago city limits. <br><br>Give up a guaranteed check for the next 10 years, padding that Congressional pension, for something that would be over in 2 years? <br><br>Come on, now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_20:27:06", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804644, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802173": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "CPL,<br><br>this entire thread  has been terrific. I've loved it. <br><br>I'm on record: I support the Burris appointment. <br><br>The Irish Gang thought they were too slick and finally had Blago cornered. But, he outwitted ALL them mofos. <br><br>I also have news for you: I don't believe the Impeachment proceedings will go as planned.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:09:09", "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": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803199": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<b>ITD with this post. The facts are very simple. Gov. Blagoveich is under a cloud. He was warned not to make an appointment. He thought he could get around this by playing the race card.</b><br><br>I agree. Once again, black folks are allowing a white politician (Blago) to use us, and race charlatans like Rush, because they just can't bring themselves to pass the torch to the next generation, are tagging along. It's sickening.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:58:36", "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": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802225, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807296": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Lieberman is a weak analogy to the current situation, it's been addressed numerous times.  <br><br>The acceptance of Burris has little to do with Burris and everything to do with Blago push to destroy IL-dems (lol!).  After Burris wins the IL supreme court case, the senate will delay him procedurally for 90 days. <a href=\"http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16973.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16973...</a><br><br>You are right Obama and Co. need every vote -- that's why Burris should not be seated. To allow Burris to remain as a tainted pick gives Repubs an instant issue to hold over senate dems in the long term.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:18:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4807135, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803201": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No. Burris will become a stick to beat back Obama's agenda. The Republicans will use him to build a graft narrative against all of Obama's economic proposals.<br><br>The Democratic party will pay for it in 2010 if it goes through.<br><br>And Black politicos will have to deal with overt white resentment being thrown at them through Burris' appointment. This is not good on any level IMO politically or tactically.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:58:45", "killed": false, "user_key": "3479206fcf43dbff699f1a4de016869b", "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": 4802985, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806274": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Patrick Fitzgerald asked for a 90 day EXTENSION for the deadline for his indictment of Blago. <br><br>Hmmmmmmm.....<br><br>Now, you say I wear the tinfoil hat...<br><br>But,....<br><br><br>Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:31:46", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805307": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If the law is on Blago and Burris' side then why drag it out??????? The Dems will simply be causing more attention to the situation so they should let it die!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:49:32", "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": 4805254, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806278": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Haha the ironing is delicious.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:32:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805538, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805767": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm not only referring to this. I am talking about what he's done to win and who he had to appeal to. I don't ascribe t the Obama-Messiah mindset or the let him get in office first and then we'll see crap!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:36:09", "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": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805655, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804746": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thank YOU!<br><br>You saw what I was trying to say with this post.  It's not only about Race; its also about when Black People compromise for the sake of putting a Black Face in a High Place - it is about the unwillingness to hold them accountable as we do white elected officials, because we're seen as \"tearing down a brotha/sista\" when they get called out on their shyt.<br><br>Obama may be right in why he wants to derail Burris' appointment; but if he didn't shytcan Lieberman, he didn't leave himself any justification for involving himself with this business, either.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:02:22", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804597, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805773": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I agree..with you and Town. Can I do that? :-)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:36:55", "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": 4805556, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802072": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sorry, but Sevens LOST.  Mark Begich is now the Senator-elect from Alaska.  There will be no special election.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:02:48", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801529, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4811459": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Oh - wow!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_01:23:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4811381, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804757": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I KNEW Unca Clarance wasn't going to change.<br><br>He hated Black People THAT MUCH.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:03:02", "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": 4804597, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804761": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thank you. I stated this in one of replies below. Sad thing is, Burris is happy to be used. He seems almost giddy.<br><br>Can you imagine what he's going to do in Washington? At least he can say he was a US Senator, if only for a year. poor thang.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:03:24", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4804644, "depth": 2, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803228": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yep.<br><br>Blago is manipulating black history to take force the media attention to Washington and give himself breathing space to fight impeachment and the case Fitzgerald has: a case that apparently is getting stronger since folks have been beating a path to Fitz's door since his media announcement.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:59:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "3479206fcf43dbff699f1a4de016869b", "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": 4803199, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800673": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "CPL's point is that politics is frought with double standards.  And those double standards occasionally contain a racial component.  <br><br>In the late '90s, the Dems were fervent about moving toward the center in order to win elections.  So when the opportunity came to select a minority speaker of the House, they selected Nancy Pelosi--a white San Francisco liberal--over Harold Ford, Jr.--a Black centrist from Tennessee.<br><br>When a white Democrat like Dan Rostenkowski engages in corruption, the party leadership takes a wait-and-see approach.  When a Black Democrat like William Jefferson engages in corruption, the party leadership wants him removed immediately.<br><br>Point being, it's gotten so easy to sacrifice Black Democrats at the political altar, that it's darn near routine.  The immediate theat of not seating Burris, follows a substantially similar line of double standards.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:34:44", "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": 22, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805282": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "1. The senate cannot fail and refuse to seat a legally appointed/elected Senator from any State of the Union..<br><br><br>Well if that's true everyone needs to get over it! And Burris...well maybe Dannis Davis was more \"honorable\" but if Burris has done no wrong and seems to be clean then good luck to him. Apparently he will need it!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:47:56", "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": 4805123, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800675": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "December 31, 2008<br>Burris: Charges against Blagojevich shouldn't affect him<br>Posted: 11:56 AM ET<br> <br>Roland Burris said Gov. Rod Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty.<br>(CNN) \u2014 The man appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat said Wednesday his appointment to the position is legal, despite the charges against the governor.<br><br>WATCH: Burris on American Morning<br><br>Former Illinois Attorney Gen. Roland Burris said Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty, even though his behavior \"is reprehensible.\"<br><br>\"I don't look upon the governor's problems as my problems. I look at the governor's problems as his problems,\" Burris said.<br><br>Blagojevich faces allegations of influence peddling, among other charges.<br><br>The governor, a Democrat, on Tuesday named Burris to serve the last two years of Obama's Senate term.<br><br>Obama said Tuesday it is disappointing that Blagojevich ignored warnings from Senate Democrats about appointing a successor to his Senate seat.<br><br>Senate Democratic leaders have said they will block the appointment and are urging the governor to step down after his arrest on corruption charges \u2014 a move Obama endorsed.<br><br>\"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat,\" Obama said in a statement.<br><br>\"I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Gov. Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it.\"<br><br>Full story<br><br>Filed under: Popular Posts \u2022 Rod Blagojevich \u2022 Roland Burris", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:34:45", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805285": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Carol lost because she got caught up in scandal with her press secretary I think.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:48:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4804264, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804264": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Fitzgerald beat Carol Moseley Braun, who was the sitting Senator at that time.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:24:27", "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": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803401, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804265": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "We definitely should NOT give Obama a free ride. We should hold ALL of our elected officials accountable", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:23:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "TariqNelson", "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}, "4801194": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Which I've always liked about him, but his attempts to be EVERYTHING  to EVERYBODY is going to have him spending political capital that can be better used somewhere else, and writing political checks his ass can't cash.<br><br>He needs to trust his own instincts and needs to listen to Michelle more and his advisors LESS.  Michelle loves him and will truly give him opinions and viewpoints in honest, no nonsense fashion.<br><br>Laura Bush couldn't do that with Dubya - there was one time, when Dubya was running for Congress and they were returning home from one of his appearances, and he asked her how she thought his speech was.  Laura said she thought the speech was okay but there were some points he should have emphasized.<br><br>Dubya's response was to ram the car into their garage...with him and Laura still in it.<br><br>Laura relayed this incident to her mother-in-law, and Barbara responded \"That's the way he is, and if you're smart, you'll go along with him.\"<br><br>This is reported in the Kitty Kelley book on the Bush dynasty, going all the way back to when Prescott Bush was a war criminal who loaned money to Adolf Hitler, and to my knowledge, the Bush family hasn't sued Kelley for the biography, which has been proven to be factually accurate.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:09:38", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801004, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803243": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "So why is Obama trying to derail his appointment?  I need to know is this an example of how Obama rewards his supporters, and I'm not being snarky, either.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:01:53", "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": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802132, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804268": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Funny, I feel the same way about  Roland Burris I think he wants to add that to his tomestone also. Mr. Burris kind of reminds me of John McCain who kept losing his bid for the White House.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:23:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": 4803401, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800173": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "There is something I just don't understand about the \"tainting\" of the Burris appointment.....did he bribe Blago?????? I mean I know Blago is suspected/ACCUSED of some scandalous allogations surrounding the appointment but as of now it is just that so how can Blago be stopped from doing his job? I mean, he still is the Govenor. He hasn't been impeached. He hasn't even been indicted has he? Well if Burris hasn't done anything wrong then what is the problem. Granted, no one really wants to be associated with him but hey who in POLITICS doesn't take advantage of political gain? I mean especially when there was no wrong doing on his part? Why should he be considered tainted? I understand that people could think he is not in the most honorable position he could be in but the man has to be smart. If Blago is using him then I think he is doing the same and at this point not so certain that I see anything particularly wrong with that...especailly since the man is 71 yrs old with a good reputation.. as long as he does a good job and does good by the people of IL what is the big problem? Maybe I am thinking about it in a much too \"simple\" way.....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:00:32", "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": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800686": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm tired of being asked to let something go like a double standard just because it interferes with the chorus of \"Kuubaayah\".  So Obama doesn't rescind either one - fine; but he'd better not be whining like a lil bitch when all of it comes back to bite him in the ass, and in your defense of him when that happens (and it WILL), qualify your defending statements by acknowledging some shyt he probably wouldn't be in if he had done the justifiable thing and shyt-canned Lieberman when he had the chance.<br><br>Warren probably won't hurt him as much, but with all the exposure, I expect him to turn into a kinder, gentler, but no less wingnutty version of James Dobson or Tim LaHaye, and it will not be long before Obama tries to pass legislation that may have gays getting full civil rights and liberties - and Warren will denounce him like a fly on shyt.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:35:29", "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": 6, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800589, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803247": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Blago didn't outwit anyone. He's using black folk to try to escape his mess: it isn't going to happen. That Burris didn't have the sense to see this and step back is sad.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:02:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "3479206fcf43dbff699f1a4de016869b", "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": 4802173, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802225": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "ITD with this post. The facts are very simple. Gov. Blagoveich is under a cloud. He was warned not to make an appointment. He thought he could get around this by playing the race card.<br><br>He shouldn't be allowed to do this.<br><br>It's not about race. If we want more African American senators we have to recognize that we need to run better races: it's been done and can be done again. We don't need handouts to make it to the top. We do need to be better than the rest and damn sure cleaner than the rest.<br><br>Mr. Burris made a mistake in the pursuit of power. He made a mistake that's bad for black folks politically and I'm sorry he had such poor judgement. But it's not about him.<br><br>At the end of the day: this is about Blagoveich. He shouldn't be allowed to make this appointment. That the democrats chickened out and didn't do a special election and have the damn fight is why we're in this place.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:12:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "3479206fcf43dbff699f1a4de016869b", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 28, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800179": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Lieberman was used because Obama actively supported keeping him where he is, as opposed to deserved punishment for Lieberman effectively campaigning AGAINST him with his support for McCain.  Same thing with choosing Warren to give the invocation at his auguration - Obama is rewarding people who TRIED TO TAKE HIM DOWN,  although I'm all for unity and reconciliation, I can't get with rewarding those who attempted to TAKE YOU OUT OF THE MIX AND DESTROY YOU.<br><br>Hillary did that - she's the SoS.<br><br>Warren did that by allowing McCain to cheat at the \"Christian\" debate - Warren gets to pray over the POTUS during the inauguration.<br><br>Lieberman campaigned AGAINST Obama and distorted his record - he's allowed to keep his Senate seat, privilages and gets to caucus with the Democrats; AFTER DEMONSTRATING his willingness to turn on their ass when the opportunity presents itself.  They will have no one to blame if Lieberman chucks a wrench in the works - THEY WERE WARNED AND CAN'T SAY THEY COULDN'T ANTICIPATE his treachery.<br><br>Lieberman is both a PARTY and ETHICS issue, period.  But Obama is looking more willing to give any one other than a brotha a PASS and that's leaving me with a nasty taste in my mouth that Listerine won't kill.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:00:44", "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": 4, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4799989, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805813": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"We\" as black people don't hold these white politicians who come into our churches every Sunday before election day, getting happy on the pulpit, trying to sound like white versions of MLK Jr, singing \"We Shall Overcome\" and holding hands rocking back and forth during the praise dance accountable, so why hold Obama extra accountable, especially when we routinely award white Democrats with 90% of our vote and get 0% in return?<br><br>I'm not saying to NOT hold Obama accountable but to act like we have some special hold over him because we voted for him over 90% when we would have voted for him over 90% anyway if he was a white guy named Barry Johnson is...interesting.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:41:35", "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": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805556, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807184": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "BREAKING:  Burris going to IL Supreme Court to be seated in the Senate.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/burris-takes-senate-appointment-to-supreme-court.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Link</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:08:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "icebergslim", "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}, "4805304": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Re: Stevens, many people called for him to resign.  So I don't see the difference between Jefferson being asked to resign and Stevens being asked to resign.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:49:38", "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": 4803462, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810922": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Piepiepie    .....Your right and is thinking long term. Most of the folks are thinking short term.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:55:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": 4807296, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804282": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't think republicans can do much with this given how harsh, critical and consistent the democrats have been. I worry, however, about the CBC -- they might be scared into supporting the Burris-Bobby-Blago show. <br><br> he CBC should know black folks want policy gains not b.s. shows.<br>If the CBC does their racial grievance show, then that will be used against Obama. Hopefully, they are not dumb enough to fall for Blago's tactical push.<br><br>I'm hoping folks go after Bobby Rush for his \"speech\" in which Blago and Burris kept saying \"Bobby can you speak please, bobby please speak\"etc...<br><br>Rewatch the press conference with these new facts in mind -- the Blago-Burris-Bobby press conference was a neo-political ministrel show (pardon -- some folks might get mad but that's exactly what it was). Burris and Blago kept calling and waiting on Bobby Rush to give his racial grievnce speech.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:26:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803201, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801055": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Changing the subject for just one minute.  Now that the Palin's have named their children Track, Trigg, and Tripp.  When can we anticipate seeing Trailer and Trash?<br>I know that's not nice but I couldn't resist it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:00:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800190": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "This whole thing is weak.  I'm not fan of the Dem leadership, but for people to try to turn the tables on them, as if they did something wrong, is completely disingenuous.  They said from jump that ANYONE that was appointed by Blago would not be seated--they have reaffirmed that commitment yesterday--so now what are they supposed to do?  Go back on what they said because Rush and Burris want to take up the mantle of race discrimination victim?   This just boggles my mind.  I am writing to my Senator and telling them they better block this appointment.  I have had enough of this foolishness.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:01:17", "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": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801215": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I feel like something else is going on here that we don't know about. If they had let the seat be \"purchased\" they could have caught him red handed and no one would expected the appointment to be accepted(as the governor and the prospect would have been busted). Isn't that how they do drug busts???? Well I know they have an \"intent to sell\" charge but I just think they would have Blago stuck if they had waited but they were soooo eager .... so now unless they know something I don't they should be \"stuck \" with due process (no matter how badly it stinks) and that appoinment has been made. Now in no means am I suggesting they don't know something I don't LOL!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:10:55", "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": 4800918, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805827": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "@ Against Race....<br><br>I get confused to as how they can say he cannot do his job by appointing Obama's replacement. I mean of ALL the duties the Gov is carrying on with, why is this the only one being met with a possible legal challenge?<br><br>I am pretty sure Blago has signed a few executive orders these last few weeks.  Are they not legally binding? I am assuming state employees are getting paid, services rendered, etc. right? I live in Illinois and the state seems to still be functioning overall (even if it is ran by crooks, lol).", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:42:57", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805374, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805828": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL and you know dis!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:43:03", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805748, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806341": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Uh huh. 3 more months of waiting to see if there's anything to this.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:40:57", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4806274, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805320": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The state legislature has no intention of fast tracking the impeachment.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:50:55", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4804392, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800202": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ron Kirk, past Mayor of Dallas, and recent Obama cabinet appointment for Trade Rep. Kirk ran an exceptional campaign in Texas for the US Senate.  He had been a favored \"spook by the door\" for mainstream politicians in Texas and even Bush himself called Kirk \"you're a good man Brown\".  Kirk has the same likeability factors that Obama has in Texas. Could KIRK beat the BUSH/CHENEY/ROVE machine in Texas?? Hell no, case closed; you need to pick another state to focus on until hell freezes over here in Texas. If Ron Kirk couldn't pull it out, I don't see anyone else on the horizon to do it. This last Hispanic US Senate candidate from Texas, running on Obama's coattails, could not beat the Texas established machine for the Senate seat. Texas is more RED than any beat you have ever seen.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:00:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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}, "4804299": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I should have qualified. Nationally I dont think republicans can do much, locally IL-Republicans can do well if the democrats don't handle Blago and Burris well.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:26:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4804282, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800718": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "He needs to be clear in order to do that, Admiral, and involving himself in this shyt with Blagojevich is not helping him.<br><br>Once Fitz cleared him, I would have drank a can of STHU on anything else regarding this because the more Obama says anything, the more shyt gets stirred.<br><br>I want him to go do his job and not worry about piss-ant things like this.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:36:37", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800633, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4815545": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "We don't have recall procedures. Blago's enemies hustled a question for recall to be put on the ballot. And, they also put on the ballot the question of having a new Constitutional Convention.<br><br>They were both VOTED DOWN by the voters in Illinois this past November.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_13:50:25", "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": 4811154, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810449": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I thought it was about her mother being on welfare and having hidden property?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_22:48:58", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4806416, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805804": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ha Ha!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:40:49", "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": 4805159, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803285": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Very true, Burris plans to run in 2010 without doubt him and shake down Bobby want to keep that seat Black. However,  Mr. Burris has no chance in hell of winning in 2010. And the Republicans know it. But the I want a Black man any Black man in office crowed is not thinking bigger right now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:05:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": 4803105, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800548": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I hope you remember your statement when Lieberman resorts to his true nature of being a snake-weasel and biting the POTUS in the ass just because he can.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:22:58", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800286, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805338": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Bobby looked bad during the press conference yesterday. By bad, I mean in ill health and old. I could bearly make out what he was saying.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:53:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4804625, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801244": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well it was funny and still on the \"Tr\" tip!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:15:03", "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": 4801055, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805343": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "yeah", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:53:29", "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": 4805084, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805858": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "True but if he'd been white he wouldn't have received the support he got from us. Clinton wouldn't have race baited.  I'm glad you asked though.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:46:13", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805813, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4799715": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "My only complaint w/ this is you didn't mention the KAPO Scorpion King and Queen Clinton especially w/ regard to opening the door to race baiting campaigning.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_12:21:53", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800229": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "When hasn't Congress gone back on what they say?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:03:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800190, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806268": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The constitution is not clear on either side.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:31:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805307, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801258": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm not buying the \"Burris is a pawn\" thing anymore.  He knew what he was doing, and having come through Illinois politics, should have been well aware that he would be used.  He is a grown man that is allowing himself to be used by a corrupt chicago pol so he can get a senate seat.  it's that simple.  I'll save my sympathy for real victims.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:15:41", "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": 4800990, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805159": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Who cares about a monument.<br><br>And let's stop pretending we have this morally courageous senate. They hosted a love-in for a convicted senator from Alaska. Why is this appointment so distasteful to those hypocrites?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:35:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4805035, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803401": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Who was the Illinois senator before Obama? It was a republican. Burris hasn't been able to win a democratic primary and I can't imagine him winning in a general.<br>I feel sorry for the old man though. I was telling my mother this morning, I bet he just want to have US Senator on his tombstone when he dies. I know that's hardcore, but everytime I see him I think that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:14:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4803299, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803312": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Where is your evidence -- the rest of your evidence is a statement by Chris Rock.<br><br>Corruption is a huge problem -- essentially you are asking for Blago (white) to get a pass on the double standard you claim is the problem solely because he has appointed Burris (black).<br><br>That's my objection.<br><br>Blago has played you like any other special interest group. <br><br>This is how Ted Stevens a convicted felon (your evidence)! Was so close to winning re-election in Alaska -- he appealed to Alaskans as \"uncle ted\" who had done so much for them.<br><br>The issue is Blago's corruption (as almost every person has conceded).  However, you want Blago to be able to function as a governor in order to get your \"precious,\" thus in your appeal you actually perpetuate the \"double standard\" you complain about.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:07:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803045, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804392": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sorry, Lieberman DOES belong in this post - if for nothing else, to examine the way he was given a pass for CAMPAIGNING AGAINST HIS OWN LEADER IN FAVOR OF JOHN MC CAIN. If Tom DeLay is in charge, Lieberman gets stripped of all his shyt for essentially being a traitor.<br><br>Lieberman is still holding Committee Assignments - one of which is Homeland Security; a committee with SUBPEONA POWER which he can use to harass Obama and be on his ass like a fly on shyt for even the slightest controversy.  If Reid and Obama do what's right; Lieberman is a sitting Senator with NO COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, AND NO SUBPEONA POWER TO HARASS THE POTUS.<br><br>While I don't like the fact that Blagojevich appointed Burris, nonetheless, he's still the sitting Governor of Illinois until they force him out.  There were many avenues the State Government could have done to derail Blago - they left him for the Feds to deal with.  And Now you have this mess.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:34:13", "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": 4802318, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804338": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Correction, when Clarence Thomas came up for confirmation, there was a Republican Administration, but both Houses of Congress were in a Democratic Majority in the 1990s.  Joe Biden was actually the Chair of the Judiciary for which Clarence had to sing for his supper.<br><br>The Dems lost both Houses with the \"Contract with America\" bullshyt and Newt Gingrich in 1994 - UNDER BILL CLINTON.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:31:18", "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": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803467, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805587": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Good point.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:17:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4801215, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805364": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-signing with Rikyrah.<br><br>There was none of this \"second coming\" or \"messiah\" bullsh**<br>back then.<br><br>Signed,<br>Lifelong Illinois Citizen", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:55:46", "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": 4803461, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4811093": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'm just thinking out loud here and rambling on...<br><br>The 17th Amendment of the Constitution states that \"When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.\"<br><br>Blagojevich is the executive authority of the state of Illinois.  He shall and did issue a writ of election to fill Obama's vacancy with Burris.  Period.<br><br>The Consititution also states to qualify to be a Senator, you have to be a) 30 years old; b) a citizen of the US for 9 years and c) a resident of the State you're trying to be the Senator in.<br><br>Burris meets all of the qualifications as stated by the Constitution, and was chosen by the executive authority of IL, Blagojevich.  <br><br>I guess the question that needs to be answered is \"Does Blagojevich still have the authority to appoint Burris?\"<br><br>And if so (2) Because Burris meets all of the requirements as stated by the 17th Amendment as well as Article 1, Sec. 3 of the Constitution, can Reid & Co. still shut Burris down?<br><br>I don't think that Reid & Co. can shut down Burris if Blagojevich is found to still have the authority to appoint someone to fill a vacancy.<br><br>Blagojevich hasn't been convicted on impeachment; he hasn't even been impeached yet.  How can Blago answer for charges for which he hasn't been charged yet?  He was only named in a criminal complaint.<br><br>Also, just because you're impeached doesn't mean you're not fit to serve.  Bill Clinton was impeached but continued to serve.<br><br>Reid & Co's only options IMO are to stall seating Burris until Blago is impeached/convicted/tossed out of office or to seat Burris, then try to expel him.  And I don't think either option will ultimately work.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_00:19:55", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4807628, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803299": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Burris, if he ran in 2010, would have to make it through a Democratic Primary. If defeated in a 2010 Democratic Primary, then that other candidate would probably win. But, if Burris ran and WON the 2010 Democratic Primary, there's no reason to believe that he would lose the general election. <br><br>The Illinois GOP's bench still remains as shallow as it has been for the past 5 years. <br><br>The only way the Democrats possibly lose this seat is if the Illinois GOP can maneuver a special election NOW.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:07:14", "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": 22, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803049, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800761": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree  with the pattern you are describing, that's why I think progressives should be on his ass 24/7  because may be we'll get something out of him, but I still don't see the similarity. This Blagojevich matter has bigger implications. The culture of corruption is rampant in both parties. The Democrats must show that won't tolerate this.  Burris allowed himself to be used.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:40:41", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800179, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800251": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Sorry, and you're right, I should have mentioned them, but in the context of the post, they are inferred - but Harry Reid shouldn't be getting involved here, when he refused to do jack about Lieberman.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:05:08", "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": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4799715, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805374": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Have you noticed that a lot of progressives that have been whining about \"rule of law\" since the FISA vote are suddenly trying to ignore Illinois law as it pertains to this appointment? Obama, Durbin and Reid tried to bully Blago through the media and he came back with this. Its a textbook \"F You\" gesture all the way.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:56:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4804723, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802815": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Honestly, you don't have that \"something aint right here\" feeling that RonnieB and CPL have alluded too? Its not always right there in front of you, in High Def and surround sound. The double standard is there whether we can pinpoint time and place or not, its still there. Sometimes your eyes and ears need to believe your gut.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:27:53", "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": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802127, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800257": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "And are we really back on Lieberman?  Really?  What does he have to do with this?  Please, I don't understand it at all.  Because from Obama's actions, it was pretty clear to me that he wasn't interested in punishing Lieberman because he doesn't have time for that petty sh*! and he knows when to pick his battles.  I could give a rat's butt about Lieberman, and I hope that he is voted out of office, but will not use that episode to provide some justification on giving Burris a pass on poor judgment.  Utter fail.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:05:45", "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": 21, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803331": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Blago made the appointment. He's still Governor, and he made this appointment, and he threw this grenade into the mix, when folks thought all his weapons had been taken from him. He shanked the Irish gang.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:09:39", "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": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803247, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4822998": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL via <a href=\"http://dailykos.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">dailykos.com</a> Bobby Rush pre-\"appointment\"<br><a href=\"http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1/1/15534/57271/152/679214\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1/1/1553...</a><br><br>\"I believe that the acts that are alleged to have been committed by the Governor are so heinous that he has forfeited his right to appoint someone to fill the seat of President-Elect Barack Obama. My bottom line is that the Governor should not be the one to make the appointment to this important office.\"<br><a href=\"http://swside.blogspot.com/2008/12/congressman-rush-declares-blagojevich.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://swside.blogspot.com/2008/12/congressman-...</a>", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_21:36:49", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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}, "4815622": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Linda -- I've found it quite unfortunate that people are not willing to think long-term  -- in particular because there is a president who has pulled a great number of people from Chicago and IL (black and white) to work within his administration. As a result, those people are likely to have a decent understanding of the actual problems that need to be addressed, regardless of their skin color. In the long-term, these people will have credible experience and networks to takeover more positions in IL.<br><br>In addition, if skin-color is your only \"guide,\" well you'd think people would be pleased with a black president who lived on chicago's south side for the last twenty years. However, those are sort of non-sequitors....<br><br>But, I find it hilarious -- Bobby Rush claims to want more black senators -- yet <br><br>The case at hand -- well Republicans love cases like this! They can go out to the suburbs and implicitly run on racial grievance.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_14:02:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4810922, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802823": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Those are two excellent well-reasoned posts Rhoda. I'd just add that Lieberman did nothing illegal and won CT as an independent against the democratic party nominee. Thus, until Joementum's 2012 election campaign he and his positions have the will of the people of CT via general election.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:28:40", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4802318, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4815113": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Thanks for this post, CPL.  <br><br>Regardless of where one stands on this issue, this discussion challenges the usual (and shortsighted ) <i>  \"Support Sump'n Cuz It Involves Black People\" </i>   way of thinking!<br><br>Big Ups, sistah!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_12:55:27", "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}, "4805158": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Maybe Burris and Rush (the only person to ever beat Barack in an election) are being set up? Perhaps Obama will do a \"Clinton-Sistah Souljah\" on them. Neutralize the old head clowns in the CBC (along w/Rush), then bury Blago, then ultimately Daley? It would be the trifacta and Illinois becomes Barack's fifedom.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:36:07", "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": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803340": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "That's not true. Illinois treated Obama like the 2nd coming when he was running for senate. He had broad range democratic support. He had so much support and favorable polling that no Illinois repub wanted to run against him. Hell the gop had to pull a crazy ass out-of-stater (alan keyes) to run against him.<br><br>To follow up with the main thread, I have to admit that blago is GANGSTA. He pimp slap the senate and made them his bytch! He knew Burris obsessed about that seat and would accept it when Danny Davis turned him down. Burris wanted to be senator no matter what the cost. By picking a black man with not hidden baggage other than being a mediacre politician it would give him cover. If the dems follow through with what they had been saying since the scandal broke, the dems would come out looking like racists. This move was also meant to paralyze Obama who said that he supported the senate actions of not seating anyone blago appointed. It was also meant to get us black folks riled up in supporting his appointment. blago is a masterful manipulator!<br><br>But we have to look at the bigger picture. It has been reported that Burris ran for mayor and lost. He run for senator and lost. By his running for Governor and being a rabbit for blago it allowed blago to win. Burris split up the black vote with the other candidate, so blago owes him. <br><br>We need to look at the bigger picture. That seat will be up for election in 2010. There is no way Burris is going to be able to retain that seat. Burris can't even win a democratic primary, how in the hell can he win in a general? <br><br>I wouldn't be surprise if a repub was able to slide in it in 2010. Also it has been reported after the election that Barack Obama wanted that seat to go to an African American. An African American who was not a seat warmer, but an African American who would get re-elected.<br><br>Final thought. Why is the CBC so quiet (except Rush)? They know what time it is, especially with what happen in La.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:08:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4802132, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805506": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "\"Burris is an uninspiring and irascible functionary that has let his ego get the better of him.\"<br><br>Lord, other than Colin Powell you've just about pegged every black politician over the age of 50, and quite a few who are younger at that!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:08:59", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805430, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802318": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I also want to add: Joe Liberman doesn't belong in this discussion. And trying to say this is about race is insulting. If Joe Libermann was a black jew he'd still be allowed to stay because Obama was using him to send a message. He might get rolled for playing that game, but that has nothing to do with Burris.<br><br>Also, Reid said a long while back this senate would never seat a Blago appointee. Blago tried to play them by sending a black man; but why the fuck does that matter? He has no business making this decision. <br><br>This whole thing is bad for black folks who want to run across IL and nationally IMO.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:17:17", "killed": false, "user_key": "3479206fcf43dbff699f1a4de016869b", "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": 4802225, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806416": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "her fiance.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:48:27", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805285, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800785": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "To just throw the Burris baby out with the BlabojeBitch bath water is wrong.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:42:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800675, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805507": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Harry Reid is a wimp. I don't trust his ass, either. I still say the real reason they wanted a 60 seat majority was so they could override vetoes, NOT to defeat filibusters.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:09:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4801439, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805397": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Somehow I doubt it, but it would be awesome if that were the case.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:58:28", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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": 4805158, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804374": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "maybe the day Obama declared his candidacy that was true. Hell if I was in illinois, I probably wouldn't have supported him initially. I would have thought he didn't have a snowball chance in hell of winning. <br><br>In spite of what the MSM thinks, blacks don't like to throwaway a vote.<br><br>The same thing happen when Obama ran for President. Remember, billary initially had more black supporters than Barack. We had to see a sign that we were not going to waste a vote and Iowa give us that sign.<br><br>I have been a big Obama supporter since 2004 and regretted that I couldn't vote for him in 2004.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:33:06", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4803461, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805849": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't ascribe to anyone is messiah period. I however think Obama handled this situation correctly and I commend him for it. Blago calculatingly threw race into the situation on  purpose knowing the kind of response it would ignite to blow up this disaster in Chicago even further. Burris would make a great senator but in my view he should not have allowed himself to be a part of Blago's machinations. Other african american pols were offered and refused. I commend them for refusing to be a part of Blago's latest schemes. It is a pity that Burris didn't do likewise.  The democrats should stick to their guns and not fall for this bait.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:45:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "9caaa185827880772943d1821474b5b5", "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": 4805767, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800281": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Here's the BlagojeBitch approach:  I played the bad cop, now I'll play the good cop and try and redeem myself.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:07:46", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800173, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805488": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I actually don't care what Barack Obama does or does not do for black people.  It's high time black people start doing for OURSELVES and stop depending on some government official or government body to pull us through.  We as black people have never been able to depend on people in the government to have our best interests at heart and we shouldn't start now.  JMO.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:06:53", "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": 12, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805183, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805404": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Its easy to see why you chose your nick. I wouldn't want to reveal my identity either after posting crap like that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:58:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4805301, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805994": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree Mandy, well stated.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:59:31", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805849, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800286": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Need to let that Lieberman thing go...waste of words.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:08:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 10, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800257, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810529": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'm with you man.  This line of reasoning is becoming laughable.  Would there be this level of support for the appointment if it were a white guy?  Would we still want to follow the \"rule of law\" if it were a Republican Governor under a cloud of suspecsion making the appointment?  I mean, seriously folks, you gotta see what's wrong here and not make excuses for it.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_22:58:07", "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": 4805876, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801315": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Right. And if Blago had appointed someone white, I think that sentiment here at J&J would've been very different. Which is precisely what Blago, Burris, and Rush are counting on--successfully, it seems.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:20:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": 4800405, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805254": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Jesse White is stupid to risk his own job for this foolishness. Even he admits he has no authority to stop the appointment. Refusing to sign only opens the door to more legal challenges by Genson, which means even more time in the spotlight for him and Blago.<br><br>I repeat. Seat Burris and end this. Now.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:45:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4805123, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805926": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Town:   Ima co-sign on this point! <br><br>Annnnnd, in my church, NOBODY get in the pulpit EXCEPT the \"preachas!\"    :&gt;)     :&gt;)<br><br>We stopped the \"political candidates\" about 4 years ago.<br><br>BUT, they can sit in the congregation!    :&gt;)<br><br>I'm just sayin' . . . .  :&gt;)<br><br><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b> [To YOU/YOURS!!]    God Bless.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:53:21", "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": 4805813, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810535": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "School em rikyrah.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:00:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4806780, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803368": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yep! Well stated Rhoda.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:11:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803228, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805418": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Its a political pissing match that nobody wins.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:00:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4805307, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801835": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well said TRW fight on the side of right. <br><br>It's clear Blago should not decide the seat -- black ppl changing their minds now the appointment is black, and using these absurd weak analogies and strained hypotheticals look like hypocrites.<br><br>It's also the fastest way to ensure it is TOUGHER for black politicians by trying to inject grievance into voting... how well did that work for Sarah Palin and John McCain ?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:48:12", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4800856, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805420": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "<a href=\"http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/12/31/what-blagojevich-owes-burris.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archiv...</a><br><br>It's only appropriate that Governor Rod Blagojevich appoint Roland Burris to fill Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. After all, Blago owes his governorship to Burris.<br><br>interesting article...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:59:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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}, "4806450": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "he was a good looking White man who left Corporate America to go help Black Youth in the inner city. <br><br>it would have been close, IMO.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:52:17", "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": 4804621, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805430": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I seriously doubt that the Wayan Brothers or the writers of MAD TV could have written a funnier spoof  than yesterday\u2019s orgy of idiocy  featuring Rod \u201cGovernor Soprano\u201d Blagojevich, Roland Burris and Bobby Rush.  To borrow a phrase from the always-quotable Christopher Hitchens, this appointment is a \u201cludicrous embarrassment.\u201d<br><br>The presser was a comedians dream and the clumsy injection of race by Bobby Rush was sadder than it was despicable.  First, seeing how Bobby has physically suffered from throat cancer was heart breaking, but his reasons for supporting Blagojevich in his bullsh*t was even more tragic.  Poor Bobby is clearly suffering from chemo brain because Blagojevich\u2019s bi-polar antics have grown more outrageous with time, and his latest stunt is as disingenuous as it is insane.  Blagojevich is desperately trying to disprove the allegations of extortion and contract fraud against him.  It won\u2019t work. His career is over and nothing he says or does will ever change that. <br><br>Unfortunately for Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris is not a Magic Negro capable of absolving his manifold sins although he would like him to be. (One needs to be a palatable, focus grouped, establishment Negro creation of David Axelrod capable of raising $750 million dollars to be a proper receptacle for white liberal fantasies of racial absolution.) Burris is an uninspiring and irascible functionary that has let his ego get the better of him.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:01:25", "killed": false, "user_key": "32a782aaa64eb63a220ba4f8a95602cd", "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}, "4801335": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Now Myth, why would u want to change the subject? This is serious stuff right here! CPL brought some issues that need to be dealt sooner rather than later.  Palin and her family are yesterday's news.  Who gives a flying.....as to what the name of the  kid is? Come on people? Dont make me go Cosby up in here!", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:21:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "f9aaa8acc43fd7620185ff90cef3c05a", "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": 4801055, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800312": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I'm not saying they haven't in the past, I'm saying they need to take a stand on this issue--this is sheer craziness.  Their message was explicit, but Burris and Blago chose to plow ahead anyway, and are now using the race card to guilt the Democratic senators.  If they cave on this, all of the caricatures about how Dems don't care about anything but identity politics will be true.  They should stand on principle--it is on their side.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:09:29", "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": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800229, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807135": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "AMEN on all this being said.<br><br>That theatre performance yesterday at the presser was for a selected group, the ones, AAs that live in Cook County.  Ones who are watching how the senate treats Burris, and for potential jury pool for Blago.<br><br>The more this is strained out, the people here in IL see the difference between Blago and Burris.  We know Burris here and he has impeccable credentials.<br><br>Blago did his homework, lawyered up and used his powers.<br><br>And yes, if we have to accept tainted Joe Lieberman who campaigned AGAINST Obama, Burris needs to be seated.<br><br>Why?<br><br>To take this DRAMA off the table for one, and Obama needs every damn VOTE he can get for this 1T package he is trying to push through.<br><br>Obama and the senate NEVER SHOULD HAVE dipped their toes in this water.  I think it is going to get ugly.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:03:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "icebergslim", "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}, "4804412": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No, Burris now says he might run in 2010...The man wants power nothing more and nothing else. He wants to end his life as a US Senator. Though I can tell you right now him and spokes person Bobby Rush & Co. has no chance in hell in winning aginst a Republican in 2010.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:37:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": 4804275, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800832": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "CPL,<br><br>OK I think I finally get the Lieberman connection...and it's a good point (although different betrayal/grievances). If one isn't punished why is the other and from the beginning IMO it appears that are reacting in a spiteful laced in an \"I told you so\" manner with Blago for making this pick.  I get it that Blago is arrogant, dirty etc (but what is Lieberman right?)...the part I don't get is that he is STILL govenor annnnd even if he is proven guily at a later date this has nothing to do with his appointment of Burris unless they have some dirt on that but I don't think Burris or a kindergartener for that matter is that stupid and hopefully Blago isn't thaaaat narcassistic. Why didn't they start the impeachment before he could make the appointment? Even then, until he is impeached and/or convicted (and we are still waiting to see how this convicted while in office plays out :-).........<br><br>About the Lieberman comparison ..well, there weren't any legal issues hanging over Lieberman's head at the time (that I know of) but the bottom line is that neither one has been convicted or impeached.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:45:34", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800519, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802369": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Rikyrah, what's the deal with Rahm Emanuel's seat? Is there an election or appointment? (are only Senators appointed when someone resigns or dies??)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:21:09", "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": 1, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802173, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800395": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The seating of Burris is in the same line as not punishing Lieberman.  Both are essentially petty, but the point of the post is why Obama is focusing on keeping Burris out, but allowing Lieberman to stay as a reward for foul behavior?<br><br>If Obama wasn't interested in punishing Lieberman, he should have a similar lack of interest in not being concerned who is appointed by Blago or whether the state of Illinois should call a special election.<br><br>I'm pointing out the differences in attention and treatment; some of which Obama himself is engaging in and I'm already on record stating I would put issues like that (double standard) out there.<br><br>Let it be said I try to keep my word, and with this post, I think I have done so.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:12:56", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800257, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805444": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Which only proves are crooked and thieving certain white people where in building their wealth and power but are given a PASS.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:04:22", "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": 4801194, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801349": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No, Ronnie's point was to look at how fast the establishment pulls the trigger on a Black or Latino elected official, but if it's a white male, they adopt the \"wait and see\" approach.<br><br>Ted Stevens should not have been allowed to campaign for re-election to his seat, and the Alaskan citizens voted him back in, despite being knee high in corrupt shyt.  Now, we'll see if Reid allows Stevens to be sworn in on January 5th, or does he move to expel him because he's now a CONVICTED FELON?<br><br>As unfair as it is, the double standard exists, and POC politicos know it exists, which is why they can't play the white man's political game by the rules, because the rules don't apply to them. Even Chris Rock pointed out the double standard in his \"Kill the Messenger\" Tour when he pointed out how Obama thought he would actually win by having the most votes, and the establishment tells him \"You had the most votes - too bad ya lost; we changed the rules....\"  Funny shyt, but with elements of truth that couldn't be ignored.<br><br>We ignore the double standard at out own peril.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:21:00", "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": 10, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800930, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802374": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I stand corrected.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:21:54", "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": 4801606, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801864": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "People Play up this \"team of adversaries thing\" its good rhetoric -- who are the adversaries exactly?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:50:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4801194, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804937": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Miranda-- yes something isn't right, Blago holding his position as governor and executing a process that has been tainted.<br><br>Just because people want a black senator, does not justify the execution of the tainted process. <br><br>RonnieB and CPL seem all to willing to allow Blago to exist solely because he appointed a person of color.  If you agree Blago tainted the process, then anyone who is appointed is suspect -- regardless of color. As a result, they are asking for the tainted appointment to stand partially because of race and allow Blago to regin some legitimacy.<br><br>\"Sometimes your eyes and ears need to believe your gut\" governance by gut tends not to work -- look at George W. Bush and John S. McCain's campaign.<br><br>Race can be a minefield -- in this case Blago is using it to try to regain some legitimacy -- that's the card that is being played and it is so obvious (supported by the press conference performance yesterday) it is sickening.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:15:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4802815, "depth": 5, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803403": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It IS about Blagojevich and I would have totally ignored this except Rush and Burris are playing the race card the same way Clarence Thomas did to get confirmed to the SCOTUS when it looked like Joe Biden had him in the crosshairs on sexual harassment of Anita Hill.<br><br>The only difference in that the Senate caved in to Thomas' extortion, but now they're going to grow a pair on Burris?<br><br>I'm wondering what would have happened if Blago appoints a white guy to that seat; does Harry Reid stand by his statements to refuse to seat any of Blago's appointments? <br><br>I'll believe it when I see Blago retract Burris and appoint a white guy - more over, you will SEE IT TOO...unless YOU DON\"T WANT TO SEE IT.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:13:16", "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": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802225, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805733": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The only problem is that Blago has already made his appointment and IF the senate cannot legally deny then what? I agree that it should not matter what color the appointee is but then again no one ever made it clear to me that his appointment could be blocked. Yes, he should be impeached but he has not yet. Now for all the people changing their minds and making this a Black thing I agree with you 100%.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:32:07", "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": 4805655, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807496": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL sista Soulja sista soulja's other black folks when they disagree with her!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:27:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4806401, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4814673": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "What a great read for the start of the new year.<br>I've a great deal of sympathy for the people whom want squeaky clean politics but we don't have that in our own lives. So let's seat Burris period and get back to the economy.<br>As to the PE he really needs to stop w/ this Solomonic decision making. If he wants to be SCCJ he needs to appoint himself to the court. If he wants to be POTUS he has to decide and then execute policy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_11:40:54", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800227": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I just don't think I get how they can tell a sitting governor that he can't do his job when they couldn't stop a convicted Stevens from running for re-election and WINNING. Maybe it's true that he will be forced to step down but it has not happened and neither has the impeachment of Blago.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:02:18", "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": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801364": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The point is if Blago had appointed a white person, would Reid stand by his statement? Easy to stand by it when the person in question is a Black Man.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:23:43", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801315, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800853": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I wholeheartedly agree with you that Obama truly doesn't know what he is setting himself up for in appointing all of thes adversaries but he will just have to learn to hard way. Change to him is being fair and choosing the best candidate.  His adversaries could care less about his kind heart.  They will bring him down given the chance.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:47:23", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800686, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805975": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No idea -- probably something though... Burris went from wanting Blago to step down to being mum on the issue.. <br><br>No worries ARP I'm probably being sensitive lol --- one of the blog moderators/writers called me a troll b/c i disagreed with his or her position.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:58:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805660, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800856": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sorry, still failing to see the analogy.  For one, I don't think that Obama wants to be involved, but since everyone keeps asking for his opinion he gave it.  Second, he may be more inclined to speak up and weigh in on the subject since it involves his senate seat.  Third, I think we really disagree because you see both the Lieberman and Burris matter as petty, whereas I just see the LIeberman matter as petty.  I think the Burris matter is different because of what is at stake here---everyone is swimming in unchartered waters.  You have a governor accused of trying to sell off a Senate seat to the highest bidder.  Because of those allegations, you have other Democrats trying to come down hard on the appearance of impropriety, which they did by saying they would refuse to seat anyone who is appointed by the corrupt govenor.  I think they were right then, and I think they are right now.  I am just so tired of the status quo.  Can someone please stand up and say, this isn't right.  For once.  And in my mind, this isn't right.  I don't think Blago should be appointing anyone.  I don't think he is fit to lead.  It is not about Burris, or punishing Burris, this is about finally sending a message that you can't just betray the public trust and other politicians will look the other way, or cave in to pressure.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:47:32", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800395, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4820825": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "They can try to block Burris, but Reid & Co. will only be hurting themselves.  The US Constitution is clear:  <br><br>The 17th Amendment of the US Constitution states the Executive Authority (Blago) of the state (IL) is the one who fills vacancies to the Senate (Burris).  Blago did that.<br><br>The Senate can examine the qualifications of the person trying to be the member, but the US Constitution is clear: you must be 30+ years of age, a US Citizen for 9 years and a resident of the state you're trying to be the Senator from.  Burris fulfills all those qualifications.<br><br>They can't expel Burris \"jus cuz.\"  Powell vs. McCormack addressed this.  Burris has to be guilty of disorderly behavior.  Burris hasn't done anything disorderly.  The only thing Burris has done is accept a legal appointment to the US Senate.<br><br>The IL legislature did not/could not act swiftly enough to strip Blago of his power or declare him \"disabled\" and therefore unable to carry out his duties.  In fact, Blago has NOT been charged, impeached or convicted of anything.<br><br>Jesse White legally MUST certify Roland Burris as the junior Senator from IL.  If he doesn't, he's acting AGAINST the IL Constitution.<br><br>When/if blocked, Roland Burris can/must fight for a legal remedy to this situation (Marbury vs. Madison).  <br><br>The Senate CAN delay Burris to investigate the Burris appointment, but they have to show that the BURRIS appointment (election) in particular was tainted, not what Blago wanted to do for Jesse Jackson Jr. or Valerie Jarrett.  They can't block him indefinitely or they're preventing the citizens of IL from enjoying their Constitutional right to have TWO Senators.<br><br>Even if Blago is impeached and tossed out of office on February 1st, the fact remains that his appointment (election) of Roland Burris is legal unless proven otherwise.  Unless ALL of Blago's actions from Dec. 9th to the present are also deemed tainted.<br><br>And that's another thing:  Blago can perform all his other gubernatorial duties EXCEPT appointing a US Senator?  That's not going to fly.<br><br>It doesn't matter if Blago allegedly tried to sell the Senate seat to Candidate 1 or Candidate 5....did he sell it to Candidate Burris?  And if not, and the appointment of Roland Burris is determined to be legally above board, Roland Burris is your new US Senator.<br><br>And they ain't gonna \"expel\" him either.  This Senate, the one that gave a damn standing ovation to Ted Stevens?<br><br>They'd need 2/3rds of the Senate to expel him.  57 ain't gonna cut it.  They need 60+ and there's no guarantee that all of the Democrats will vote in lockstep to keep Burris out -- especially if explicitly shown that the appointment of Burris was legal (which until proven otherwise, it is).<br><br>Harry Reid is going down a slippery and dangerous slope because once he opens this door, ain't no turning back.  The GOP is already trying to block Al Franken from taking the MN seat.  What's to stop the GOP or anyone else from blocking somebody by claiming \"the election was tainted?\"<br><br>The latest Blago actions are sad alright --- sad for Harry Reid & the Democrats because they jumped the gun and ran their mouths instead of sitting back and evaulating the situation.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_18:53:11", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4815407, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805979": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I agree with you. I don't see a double standard at all--there is no racial issue at play here,except the one injected by Blago, Burris, and Rush and I find it disheartening that people are willing to give their position any legitimacy.  This whole situation makes me very sad.  This is 2009 and some Black folks are still willing to accept whatever is dished out because it is done by someone with a blackface.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:58:11", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804937, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4815044": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "What haven't we gotten in return?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_12:45:11", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805813, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805469": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hey Myth,<br><br>Totally unrelated to anything, I just wanted to say Rachel Maddow has made me loathe the phrase \"talk me down\".<br><br>Carry on.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:06:15", "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": 4800918, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805553": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "\"And let's stop pretending we have this morally courageous senate. They hosted a love-in for a convicted senator from Alaska. \"<br><br>Cheered his ass and everything.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:13:38", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805159, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802404": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "special election for Congress. <br><br>appointment for the Senate.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:23:29", "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": 4802369, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804966": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Nice, because I dont agree with you I'm incapable of seeing \"it\" and I'm a \"Troll.\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:18:53", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803058, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801383": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Because he's Jewish, silly, and there's enough unspoken anti-Semitism underlying this baseless comparison (baseless for all of the very substantial reasons Piepiepie has pointed out a few post above) to sink a ship.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:23:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": 4800257, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805301": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I guess any black person is okay, regardless of how much of a fool or coon they happen to be.  It reminds me of how supportive Black folks were of OJ during the murder trial just because he had a Black face, not because we thought he was innocent.<br><br>If you want to see clowns, go to the circus.  We need to have higher standards - not the highest - this yassir boss man Burrus is going to have to defend himself every minute of every day.  Congratulations Illinois!!!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:49:13", "killed": false, "user_key": "8c37aba9d40637d085df63c4e1096489", "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": 4805183, "depth": 1, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4811154": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It doesn't matter if Blago's appointment is \"tainted\" or not.  The only question to be answered is \"Does Blago still have the authority to fill the vacancy?\"<br><br>Blago hasn't been convicted on impeachment.  Blago hasn't even been impeached yet.<br><br>Blago hasn't been convicted of any crime.  Blago hasn't even been charged with any crime or indicted, only named in a criminal complaint.<br><br>Even if Blago was impeached, it doesn't mean he's not fit to serve unless and until he's actually convicted.<br><br>What's the procedures for recall?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_00:30:19", "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": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4810473, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803439": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Do you really think  73 year old Roland Burris will win the Democratic Primary?! Please, the man is already starting off on bad footing via through his spokesperson ex-Black panther Bobby Rush & Gov. Blogo aka \"I'm not a Crook\". Don't get me wrong I think Burris should be seated but he took the job knowing the fight he would have on his hands within his own party. This man wants power plain and simple no matter how he gets it.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:17:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": 4803299, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804464": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Wasn't there a white man Obama was running against who had to drop out because he and his ex-wife visited sex clubs in France. I remember it was a big to do in the media. <br><br>His ex-wife was the woman who was on Star Track. I believe his name was Ryan something. A young good-looking repub who should have been a safe bet until the scandal broke out.<br><br>That's my biggest fear in 2010. The repubs will find someone who isn't blatantly polarizing to run against burris.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:40:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4803401, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801394": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "CPL: Im so in love with you! You Rock Girl!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:24:59", "killed": false, "user_key": "f9aaa8acc43fd7620185ff90cef3c05a", "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": 4800519, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802931": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Would he stand by his statement? I dont think he would have made the same statement. I think Reid's response would have been tempered, and without the line drawn in the sand type comments he gave yesterday. He would have left an obvious \"OUT\" in his comments - where he could still be seen as playing hardball, while leaving room for the later press conference on the (who didnt see this coming) \"compromise\". ........................ It is what it is", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:35:55", "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": 4801364, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800372": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Wait, are you saying that I need to let the Lieberman thing go, or does the commenter?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:11:31", "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": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800286, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802933": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I agree with you", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:36:07", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": 4802225, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810473": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Wishing away the taint on Burris won't work, and as far the senate's rejection of the pick --  there are several work-arounds. <br>1.) 90 day procedural delay on Burris.<br>2.) A different angle on the Senate's constitutional power -- essentially that Blago's appointment was tainted.<br><a href=\"http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Reids_case.html?showall\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Rei...</a><br><br>There are several interesting things about Burris -- he is clearly qualified, clearly knows the position is tainted by Blago (freely admitted this Dec. 13th), and clearly willing to play the racial grievance angle to force dems to accept the tainted process.<br><br>Truman -- non-sequitor.<br>Elections -- would be great except for the expense of holding state-wide elections.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_22:53:10", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4807628, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805496": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ouch.<br><br>Colossal cosign there.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:08:52", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4803102, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800916": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "My point, exactly.  I understand about keeping enemies close, but that doesn't mean you eat and sleep with their asses.<br><br>You keep your enemy where you can see him at all times so you can anticipate when he's going to strike.  Making them work for you is carte blanche for them to eff you over and as the Chief Exec, what is he going to say when they do that?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:51:53", "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": 4, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800853, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804671": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Now you see why I wanted Jesse Jr. in that seat? <br><br>sigh. <br><br><br>Of course, if the Lt. Governor had been thinking straight, he should have put out a list of folks that he thought would be good Senators, have a number of Black folks on the list. But, he stayed silent on this issue, when it was obvious that the Black community felt this was important.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:56:26", "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}, "4801404": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Honey, Stevens won't be sworn in because he lost the election.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:25:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801349, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805501": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "And there it is.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:09:38", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805123, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4864382": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "At last, another person who sees what the deal is.<br><br>If Obama's Administration doesn't learn how to govern and not just win elections, he'll be a one-term POTUS.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-03_04:19:27", "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": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4858019, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804482": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I say we start with Bobby Rush race card playing behind first.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:40:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804265, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801923": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well, I think that about sums up my feelings. I've said it before...I dont need another martyr. I have parents that are getting older and neices and nephews who will want to go to college someday and have decent opportunities - I already got a Jesus for my moral and ethical teachings, and its not Barack Obama.  I really dont care who he rolls over or under or thru....just fix this jacked up economy by any means necessary and think about heaven later.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:54:34", "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": 4800076, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803461": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Sorry, but I remember that race. <br><br>Obama was NOT treated as ' the second coming'. <br><br>Blair Hull - the front runner that had a great deal of Black support -  was knocked out because of marriage problems. <br><br>Nobody remotely thought Obama was going to win - except for Obama. And the number of Black folks who supported Obama - 'BACK WHEN'.....<br><br>was minimal. <br><br>But, Roland Burris was on that list. <br><br>When Barack Obama announced for the U.S. Senate, he wasn't even known on the South Side of Chicago - let alone the State of Illinois.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:19:23", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803340, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803462": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Does the name \"Dan Rostenkowski\" do it for you in terms of facts?<br><br>Or Ted Stevens for that matter.  Tom DeLay? Mark Foley? Jim Trafficant - who, by the way, until he was actually thrown in jail, was allowed to keep his Congressional seat, but was stripped of committee assignments while waiting to go to trial?<br><br>Trust me, Jefferson hasn't even been put on trial, but Nancy Pelosi sure as hell wanted him gone from the House the minute that 90K was found in his freezer:<br><a href=\"http://www.workers.org/2006/us/jefferson-0622/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.workers.org/2006/us/jefferson-0622/</a><br><br>I stand by my post.<br><br>You have only focused on one issue, and you obviously don't read me very much, otherwise you would know I don't post things like this without backing them up with links.<br><br>You are also not familiar with the CBC Monitor Report Card; if you were, you would see how off beat and off base your assertions are.<br><br>I stand by my position that you don't care to see and that's fine by me because I can stop wasting my time responding to your posts.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:19:18", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803312, "depth": 8, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810305": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I can let them know where to send to royalty check to.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_22:31:44", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4802151, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810633": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!! LMAO!!!!! toooooooo funny!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:14:00", "killed": false, "user_key": "msmartin", "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": 4801055, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806026": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Well stated, I'm all for black community oriented ngos.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:01:48", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805813, "depth": 4, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803467": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "The repubs were in the majority then, and the dems(minority) probably didn't want to look like the ones holding da black man down. Especially when they would not have had the votes to stop it anyway.<br><br>Come on people!<br><br>If the dems were in the majority, thomas would not have made it through and a democratic President would have NEVER nominated uncle thomas. Even blue dog clinton would not have been that crazy.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:20:03", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4803403, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806210": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "<a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FOIKG_T0TA&eurl=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/12/30/213246/11/655/678719&feature=player_embedded\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FOIKG_T0TA&eurl...</a><br><br>Here's a clip of burris thoughts pre-\"appointment\" and post-\"appointment\"", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:23:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805975, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800912": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Well, Ronnie to me the difference here is they for for shutting down Blago's choice BEFORE he was cunning enough to chose an AA so why change now???? Personally, I had problems with that decision from the beginning ONLY because I thought we were all innocent until proven guilty- period! I think they were trying to bully him into resigning and that is where I don't agree NOT that I agree with Blago's UNproven actions but they said it so they have to stick with it right? Otherwise they would be going back on what they said so unfortunately THIS time around I don't think race should be accounted for otherwise ....", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:51:36", "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": 8, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800673, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805333": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I saw that!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:51:50", "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": 4805035, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801939": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "With Lieberman, silly. Your insistence that Lieberman and Burris are the same, when in fact they're clearly not--even though both situations are teeth grinders. I think that part of what's not being spoken here is that many people, yourself included, perhaps, think that Lieberman is getting away with it because he's Jewish as well as white. I would classify that as anti-Semitism--that assumption that Jews are dishonest and can get away with anything (because everyone knows how powerful Jews are, right? Kind of like all of those rich white gay men). Lieberman's getting away with it because Obama wants his vote and because he's sure that Lieberman will be voted out next term. Why play the bad guy when you can seem like the reasonable guy and still get the same result--and Lieberman's vote as well in the meantime?<br><br>That Obama, he's a smart one.<br><br>If I'm wrong and neither you nor anyone else on J&J who just can't let go of Lieberman haven't a bone of anti-Semitism in your bodies, I'm both wrong and glad, and I would owe everyone an apology. But I'd be pretty surprised to be *totally* wrong on this one. <br><br>And I'm not a troll, or necessarily white (as your \"race baiting ass\" comment appears to imply): I just don't agree with you. Surely a Christian Progressive Liberal can live with a difference of opinion.<br><br>Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:55:47", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": 4801475, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805012": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "So you heard the same thing. I actually was having fights with family members about his azz. <br><br>A lot of black folks were drinking that koolaid with the gop sending random black gopers out on the news shows doing damage control. <br><br>I remember folks saying Anita Hill was lying because she was jealous that uncle tomas was into white women and didn't want her.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:22:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4804757, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800405": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Where's the racism here? The Democratic leadership in the Senate said, before anyone knew who Blago (who's white) would appoint, they wouldn't seat anyone appointed by Blago. Now that he appoints a black person, it becomes racism to stick by what they said? Huh?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:13:38", "killed": false, "user_key": "34fe9df316da0d28902a7c0f2b9c2218", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 15, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800918": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Can he really be convicted if all they have is intent but no money ever exchanging hands?  Talk me down on this one.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:50:32", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800227, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801944": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No. Stevens lost the election THIS YEAR, the democrat won in cherry red Alaska. There is no special election for the former Stevens seat. <a href=\"http://www.begich.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.begich.com/</a> &lt;-- winner. <br><br>Sorry, but you keep making things up to support your wild assertions.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:56:20", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4801529, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806557": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Co-sign", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_20:04:20", "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": 4805404, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801439": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "But he shouldn't be rewarded for campaigning against his own party's leadership.  Lieberman's actions would have shyt canned someone like Russ Feingold or even Dick Durbin.  IN the Republican party, they didn't call Tom DeLay the \"Hammer\" because it was a good nickname.  It was because he facilitated total party unity and dropped \"the Hammer\" on those who tried to go renegade.<br><br>Campaigning for McCain was MORE than POOR TASTE; it was TREASON to the Democratic Party and Lieberman was allowed to skip; thereby setting the precedent for any other Blue Dog Dem to try the same shyt without consequences.  If Harold Ford were still in Congress, he would have pulled this shyt; but the difference would be that House Leadership would make an example out of his black ass by drumming him out of the party and making the Black Caucus do the heavy lifting.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:26:29", "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": 4801033, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4815776": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Chuck Todd stated on Rachel Maddow that Harry Reid can just delay Burris's appointment until...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_14:24:33", "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": 4815407, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800930": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Jefferson had 90K in his freezer and was on tape making incriminating statements... Jefferson is a perfect example of blacks winning the battle only to lose the war... we should hold our elected public officials in black-majority districts to extremely high standards. If we allow them to do anything (or rally to his aid when he is \"unjustly\" persecuted) and then they complain about racism for fun and profit. <br><br>And blacks consistent turn around and complain that government in our communities is not effective! Well if we refuse to hold our local government to higher-standards we will continue to get  baffoons like Rush and Burris who in an age with Deval Patrick, Patterson, and PEBO are complaining about race?!<br><br>As Coates said today ---<br><br>There are several methods to get black elected officials -- get an organisation and draft officials (Harold washington). <br><br>Dynamic candidates who can build organizations (PEBO)<br><br>Get qualified officials of to help black communities organize the next era of leadership by getting what our communities need (more important then the previous two imho).<br><br>What good are \"black\" officials if like Jefferson, their corruption on benefits themselves? Or like Rush they become trapped in a bygone era?<br> <br>So, in your example, Jefferson kept his seat, only to lose to a republican b/c his corruption was so blatant and obvious.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:52:14", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 11, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800673, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800420": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Exactly.  An indicted U. S. Senator ran for re-election to that Senate seat.  If he shows up back in DC in January to be sworn in, I want to see if Reid will have him expelled.  If he doesn't, he has no excuse to try and expel Burris because Blago appointed him to serve the remainder of Obama's term.<br><br>The problem is being consistent - which Reid has yet to show and Obama is in danger of getting away from.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:14:48", "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": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800227, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807687": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "BTW, it's not like POC aren't trying to get into the Senate from Texas. We had Ron Kirk, African American ex-mayor of Dallas run a couple of years ago, and this past November Rick Noriega, a Hispanic state legislator made a go of it. They put up fairly decent numbers, but the Repugs still won by clear margins. <br><br>Be careful what you wish for though: Wallace B. Jefferson, an AA, is Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court and plans to run for the Senate seat in 2010 if Kay Bailey Hutchison retires or opts to run for governor. Problem is, he's a serious Kool Aid drinking Republican who makes Clarence Thomas look like Thurgood Marshall, and would make Alan Keyes look like Barack Obama. Not all that glitters is gold my friends.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:48:30", "killed": false, "user_key": "0c5f153927e13fead4e14bb215f65fa8", "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}, "4802985": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Blago is still the governor. Fitzgerald is asking for a 90 day delay before he files the indictment and the state legislature refuses to fast track the impeachment process. Even if the US Senate refuses to seat Burris there will be legal challenges that could drag this on even longer.<br><br>This needs to end now. If not, Rush and Blago will spend the next year or so using his appointment charade as a vehicle to tick it to Obama. Its a legal appointment. Let it stand. We need to get this mess settled sooner than later.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:41:01", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": false, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 36, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801450": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yes, he would have. I'm not saying \"Oh silly you, there's no racism in America or in politics, or etc.\" But I am saying that I think that the senate, which was nearly unanimous in saying that they wouldn't seat whoever Blago appointed several weeks ago, is simply sticking to its guns (for once). And that they would've done the same if the appointee had been white--especially if the appointee had been white--not only to avoid being accused of inconsistency, but because they would've been accused of racism.<br><br>Don't let Rush and Blago play you.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:28:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": 4801364, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805035": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Have you seen the picture of the monument he built to himself? He has a serious hubris problem.<br><br>I really don't think he'll work well with others, all he's ever done is be in charge, and in the Senate he will be at the bottom of the totem pole senorially, and people may just flat out refuse to acknowledge/work with him. <br><br>This is a mess situation.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:24:04", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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": 4804412, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4815789": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "blksista... NO you must be a \"troll\" or an educated fool. <br><br>Burris is black, therefore we must support Blago, Bobby and Burris. <br><br>;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_14:24:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4814818, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805041": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It will work as long as people allow charltans like Rush to talk about racism to justify a flawed process. However, my guess is that we are making progress on these issues and people will refuse the racial shakedown.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:23:11", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803228, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800434": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Obama really thinks he can handle his adversaries.  I don't agree that he can either but that remains to be seen. Fair ain't fair in that game.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:16:29", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800179, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801267": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "ROFLMAO!!!<br><br>I keep saying there's a nursery rhyme in there somewhere.<br><br>Add \"Park\" to Trailer and Trash = TRIFECTA.<br><br>Of course, they probably would name a girl \"Trifecta\".", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:16:26", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801055, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805556": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yes but we voted for him and are entitled to results. Just like everyone else.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:15:15", "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": 9, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805488, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805559": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You gotta be kidding. The consensus in Illinois has always been to replace Obama with a black politician. Go back to troll school.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:15:22", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4801835, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801464": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Yeah, I'm beginning to wonder who is really being used. Granted, this is a smooth move for Blago but Burris knew the deal.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:29:16", "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": 4801258, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805876": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Hold up.  Obama, Durbin, and Reid tried to \"bully\"  Blago? Are you serious?  Wow. I find it intersting that peope have pulled out this, \"Blago was just doing his job defense\" when this is the same dude caught on tape talking about how he was frustrated becuse he was \"stuck\" being governor, threatened to withhold funding for a children's hospital if he didn't get campaign donations, tried to get reporters fired for telling the truth about his crazy ass in xchange for help with funding, and to top it off, tried to sell off the Senate seat to the highest bidder.  But according to many on this thread and others there is no problem with the appt because Blago was just doing his job.  And now, Obama, Durbin, and Reid are the bad guys for stating the obvious-that Blago should resign and should not appoint anyone.<br><br>I just don't understand the logic.  I think its time for me to get off of this thread.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:47:55", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4805374, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805562": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Not my opinion, just posting the article the first two lines are a quote...", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:14:18", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805493, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807583": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Ha! Yeah.....you gotta admire the moxie of Blago......he got balls of steel.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:37:31", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4807135, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806401": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Yes they did. I was too young to get what was going on back then. I used to think voting was it.  And Soulja has a new book out by the way!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:48:10", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4806182, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4799989": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I don't think Lieberman is a good analogy to this.  Lieberman was a party issue whereas Blagojevich is government ethics issue.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_12:44:39", "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": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": null, "depth": 0, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804545": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "What about legally?", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:45:46", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803201, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804034": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Don't ask me, CPL. But, I'm ready for Blago to take this all the way. It's time America became a country of LAWS again. <br><br>Jesse White's ' Tomming' ass better get ready, cause he's burning bridges he can't afford to. When his ass got him trouble, Black folk had HIS back, and gave him cover so that he could weather the storm. <br><br>\" not certify it' my ass.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:20:21", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803243, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801475": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "You're a god-damned troll and take your race baiting ass over to StormFront.<br><br>And you hide behind \"anonymous\", if you're going to accuse me of anti-semitism, you better point out when and where I'm doing it - otherwise, get the hell off this blog with this shyt.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:29:46", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801383, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4821139": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "There's no such thing as squeaky clean politics -- politics by its nature includes comprimises, log-rolling and earmarks. By there very nature politicians have to trade votes on unrelated issues. <br><br>However, when you have clear cases of officials who comprimise their office through sheer stupidity, ignorance or some combination of idiocy stumble into federal cases and still engage in more idiocy... jeez..", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_19:33:27", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4814673, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4806305": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "CPL:   I'm SORRY.    I'm tapped out of \"FLOW MATERIAL!\"   :&gt;)    :&gt;)<br><br>I gave it my best shot on another post - - -\"STUCK ON 'T'\" RAP!!  :&gt;)    :&gt;)<br><br><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b> [To YOU/YOURS]  God Bless!  :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_19:36:22", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801267, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801992": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "If Blagojevich--as crooked as he is--had appointed the second coming of Abe Lincoln to fill that Senate seat, Harry Reid and others would no doubt have a change of heart.  There's no way they deny the American people the next Abe Lincoln simply because of political differences with his appointor.<br><br>This is what makes race such a wildcard.  I'm not saying that Roland Burris is the next Abe Lincoln.  I'm just saying that Black and Brown politicians are too often asked (and expected) to sacrifice themselves for the good of the party.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:59:04", "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": 7, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800912, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4810697": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "HAPPY NEW YEAR, Green Lady, and the rest of JJP Readers!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_23:23:41", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4806305, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4807628": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "It's pretty straight up.<br><br>1. Blago is still governor... he hasn't been indicted, and the legislature hasn't impeached him. <br><br>2. Under the law, Blago has the legal authority to pick the new guy. He did - he picked Burris. The presser was a circus we could've all done without, but oh well.<br><br>3. Blago could've gone on and picked someone corrupt, but he picked Burris, who is probably the cleanest guy AND best qualified guy available in Illinois - and who also happens to be African American on top of all that, and a loyal Dem as well.  <br><br>4. The Supremes ruled in 1969 in Powell v. McCormack  that Congress can judge an incoming appointee ONLY by their qualifications under the Constitution, i.e., their age, citizenship, residential requirements, etc. They don't have to like him, but they have to seat him if he meets those requirements, which Burris does. <br><br>Conclusion: Reid and Co. need to STFU and seat the man. End of story.<br><br>Now Burris can definitely help things along by doing the following...<br><br>1. Announce that he's serving as a \"placeholder\" senator til 2010 and that's the only reason he accepted the gig. <br><br>2. Reaffirm that he thinks what Blago did was wrong, and encourage Blago to resign for the sake of the state and its people, etc. (He needs to say it again to make it plain.)<br><br>3. Bonus points: Announce that he will not seek re-election in 2010, which will make him effectively apolitical and allow him to vote w/o obligations to anyone other than the citizens of Illinois. <br><br>On the other hand, if he really wants to run for re-election, then he needs to make it known that he will seek election, and should cast it like he wants to seek the people's permission to continue serving, and will abide by what the people decide, etc. At his advanced age, I'd probably call it a day after 2010, but then again, there are plenty of senators who are 10-20 years older than him, so it's his call and up to the voters.<br><br>All in all, Burris has experience and qualities that would make him worthy of holding the job, or to say it another way, he does not suck at all. Blago sort of made it easy on the Senate by picking the guy, and he made sure there will be at least 1 AA senator in 2009,  so why is this a problem for anybody? Harry Truman was a product of the Kansas City political machine back in the 1930s, which was pretty corrupt, but he himself turned out to be very honest and forthright, and made an excellent senator despite the fact that his political masters were thugulous. Sometimes, an honest man can emerge from a less than ethical environment - see Obama, Barack as proof of that.<br><br>So inasmuch as people were worried about Blago picking anybody, he did OK - he picked a good man despite himself. Let Burris be seated and get on with it. We've all got work to do in this country, and Blago will get his day one way or another.<br><br>Oh and one more thing: maybe someone needs to make it a requirement that replacement Senators must be elected, just like replacement Representatives are. That would make problems like this go away. Nobody can dispute the will of the electorate if they voted for the man (though Minnesota might test that theory).", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_21:42:09", "killed": false, "user_key": "0c5f153927e13fead4e14bb215f65fa8", "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": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802978": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I agree we do need more Blacks in the Senate but the way this fool Roland Burris obtained the seat is a downright all out in the open racial shake down thanks to Bobby Rush. <br>  I say Obama and company do to Burris what Gov. Petersons is doing to Carolyn Kennedy Ignore there asses. Peace Out!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:39:37", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "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}, "4801999": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "LOL! Happy New Year, bigassbelle. I don't always agree with you, but I always enjoy you.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:58:05", "killed": false, "user_key": "699a0ed7291c19435029056b684bd583", "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": 4800076, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805073": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Burris is already using race which is going to turn off people outside of Chicago (apparently they eat that stuff up there. . . ) and he won't win a statewide race for Senate that way. You can bet that <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/31/roland-burris-on-the-offe_n_154505.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">these interviews</a> he's doing now are going to come back to bite him in the ass if he tries to run.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:25:41", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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": 4804464, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4799955": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Seriously, there's nothing wrong with meeting with the governor about who would replace you in the Senate. It's naive to think that Obama wouldn't be interested in his replacement. What IS improper is offering something other than gratitude for taking that person's desires into consideration. <br><br>I do agree about them keeping LIEberman, I think LIEberman should have been at the very least stripped of his chairmanships and maybe kicked out of the caucus.  Also, you must remember LIEberman was duly elected by the people of his state, they couldn't have kicked him out of the Senate, and since they couldn't, Obama wanted to keep his vote even if he was a traitor during the election. All they could have done was kicked LIEberman out of the caucus and strip his chairmanship, which may have meant losing a pretty reliable vote on domestic issues. But Burris is not coming off well to me as someone who's not from Illinois. I guess I have different standards, but he's a bit too. . . shifty (for lack of a better word) to me. And his ego is completely out of control. I was okay with him as a potential appointee until I saw him in that joke of a press conference, and in a couple of interviews on TV. And I don't think he'll be all that effective if the Senators refuse to work with him. Even Dick Durbin (who was explicitly called out by Bobby Rush in the \"press conference\" yesterday) said that the Senate shouldn't seat Burris. Burris is not duly elected, he's not sitting, he's nothing right now but an appointee. <br><br>Burris could have, and should have, refused the seat like <a href=\"http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1356051,CST-NWS-sweet31.article\" rel=\"nofollow\"> Rep. Danny K. Davis</a> out of, if nothing else, respect for the people of Illinois who from what I understand didn't want Blago to appoint anyone. Also, given Burris' <a href=\"http://www.jedreport.com/2008/12/roland-burris-changes-his-tune-1.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">change of tone with respect to the governor</a> in the span of mere weeks with the only thing changing being his appointment, something just isn't passing the smell test here. <br><br>With respect to Obama's comments, they seemed to be more along the line of \"Blago was wrong to appoint someone\" which came off more as a concerned citizen of Illinois than someone trying to be all up in the Senate kool-aid. Also, I think he made the statement to keep people from speculating about his opinion, and I think it will help take the wind out of the racial arguments that Rush started to stir up. I don't expect Obama to say anything else about it as this plays out. But at least Obama is being consistent with his belief that Blago shouldn't have appointed anyone and should step down, which is more than we can say for Burris (I guess that's because now he's the \"appointee\")<br><br>I also agree that if people want to see more AA or Hispanic, or any other ethnicity, in the Senate then they should organize on the local levels and get those people elected.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_12:41:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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}, "4805511": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ditto", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:11:19", "killed": false, "user_key": "8c37aba9d40637d085df63c4e1096489", "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": 4805301, "depth": 2, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800982": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Gotta agree with you there. Why? Why would this concern him now? Let the senate and Reid and them do their jobs!", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:55:40", "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": 4800718, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805084": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "I feel bad for Jesse Jackson, Jr. everyone knew he wanted that seat, and I think he would have been a great replacement.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:26:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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": 4803105, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800990": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Blago couldn't plow ahead without Burris going along for the ride.<br><br>I'm sad that Burris is really a pawn in this game - he seems like he would make a fine Senator, but this is reminding me of when Clarence Thomas was going through the confirmation process and the Senate really nailed his ass until he screamed \"high-tech lynching\" and they caved like a house of cards.<br><br>Clarence has never really been taken seriously as a SCOTUS because he was shoved in with all the speculation about him being a pervert hanging over him.  Every SCOTUS before and after Clarence; even Roberts and Alito, were confirmed with more than 60% of the Senate vote.  Clarence is still on record as being the one justice that won confirmation by less than 60% (52-48, actually), which meant two Senators decided to get their \"diversity\" on and they couldn't have wasted that opportunity on a worse, incompetent, self-hating pick than Unca Clarence.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:56:16", "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": 3, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800312, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805087": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Most, if not all your evidence contradicts your stated positions(I'll add the wikipedia cites to all the other cases you mention). There is no double standard in the cases -- the leadership (both R and D) in the cases you have stated works first with rhetoric then with whatever tools at their disposal to strip the member of their powers and then their seat.  <br><br>These are quotes from <a href=\"http://wikipedia.org\" rel=\"nofollow\">wikipedia.org</a>, not my own restatement of facts. Your lone example from workers dot org (hardly an unbiased site) tries to compare Mollohan's situation to Jefferson's situation. On inspection of workers dot org and NLPC it is clear Mollohan's ethical cloud is closer to Rangel's cloud.<br><br>However, Mollohan's ethical cloud is a non-profit organization that tries to \"NLPC promotes a single standard of ethics in public life through research, education and legal action.\"<br>(From NLPC mission statement)<br><br>NLPC on Mollohan<br>nlpc dot org/mollohan.asp<br><br>NLPC on Rangel<br>nlpc dot org /rangel.asp<br><br>Thus, on investigation Mollohan's (D-WV) situation is much closer to Rangel (Black D-NY).  Rangel has not been asked to step down from his committees (the powerful ways and means), although his situation is very similar to Mollohan (asked to step down from certain committes as you and workers dot org note). <br><br>William Jefferson has a criminal complaint germaine to his position as D-LA -- taking bribes. In this case the FBI detailed Jefferson accepting the bribe on video, and recovered the marked bribe money in Jefferson's freezer in 10K increments excepting 10K.<br><br>There are double-standards that do exist, but not in the way that you describe them -- to continue to use discrimination as a blanket for corruption is unfortunate to say the least.  Your arguments have the general trend that you use weak analogies, and scant evidence to support your claims.<br><br>PiePiePie the \"Troll\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:28:26", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4803462, "depth": 9, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4800480": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It's complicated, Simon.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:17:31", "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": 0, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4800405, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4816353": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Exactly -- I think that is what Obama has shown. <br><br>We are the change we need. That's why people pushing for the Burris appointment and using race as the primary factor to support a corrupt governor are doing black people a horrible disservice.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_15:39:21", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4808119, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4814818": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Same here, but black folks being black folks, they will take up the bait.<br><br>This ain't no black seat.  It's a seat.<br><br>We had an opportunity to seat  someone in the Senate who was a competent, relatively clean black individual in it who could possibly stand for election after the two years are up.  We don't, now.<br><br>Blago is laughing his ass off.  He really fixed this good.  This is a smokescreen.  He knows our psychology pretty well:  we'll support almost anyone we know who is black, sometimes regardless of politics.  As Dems and indies, we need his crooked ass out and stand competent individuals in the State House and the Senate.<br><br>Burris is an old man with hubris.  He's closer to death than I am.  He may be competent, and he may be qualified, but he is an embarrassment just like Bobby Rush.  He didn't think anything about how he might be a pawn in a game between Obama, the national Dems, and Blago.  He went out for himself, not for black folks and not even for Blago.<br><br>Months after this, folks are going to say to themselves once again, <i>what the f@ck did we get so excited about this for?</i><br><br>Just like with O.J., Unca Clarence, and other mistakes we have made in publicly supporting the wrong brother/sister.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2009-01-01_12:07:54", "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": 1, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4806748, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804347": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "And it's working because Obama and Reid are playing along.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:31:53", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803228, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803045": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No, I stand corrected on Begich's election.<br><br>The rest I stand by because it's the truth that you don't want to see and I can't do anything about YOUR denial.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:45:54", "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": 5, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801944, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803049": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "No, the problem is bigger then just seating the man now. Burris will be a problem in 2010 and be used by Republicans to trash Obama and Dems. This what  Blago wanted all along. The Dems are damn if they do and damn if they don't.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:46:08", "killed": false, "user_key": "6144ad3eb2bf17b846c1df3fca497bf2", "has_been_anonymized": false, "edited": false, "author_is_moderator": false, "from_request_user": null, "votable": true, "date": "11 months ago", "approved": true, "num_replies": 27, "is_first_child": true, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4802985, "depth": 1, "points": 2, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805099": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "It's called hubris, and Burris has enough for the entire state of IL.<br><br>I don't think Burris will do well in the Senate because he's used to being the one in charge. He didn't really have to answer to anyone in his previous positions, and he didn't have to really work with anyone like he will in the U.S. Senate.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:29:15", "killed": false, "user_key": "Muzikal203", "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": 4804761, "depth": 3, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801004": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Just part of Obama's character, its who he is.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_13:55:54", "killed": false, "user_key": "Mythe", "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": 4800916, "depth": 7, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805614": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "I'm pretty sure you'll see Weak Harry Reid stand down and say \"Well the law is the law and we have to abide by the law even if we don't like it blah blah blah.\"<br><br>That's why I'm amused at this situation.  Because the Senate Democrats have stood down and stood by while Bush & Co. ran roughshod over the country for 8 years and while Joe Droop Lieberman showed his ass all year.  All during FISA, all during superdelegates, Clinton racebaiting, etc.  But NOW Reid & the Democrats want to GET STRAWNG on Burris?  Um, ok.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:19:30", "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": 0, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4803403, "depth": 2, "points": 1, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4802031": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "BWA HA HA  HA<br><br>you so wrong, you're right", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:00:52", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801055, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804593": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "THAT was Jack Ryan - the GOP Nominee. <br><br>This was revealed AFTER the GOP Primary. <br><br>That's why they shipped in Alan Keyes in to run against Obama.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:49:24", "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": 2, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4804464, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4803058": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Piepiepie doesn't want to see what it front of it.<br><br>Trolls never do.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_15:46:42", "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": 4802815, "depth": 5, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4804597": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "Thanks for the correction. But my gist is the same. The dems probably didn't want to look like the ones keeping a black man from Thurgood Marshall's seat. <br><br>I  remember hearing a lot of black folks saying that uncle thomas would change once on the seat because it was a guarantee for life and he wouldn't have anything to prove to the white man.<br><br>Actually you thread is a prime example of what can happen when a black seat is kept black just for the sake of having a black person in that seat.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_16:49:42", "killed": false, "user_key": "5fa5000d5abb334d5525af2ed3a6776d", "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": 4804338, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4801529": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": true, "message": "They're going to have to hold another special election; which could have saved the taxpayers money if he'd stepped down and not run for re-election when he got indicted.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_14:32:10", "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": 8, "is_first_child": false, "email": "", "parent_post_id": 4801404, "depth": 4, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805626": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "The question: do they even have the power to do so?<br><br>I think the Dem leadership, still smarting from the negative reaction of progressives to their handling of Schmomentum, caved to media pressure and jumped the gun by promising early on not to seat anyone Blago appoints. Had they taken a wait and see attitude they could have come up with a compromise to defuse this mess. They opened the door for Blago to drop the Holy Hand Grenade on their posturing asses.", "is_last_child": true, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:19:33", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4800190, "depth": 1, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805943": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "eclecticbrotha:  VIRTUAL 'DAP'!!!    :&gt;)", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:53:18", "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": 4805404, "depth": 3, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805117": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "Ted Stevens(R)- Rs wanted him out, Palin had her Lt. Gov primary him.<br>He was convicted right before his election, he could not be replaced via Alaska state law -- he lost the election. Dems and Rs said he would be removed if he won.<br>wiki/Ted_Stevens<br><br>Mark Foley(R) - He resigned under pressure.<br>wiki/Mark_Foley<br><br>Dan Rostenkowski (D)--<br>\"Rostenkowski's political career was shattered in 1994 when he was indicted on corruption charges for his key role in the House post office scandal. He was forced to step down from all Congressional leadership positions. In elections later that year, Rostenkowski lost his seat and retired from political life.\"<br>/wiki/Dan_Rostenkowski<br><br>Jim Traficant (D) -<br>After the Republicans took control of the House in 1995, Traficant tended to vote more often with the Republicans than with his own party. However, he voted against all four articles of impeachment against Bill Clinton. After he voted for Republican Dennis Hastert for Speaker of the House in 2001, the Democrats stripped him of his seniority and refused to give him a committee assignment. Because the Republicans did not assign him to any committee, Traficant became the first member of the House of Representatives in over a century without any committee assignment who was not in a leadership position<br><br>On April 15, he was convicted of 10 felony counts including bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion.The House Ethics Committee recommended that Traficant be expelled from Congress. On July 24 the House voted 420-1 to expel him.<br>/wiki/Jim_Traficant<br><br>William Jefferson (D) -<br>Pelosi and Dems could not force Jefferson to resign clearly -- no more than republicans could force Stevens to resign.<br><br>\"On 30 July 2005, Jefferson was videotaped by the FBI receiving $100,000 worth of $100 bills in a leather briefcase at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Arlington, Virginia.[10] Jefferson told an investor, Lori Mody, who was wearing a wire, that he would need to give Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar $500,000 \"as a motivating factor\" to make sure they obtained contracts for iGate and Mody's company in Nigeria.[11]\"<br><br>\"A few days later, on 3 August 2005, FBI agents raided Jefferson's home in Northeast Washington and, as noted in an 83-page affidavit filed to support a subsequent raid on his Congressional office, \"found $90,000 of the cash in the freezer, in $10,000 increments wrapped in aluminum foil and stuffed inside frozen-food containers.\" Serial numbers found on the currency in the freezer matched serial numbers of funds given by the FBI to their informant.\"<br>/wiki/William_J._Jefferson<br><br>PiePiePie the \"Troll\"", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_17:30:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "ae80223634f76c002d9fc9b3981186f9", "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": 4805087, "depth": 10, "points": 0, "author_is_creator": false, "is_realtime": false}, "4805973": {"up_voted": false, "ip": "", "has_replies": false, "message": "You can't tell a sitting governor what he can or cannot do, even one under a cloud of suspicion. Obama and Co thought they could use popular opinion to bully Blago into holding off on appointing someone even though he retains the constitutional right to do so. Damn the wiretaps, has he been convicted of anything yet? No. Has the impotent state legislature taken the power out of his hands? No again. Obama doesn't even HAVE an office right now because he rushed to resign as soon as he won election so he could play Mr. Pretzeldent-elect.  He has absolutely no power to influence who gets the seat and Blago just reminded him of that.", "is_last_child": false, "can_reply": true, "down_voted": false, "real_date": "2008-12-31_18:56:43", "killed": false, "user_key": "eclecticbrotha", "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": 4805876, "depth": 6, "points": 0, "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": "9186784", "user_id": "anonymous", "forum_id": "21630", "hash": 3103898899991001718}, "thread": {"days_alive": 0, "slug": "told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places", "paginate": false, "num_pages": 1, "num_posts": 289, "per_page": 0, "total_posts": 0, "realtime_paused": true, "id": 9186784, "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=told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places' +
		'&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/told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places/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='	+ 'told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places'
			+ '&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/told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places/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">289</span> Comments\
	 &nbsp;\
	 <span class="dsq-item-feed">\
	 <a href="http://jackandjillpolitics.disqus.com/told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places/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/told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places/">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:9186784" 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/told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places/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:9186784" 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:9186784" 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'				: 'told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places',
			// 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/told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places/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='	+ 'told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places'
			+ '&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='	+ 'told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places'
			+ '&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='		+ 'told_y8217all_about_celebrating_black_faces_in_high_places'
				+ '&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/9186784/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);
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<ul id="dsq-comments">\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802225">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802225" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802225" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802225">Rhoda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802225" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802225" class="dsq-comment-message">ITD with this post. The facts are very simple. Gov. Blagoveich is under a cloud. He was warned not to make an appointment. He thought he could get around this by playing the race card.<br><br>He shouldn\'t be allowed to do this.<br><br>It\'s not about race. If we want more African American senators we have to recognize that we need to run better races: it\'s been done and can be done again. We don\'t need handouts to make it to the top. We do need to be better than the rest and damn sure cleaner than the rest.<br><br>Mr. Burris made a mistake in the pursuit of power. He made a mistake that\'s bad for black folks politically and I\'m sorry he had such poor judgement. But it\'s not about him.<br><br>At the end of the day: this is about Blagoveich. He shouldn\'t be allowed to make this appointment. That the democrats chickened out and didn\'t do a special election and have the damn fight is why we\'re in this place.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804644">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804644" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804644" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804644">mcc</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804644" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804644" class="dsq-comment-message">I think it\'s worth noting that <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1356051,CST-NWS-sweet31.article" rel="nofollow">Danny Davis was offered, and turned down, the seat by Blago before Burris was</a>. It seems to me that if the goal is black representation in the Senate, there are an abundance of qualified african american candidates for this position. Burris is just the first guy Blago could find who was willing to go along with his game. Burris is being used.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804761">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804761" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804761" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804761">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804761" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804761" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank you. I stated this in one of replies below. Sad thing is, Burris is happy to be used. He seems almost giddy.<br><br>Can you imagine what he\'s going to do in Washington? At least he can say he was a US Senator, if only for a year. poor thang.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805099">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805099" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805099" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805099" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805099" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805099" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s called hubris, and Burris has enough for the entire state of IL.<br><br>I don\'t think Burris will do well in the Senate because he\'s used to being the one in charge. He didn\'t really have to answer to anyone in his previous positions, and he didn\'t have to really work with anyone like he will in the U.S. Senate.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804718">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804718" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804718" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804718" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804718" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804718" class="dsq-comment-message">Yup, but this might have gone down with any AA being nominated by Blago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806780">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806780" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806780" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806780">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806780" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806780" class="dsq-comment-message">Danny Davis is a sitting Congressman in a safe district who has given no indication that he was going to retire and give up that paycheck. He knows that he has absolutely NO appeal outside the borders of the Chicago city limits. <br><br>Give up a guaranteed check for the next 10 years, padding that Congressional pension, for something that would be over in 2 years? <br><br>Come on, now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810535">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810535" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810535" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810535">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810535" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810535" class="dsq-comment-message">School em rikyrah.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803199">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803199" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803199" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803199">Sepia</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803199" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803199" class="dsq-comment-message"><b>ITD with this post. The facts are very simple. Gov. Blagoveich is under a cloud. He was warned not to make an appointment. He thought he could get around this by playing the race card.</b><br><br>I agree. Once again, black folks are allowing a white politician (Blago) to use us, and race charlatans like Rush, because they just can\'t bring themselves to pass the torch to the next generation, are tagging along. It\'s sickening.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803228">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803228" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803228" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803228">Rhoda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803228" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803228" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep.<br><br>Blago is manipulating black history to take force the media attention to Washington and give himself breathing space to fight impeachment and the case Fitzgerald has: a case that apparently is getting stronger since folks have been beating a path to Fitz\'s door since his media announcement.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803368">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803368" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803368" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803368">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803368" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803368" class="dsq-comment-message">Yep! Well stated Rhoda.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804347">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804347" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804347" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804347" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804347" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804347" class="dsq-comment-message">And it\'s working because Obama and Reid are playing along.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805041">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805041" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805041" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805041">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805041" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805041" class="dsq-comment-message">It will work as long as people allow charltans like Rush to talk about racism to justify a flawed process. However, my guess is that we are making progress on these issues and people will refuse the racial shakedown.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802318">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802318" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802318" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802318">Rhoda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802318" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802318" class="dsq-comment-message">I also want to add: Joe Liberman doesn\'t belong in this discussion. And trying to say this is about race is insulting. If Joe Libermann was a black jew he\'d still be allowed to stay because Obama was using him to send a message. He might get rolled for playing that game, but that has nothing to do with Burris.<br><br>Also, Reid said a long while back this senate would never seat a Blago appointee. Blago tried to play them by sending a black man; but why the fuck does that matter? He has no business making this decision. <br><br>This whole thing is bad for black folks who want to run across IL and nationally IMO.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802823">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802823" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802823" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802823">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802823" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802823" class="dsq-comment-message">Those are two excellent well-reasoned posts Rhoda. I\'d just add that Lieberman did nothing illegal and won CT as an independent against the democratic party nominee. Thus, until Joementum\'s 2012 election campaign he and his positions have the will of the people of CT via general election.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804392">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804392" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804392" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804392" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804392" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804392" class="dsq-comment-message">Sorry, Lieberman DOES belong in this post - if for nothing else, to examine the way he was given a pass for CAMPAIGNING AGAINST HIS OWN LEADER IN FAVOR OF JOHN MC CAIN. If Tom DeLay is in charge, Lieberman gets stripped of all his shyt for essentially being a traitor.<br><br>Lieberman is still holding Committee Assignments - one of which is Homeland Security; a committee with SUBPEONA POWER which he can use to harass Obama and be on his ass like a fly on shyt for even the slightest controversy.  If Reid and Obama do what\'s right; Lieberman is a sitting Senator with NO COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, AND NO SUBPEONA POWER TO HARASS THE POTUS.<br><br>While I don\'t like the fact that Blagojevich appointed Burris, nonetheless, he\'s still the sitting Governor of Illinois until they force him out.  There were many avenues the State Government could have done to derail Blago - they left him for the Feds to deal with.  And Now you have this mess.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805320">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805320" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805320" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805320">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805320" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805320" class="dsq-comment-message">The state legislature has no intention of fast tracking the impeachment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805674">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805674" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805674" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805674">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805674" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805674" class="dsq-comment-message">If Joe Lieberman was black, he\'d be sitting by himself at the lunch table as Obama, Reid, etc. kicked him to the curb.<br><br>Joe Lieb does belong in this discussion because Joe Lieb outright disrespected Obama and the Democrats as he tap danced and shuffle boogied at the Republicans\' party all year long.  And all Harry Reid and the Democrats did was issue tepid warnings.<br><br>But now with the Burris situation, all of a sudden Reid & Co. have found some new burst of strenff like they are the good guy wrestlers in the WWE almost down for the count but finding some superhuman burst of strength to defeat the bad guys.  It doesn\'t compute:  you\'re weak and passive on everything else but strong on this?  It makes people want to go hmmmmmmmm?[/arsenio]</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805748">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805748" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805748" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805748">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805748" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805748" class="dsq-comment-message">Chile please....if Joe Lieberman was black he\'d be in a tattered bathrobe sitting in a recliner wondering "how did it come to THIS?"...he\'d be as welcome as a cold sore on prom night. He would be completely powerless and just a distant memory of the 2008 elections.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805828">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805828" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805828" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805828">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805828" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805828" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL and you know dis!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802933">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802933" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802933" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802933">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802933" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802933" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree with you</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803403">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803403" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803403" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803403" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803403" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803403" class="dsq-comment-message">It IS about Blagojevich and I would have totally ignored this except Rush and Burris are playing the race card the same way Clarence Thomas did to get confirmed to the SCOTUS when it looked like Joe Biden had him in the crosshairs on sexual harassment of Anita Hill.<br><br>The only difference in that the Senate caved in to Thomas\' extortion, but now they\'re going to grow a pair on Burris?<br><br>I\'m wondering what would have happened if Blago appoints a white guy to that seat; does Harry Reid stand by his statements to refuse to seat any of Blago\'s appointments? <br><br>I\'ll believe it when I see Blago retract Burris and appoint a white guy - more over, you will SEE IT TOO...unless YOU DON"T WANT TO SEE IT.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805614">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805614" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805614" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805614">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805614" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805614" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m pretty sure you\'ll see Weak Harry Reid stand down and say "Well the law is the law and we have to abide by the law even if we don\'t like it blah blah blah."<br><br>That\'s why I\'m amused at this situation.  Because the Senate Democrats have stood down and stood by while Bush & Co. ran roughshod over the country for 8 years and while Joe Droop Lieberman showed his ass all year.  All during FISA, all during superdelegates, Clinton racebaiting, etc.  But NOW Reid & the Democrats want to GET STRAWNG on Burris?  Um, ok.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805125">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805125" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805125" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805125" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805125" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805125" class="dsq-comment-message">If the guy was White, Green, Orange, or Blue, they\'d be standing by what they said which was they wouldn\'t accept ANYONE Blago nominated.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803467">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803467" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803467" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803467">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803467" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803467" class="dsq-comment-message">The repubs were in the majority then, and the dems(minority) probably didn\'t want to look like the ones holding da black man down. Especially when they would not have had the votes to stop it anyway.<br><br>Come on people!<br><br>If the dems were in the majority, thomas would not have made it through and a democratic President would have NEVER nominated uncle thomas. Even blue dog clinton would not have been that crazy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804338">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804338" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804338" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804338" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804338" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804338" class="dsq-comment-message">Correction, when Clarence Thomas came up for confirmation, there was a Republican Administration, but both Houses of Congress were in a Democratic Majority in the 1990s.  Joe Biden was actually the Chair of the Judiciary for which Clarence had to sing for his supper.<br><br>The Dems lost both Houses with the "Contract with America" bullshyt and Newt Gingrich in 1994 - UNDER BILL CLINTON.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804597">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804597" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804597" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804597">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804597" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804597" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for the correction. But my gist is the same. The dems probably didn\'t want to look like the ones keeping a black man from Thurgood Marshall\'s seat. <br><br>I  remember hearing a lot of black folks saying that uncle thomas would change once on the seat because it was a guarantee for life and he wouldn\'t have anything to prove to the white man.<br><br>Actually you thread is a prime example of what can happen when a black seat is kept black just for the sake of having a black person in that seat.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804746">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804746" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804746" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804746" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804746" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804746" class="dsq-comment-message">Thank YOU!<br><br>You saw what I was trying to say with this post.  It\'s not only about Race; its also about when Black People compromise for the sake of putting a Black Face in a High Place - it is about the unwillingness to hold them accountable as we do white elected officials, because we\'re seen as "tearing down a brotha/sista" when they get called out on their shyt.<br><br>Obama may be right in why he wants to derail Burris\' appointment; but if he didn\'t shytcan Lieberman, he didn\'t leave himself any justification for involving himself with this business, either.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804757">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804757" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804757" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804757" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804757" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804757" class="dsq-comment-message">I KNEW Unca Clarance wasn\'t going to change.<br><br>He hated Black People THAT MUCH.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805012">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805012" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805012" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805012">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805012" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805012" class="dsq-comment-message">So you heard the same thing. I actually was having fights with family members about his azz. <br><br>A lot of black folks were drinking that koolaid with the gop sending random black gopers out on the news shows doing damage control. <br><br>I remember folks saying Anita Hill was lying because she was jealous that uncle tomas was into white women and didn\'t want her.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800257">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800257" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800257" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800257">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800257" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800257" class="dsq-comment-message">And are we really back on Lieberman?  Really?  What does he have to do with this?  Please, I don\'t understand it at all.  Because from Obama\'s actions, it was pretty clear to me that he wasn\'t interested in punishing Lieberman because he doesn\'t have time for that petty sh*! and he knows when to pick his battles.  I could give a rat\'s butt about Lieberman, and I hope that he is voted out of office, but will not use that episode to provide some justification on giving Burris a pass on poor judgment.  Utter fail.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800286">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800286" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800286" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800286">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800286" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800286" class="dsq-comment-message">Need to let that Lieberman thing go...waste of words.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800372">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800372" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800372" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800372">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800372" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800372" class="dsq-comment-message">Wait, are you saying that I need to let the Lieberman thing go, or does the commenter?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800589">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800589" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800589" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800589">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800589" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800589" class="dsq-comment-message">Everyone needs to let that water keep flowing under the bridge on Lieberman.  Obama is not going to rescind that and neither will he on Rick Warren.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800686">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800686" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800686" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800686" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800686" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800686" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m tired of being asked to let something go like a double standard just because it interferes with the chorus of "Kuubaayah".  So Obama doesn\'t rescind either one - fine; but he\'d better not be whining like a lil bitch when all of it comes back to bite him in the ass, and in your defense of him when that happens (and it WILL), qualify your defending statements by acknowledging some shyt he probably wouldn\'t be in if he had done the justifiable thing and shyt-canned Lieberman when he had the chance.<br><br>Warren probably won\'t hurt him as much, but with all the exposure, I expect him to turn into a kinder, gentler, but no less wingnutty version of James Dobson or Tim LaHaye, and it will not be long before Obama tries to pass legislation that may have gays getting full civil rights and liberties - and Warren will denounce him like a fly on shyt.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800853">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800853" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800853" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800853">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800853" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800853" class="dsq-comment-message">I wholeheartedly agree with you that Obama truly doesn\'t know what he is setting himself up for in appointing all of thes adversaries but he will just have to learn to hard way. Change to him is being fair and choosing the best candidate.  His adversaries could care less about his kind heart.  They will bring him down given the chance.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800916">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800916" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800916" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800916" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800916" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800916" class="dsq-comment-message">My point, exactly.  I understand about keeping enemies close, but that doesn\'t mean you eat and sleep with their asses.<br><br>You keep your enemy where you can see him at all times so you can anticipate when he\'s going to strike.  Making them work for you is carte blanche for them to eff you over and as the Chief Exec, what is he going to say when they do that?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801004">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801004" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801004" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801004">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801004" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801004" class="dsq-comment-message">Just part of Obama\'s character, its who he is.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801194">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801194" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801194" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801194" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801194" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801194" class="dsq-comment-message">Which I\'ve always liked about him, but his attempts to be EVERYTHING  to EVERYBODY is going to have him spending political capital that can be better used somewhere else, and writing political checks his ass can\'t cash.<br><br>He needs to trust his own instincts and needs to listen to Michelle more and his advisors LESS.  Michelle loves him and will truly give him opinions and viewpoints in honest, no nonsense fashion.<br><br>Laura Bush couldn\'t do that with Dubya - there was one time, when Dubya was running for Congress and they were returning home from one of his appearances, and he asked her how she thought his speech was.  Laura said she thought the speech was okay but there were some points he should have emphasized.<br><br>Dubya\'s response was to ram the car into their garage...with him and Laura still in it.<br><br>Laura relayed this incident to her mother-in-law, and Barbara responded "That\'s the way he is, and if you\'re smart, you\'ll go along with him."<br><br>This is reported in the Kitty Kelley book on the Bush dynasty, going all the way back to when Prescott Bush was a war criminal who loaned money to Adolf Hitler, and to my knowledge, the Bush family hasn\'t sued Kelley for the biography, which has been proven to be factually accurate.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801864">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801864" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801864" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801864">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801864" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801864" class="dsq-comment-message">People Play up this "team of adversaries thing" its good rhetoric -- who are the adversaries exactly?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805444">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805444" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805444" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805444" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805444" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805444" class="dsq-comment-message">Which only proves are crooked and thieving certain white people where in building their wealth and power but are given a PASS.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800548">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800548" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800548" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800548" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800548" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800548" class="dsq-comment-message">I hope you remember your statement when Lieberman resorts to his true nature of being a snake-weasel and biting the POTUS in the ass just because he can.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800395">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800395" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800395" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800395" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800395" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800395" class="dsq-comment-message">The seating of Burris is in the same line as not punishing Lieberman.  Both are essentially petty, but the point of the post is why Obama is focusing on keeping Burris out, but allowing Lieberman to stay as a reward for foul behavior?<br><br>If Obama wasn\'t interested in punishing Lieberman, he should have a similar lack of interest in not being concerned who is appointed by Blago or whether the state of Illinois should call a special election.<br><br>I\'m pointing out the differences in attention and treatment; some of which Obama himself is engaging in and I\'m already on record stating I would put issues like that (double standard) out there.<br><br>Let it be said I try to keep my word, and with this post, I think I have done so.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800856">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800856" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800856" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800856">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800856" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800856" class="dsq-comment-message">Sorry, still failing to see the analogy.  For one, I don\'t think that Obama wants to be involved, but since everyone keeps asking for his opinion he gave it.  Second, he may be more inclined to speak up and weigh in on the subject since it involves his senate seat.  Third, I think we really disagree because you see both the Lieberman and Burris matter as petty, whereas I just see the LIeberman matter as petty.  I think the Burris matter is different because of what is at stake here---everyone is swimming in unchartered waters.  You have a governor accused of trying to sell off a Senate seat to the highest bidder.  Because of those allegations, you have other Democrats trying to come down hard on the appearance of impropriety, which they did by saying they would refuse to seat anyone who is appointed by the corrupt govenor.  I think they were right then, and I think they are right now.  I am just so tired of the status quo.  Can someone please stand up and say, this isn\'t right.  For once.  And in my mind, this isn\'t right.  I don\'t think Blago should be appointing anyone.  I don\'t think he is fit to lead.  It is not about Burris, or punishing Burris, this is about finally sending a message that you can\'t just betray the public trust and other politicians will look the other way, or cave in to pressure.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801835">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801835" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801835" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801835">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801835" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801835" class="dsq-comment-message">Well said TRW fight on the side of right. <br><br>It\'s clear Blago should not decide the seat -- black ppl changing their minds now the appointment is black, and using these absurd weak analogies and strained hypotheticals look like hypocrites.<br><br>It\'s also the fastest way to ensure it is TOUGHER for black politicians by trying to inject grievance into voting... how well did that work for Sarah Palin and John McCain ?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805559">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805559" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805559" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805559">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805559" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805559" class="dsq-comment-message">You gotta be kidding. The consensus in Illinois has always been to replace Obama with a black politician. Go back to troll school.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801383">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801383" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801383" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801383">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801383" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801383" class="dsq-comment-message">Because he\'s Jewish, silly, and there\'s enough unspoken anti-Semitism underlying this baseless comparison (baseless for all of the very substantial reasons Piepiepie has pointed out a few post above) to sink a ship.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801475">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801475" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801475" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801475" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801475" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801475" class="dsq-comment-message">You\'re a god-damned troll and take your race baiting ass over to StormFront.<br><br>And you hide behind "anonymous", if you\'re going to accuse me of anti-semitism, you better point out when and where I\'m doing it - otherwise, get the hell off this blog with this shyt.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801939">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801939" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801939" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801939">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801939" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801939" class="dsq-comment-message">With Lieberman, silly. Your insistence that Lieberman and Burris are the same, when in fact they\'re clearly not--even though both situations are teeth grinders. I think that part of what\'s not being spoken here is that many people, yourself included, perhaps, think that Lieberman is getting away with it because he\'s Jewish as well as white. I would classify that as anti-Semitism--that assumption that Jews are dishonest and can get away with anything (because everyone knows how powerful Jews are, right? Kind of like all of those rich white gay men). Lieberman\'s getting away with it because Obama wants his vote and because he\'s sure that Lieberman will be voted out next term. Why play the bad guy when you can seem like the reasonable guy and still get the same result--and Lieberman\'s vote as well in the meantime?<br><br>That Obama, he\'s a smart one.<br><br>If I\'m wrong and neither you nor anyone else on J&J who just can\'t let go of Lieberman haven\'t a bone of anti-Semitism in your bodies, I\'m both wrong and glad, and I would owe everyone an apology. But I\'d be pretty surprised to be *totally* wrong on this one. <br><br>And I\'m not a troll, or necessarily white (as your "race baiting ass" comment appears to imply): I just don\'t agree with you. Surely a Christian Progressive Liberal can live with a difference of opinion.<br><br>Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803181">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803181" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803181" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803181" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803181" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803181" class="dsq-comment-message">Lieberman\'s religion has NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS CONVERSATION.<br><br>What is YOUR issues with JEWS?  I don\'t have any, and if I wanted to point out Lieberman\'s religion, I would have done so, and would have promptly been labeled "anti-semite".<br><br>I have not done that.  You are doing that in trying to hijack this entire conversation, which I will NOT ALLOW YOU TO DO.<br><br>I stand by what I posted here, damn you, and I will not backtrack on the fact that Lieberman enjoys his privilages in the Senate that he essentially pissed on when he hooked his wagon to McCain, and Obama gave him a pass.<br><br>Blagojevich appoints a Black Man to succeed another Black Man in the U. S. Senate, and Obama joins in the hunt to derail this appointment.<br><br>I\'ve compared this to Clarence Thomas\' appointment to the SCOTUS as well - so where is the anti-semitism of which you try to infer, BUT FAIL TO DO SO?<br><br>You REFUSE to see the comparison, but when Lieberman aides and abet Mitch McConnell in derailing Obama\'s legislative agenda, while a sure vote in Roland Burris is kept out of the Senate, I bet you will see it THEN, when it\'s too damned late to do anything about it.<br><br>Post where I\'ve made any mention of Lieberman\'s religion, ANY TIME, ANY WHERE - OTHERWISE DRINK YOUR CAN OF STHU ON THE religions bias because I haven\'t introduced it into the conversation.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803194">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803194" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803194" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803194" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803194" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803194" class="dsq-comment-message">I live with a difference of opinion when it is not accompanied by outright lies and innuendo that I have not introduced into this discussion, but you keep bringing it up.<br><br>ME THINKS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH JEWS, because no one has discussed or introduced Lieberman\'s religion into this conversation AT ALL.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810754">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810754" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810754" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810754">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810754" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810754" class="dsq-comment-message">Puleeeeze, he\'s more a snake than he is Jewish.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4799715">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4799715" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4799715" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4799715">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4799715" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4799715" class="dsq-comment-message">My only complaint w/ this is you didn\'t mention the KAPO Scorpion King and Queen Clinton especially w/ regard to opening the door to race baiting campaigning.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800251">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800251" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800251" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800251" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800251" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800251" class="dsq-comment-message">Sorry, and you\'re right, I should have mentioned them, but in the context of the post, they are inferred - but Harry Reid shouldn\'t be getting involved here, when he refused to do jack about Lieberman.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4799955">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4799955" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4799955" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4799955" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4799955" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4799955" class="dsq-comment-message">Seriously, there\'s nothing wrong with meeting with the governor about who would replace you in the Senate. It\'s naive to think that Obama wouldn\'t be interested in his replacement. What IS improper is offering something other than gratitude for taking that person\'s desires into consideration. <br><br>I do agree about them keeping LIEberman, I think LIEberman should have been at the very least stripped of his chairmanships and maybe kicked out of the caucus.  Also, you must remember LIEberman was duly elected by the people of his state, they couldn\'t have kicked him out of the Senate, and since they couldn\'t, Obama wanted to keep his vote even if he was a traitor during the election. All they could have done was kicked LIEberman out of the caucus and strip his chairmanship, which may have meant losing a pretty reliable vote on domestic issues. But Burris is not coming off well to me as someone who\'s not from Illinois. I guess I have different standards, but he\'s a bit too. . . shifty (for lack of a better word) to me. And his ego is completely out of control. I was okay with him as a potential appointee until I saw him in that joke of a press conference, and in a couple of interviews on TV. And I don\'t think he\'ll be all that effective if the Senators refuse to work with him. Even Dick Durbin (who was explicitly called out by Bobby Rush in the "press conference" yesterday) said that the Senate shouldn\'t seat Burris. Burris is not duly elected, he\'s not sitting, he\'s nothing right now but an appointee. <br><br>Burris could have, and should have, refused the seat like <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1356051,CST-NWS-sweet31.article" rel="nofollow"> Rep. Danny K. Davis</a> out of, if nothing else, respect for the people of Illinois who from what I understand didn\'t want Blago to appoint anyone. Also, given Burris\' <a href="http://www.jedreport.com/2008/12/roland-burris-changes-his-tune-1.html" rel="nofollow">change of tone with respect to the governor</a> in the span of mere weeks with the only thing changing being his appointment, something just isn\'t passing the smell test here. <br><br>With respect to Obama\'s comments, they seemed to be more along the line of "Blago was wrong to appoint someone" which came off more as a concerned citizen of Illinois than someone trying to be all up in the Senate kool-aid. Also, I think he made the statement to keep people from speculating about his opinion, and I think it will help take the wind out of the racial arguments that Rush started to stir up. I don\'t expect Obama to say anything else about it as this plays out. But at least Obama is being consistent with his belief that Blago shouldn\'t have appointed anyone and should step down, which is more than we can say for Burris (I guess that\'s because now he\'s the "appointee")<br><br>I also agree that if people want to see more AA or Hispanic, or any other ethnicity, in the Senate then they should organize on the local levels and get those people elected.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4799989">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4799989" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4799989" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4799989">Micheline </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4799989" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4799989" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t think Lieberman is a good analogy to this.  Lieberman was a party issue whereas Blagojevich is government ethics issue.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800179">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800179" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800179" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800179" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800179" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800179" class="dsq-comment-message">Lieberman was used because Obama actively supported keeping him where he is, as opposed to deserved punishment for Lieberman effectively campaigning AGAINST him with his support for McCain.  Same thing with choosing Warren to give the invocation at his auguration - Obama is rewarding people who TRIED TO TAKE HIM DOWN,  although I\'m all for unity and reconciliation, I can\'t get with rewarding those who attempted to TAKE YOU OUT OF THE MIX AND DESTROY YOU.<br><br>Hillary did that - she\'s the SoS.<br><br>Warren did that by allowing McCain to cheat at the "Christian" debate - Warren gets to pray over the POTUS during the inauguration.<br><br>Lieberman campaigned AGAINST Obama and distorted his record - he\'s allowed to keep his Senate seat, privilages and gets to caucus with the Democrats; AFTER DEMONSTRATING his willingness to turn on their ass when the opportunity presents itself.  They will have no one to blame if Lieberman chucks a wrench in the works - THEY WERE WARNED AND CAN\'T SAY THEY COULDN\'T ANTICIPATE his treachery.<br><br>Lieberman is both a PARTY and ETHICS issue, period.  But Obama is looking more willing to give any one other than a brotha a PASS and that\'s leaving me with a nasty taste in my mouth that Listerine won\'t kill.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800434">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800434" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800434" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800434">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800434" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800434" class="dsq-comment-message">Obama really thinks he can handle his adversaries.  I don\'t agree that he can either but that remains to be seen. Fair ain\'t fair in that game.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800614">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800614" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800614" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800614" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800614" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800614" class="dsq-comment-message">Myth, you and I would handle our adversaries by being polite and courteous and working with them when necessary - we wouldn\'t allow them into our circle where they can resort to their true nature and bite us in the ass because they haven\'t fully and honestly embraced the concept of true reconciliation and unity.  I\'m going to be on watch and taking bets as to whether it will be Hillary, Gates or Lieberman to take the first bite out of the POTUS\' ass.<br><br>You don\'t see Joe Biden giving appointments to HIS Enemies, and Biden\'s been on the Hill long enough to have made MANY.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800761">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800761" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800761" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800761">Micheline </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800761" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800761" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree  with the pattern you are describing, that\'s why I think progressives should be on his ass 24/7  because may be we\'ll get something out of him, but I still don\'t see the similarity. This Blagojevich matter has bigger implications. The culture of corruption is rampant in both parties. The Democrats must show that won\'t tolerate this.  Burris allowed himself to be used.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801032">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801032" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801032" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801032" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801032" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801032" class="dsq-comment-message">Which is sad because in other circumstances, I think the people of Illinois would have had no problem with sending him to DC.<br><br>Blago\'s outside and trying to tear up the Party -ala Hillary Clinton.<br><br>Lieberman\'s on the inside.<br><br>Both can damage Obama in ways he can\'t possibly anticipate - that\'s where the similarities are.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800024">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800024" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800024" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800024">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800024" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800024" class="dsq-comment-message">My concern with this episode of "Chi-Town" politics is where Obama truly stands on Burris.  I have not heard his sentiments at all other than the appointment should not be honored. I have always thought that Obama was behind this snitch to the FBI after Valarie Jarrett got pimped and wouln\'t play.  Obama seems to be really reluctant to anybody  from Chicago, particularly AA, getting an appointment.  I wonder why since his ascension was not greatly supported by any of them.  Again, it was Divine Providence that Obama made it to the highest position in the land based on never having been supported by establishment leadership.<br><br>My point though, does Obama have good karma with Burris?  Why wouldn\'t he be acceptable if he is as squeaky clean as everyone says?  Something is wrong with this picture to reject this man just because Blagojebitch is recommending him IF he would represent the state well?  The news and pundits leave me with more questions about what is REALLY going on here. Roland Martin saying one thing, Jeffrey Toobin going in another direction, so it\'s hard to piece it all together if you remove Blagojebitch from the mix.  WHO DOES OBAMA REALLY WANT TO HAVE THE SEAT???</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802132">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802132" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802132" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802132">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802132" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802132" class="dsq-comment-message">Burris backed OBAMA, when nobody else thought Obama had a chance for the Senate.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803243">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803243" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803243" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803243" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803243" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803243" class="dsq-comment-message">So why is Obama trying to derail his appointment?  I need to know is this an example of how Obama rewards his supporters, and I\'m not being snarky, either.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804034">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804034" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804034" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804034">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804034" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804034" class="dsq-comment-message">Don\'t ask me, CPL. But, I\'m ready for Blago to take this all the way. It\'s time America became a country of LAWS again. <br><br>Jesse White\'s \' Tomming\' ass better get ready, cause he\'s burning bridges he can\'t afford to. When his ass got him trouble, Black folk had HIS back, and gave him cover so that he could weather the storm. <br><br>" not certify it\' my ass.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804649">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804649" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804649" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804649" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804649" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804649" class="dsq-comment-message">For REAL.  America is supposed to be a nation of the people, for the people and by the people.  I\'m hoping Obama doesn\'t forget that; otherwise he\'ll go the way Jimmy Carter did, and Carter didn\'t deserve the treatment he got.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805678">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805678" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805678" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805678">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805678" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805678" class="dsq-comment-message">What else has Obama done other than release that statement? I havent seen anything else...are their rumblings of backdoor shenanigans? The statement was more benign than the mole that\'s been on my back for 25 years - completely generic and nothing out of order - praise the appointee, chastise the appointer, mention the will of the people of Illinois - pretty textbook....but what else are you guys seeing/hearing in Chitown??</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805697">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805697" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805697" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805697">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805697" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805697" class="dsq-comment-message">Is Obama trying to derail his appointment?  The comments I heard was him basically saying no comment or let the Senate take care of it.  I have yet to hear him say he didn\'t want Burris.  I haven\'t watched the news in a couple of hours so I could be wrong.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810762">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810762" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810762" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4810762" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810762" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810762" class="dsq-comment-message">Read Obama\'s press statement regarding Burris - he spells it out:<br><br>	<br><i> December 30, 2008<br><br>President-elect Obama issued the following statement on Gov. Blagojevich tapping Roland Burris to fill the Senate seat:<br><br>"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy."</i><br><br>Sounds like he\'s trying to derail this to me.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4813411">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4813411" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4813411" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4813411">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4813411" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4813411" class="dsq-comment-message">Sounds like he is supporting the Senate\'s decision not to seat anyone Blago picked to me.  It\'s not negative with regards to Burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803340">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803340" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803340" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803340">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803340" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803340" class="dsq-comment-message">That\'s not true. Illinois treated Obama like the 2nd coming when he was running for senate. He had broad range democratic support. He had so much support and favorable polling that no Illinois repub wanted to run against him. Hell the gop had to pull a crazy ass out-of-stater (alan keyes) to run against him.<br><br>To follow up with the main thread, I have to admit that blago is GANGSTA. He pimp slap the senate and made them his bytch! He knew Burris obsessed about that seat and would accept it when Danny Davis turned him down. Burris wanted to be senator no matter what the cost. By picking a black man with not hidden baggage other than being a mediacre politician it would give him cover. If the dems follow through with what they had been saying since the scandal broke, the dems would come out looking like racists. This move was also meant to paralyze Obama who said that he supported the senate actions of not seating anyone blago appointed. It was also meant to get us black folks riled up in supporting his appointment. blago is a masterful manipulator!<br><br>But we have to look at the bigger picture. It has been reported that Burris ran for mayor and lost. He run for senator and lost. By his running for Governor and being a rabbit for blago it allowed blago to win. Burris split up the black vote with the other candidate, so blago owes him. <br><br>We need to look at the bigger picture. That seat will be up for election in 2010. There is no way Burris is going to be able to retain that seat. Burris can\'t even win a democratic primary, how in the hell can he win in a general? <br><br>I wouldn\'t be surprise if a repub was able to slide in it in 2010. Also it has been reported after the election that Barack Obama wanted that seat to go to an African American. An African American who was not a seat warmer, but an African American who would get re-elected.<br><br>Final thought. Why is the CBC so quiet (except Rush)? They know what time it is, especially with what happen in La.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803461">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803461" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803461" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803461">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803461" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803461" class="dsq-comment-message">Sorry, but I remember that race. <br><br>Obama was NOT treated as \' the second coming\'. <br><br>Blair Hull - the front runner that had a great deal of Black support -  was knocked out because of marriage problems. <br><br>Nobody remotely thought Obama was going to win - except for Obama. And the number of Black folks who supported Obama - \'BACK WHEN\'.....<br><br>was minimal. <br><br>But, Roland Burris was on that list. <br><br>When Barack Obama announced for the U.S. Senate, he wasn\'t even known on the South Side of Chicago - let alone the State of Illinois.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804374">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804374" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804374" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804374">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804374" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804374" class="dsq-comment-message">maybe the day Obama declared his candidacy that was true. Hell if I was in illinois, I probably wouldn\'t have supported him initially. I would have thought he didn\'t have a snowball chance in hell of winning. <br><br>In spite of what the MSM thinks, blacks don\'t like to throwaway a vote.<br><br>The same thing happen when Obama ran for President. Remember, billary initially had more black supporters than Barack. We had to see a sign that we were not going to waste a vote and Iowa give us that sign.<br><br>I have been a big Obama supporter since 2004 and regretted that I couldn\'t vote for him in 2004.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805364">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805364" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805364" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805364">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805364" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805364" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-signing with Rikyrah.<br><br>There was none of this "second coming" or "messiah" bullsh**<br>back then.<br><br>Signed,<br>Lifelong Illinois Citizen</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804625">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804625" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804625" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804625" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804625" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804625" class="dsq-comment-message">After they buck danced for Hillary, they need to keep quiet on this one.  As far as Rush is concerned, he\'s taking it too personally that Obama challenged his ass for his Congressional seat years ago and hasn\'t let it go yet.<br><br>Could be that Obama might have exposed Rush\'s incompetency long before it is managing to surface on its own.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805338">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805338" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805338" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805338">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805338" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805338" class="dsq-comment-message">Bobby looked bad during the press conference yesterday. By bad, I mean in ill health and old. I could bearly make out what he was saying.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800063">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800063" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800063" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800063" href="http://www.bigassbelle.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bigassbelle</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800063" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800063" class="dsq-comment-message">So we\'re going to hold him accountable on Burris . . . not on the preacher man?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800076">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800076" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800076" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800076" href="http://www.bigassbelle.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bigassbelle</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800076" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800076" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'ve reached a point where I don\'t give a shit about anything but him fixing the economy and health care. I don\'t care what he has to do to get that done, who he has to sell out or buy, just. get. it. done.<br><br>I  keep going back to Maslow and the heirarchy of needs: basic security, then the rest.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800633">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800633" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800633" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800633">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800633" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800633" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'ve reached the point where I just want Obama to get the job done.<br>He\'s not going to please everybody, and he\'s going to make mistakes.<br>He\'s not perfect, but then again none of the other 43 occupants of the Oval Office were either.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800718">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800718" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800718" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800718" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800718" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800718" class="dsq-comment-message">He needs to be clear in order to do that, Admiral, and involving himself in this shyt with Blagojevich is not helping him.<br><br>Once Fitz cleared him, I would have drank a can of STHU on anything else regarding this because the more Obama says anything, the more shyt gets stirred.<br><br>I want him to go do his job and not worry about piss-ant things like this.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800982">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800982" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800982" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800982">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800982" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800982" class="dsq-comment-message">Gotta agree with you there. Why? Why would this concern him now? Let the senate and Reid and them do their jobs!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802123">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802123" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802123" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802123">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802123" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802123" class="dsq-comment-message">I know the transision team released that generic statement...what else is happening from Obama\'s camp? They seem way subdued about it from what I\'ve seen, I fgiured they were keeping their distance - the statement seemed to be pretty standard in that there had to be some kind of reaction, because total silence...naw, that wouldn\'t fly. Beyond that though, it looks like they\'re doing what you suggest - staying clear.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801923">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801923" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801923" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801923">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801923" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801923" class="dsq-comment-message">Well, I think that about sums up my feelings. I\'ve said it before...I dont need another martyr. I have parents that are getting older and neices and nephews who will want to go to college someday and have decent opportunities - I already got a Jesus for my moral and ethical teachings, and its not Barack Obama.  I really dont care who he rolls over or under or thru....just fix this jacked up economy by any means necessary and think about heaven later.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801999">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801999" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801999" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801999">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801999" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801999" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL! Happy New Year, bigassbelle. I don\'t always agree with you, but I always enjoy you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810791">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810791" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810791" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810791">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810791" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810791" class="dsq-comment-message">I guess that really is the bottom line when it is all said and said and said!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800578">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800578" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800578" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800578" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800578" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800578" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'ve already been flamed for pointing out that Rick Warren is essentially being rewarded for foul behavior, but Jeremiah Wright got flung under the bus and told he should have drank his glass of STHU when he spoke out against being attacked for his views.<br><br>Views, I might add, Obama sat under his leadership for 20 years as a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, and had no problem with until he ran for POTUS.<br><br>&lt;&lt;&lt;ducks&gt;&gt;&gt;</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804648">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804648" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804648" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804648" href="http://theurbanista2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rhondacoca</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804648" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804648" class="dsq-comment-message">I co-sign!!<br><br>Oops I guess I should duck too.<br><br><br>P.S. I am going to head back over to that thread from last week and read through alll the trouble I started in the thread.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800202">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800202" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800202" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800202">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800202" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800202" class="dsq-comment-message">Ron Kirk, past Mayor of Dallas, and recent Obama cabinet appointment for Trade Rep. Kirk ran an exceptional campaign in Texas for the US Senate.  He had been a favored "spook by the door" for mainstream politicians in Texas and even Bush himself called Kirk "you\'re a good man Brown".  Kirk has the same likeability factors that Obama has in Texas. Could KIRK beat the BUSH/CHENEY/ROVE machine in Texas?? Hell no, case closed; you need to pick another state to focus on until hell freezes over here in Texas. If Ron Kirk couldn\'t pull it out, I don\'t see anyone else on the horizon to do it. This last Hispanic US Senate candidate from Texas, running on Obama\'s coattails, could not beat the Texas established machine for the Senate seat. Texas is more RED than any beat you have ever seen.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800173">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800173" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800173" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800173">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800173" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800173" class="dsq-comment-message">There is something I just don\'t understand about the "tainting" of the Burris appointment.....did he bribe Blago?????? I mean I know Blago is suspected/ACCUSED of some scandalous allogations surrounding the appointment but as of now it is just that so how can Blago be stopped from doing his job? I mean, he still is the Govenor. He hasn\'t been impeached. He hasn\'t even been indicted has he? Well if Burris hasn\'t done anything wrong then what is the problem. Granted, no one really wants to be associated with him but hey who in POLITICS doesn\'t take advantage of political gain? I mean especially when there was no wrong doing on his part? Why should he be considered tainted? I understand that people could think he is not in the most honorable position he could be in but the man has to be smart. If Blago is using him then I think he is doing the same and at this point not so certain that I see anything particularly wrong with that...especailly since the man is 71 yrs old with a good reputation.. as long as he does a good job and does good by the people of IL what is the big problem? Maybe I am thinking about it in a much too "simple" way.....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800281">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800281" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800281" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800281">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800281" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800281" class="dsq-comment-message">Here\'s the BlagojeBitch approach:  I played the bad cop, now I\'ll play the good cop and try and redeem myself.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800190">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800190" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800190" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800190">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800190" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800190" class="dsq-comment-message">This whole thing is weak.  I\'m not fan of the Dem leadership, but for people to try to turn the tables on them, as if they did something wrong, is completely disingenuous.  They said from jump that ANYONE that was appointed by Blago would not be seated--they have reaffirmed that commitment yesterday--so now what are they supposed to do?  Go back on what they said because Rush and Burris want to take up the mantle of race discrimination victim?   This just boggles my mind.  I am writing to my Senator and telling them they better block this appointment.  I have had enough of this foolishness.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800229">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800229" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800229" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800229">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800229" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800229" class="dsq-comment-message">When hasn\'t Congress gone back on what they say?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800312">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800312" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800312" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800312">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800312" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800312" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m not saying they haven\'t in the past, I\'m saying they need to take a stand on this issue--this is sheer craziness.  Their message was explicit, but Burris and Blago chose to plow ahead anyway, and are now using the race card to guilt the Democratic senators.  If they cave on this, all of the caricatures about how Dems don\'t care about anything but identity politics will be true.  They should stand on principle--it is on their side.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800990">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800990" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800990" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800990" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800990" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800990" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago couldn\'t plow ahead without Burris going along for the ride.<br><br>I\'m sad that Burris is really a pawn in this game - he seems like he would make a fine Senator, but this is reminding me of when Clarence Thomas was going through the confirmation process and the Senate really nailed his ass until he screamed "high-tech lynching" and they caved like a house of cards.<br><br>Clarence has never really been taken seriously as a SCOTUS because he was shoved in with all the speculation about him being a pervert hanging over him.  Every SCOTUS before and after Clarence; even Roberts and Alito, were confirmed with more than 60% of the Senate vote.  Clarence is still on record as being the one justice that won confirmation by less than 60% (52-48, actually), which meant two Senators decided to get their "diversity" on and they couldn\'t have wasted that opportunity on a worse, incompetent, self-hating pick than Unca Clarence.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801258">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801258" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801258" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801258">TRW </span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801258" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801258" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m not buying the "Burris is a pawn" thing anymore.  He knew what he was doing, and having come through Illinois politics, should have been well aware that he would be used.  He is a grown man that is allowing himself to be used by a corrupt chicago pol so he can get a senate seat.  it\'s that simple.  I\'ll save my sympathy for real victims.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801464">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801464" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801464" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801464">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801464" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801464" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah, I\'m beginning to wonder who is really being used. Granted, this is a smooth move for Blago but Burris knew the deal.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805635">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805635" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805635" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805635">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805635" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805635" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t see Burris as a pawn.  He knew what he was getting into and choose to push forward excepting a nomination that he knew was going to be denied.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800560">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800560" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800560" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800560" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800560" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800560" class="dsq-comment-message">I can\'t remember when Congress kept their promises - same difference.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805626">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805626" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805626" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805626">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805626" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805626" class="dsq-comment-message">The question: do they even have the power to do so?<br><br>I think the Dem leadership, still smarting from the negative reaction of progressives to their handling of Schmomentum, caved to media pressure and jumped the gun by promising early on not to seat anyone Blago appoints. Had they taken a wait and see attitude they could have come up with a compromise to defuse this mess. They opened the door for Blago to drop the Holy Hand Grenade on their posturing asses.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800227">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800227" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800227" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800227">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800227" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800227" class="dsq-comment-message">I just don\'t think I get how they can tell a sitting governor that he can\'t do his job when they couldn\'t stop a convicted Stevens from running for re-election and WINNING. Maybe it\'s true that he will be forced to step down but it has not happened and neither has the impeachment of Blago.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800420">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800420" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800420" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800420" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800420" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800420" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly.  An indicted U. S. Senator ran for re-election to that Senate seat.  If he shows up back in DC in January to be sworn in, I want to see if Reid will have him expelled.  If he doesn\'t, he has no excuse to try and expel Burris because Blago appointed him to serve the remainder of Obama\'s term.<br><br>The problem is being consistent - which Reid has yet to show and Obama is in danger of getting away from.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800918">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800918" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800918" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800918">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800918" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800918" class="dsq-comment-message">Can he really be convicted if all they have is intent but no money ever exchanging hands?  Talk me down on this one.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801215">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801215" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801215" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801215">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801215" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801215" class="dsq-comment-message">I feel like something else is going on here that we don\'t know about. If they had let the seat be "purchased" they could have caught him red handed and no one would expected the appointment to be accepted(as the governor and the prospect would have been busted). Isn\'t that how they do drug busts???? Well I know they have an "intent to sell" charge but I just think they would have Blago stuck if they had waited but they were soooo eager .... so now unless they know something I don\'t they should be "stuck " with due process (no matter how badly it stinks) and that appoinment has been made. Now in no means am I suggesting they don\'t know something I don\'t LOL!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805587">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805587" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805587" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805587">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805587" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805587" class="dsq-comment-message">Good point.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805469">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805469" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805469" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805469">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805469" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805469" class="dsq-comment-message">Hey Myth,<br><br>Totally unrelated to anything, I just wanted to say Rachel Maddow has made me loathe the phrase "talk me down".<br><br>Carry on.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801606">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801606" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801606" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801606">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801606" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801606" class="dsq-comment-message">Stevens lost.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802374">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802374" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802374" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802374">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802374" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802374" class="dsq-comment-message">I stand corrected.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800405">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800405" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800405" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800405">Simon</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800405" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800405" class="dsq-comment-message">Where\'s the racism here? The Democratic leadership in the Senate said, before anyone knew who Blago (who\'s white) would appoint, they wouldn\'t seat anyone appointed by Blago. Now that he appoints a black person, it becomes racism to stick by what they said? Huh?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800480">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800480" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800480" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800480">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800480" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800480" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s complicated, Simon.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800519">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800519" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800519" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4800519" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800519" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800519" class="dsq-comment-message">Because the appointee is an African-American.  I want to see what they would have done if the appointee was White.<br><br>And the Lieberman comparison applies - he was rewarded for bad behavior when Obama could have had Reid strip him of committee assignments and everything to make Lieberman useless and ineffective, but Obama didn\'t do that.<br><br>I still say that the appointment by Blago is tainted, and yeah, Blago is probably spoiling for a fight to take down the entire Democratic party and stain Obama going into the door of the White House; however, just as Obama has managed to don Teflon when needed, he should have done so in this instance and let the Blago connection play itself out elsewhere.<br><br>I don\'t know enough about Burris to really say "yea" or "Nay" on him - I thought Blago showed cajones by telling Obama and the DC Establishment "Eff You; I\'ll do whatever the hell I want, and you mofos can\'t tell me I can\'t make the appointment to fill Obama\'s Senate Seat if I\'m still the Mother-Effing Governor."<br><br>Honestly, the Illinois Government could have moved to have Blagojevich impeached and removed from office - THEY DIDN\'T DO THAT, and in not doing so, allowed a small mess to become massive on a whole lot of levels.<br><br>The double standard? Obama left Lieberman alone, but he\'s going after the brotha, yeah, even though Blagojevich is appointing him.  Someone needs to ask "WHY COME?" and I\'m doing it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800832">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800832" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800832" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800832">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800832" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800832" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL,<br><br>OK I think I finally get the Lieberman connection...and it\'s a good point (although different betrayal/grievances). If one isn\'t punished why is the other and from the beginning IMO it appears that are reacting in a spiteful laced in an "I told you so" manner with Blago for making this pick.  I get it that Blago is arrogant, dirty etc (but what is Lieberman right?)...the part I don\'t get is that he is STILL govenor annnnd even if he is proven guily at a later date this has nothing to do with his appointment of Burris unless they have some dirt on that but I don\'t think Burris or a kindergartener for that matter is that stupid and hopefully Blago isn\'t thaaaat narcassistic. Why didn\'t they start the impeachment before he could make the appointment? Even then, until he is impeached and/or convicted (and we are still waiting to see how this convicted while in office plays out :-).........<br><br>About the Lieberman comparison ..well, there weren\'t any legal issues hanging over Lieberman\'s head at the time (that I know of) but the bottom line is that neither one has been convicted or impeached.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801033">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801033" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801033" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801033">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801033" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801033" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly, Lieberman is a weak analogy that should be discarded on its face.<br><br>1.) There are no legal issues that taint Lieberman<br>2.) Lieberman is technically an independent. <br>He beat the dem nominee in CT in a general election, with his own apparatus. He held firm to his beliefs on the war and was re-elected.<br>.<br>3.) Like it or not he had significant power to negotiate given the split in the senate <br><br>4.) Campaigning for McCain although some was in poor taste -- it was withing his rights clearly.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801439">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801439" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801439" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801439" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801439" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801439" class="dsq-comment-message">But he shouldn\'t be rewarded for campaigning against his own party\'s leadership.  Lieberman\'s actions would have shyt canned someone like Russ Feingold or even Dick Durbin.  IN the Republican party, they didn\'t call Tom DeLay the "Hammer" because it was a good nickname.  It was because he facilitated total party unity and dropped "the Hammer" on those who tried to go renegade.<br><br>Campaigning for McCain was MORE than POOR TASTE; it was TREASON to the Democratic Party and Lieberman was allowed to skip; thereby setting the precedent for any other Blue Dog Dem to try the same shyt without consequences.  If Harold Ford were still in Congress, he would have pulled this shyt; but the difference would be that House Leadership would make an example out of his black ass by drumming him out of the party and making the Black Caucus do the heavy lifting.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805507">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805507" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805507" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805507">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805507" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805507" class="dsq-comment-message">Harry Reid is a wimp. I don\'t trust his ass, either. I still say the real reason they wanted a 60 seat majority was so they could override vetoes, NOT to defeat filibusters.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801394">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801394" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801394" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801394">AM2k6</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801394" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801394" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL: Im so in love with you! You Rock Girl!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801552">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801552" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801552" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801552" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801552" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801552" class="dsq-comment-message">&lt;&lt;&lt;Blushes&gt;&gt;&gt;<br><br>Aw, shucks.....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802079">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802079" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802079" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802079">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802079" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802079" class="dsq-comment-message">fist in air.<br><br>I\'m feeling you today</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803102">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803102" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803102" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803102" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803102" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803102" class="dsq-comment-message">Just like I was feeling you on Obama\'s response to this nonsense.<br><br>He gets his tighty whities in a knot over what Blagojevich does, when Lieberman essentially told him to kiss his ass and Obama says "all is forgiven"?<br><br>I call bullshyt when I see it and when I smell it - Obama allows a brotha to get dogged but gives Lieberman a pass; which Harry Reid was all too content to comply with as well?<br><br>I don\'t know about you, but as much as I like Obama, I\'m getting tired of him dogging out POC just to earn more brownie points with those who didn\'t give him those points in the first damned place.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805496">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805496" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805496" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805496">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805496" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805496" class="dsq-comment-message">Ouch.<br><br>Colossal cosign there.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801315">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801315" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801315" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801315">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801315" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801315" class="dsq-comment-message">Right. And if Blago had appointed someone white, I think that sentiment here at J&J would\'ve been very different. Which is precisely what Blago, Burris, and Rush are counting on--successfully, it seems.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801364">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801364" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801364" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801364" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801364" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801364" class="dsq-comment-message">The point is if Blago had appointed a white person, would Reid stand by his statement? Easy to stand by it when the person in question is a Black Man.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801450">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801450" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801450" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801450">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801450" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801450" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes, he would have. I\'m not saying "Oh silly you, there\'s no racism in America or in politics, or etc." But I am saying that I think that the senate, which was nearly unanimous in saying that they wouldn\'t seat whoever Blago appointed several weeks ago, is simply sticking to its guns (for once). And that they would\'ve done the same if the appointee had been white--especially if the appointee had been white--not only to avoid being accused of inconsistency, but because they would\'ve been accused of racism.<br><br>Don\'t let Rush and Blago play you.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802931">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802931" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802931" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802931">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802931" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802931" class="dsq-comment-message">Would he stand by his statement? I dont think he would have made the same statement. I think Reid\'s response would have been tempered, and without the line drawn in the sand type comments he gave yesterday. He would have left an obvious "OUT" in his comments - where he could still be seen as playing hardball, while leaving room for the later press conference on the (who didnt see this coming) "compromise". ........................ It is what it is</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800673">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800673" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800673" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800673">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800673" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800673" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL\'s point is that politics is frought with double standards.  And those double standards occasionally contain a racial component.  <br><br>In the late \'90s, the Dems were fervent about moving toward the center in order to win elections.  So when the opportunity came to select a minority speaker of the House, they selected Nancy Pelosi--a white San Francisco liberal--over Harold Ford, Jr.--a Black centrist from Tennessee.<br><br>When a white Democrat like Dan Rostenkowski engages in corruption, the party leadership takes a wait-and-see approach.  When a Black Democrat like William Jefferson engages in corruption, the party leadership wants him removed immediately.<br><br>Point being, it\'s gotten so easy to sacrifice Black Democrats at the political altar, that it\'s darn near routine.  The immediate theat of not seating Burris, follows a substantially similar line of double standards.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800912">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800912" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800912" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800912">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800912" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800912" class="dsq-comment-message">Well, Ronnie to me the difference here is they for for shutting down Blago\'s choice BEFORE he was cunning enough to chose an AA so why change now???? Personally, I had problems with that decision from the beginning ONLY because I thought we were all innocent until proven guilty- period! I think they were trying to bully him into resigning and that is where I don\'t agree NOT that I agree with Blago\'s UNproven actions but they said it so they have to stick with it right? Otherwise they would be going back on what they said so unfortunately THIS time around I don\'t think race should be accounted for otherwise ....</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801992">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801992" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801992" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801992">RonnieB</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801992" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801992" class="dsq-comment-message">If Blagojevich--as crooked as he is--had appointed the second coming of Abe Lincoln to fill that Senate seat, Harry Reid and others would no doubt have a change of heart.  There\'s no way they deny the American people the next Abe Lincoln simply because of political differences with his appointor.<br><br>This is what makes race such a wildcard.  I\'m not saying that Roland Burris is the next Abe Lincoln.  I\'m just saying that Black and Brown politicians are too often asked (and expected) to sacrifice themselves for the good of the party.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802127">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802127" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802127" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802127">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802127" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802127" class="dsq-comment-message">Some examples?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802815">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802815" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802815" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802815">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802815" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802815" class="dsq-comment-message">Honestly, you don\'t have that "something aint right here" feeling that RonnieB and CPL have alluded too? Its not always right there in front of you, in High Def and surround sound. The double standard is there whether we can pinpoint time and place or not, its still there. Sometimes your eyes and ears need to believe your gut.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804937">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804937" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804937" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804937">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804937" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804937" class="dsq-comment-message">Miranda-- yes something isn\'t right, Blago holding his position as governor and executing a process that has been tainted.<br><br>Just because people want a black senator, does not justify the execution of the tainted process. <br><br>RonnieB and CPL seem all to willing to allow Blago to exist solely because he appointed a person of color.  If you agree Blago tainted the process, then anyone who is appointed is suspect -- regardless of color. As a result, they are asking for the tainted appointment to stand partially because of race and allow Blago to regin some legitimacy.<br><br>"Sometimes your eyes and ears need to believe your gut" governance by gut tends not to work -- look at George W. Bush and John S. McCain\'s campaign.<br><br>Race can be a minefield -- in this case Blago is using it to try to regain some legitimacy -- that\'s the card that is being played and it is so obvious (supported by the press conference performance yesterday) it is sickening.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805979">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805979" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805979" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805979">TRW</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805979" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805979" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree with you. I don\'t see a double standard at all--there is no racial issue at play here,except the one injected by Blago, Burris, and Rush and I find it disheartening that people are willing to give their position any legitimacy.  This whole situation makes me very sad.  This is 2009 and some Black folks are still willing to accept whatever is dished out because it is done by someone with a blackface.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803058">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803058" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803058" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803058" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803058" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803058" class="dsq-comment-message">Piepiepie doesn\'t want to see what it front of it.<br><br>Trolls never do.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804966">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804966" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804966" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804966">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804966" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804966" class="dsq-comment-message">Nice, because I dont agree with you I\'m incapable of seeing "it" and I\'m a "Troll."</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805467">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805467" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805467" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805467">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805467" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805467" class="dsq-comment-message">My feeling is the Senate had to say no to whoever Blago put forth because they had taken a stand before he made any appointment that the process was tainted.  Blago could have nominated anyone of any race and they would have been rejected.  By selecting a black man with a solid background he now makes the Senate look bad because they have to stand by their position less they look like they are only changing their mind only because he is black.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800930">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800930" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800930" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800930">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800930" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800930" class="dsq-comment-message">Jefferson had 90K in his freezer and was on tape making incriminating statements... Jefferson is a perfect example of blacks winning the battle only to lose the war... we should hold our elected public officials in black-majority districts to extremely high standards. If we allow them to do anything (or rally to his aid when he is "unjustly" persecuted) and then they complain about racism for fun and profit. <br><br>And blacks consistent turn around and complain that government in our communities is not effective! Well if we refuse to hold our local government to higher-standards we will continue to get  baffoons like Rush and Burris who in an age with Deval Patrick, Patterson, and PEBO are complaining about race?!<br><br>As Coates said today ---<br><br>There are several methods to get black elected officials -- get an organisation and draft officials (Harold washington). <br><br>Dynamic candidates who can build organizations (PEBO)<br><br>Get qualified officials of to help black communities organize the next era of leadership by getting what our communities need (more important then the previous two imho).<br><br>What good are "black" officials if like Jefferson, their corruption on benefits themselves? Or like Rush they become trapped in a bygone era?<br> <br>So, in your example, Jefferson kept his seat, only to lose to a republican b/c his corruption was so blatant and obvious.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801349">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801349" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801349" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801349" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801349" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801349" class="dsq-comment-message">No, Ronnie\'s point was to look at how fast the establishment pulls the trigger on a Black or Latino elected official, but if it\'s a white male, they adopt the "wait and see" approach.<br><br>Ted Stevens should not have been allowed to campaign for re-election to his seat, and the Alaskan citizens voted him back in, despite being knee high in corrupt shyt.  Now, we\'ll see if Reid allows Stevens to be sworn in on January 5th, or does he move to expel him because he\'s now a CONVICTED FELON?<br><br>As unfair as it is, the double standard exists, and POC politicos know it exists, which is why they can\'t play the white man\'s political game by the rules, because the rules don\'t apply to them. Even Chris Rock pointed out the double standard in his "Kill the Messenger" Tour when he pointed out how Obama thought he would actually win by having the most votes, and the establishment tells him "You had the most votes - too bad ya lost; we changed the rules...."  Funny shyt, but with elements of truth that couldn\'t be ignored.<br><br>We ignore the double standard at out own peril.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801404">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801404" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801404" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801404">Anonymous</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801404" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801404" class="dsq-comment-message">Honey, Stevens won\'t be sworn in because he lost the election.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801529">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801529" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801529" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801529" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801529" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801529" class="dsq-comment-message">They\'re going to have to hold another special election; which could have saved the taxpayers money if he\'d stepped down and not run for re-election when he got indicted.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801944">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801944" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801944" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801944">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801944" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801944" class="dsq-comment-message">No. Stevens lost the election THIS YEAR, the democrat won in cherry red Alaska. There is no special election for the former Stevens seat. <a href="http://www.begich.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.begich.com/</a> &lt;-- winner. <br><br>Sorry, but you keep making things up to support your wild assertions.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803045">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803045" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803045" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803045" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803045" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803045" class="dsq-comment-message">No, I stand corrected on Begich\'s election.<br><br>The rest I stand by because it\'s the truth that you don\'t want to see and I can\'t do anything about YOUR denial.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803312">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803312" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803312" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803312">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803312" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803312" class="dsq-comment-message">Where is your evidence -- the rest of your evidence is a statement by Chris Rock.<br><br>Corruption is a huge problem -- essentially you are asking for Blago (white) to get a pass on the double standard you claim is the problem solely because he has appointed Burris (black).<br><br>That\'s my objection.<br><br>Blago has played you like any other special interest group. <br><br>This is how Ted Stevens a convicted felon (your evidence)! Was so close to winning re-election in Alaska -- he appealed to Alaskans as "uncle ted" who had done so much for them.<br><br>The issue is Blago\'s corruption (as almost every person has conceded).  However, you want Blago to be able to function as a governor in order to get your "precious," thus in your appeal you actually perpetuate the "double standard" you complain about.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803462">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803462" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803462" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4803462" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803462" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803462" class="dsq-comment-message">Does the name "Dan Rostenkowski" do it for you in terms of facts?<br><br>Or Ted Stevens for that matter.  Tom DeLay? Mark Foley? Jim Trafficant - who, by the way, until he was actually thrown in jail, was allowed to keep his Congressional seat, but was stripped of committee assignments while waiting to go to trial?<br><br>Trust me, Jefferson hasn\'t even been put on trial, but Nancy Pelosi sure as hell wanted him gone from the House the minute that 90K was found in his freezer:<br><a href="http://www.workers.org/2006/us/jefferson-0622/" rel="nofollow">http://www.workers.org/2006/us/jefferson-0622/</a><br><br>I stand by my post.<br><br>You have only focused on one issue, and you obviously don\'t read me very much, otherwise you would know I don\'t post things like this without backing them up with links.<br><br>You are also not familiar with the CBC Monitor Report Card; if you were, you would see how off beat and off base your assertions are.<br><br>I stand by my position that you don\'t care to see and that\'s fine by me because I can stop wasting my time responding to your posts.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805087">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805087" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805087" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805087">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805087" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805087" class="dsq-comment-message">Most, if not all your evidence contradicts your stated positions(I\'ll add the wikipedia cites to all the other cases you mention). There is no double standard in the cases -- the leadership (both R and D) in the cases you have stated works first with rhetoric then with whatever tools at their disposal to strip the member of their powers and then their seat.  <br><br>These are quotes from <a href="http://wikipedia.org" rel="nofollow">wikipedia.org</a>, not my own restatement of facts. Your lone example from workers dot org (hardly an unbiased site) tries to compare Mollohan\'s situation to Jefferson\'s situation. On inspection of workers dot org and NLPC it is clear Mollohan\'s ethical cloud is closer to Rangel\'s cloud.<br><br>However, Mollohan\'s ethical cloud is a non-profit organization that tries to "NLPC promotes a single standard of ethics in public life through research, education and legal action."<br>(From NLPC mission statement)<br><br>NLPC on Mollohan<br>nlpc dot org/mollohan.asp<br><br>NLPC on Rangel<br>nlpc dot org /rangel.asp<br><br>Thus, on investigation Mollohan\'s (D-WV) situation is much closer to Rangel (Black D-NY).  Rangel has not been asked to step down from his committees (the powerful ways and means), although his situation is very similar to Mollohan (asked to step down from certain committes as you and workers dot org note). <br><br>William Jefferson has a criminal complaint germaine to his position as D-LA -- taking bribes. In this case the FBI detailed Jefferson accepting the bribe on video, and recovered the marked bribe money in Jefferson\'s freezer in 10K increments excepting 10K.<br><br>There are double-standards that do exist, but not in the way that you describe them -- to continue to use discrimination as a blanket for corruption is unfortunate to say the least.  Your arguments have the general trend that you use weak analogies, and scant evidence to support your claims.<br><br>PiePiePie the "Troll"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805117">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805117" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805117" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805117">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805117" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805117" class="dsq-comment-message">Ted Stevens(R)- Rs wanted him out, Palin had her Lt. Gov primary him.<br>He was convicted right before his election, he could not be replaced via Alaska state law -- he lost the election. Dems and Rs said he would be removed if he won.<br>wiki/Ted_Stevens<br><br>Mark Foley(R) - He resigned under pressure.<br>wiki/Mark_Foley<br><br>Dan Rostenkowski (D)--<br>"Rostenkowski\'s political career was shattered in 1994 when he was indicted on corruption charges for his key role in the House post office scandal. He was forced to step down from all Congressional leadership positions. In elections later that year, Rostenkowski lost his seat and retired from political life."<br>/wiki/Dan_Rostenkowski<br><br>Jim Traficant (D) -<br>After the Republicans took control of the House in 1995, Traficant tended to vote more often with the Republicans than with his own party. However, he voted against all four articles of impeachment against Bill Clinton. After he voted for Republican Dennis Hastert for Speaker of the House in 2001, the Democrats stripped him of his seniority and refused to give him a committee assignment. Because the Republicans did not assign him to any committee, Traficant became the first member of the House of Representatives in over a century without any committee assignment who was not in a leadership position<br><br>On April 15, he was convicted of 10 felony counts including bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion.The House Ethics Committee recommended that Traficant be expelled from Congress. On July 24 the House voted 420-1 to expel him.<br>/wiki/Jim_Traficant<br><br>William Jefferson (D) -<br>Pelosi and Dems could not force Jefferson to resign clearly -- no more than republicans could force Stevens to resign.<br><br>"On 30 July 2005, Jefferson was videotaped by the FBI receiving $100,000 worth of $100 bills in a leather briefcase at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Arlington, Virginia.[10] Jefferson told an investor, Lori Mody, who was wearing a wire, that he would need to give Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar $500,000 "as a motivating factor" to make sure they obtained contracts for iGate and Mody\'s company in Nigeria.[11]"<br><br>"A few days later, on 3 August 2005, FBI agents raided Jefferson\'s home in Northeast Washington and, as noted in an 83-page affidavit filed to support a subsequent raid on his Congressional office, "found $90,000 of the cash in the freezer, in $10,000 increments wrapped in aluminum foil and stuffed inside frozen-food containers." Serial numbers found on the currency in the freezer matched serial numbers of funds given by the FBI to their informant."<br>/wiki/William_J._Jefferson<br><br>PiePiePie the "Troll"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805304">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805304" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805304" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805304">pjamma</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805304" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805304" class="dsq-comment-message">Re: Stevens, many people called for him to resign.  So I don\'t see the difference between Jefferson being asked to resign and Stevens being asked to resign.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802072">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802072" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802072" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802072">NMP</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802072" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802072" class="dsq-comment-message">Sorry, but Sevens LOST.  Mark Begich is now the Senator-elect from Alaska.  There will be no special election.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807780">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807780" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807780" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4807780" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807780" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807780" class="dsq-comment-message">Nancy Pelosi was <i>supposedly</i> a liberal.  Even in San Francisco, she managed to play to the corporate interests.<br><br>Unfortunately, to choose between her and The Dark Sith these days is like choosing between living in Sodom  or  Gomorrah, knowing you\'re gonna get burned regardless.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800675">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800675" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800675" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800675">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800675" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800675" class="dsq-comment-message">December 31, 2008<br>Burris: Charges against Blagojevich shouldn\'t affect him<br>Posted: 11:56 AM ET<br> <br>Roland Burris said Gov. Rod Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty.<br>(CNN) — The man appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill President-elect Barack Obama\'s Senate seat said Wednesday his appointment to the position is legal, despite the charges against the governor.<br><br>WATCH: Burris on American Morning<br><br>Former Illinois Attorney Gen. Roland Burris said Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty, even though his behavior "is reprehensible."<br><br>"I don\'t look upon the governor\'s problems as my problems. I look at the governor\'s problems as his problems," Burris said.<br><br>Blagojevich faces allegations of influence peddling, among other charges.<br><br>The governor, a Democrat, on Tuesday named Burris to serve the last two years of Obama\'s Senate term.<br><br>Obama said Tuesday it is disappointing that Blagojevich ignored warnings from Senate Democrats about appointing a successor to his Senate seat.<br><br>Senate Democratic leaders have said they will block the appointment and are urging the governor to step down after his arrest on corruption charges — a move Obama endorsed.<br><br>"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat," Obama said in a statement.<br><br>"I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Gov. Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it."<br><br>Full story<br><br>Filed under: Popular Posts • Rod Blagojevich • Roland Burris</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4800785">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4800785" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4800785" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4800785">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4800785" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4800785" class="dsq-comment-message">To just throw the Burris baby out with the BlabojeBitch bath water is wrong.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801055">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801055" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801055" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801055">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801055" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801055" class="dsq-comment-message">Changing the subject for just one minute.  Now that the Palin\'s have named their children Track, Trigg, and Tripp.  When can we anticipate seeing Trailer and Trash?<br>I know that\'s not nice but I couldn\'t resist it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801244">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801244" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801244" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801244">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801244" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801244" class="dsq-comment-message">Well it was funny and still on the "Tr" tip!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801267">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801267" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801267" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4801267" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801267" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801267" class="dsq-comment-message">ROFLMAO!!!<br><br>I keep saying there\'s a nursery rhyme in there somewhere.<br><br>Add "Park" to Trailer and Trash = TRIFECTA.<br><br>Of course, they probably would name a girl "Trifecta".</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806305">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806305" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806305" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806305">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806305" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806305" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL:   I\'m SORRY.    I\'m tapped out of "FLOW MATERIAL!"   :&gt;)    :&gt;)<br><br>I gave it my best shot on another post - - -"STUCK ON \'T\'" RAP!!  :&gt;)    :&gt;)<br><br><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b> [To YOU/YOURS]  God Bless!  :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810697">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810697" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810697" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4810697" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810697" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810697" class="dsq-comment-message">HAPPY NEW YEAR, Green Lady, and the rest of JJP Readers!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802031">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802031" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802031" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802031">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802031" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802031" class="dsq-comment-message">BWA HA HA  HA<br><br>you so wrong, you\'re right</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802151">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802151" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802151" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802151">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802151" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802151" class="dsq-comment-message">Some writer for Saturday Night Live or Mad TV is SO gonna see that and steal it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810305">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810305" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810305" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810305">Myth</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810305" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810305" class="dsq-comment-message">I can let them know where to send to royalty check to.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805721">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805721" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805721" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805721">spirit_55z</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805721" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805721" class="dsq-comment-message">Stellar!!!!!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810633">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810633" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810633" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810633">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810633" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810633" class="dsq-comment-message">Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!! LMAO!!!!! toooooooo funny!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4801335">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4801335" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4801335" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4801335">AM2k6</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4801335" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4801335" class="dsq-comment-message">Now Myth, why would u want to change the subject? This is serious stuff right here! CPL brought some issues that need to be dealt sooner rather than later.  Palin and her family are yesterday\'s news.  Who gives a flying.....as to what the name of the  kid is? Come on people? Dont make me go Cosby up in here!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802173">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802173" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802173" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802173">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802173" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802173" class="dsq-comment-message">CPL,<br><br>this entire thread  has been terrific. I\'ve loved it. <br><br>I\'m on record: I support the Burris appointment. <br><br>The Irish Gang thought they were too slick and finally had Blago cornered. But, he outwitted ALL them mofos. <br><br>I also have news for you: I don\'t believe the Impeachment proceedings will go as planned.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802369">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802369" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802369" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802369">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802369" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802369" class="dsq-comment-message">Rikyrah, what\'s the deal with Rahm Emanuel\'s seat? Is there an election or appointment? (are only Senators appointed when someone resigns or dies??)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802404">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802404" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802404" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802404">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802404" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802404" class="dsq-comment-message">special election for Congress. <br><br>appointment for the Senate.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803247">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803247" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803247" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803247">Rhoda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803247" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803247" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago didn\'t outwit anyone. He\'s using black folk to try to escape his mess: it isn\'t going to happen. That Burris didn\'t have the sense to see this and step back is sad.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803331">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803331" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803331" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803331">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803331" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803331" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago made the appointment. He\'s still Governor, and he made this appointment, and he threw this grenade into the mix, when folks thought all his weapons had been taken from him. He shanked the Irish gang.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804723">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804723" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804723" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804723">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804723" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804723" class="dsq-comment-message">OK this is where I get confused...he is STILL the governor so how can they say he cannot do his job- by appointing Obama\'s replacement? I still don\'t understand how they could have threatened him on that in the first place so everything that comes after is kind of null and void to me...all this he is under a cloud...what does that mean? Is it a legal cloud? OJ was free to go after Nicole Brown\'s death- well until....sounless I am missing something either he is the governor or he\'s not. Whether he is guilty of the charges that came before this should be irrelevant.<br><br>I\'m not saying Blago isn\'t being slick. Shoot, he did that! But hey he isn\'t the first slick politician and he won\'t be the last.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805374">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805374" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805374" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805374">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805374" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805374" class="dsq-comment-message">Have you noticed that a lot of progressives that have been whining about "rule of law" since the FISA vote are suddenly trying to ignore Illinois law as it pertains to this appointment? Obama, Durbin and Reid tried to bully Blago through the media and he came back with this. Its a textbook "F You" gesture all the way.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805827">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805827" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805827" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805827">Honey01</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805827" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805827" class="dsq-comment-message">@ Against Race....<br><br>I get confused to as how they can say he cannot do his job by appointing Obama\'s replacement. I mean of ALL the duties the Gov is carrying on with, why is this the only one being met with a possible legal challenge?<br><br>I am pretty sure Blago has signed a few executive orders these last few weeks.  Are they not legally binding? I am assuming state employees are getting paid, services rendered, etc. right? I live in Illinois and the state seems to still be functioning overall (even if it is ran by crooks, lol).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806548">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806548" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806548" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806548">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806548" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806548" class="dsq-comment-message">he\'s been signing bills, left and right. You are correct. they can\'t pick and choose which duties he can do.<br><br>Madigan tried to have him declared unfit and the Ill. Supreme Court wouldn\'t even hear the case.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805876">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805876" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805876" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805876">TRW</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805876" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805876" class="dsq-comment-message">Hold up.  Obama, Durbin, and Reid tried to "bully"  Blago? Are you serious?  Wow. I find it intersting that peope have pulled out this, "Blago was just doing his job defense" when this is the same dude caught on tape talking about how he was frustrated becuse he was "stuck" being governor, threatened to withhold funding for a children\'s hospital if he didn\'t get campaign donations, tried to get reporters fired for telling the truth about his crazy ass in xchange for help with funding, and to top it off, tried to sell off the Senate seat to the highest bidder.  But according to many on this thread and others there is no problem with the appt because Blago was just doing his job.  And now, Obama, Durbin, and Reid are the bad guys for stating the obvious-that Blago should resign and should not appoint anyone.<br><br>I just don\'t understand the logic.  I think its time for me to get off of this thread.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805973">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805973" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805973" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805973">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805973" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805973" class="dsq-comment-message">You can\'t tell a sitting governor what he can or cannot do, even one under a cloud of suspicion. Obama and Co thought they could use popular opinion to bully Blago into holding off on appointing someone even though he retains the constitutional right to do so. Damn the wiretaps, has he been convicted of anything yet? No. Has the impotent state legislature taken the power out of his hands? No again. Obama doesn\'t even HAVE an office right now because he rushed to resign as soon as he won election so he could play Mr. Pretzeldent-elect.  He has absolutely no power to influence who gets the seat and Blago just reminded him of that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810529">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810529" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810529" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4810529" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810529" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810529" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m with you man.  This line of reasoning is becoming laughable.  Would there be this level of support for the appointment if it were a white guy?  Would we still want to follow the "rule of law" if it were a Republican Governor under a cloud of suspecsion making the appointment?  I mean, seriously folks, you gotta see what\'s wrong here and not make excuses for it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802978">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802978" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802978" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802978">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802978" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802978" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree we do need more Blacks in the Senate but the way this fool Roland Burris obtained the seat is a downright all out in the open racial shake down thanks to Bobby Rush. <br>  I say Obama and company do to Burris what Gov. Petersons is doing to Carolyn Kennedy Ignore there asses. Peace Out!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806003">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806003" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806003" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806003">Mandy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806003" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806003" class="dsq-comment-message">Well said. This is not the way to go about it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4802985">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4802985" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4802985" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4802985">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4802985" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4802985" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago is still the governor. Fitzgerald is asking for a 90 day delay before he files the indictment and the state legislature refuses to fast track the impeachment process. Even if the US Senate refuses to seat Burris there will be legal challenges that could drag this on even longer.<br><br>This needs to end now. If not, Rush and Blago will spend the next year or so using his appointment charade as a vehicle to tick it to Obama. Its a legal appointment. Let it stand. We need to get this mess settled sooner than later.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803049">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803049" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803049" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803049">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803049" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803049" class="dsq-comment-message">No, the problem is bigger then just seating the man now. Burris will be a problem in 2010 and be used by Republicans to trash Obama and Dems. This what  Blago wanted all along. The Dems are damn if they do and damn if they don\'t.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803105">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803105" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803105" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803105">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803105" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803105" class="dsq-comment-message">Well stated Linda. Burris, via this appt, is unlikely to win in 2010. <br><br>Obama is actually in a decent situation of standing up to a blatant racial shake-down by Rush, Burris and Blago. Regardless of the outcome, Obama and senate dems are in decent shape. <br><br>Unfortunately, Burris and Blago\'s potential gain hurts IL-dems, and those other AAs who would have liked to replace Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803285">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803285" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803285" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803285">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803285" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803285" class="dsq-comment-message">Very true, Burris plans to run in 2010 without doubt him and shake down Bobby want to keep that seat Black. However,  Mr. Burris has no chance in hell of winning in 2010. And the Republicans know it. But the I want a Black man any Black man in office crowed is not thinking bigger right now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805084">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805084" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805084" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805084" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805084" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805084" class="dsq-comment-message">I feel bad for Jesse Jackson, Jr. everyone knew he wanted that seat, and I think he would have been a great replacement.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805343">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805343" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805343" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805343">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805343" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805343" class="dsq-comment-message">yeah</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803299">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803299" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803299" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803299">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803299" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803299" class="dsq-comment-message">Burris, if he ran in 2010, would have to make it through a Democratic Primary. If defeated in a 2010 Democratic Primary, then that other candidate would probably win. But, if Burris ran and WON the 2010 Democratic Primary, there\'s no reason to believe that he would lose the general election. <br><br>The Illinois GOP\'s bench still remains as shallow as it has been for the past 5 years. <br><br>The only way the Democrats possibly lose this seat is if the Illinois GOP can maneuver a special election NOW.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803401">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803401" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803401" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803401">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803401" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803401" class="dsq-comment-message">Who was the Illinois senator before Obama? It was a republican. Burris hasn\'t been able to win a democratic primary and I can\'t imagine him winning in a general.<br>I feel sorry for the old man though. I was telling my mother this morning, I bet he just want to have US Senator on his tombstone when he dies. I know that\'s hardcore, but everytime I see him I think that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804464">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804464" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804464" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804464">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804464" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804464" class="dsq-comment-message">Wasn\'t there a white man Obama was running against who had to drop out because he and his ex-wife visited sex clubs in France. I remember it was a big to do in the media. <br><br>His ex-wife was the woman who was on Star Track. I believe his name was Ryan something. A young good-looking repub who should have been a safe bet until the scandal broke out.<br><br>That\'s my biggest fear in 2010. The repubs will find someone who isn\'t blatantly polarizing to run against burris.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804593">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804593" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804593" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804593">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804593" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804593" class="dsq-comment-message">THAT was Jack Ryan - the GOP Nominee. <br><br>This was revealed AFTER the GOP Primary. <br><br>That\'s why they shipped in Alan Keyes in to run against Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804621">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804621" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804621" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804621">angee</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804621" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804621" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks. I knew it was Ryan something or other. <br><br>He was favored to win in the general right and Obama was the underdog?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806450">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806450" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806450" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806450">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806450" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806450" class="dsq-comment-message">he was a good looking White man who left Corporate America to go help Black Youth in the inner city. <br><br>it would have been close, IMO.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805073">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805073" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805073" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805073" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805073" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805073" class="dsq-comment-message">Burris is already using race which is going to turn off people outside of Chicago (apparently they eat that stuff up there. . . ) and he won\'t win a statewide race for Senate that way. You can bet that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/31/roland-burris-on-the-offe_n_154505.html" rel="nofollow">these interviews</a> he\'s doing now are going to come back to bite him in the ass if he tries to run.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805479">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805479" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805479" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805479">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805479" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805479" class="dsq-comment-message">yep...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804268">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804268" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804268" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804268">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804268" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804268" class="dsq-comment-message">Funny, I feel the same way about  Roland Burris I think he wants to add that to his tomestone also. Mr. Burris kind of reminds me of John McCain who kept losing his bid for the White House.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804264">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804264" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804264" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804264">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804264" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804264" class="dsq-comment-message">Fitzgerald beat Carol Moseley Braun, who was the sitting Senator at that time.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805285">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805285" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805285" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805285">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805285" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805285" class="dsq-comment-message">Carol lost because she got caught up in scandal with her press secretary I think.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806416">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806416" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806416" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806416">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806416" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806416" class="dsq-comment-message">her fiance.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810449">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810449" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810449" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810449">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810449" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810449" class="dsq-comment-message">I thought it was about her mother being on welfare and having hidden property?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4811381">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4811381" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4811381" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4811381">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4811381" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4811381" class="dsq-comment-message">No. that came out later. It was about the fiance and him sexual harrassing HER workers.....and the trip she made to Africa - going to see dictators on the State Dept. NOT-Approved list.....with said fiance.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4811459">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4811459" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4811459" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4811459">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4811459" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4811459" class="dsq-comment-message">Oh - wow!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803439">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803439" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803439" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803439">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803439" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803439" class="dsq-comment-message">Do you really think  73 year old Roland Burris will win the Democratic Primary?! Please, the man is already starting off on bad footing via through his spokesperson ex-Black panther Bobby Rush & Gov. Blogo aka "I\'m not a Crook". Don\'t get me wrong I think Burris should be seated but he took the job knowing the fight he would have on his hands within his own party. This man wants power plain and simple no matter how he gets it.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804275">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804275" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804275" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804275">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804275" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804275" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t even think Burris would run in 2010. But then, I thought anyone who got appointed to this seat would have to face challengers in 2010, no matter who they were.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804412">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804412" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804412" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804412">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804412" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804412" class="dsq-comment-message">No, Burris now says he might run in 2010...The man wants power nothing more and nothing else. He wants to end his life as a US Senator. Though I can tell you right now him and spokes person Bobby Rush & Co. has no chance in hell in winning aginst a Republican in 2010.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805035">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805035" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805035" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805035" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805035" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805035" class="dsq-comment-message">Have you seen the picture of the monument he built to himself? He has a serious hubris problem.<br><br>I really don\'t think he\'ll work well with others, all he\'s ever done is be in charge, and in the Senate he will be at the bottom of the totem pole senorially, and people may just flat out refuse to acknowledge/work with him. <br><br>This is a mess situation.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805333">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805333" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805333" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805333">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805333" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805333" class="dsq-comment-message">I saw that!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805159">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805159" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805159" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805159">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805159" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805159" class="dsq-comment-message">Who cares about a monument.<br><br>And let\'s stop pretending we have this morally courageous senate. They hosted a love-in for a convicted senator from Alaska. Why is this appointment so distasteful to those hypocrites?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805553">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805553" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805553" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805553">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805553" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805553" class="dsq-comment-message">"And let\'s stop pretending we have this morally courageous senate. They hosted a love-in for a convicted senator from Alaska. "<br><br>Cheered his ass and everything.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805804">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805804" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805804" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805804">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805804" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805804" class="dsq-comment-message">Ha Ha!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4803201">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4803201" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4803201" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4803201">Rhoda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4803201" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4803201" class="dsq-comment-message">No. Burris will become a stick to beat back Obama\'s agenda. The Republicans will use him to build a graft narrative against all of Obama\'s economic proposals.<br><br>The Democratic party will pay for it in 2010 if it goes through.<br><br>And Black politicos will have to deal with overt white resentment being thrown at them through Burris\' appointment. This is not good on any level IMO politically or tactically.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804282">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804282" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804282" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804282">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804282" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804282" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t think republicans can do much with this given how harsh, critical and consistent the democrats have been. I worry, however, about the CBC -- they might be scared into supporting the Burris-Bobby-Blago show. <br><br> he CBC should know black folks want policy gains not b.s. shows.<br>If the CBC does their racial grievance show, then that will be used against Obama. Hopefully, they are not dumb enough to fall for Blago\'s tactical push.<br><br>I\'m hoping folks go after Bobby Rush for his "speech" in which Blago and Burris kept saying "Bobby can you speak please, bobby please speak"etc...<br><br>Rewatch the press conference with these new facts in mind -- the Blago-Burris-Bobby press conference was a neo-political ministrel show (pardon -- some folks might get mad but that\'s exactly what it was). Burris and Blago kept calling and waiting on Bobby Rush to give his racial grievnce speech.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804299">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804299" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804299" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804299">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804299" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804299" class="dsq-comment-message">I should have qualified. Nationally I dont think republicans can do much, locally IL-Republicans can do well if the democrats don\'t handle Blago and Burris well.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805538">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805538" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805538" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805538">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805538" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805538" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t know about the CBC being used against Obama because they are on record as NOT having supported Obama (their only Senator) all through the primaries and not really being out there for him during the general election either.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806278">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806278" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806278" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806278">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806278" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806278" class="dsq-comment-message">Haha the ironing is delicious.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804545">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804545" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804545" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804545">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804545" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804545" class="dsq-comment-message">What about legally?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804673">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804673" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804673" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804673">Rhoda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804673" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804673" class="dsq-comment-message">I thought that the senate could refuse to seat him; but apparently they can\'t so he may just make it through.<br><br>That\'s not good news IMO.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804948">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804948" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804948" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804948">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804948" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804948" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m not saying it\'s good news but I thought the law was the law (whatever it is b/c I still might be confused) and now (and no other time for that matter) is not the time to start making up stuff as we go along. We didn\'t do it for OJ. As you can see he was stupid enough to....<br><br>I just feel that we have to abide by the legal process and let God be guide for the other b/c if not we could get into really sticky areas making it up as we go along and I\'m afraid this will not work out for African Americans.<br><br>Blago might be a crook. He might be slick. He might be dirty. He might be using Burris but can they really stop him until he is impeached?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804265">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804265" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804265" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804265" href="http://www.tariqnelson.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TariqNelson</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804265" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804265" class="dsq-comment-message">We definitely should NOT give Obama a free ride. We should hold ALL of our elected officials accountable</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804482">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804482" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804482" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804482">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804482" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804482" class="dsq-comment-message">I say we start with Bobby Rush race card playing behind first.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804689">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804689" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804689" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4804689" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804689" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804689" class="dsq-comment-message">WE at CBC Monitor, see that shyt but he couldn\'t be bothered to open his yap when Pelosi stripped 20 CBC members off the legislation to renew the Voting Rights Act.  Rush and everyone else went along with that shyt:<br><br><a href="http://www.blackcommentator.com/183/183_cbc_monitor_voting_rights.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.blackcommentator.com/183/183_cbc_mon...</a><br><br>I\'ve been on the race-baiting when convenient CBC since 2005.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804671">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804671" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804671" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804671">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804671" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804671" class="dsq-comment-message">Now you see why I wanted Jesse Jr. in that seat? <br><br>sigh. <br><br><br>Of course, if the Lt. Governor had been thinking straight, he should have put out a list of folks that he thought would be good Senators, have a number of Black folks on the list. But, he stayed silent on this issue, when it was obvious that the Black community felt this was important.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4804880">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4804880" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4804880" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4804880">lamh31</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4804880" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4804880" class="dsq-comment-message">OT, but pertinent to the discussion:<br><br>Politico Blurb: <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/No_end_in_sight.html?showall" rel="nofollow">No End In Site</a><br><br>What the hell is Fitzgerald up to?  I\'m no lawyer or conspiracy theorist, but this is getting ridiculous.  I\'m putting my tinfoil hat on.  I\'m beginning to believe that Fitzy jumped the gun on his arrest of Blago, and is now trying to play catch up.  It\'s either that or he has something up his sleeve, either way, he not Obama, not Blago, not the Senate Dems has the power to end this.  If he indicts Blago, then the IL gov\'t can speed up their impeachment of Blago right...<br><br>Orginal article in Chicago Business: <a href="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32441&seenIt=1" rel="nofollow">Feds Seek Extension for Guv Indictment</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805176">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805176" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805176" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805176">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805176" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805176" class="dsq-comment-message">lamh31,<br><br>I agree b/c if I remember correctly it was urgent that they arrest Blago that particular day b/f the alleged act went down. Why is it not so urgent any more? Why couldn\' t they indict him with the same sense of urgency? At any rate, I hate to sound like a broken record but he is still the govenor (even if they do speed up the indictment). Like. It. Or. Not. Until then, does anyone know if  there is any precedence that an official INNOCENT until proven guilty cannot proceed with their job? I guess I need to find out the basis on him being told in the first place that he could not make the appointment to begin with b/c that is where I am stuck in that I don\'t understand how that could be. Maybe they don\'t have to accept it but again that is what I am not clear on.<br><br> Is that not the same if ..let\'s see there was another poster and unfortunately I don\'t remember who it was but just this week she indicated that she was accused of stealing in the upscale store she works in..well she isn\'t fired b/c apparently they have no proof so either she works there or she doesn\'t...or can they tell her well you can work here and help customers but you can\'t run the register??? Uhg maybe that wasn\'t the best example. :-) but are all his other job duties stripped or just that one??? Maybe it\'s like working somewhere and being put on probation and certain restrictions apply???<br><br>This just doesn\'t seem like a black and white area otherwise we could stop other officials from doing certain things every time they did something we don\'t like. Make no mistake I think what Blago did was terrible but either impeach him or let him do his job until you can get your act together and figure out what the rules are. Having said that, with Blago\'s attorney quitting after this maybe Blago isn\'t as slick as he thinks he is although from what has been presented so far he seems to be doing pretty good - at least in that area.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4816394">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4816394" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4816394" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4816394" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4816394" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4816394" class="dsq-comment-message">Fitz is probably doing two things:<br><br>1. Allowing other witnesses to beat a path to his door and <i>testify.</i><br><br>2. Making it easier for Obama to have his Inauguration and installation in the White House <i>before</i> all this stuff breaks out once more.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805123">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805123" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805123" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805123">TaurusSun</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805123" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805123" class="dsq-comment-message">The bottom line and the law: <br><br>1. The senate cannot fail and refuse to seat a legally appointed/elected Senator from any State of the Union..<br><br>2. Indited or not, Rod Blagojevichis the duly elected Governot of the State of Illinois, who has all legal authority to name and appoint  a Senator to serve in the United States Senate. It  matters not what the President-Elect thinks, what the  Speaker of the United States House of Representatives  thinks, nor does it matter what the  Senate Majority Leader thinks. It is not about them-it is about the Rule of Law.<br><br>As for the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois, the job is ministerial-that is rubber stamp  and certify what the Governor decided, <br>Do not waste the taxpayers\' dollars making lawyers rich. There is no win here.  <br>As for Obama, he is a Constitutional scholar who  knows all of this. <br>He can do nothing other than support the Rule of Law.   <br>Hello and Greetings Senator Burris!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805254">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805254" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805254" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805254">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805254" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805254" class="dsq-comment-message">Jesse White is stupid to risk his own job for this foolishness. Even he admits he has no authority to stop the appointment. Refusing to sign only opens the door to more legal challenges by Genson, which means even more time in the spotlight for him and Blago.<br><br>I repeat. Seat Burris and end this. Now.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805307">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805307" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805307" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805307">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805307" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805307" class="dsq-comment-message">If the law is on Blago and Burris\' side then why drag it out??????? The Dems will simply be causing more attention to the situation so they should let it die!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805418">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805418" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805418" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805418">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805418" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805418" class="dsq-comment-message">Its a political pissing match that nobody wins.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806268">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806268" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806268" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806268">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806268" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806268" class="dsq-comment-message">The constitution is not clear on either side.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805282">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805282" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805282" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805282">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805282" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805282" class="dsq-comment-message">1. The senate cannot fail and refuse to seat a legally appointed/elected Senator from any State of the Union..<br><br><br>Well if that\'s true everyone needs to get over it! And Burris...well maybe Dannis Davis was more "honorable" but if Burris has done no wrong and seems to be clean then good luck to him. Apparently he will need it!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805501">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805501" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805501" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805501">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805501" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805501" class="dsq-comment-message">And there it is.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805158">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805158" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805158" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805158" href="http://www.natturnersrevenge.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Chambers</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805158" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805158" class="dsq-comment-message">Maybe Burris and Rush (the only person to ever beat Barack in an election) are being set up? Perhaps Obama will do a "Clinton-Sistah Souljah" on them. Neutralize the old head clowns in the CBC (along w/Rush), then bury Blago, then ultimately Daley? It would be the trifacta and Illinois becomes Barack\'s fifedom.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805397">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805397" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805397" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805397" href="http://muzikalthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Muzikal203</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805397" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805397" class="dsq-comment-message">Somehow I doubt it, but it would be awesome if that were the case.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805420">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805420" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805420" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805420">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805420" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805420" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/12/31/what-blagojevich-owes-burris.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archiv...</a><br><br>It\'s only appropriate that Governor Rod Blagojevich appoint Roland Burris to fill Barack Obama\'s vacant senate seat. After all, Blago owes his governorship to Burris.<br><br>interesting article...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805493">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805493" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805493" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805493">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805493" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805493" class="dsq-comment-message">Cute. Did he owe Danny Davis also? I wonder what that story would have been.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805562">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805562" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805562" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805562">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805562" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805562" class="dsq-comment-message">Not my opinion, just posting the article the first two lines are a quote...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805660">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805660" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805660" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805660">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805660" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805660" class="dsq-comment-message">Yeah I know. I was just wondering out loud I guess.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805975">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805975" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805975" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805975">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805975" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805975" class="dsq-comment-message">No idea -- probably something though... Burris went from wanting Blago to step down to being mum on the issue.. <br><br>No worries ARP I\'m probably being sensitive lol --- one of the blog moderators/writers called me a troll b/c i disagreed with his or her position.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806210">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806210" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806210" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806210">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806210" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806210" class="dsq-comment-message"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FOIKG_T0TA&eurl=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/12/30/213246/11/655/678719&feature=player_embedded" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FOIKG_T0TA&eurl...</a><br><br>Here\'s a clip of burris thoughts pre-"appointment" and post-"appointment"</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805430">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805430" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805430" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805430" href="http://skepticalbotha.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">skeptical brotha</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805430" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805430" class="dsq-comment-message">I seriously doubt that the Wayan Brothers or the writers of MAD TV could have written a funnier spoof  than yesterday’s orgy of idiocy  featuring Rod “Governor Soprano” Blagojevich, Roland Burris and Bobby Rush.  To borrow a phrase from the always-quotable Christopher Hitchens, this appointment is a “ludicrous embarrassment.”<br><br>The presser was a comedians dream and the clumsy injection of race by Bobby Rush was sadder than it was despicable.  First, seeing how Bobby has physically suffered from throat cancer was heart breaking, but his reasons for supporting Blagojevich in his bullsh*t was even more tragic.  Poor Bobby is clearly suffering from chemo brain because Blagojevich’s bi-polar antics have grown more outrageous with time, and his latest stunt is as disingenuous as it is insane.  Blagojevich is desperately trying to disprove the allegations of extortion and contract fraud against him.  It won’t work. His career is over and nothing he says or does will ever change that. <br><br>Unfortunately for Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris is not a Magic Negro capable of absolving his manifold sins although he would like him to be. (One needs to be a palatable, focus grouped, establishment Negro creation of David Axelrod capable of raising $750 million dollars to be a proper receptacle for white liberal fantasies of racial absolution.) Burris is an uninspiring and irascible functionary that has let his ego get the better of him.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805506">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805506" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805506" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805506" href="http://www.natturnersrevenge.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chris Chambers</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805506" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805506" class="dsq-comment-message">"Burris is an uninspiring and irascible functionary that has let his ego get the better of him."<br><br>Lord, other than Colin Powell you\'ve just about pegged every black politician over the age of 50, and quite a few who are younger at that!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805644">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805644" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805644" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805644">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805644" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805644" class="dsq-comment-message">Chris,<br><br>I was thinking the same thing!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806274">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806274" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806274" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806274">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806274" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806274" class="dsq-comment-message">Patrick Fitzgerald asked for a 90 day EXTENSION for the deadline for his indictment of Blago. <br><br>Hmmmmmmm.....<br><br>Now, you say I wear the tinfoil hat...<br><br>But,....<br><br><br>Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806379">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806379" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806379" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806379">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806379" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806379" class="dsq-comment-message">Ok.....what are we being distracted from? This is all bogus...what the hell are they diverting our attention away from? I don\'t trust the justice department as far as I can throw\'em.....and we are still in a Bush-Cheney administration...what the hell are we being distracted from?? The McConnell plane crash?? More investigations regarding Katrina deaths?? What? Something...we are being distracted from SOMETHING.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806341">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806341" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806341" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806341">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806341" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806341" class="dsq-comment-message">Uh huh. 3 more months of waiting to see if there\'s anything to this.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807135">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807135" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807135" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4807135" href="http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">icebergslim</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807135" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807135" class="dsq-comment-message">AMEN on all this being said.<br><br>That theatre performance yesterday at the presser was for a selected group, the ones, AAs that live in Cook County.  Ones who are watching how the senate treats Burris, and for potential jury pool for Blago.<br><br>The more this is strained out, the people here in IL see the difference between Blago and Burris.  We know Burris here and he has impeccable credentials.<br><br>Blago did his homework, lawyered up and used his powers.<br><br>And yes, if we have to accept tainted Joe Lieberman who campaigned AGAINST Obama, Burris needs to be seated.<br><br>Why?<br><br>To take this DRAMA off the table for one, and Obama needs every damn VOTE he can get for this 1T package he is trying to push through.<br><br>Obama and the senate NEVER SHOULD HAVE dipped their toes in this water.  I think it is going to get ugly.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807296">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807296" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807296" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4807296">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807296" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807296" class="dsq-comment-message">Lieberman is a weak analogy to the current situation, it\'s been addressed numerous times.  <br><br>The acceptance of Burris has little to do with Burris and everything to do with Blago push to destroy IL-dems (lol!).  After Burris wins the IL supreme court case, the senate will delay him procedurally for 90 days. <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16973.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16973...</a><br><br>You are right Obama and Co. need every vote -- that\'s why Burris should not be seated. To allow Burris to remain as a tainted pick gives Repubs an instant issue to hold over senate dems in the long term.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810922">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810922" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810922" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810922">Linda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810922" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810922" class="dsq-comment-message">Piepiepie    .....Your right and is thinking long term. Most of the folks are thinking short term.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815622">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815622" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815622" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815622">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815622" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815622" class="dsq-comment-message">Linda -- I\'ve found it quite unfortunate that people are not willing to think long-term  -- in particular because there is a president who has pulled a great number of people from Chicago and IL (black and white) to work within his administration. As a result, those people are likely to have a decent understanding of the actual problems that need to be addressed, regardless of their skin color. In the long-term, these people will have credible experience and networks to takeover more positions in IL.<br><br>In addition, if skin-color is your only "guide," well you\'d think people would be pleased with a black president who lived on chicago\'s south side for the last twenty years. However, those are sort of non-sequitors....<br><br>But, I find it hilarious -- Bobby Rush claims to want more black senators -- yet <br><br>The case at hand -- well Republicans love cases like this! They can go out to the suburbs and implicitly run on racial grievance.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807583">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807583" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807583" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4807583">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807583" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807583" class="dsq-comment-message">Ha! Yeah.....you gotta admire the moxie of Blago......he got balls of steel.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807681">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807681" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807681" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4807681">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807681" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807681" class="dsq-comment-message">Blago is showing he actually learned something on the Northside with Daddy Mell. <br><br>LOL</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807184">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807184" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807184" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4807184" href="http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">icebergslim</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807184" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807184" class="dsq-comment-message">BREAKING:  Burris going to IL Supreme Court to be seated in the Senate.<br><br><a href="http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/burris-takes-senate-appointment-to-supreme-court.html" rel="nofollow">Link</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807628">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807628" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807628" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4807628">houstonguy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807628" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807628" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s pretty straight up.<br><br>1. Blago is still governor... he hasn\'t been indicted, and the legislature hasn\'t impeached him. <br><br>2. Under the law, Blago has the legal authority to pick the new guy. He did - he picked Burris. The presser was a circus we could\'ve all done without, but oh well.<br><br>3. Blago could\'ve gone on and picked someone corrupt, but he picked Burris, who is probably the cleanest guy AND best qualified guy available in Illinois - and who also happens to be African American on top of all that, and a loyal Dem as well.  <br><br>4. The Supremes ruled in 1969 in Powell v. McCormack  that Congress can judge an incoming appointee ONLY by their qualifications under the Constitution, i.e., their age, citizenship, residential requirements, etc. They don\'t have to like him, but they have to seat him if he meets those requirements, which Burris does. <br><br>Conclusion: Reid and Co. need to STFU and seat the man. End of story.<br><br>Now Burris can definitely help things along by doing the following...<br><br>1. Announce that he\'s serving as a "placeholder" senator til 2010 and that\'s the only reason he accepted the gig. <br><br>2. Reaffirm that he thinks what Blago did was wrong, and encourage Blago to resign for the sake of the state and its people, etc. (He needs to say it again to make it plain.)<br><br>3. Bonus points: Announce that he will not seek re-election in 2010, which will make him effectively apolitical and allow him to vote w/o obligations to anyone other than the citizens of Illinois. <br><br>On the other hand, if he really wants to run for re-election, then he needs to make it known that he will seek election, and should cast it like he wants to seek the people\'s permission to continue serving, and will abide by what the people decide, etc. At his advanced age, I\'d probably call it a day after 2010, but then again, there are plenty of senators who are 10-20 years older than him, so it\'s his call and up to the voters.<br><br>All in all, Burris has experience and qualities that would make him worthy of holding the job, or to say it another way, he does not suck at all. Blago sort of made it easy on the Senate by picking the guy, and he made sure there will be at least 1 AA senator in 2009,  so why is this a problem for anybody? Harry Truman was a product of the Kansas City political machine back in the 1930s, which was pretty corrupt, but he himself turned out to be very honest and forthright, and made an excellent senator despite the fact that his political masters were thugulous. Sometimes, an honest man can emerge from a less than ethical environment - see Obama, Barack as proof of that.<br><br>So inasmuch as people were worried about Blago picking anybody, he did OK - he picked a good man despite himself. Let Burris be seated and get on with it. We\'ve all got work to do in this country, and Blago will get his day one way or another.<br><br>Oh and one more thing: maybe someone needs to make it a requirement that replacement Senators must be elected, just like replacement Representatives are. That would make problems like this go away. Nobody can dispute the will of the electorate if they voted for the man (though Minnesota might test that theory).</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4810473">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4810473" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4810473" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4810473">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4810473" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4810473" class="dsq-comment-message">Wishing away the taint on Burris won\'t work, and as far the senate\'s rejection of the pick --  there are several work-arounds. <br>1.) 90 day procedural delay on Burris.<br>2.) A different angle on the Senate\'s constitutional power -- essentially that Blago\'s appointment was tainted.<br><a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Reids_case.html?showall" rel="nofollow">http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Rei...</a><br><br>There are several interesting things about Burris -- he is clearly qualified, clearly knows the position is tainted by Blago (freely admitted this Dec. 13th), and clearly willing to play the racial grievance angle to force dems to accept the tainted process.<br><br>Truman -- non-sequitor.<br>Elections -- would be great except for the expense of holding state-wide elections.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4811154">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4811154" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4811154" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4811154">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4811154" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4811154" class="dsq-comment-message">It doesn\'t matter if Blago\'s appointment is "tainted" or not.  The only question to be answered is "Does Blago still have the authority to fill the vacancy?"<br><br>Blago hasn\'t been convicted on impeachment.  Blago hasn\'t even been impeached yet.<br><br>Blago hasn\'t been convicted of any crime.  Blago hasn\'t even been charged with any crime or indicted, only named in a criminal complaint.<br><br>Even if Blago was impeached, it doesn\'t mean he\'s not fit to serve unless and until he\'s actually convicted.<br><br>What\'s the procedures for recall?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815407">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815407" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815407" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815407">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815407" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815407" class="dsq-comment-message">Read the article on the strategy they will use to delay, then unseat Burris. I can summarize it here:<br><br>First, delay Burris being seated in a procedural fashion -- that will last 90 days.<br>Then, use the "tainted process" to try to unseat him via constitutional authority.<br><br>The "tainted appointment" is the heart of the Senate case. <br><br>It\'s a fairly clear argument:<br>1.) Blago tried to sell the senate seat.<br>2.) Blago comprimised the process, much like a comprimised election due to fraud.<br>3.) As a result of Blago\'s fraudulent process, the senate can unseat his selection.<br><br>Whether the Senate wins or not, they will have signficantly delayed Burris being seated.  <br><br>Due to the democrats large majority, Dem Leadership will not be concerned with the absence of one vote in the Senate (presently 57-41). Regardless, the Senate will exhaust all options to unseat Burris, likely ending in a special election.<br><br>The latest Blago actions are quite sad to watch -- even sadder to watch folks sucked in b/c Blago has used racial grievance to try to save his career.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815776">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815776" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815776" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815776">Justice58</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815776" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815776" class="dsq-comment-message">Chuck Todd stated on Rachel Maddow that Harry Reid can just delay Burris\'s appointment until...</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4820825">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4820825" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4820825" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4820825">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4820825" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4820825" class="dsq-comment-message">They can try to block Burris, but Reid & Co. will only be hurting themselves.  The US Constitution is clear:  <br><br>The 17th Amendment of the US Constitution states the Executive Authority (Blago) of the state (IL) is the one who fills vacancies to the Senate (Burris).  Blago did that.<br><br>The Senate can examine the qualifications of the person trying to be the member, but the US Constitution is clear: you must be 30+ years of age, a US Citizen for 9 years and a resident of the state you\'re trying to be the Senator from.  Burris fulfills all those qualifications.<br><br>They can\'t expel Burris "jus cuz."  Powell vs. McCormack addressed this.  Burris has to be guilty of disorderly behavior.  Burris hasn\'t done anything disorderly.  The only thing Burris has done is accept a legal appointment to the US Senate.<br><br>The IL legislature did not/could not act swiftly enough to strip Blago of his power or declare him "disabled" and therefore unable to carry out his duties.  In fact, Blago has NOT been charged, impeached or convicted of anything.<br><br>Jesse White legally MUST certify Roland Burris as the junior Senator from IL.  If he doesn\'t, he\'s acting AGAINST the IL Constitution.<br><br>When/if blocked, Roland Burris can/must fight for a legal remedy to this situation (Marbury vs. Madison).  <br><br>The Senate CAN delay Burris to investigate the Burris appointment, but they have to show that the BURRIS appointment (election) in particular was tainted, not what Blago wanted to do for Jesse Jackson Jr. or Valerie Jarrett.  They can\'t block him indefinitely or they\'re preventing the citizens of IL from enjoying their Constitutional right to have TWO Senators.<br><br>Even if Blago is impeached and tossed out of office on February 1st, the fact remains that his appointment (election) of Roland Burris is legal unless proven otherwise.  Unless ALL of Blago\'s actions from Dec. 9th to the present are also deemed tainted.<br><br>And that\'s another thing:  Blago can perform all his other gubernatorial duties EXCEPT appointing a US Senator?  That\'s not going to fly.<br><br>It doesn\'t matter if Blago allegedly tried to sell the Senate seat to Candidate 1 or Candidate 5....did he sell it to Candidate Burris?  And if not, and the appointment of Roland Burris is determined to be legally above board, Roland Burris is your new US Senator.<br><br>And they ain\'t gonna "expel" him either.  This Senate, the one that gave a damn standing ovation to Ted Stevens?<br><br>They\'d need 2/3rds of the Senate to expel him.  57 ain\'t gonna cut it.  They need 60+ and there\'s no guarantee that all of the Democrats will vote in lockstep to keep Burris out -- especially if explicitly shown that the appointment of Burris was legal (which until proven otherwise, it is).<br><br>Harry Reid is going down a slippery and dangerous slope because once he opens this door, ain\'t no turning back.  The GOP is already trying to block Al Franken from taking the MN seat.  What\'s to stop the GOP or anyone else from blocking somebody by claiming "the election was tainted?"<br><br>The latest Blago actions are sad alright --- sad for Harry Reid & the Democrats because they jumped the gun and ran their mouths instead of sitting back and evaulating the situation.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4821572">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4821572" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4821572" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4821572">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4821572" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4821572" class="dsq-comment-message">It\'s something for the court to figure out, I won\'t presume to know how the S.C. will decide the specifics of the case. My point is that it is not cut and dry one way or the other. <br><br>Al Franken is a separate case, and I won\'t presume to know how the courts will sort that out either. <br><br>However, it is important either way for senators to have legitimacy of the office. As far as the logic of the appointment -- I\'ve reiterated my stance enough times.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815545">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815545" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815545" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815545">rikyrah</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815545" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815545" class="dsq-comment-message">We don\'t have recall procedures. Blago\'s enemies hustled a question for recall to be put on the ballot. And, they also put on the ballot the question of having a new Constitutional Convention.<br><br>They were both VOTED DOWN by the voters in Illinois this past November.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4811093">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4811093" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4811093" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4811093">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4811093" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4811093" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m just thinking out loud here and rambling on...<br><br>The 17th Amendment of the Constitution states that "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."<br><br>Blagojevich is the executive authority of the state of Illinois.  He shall and did issue a writ of election to fill Obama\'s vacancy with Burris.  Period.<br><br>The Consititution also states to qualify to be a Senator, you have to be a) 30 years old; b) a citizen of the US for 9 years and c) a resident of the State you\'re trying to be the Senator in.<br><br>Burris meets all of the qualifications as stated by the Constitution, and was chosen by the executive authority of IL, Blagojevich.  <br><br>I guess the question that needs to be answered is "Does Blagojevich still have the authority to appoint Burris?"<br><br>And if so (2) Because Burris meets all of the requirements as stated by the 17th Amendment as well as Article 1, Sec. 3 of the Constitution, can Reid & Co. still shut Burris down?<br><br>I don\'t think that Reid & Co. can shut down Burris if Blagojevich is found to still have the authority to appoint someone to fill a vacancy.<br><br>Blagojevich hasn\'t been convicted on impeachment; he hasn\'t even been impeached yet.  How can Blago answer for charges for which he hasn\'t been charged yet?  He was only named in a criminal complaint.<br><br>Also, just because you\'re impeached doesn\'t mean you\'re not fit to serve.  Bill Clinton was impeached but continued to serve.<br><br>Reid & Co\'s only options IMO are to stall seating Burris until Blago is impeached/convicted/tossed out of office or to seat Burris, then try to expel him.  And I don\'t think either option will ultimately work.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807687">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807687" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807687" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4807687">houstonguy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807687" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807687" class="dsq-comment-message">BTW, it\'s not like POC aren\'t trying to get into the Senate from Texas. We had Ron Kirk, African American ex-mayor of Dallas run a couple of years ago, and this past November Rick Noriega, a Hispanic state legislator made a go of it. They put up fairly decent numbers, but the Repugs still won by clear margins. <br><br>Be careful what you wish for though: Wallace B. Jefferson, an AA, is Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court and plans to run for the Senate seat in 2010 if Kay Bailey Hutchison retires or opts to run for governor. Problem is, he\'s a serious Kool Aid drinking Republican who makes Clarence Thomas look like Thurgood Marshall, and would make Alan Keyes look like Barack Obama. Not all that glitters is gold my friends.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4814673">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4814673" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4814673" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4814673">RobM</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4814673" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4814673" class="dsq-comment-message">What a great read for the start of the new year.<br>I\'ve a great deal of sympathy for the people whom want squeaky clean politics but we don\'t have that in our own lives. So let\'s seat Burris period and get back to the economy.<br>As to the PE he really needs to stop w/ this Solomonic decision making. If he wants to be SCCJ he needs to appoint himself to the court. If he wants to be POTUS he has to decide and then execute policy.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4821139">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4821139" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4821139" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4821139">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4821139" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4821139" class="dsq-comment-message">There\'s no such thing as squeaky clean politics -- politics by its nature includes comprimises, log-rolling and earmarks. By there very nature politicians have to trade votes on unrelated issues. <br><br>However, when you have clear cases of officials who comprimise their office through sheer stupidity, ignorance or some combination of idiocy stumble into federal cases and still engage in more idiocy... jeez..</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815113">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815113" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815113" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815113">Denise</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815113" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815113" class="dsq-comment-message">Thanks for this post, CPL.  <br><br>Regardless of where one stands on this issue, this discussion challenges the usual (and shortsighted ) <i>  "Support Sump\'n Cuz It Involves Black People" </i>   way of thinking!<br><br>Big Ups, sistah!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4822998">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4822998" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4822998" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4822998">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4822998" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4822998" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL via <a href="http://dailykos.com" rel="nofollow">dailykos.com</a> Bobby Rush pre-"appointment"<br><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1/1/15534/57271/152/679214" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1/1/1553...</a><br><br>"I believe that the acts that are alleged to have been committed by the Governor are so heinous that he has forfeited his right to appoint someone to fill the seat of President-Elect Barack Obama. My bottom line is that the Governor should not be the one to make the appointment to this important office."<br><a href="http://swside.blogspot.com/2008/12/congressman-rush-declares-blagojevich.html" rel="nofollow">http://swside.blogspot.com/2008/12/congressman-...</a></div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4858019">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4858019" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4858019" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4858019">onemobill</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4858019" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4858019" class="dsq-comment-message">Here are the reality facts. Politics is all about vote securing and vote counting. I\'m sorry, Barack\'s inner circle has shown extreme political immaturity not only in the replacement for the Obama senate seat but across the board relative to filling the play book for Barack\'s "hit the ground running" program on January 21st. Axelrod and company may be good campaign managers but when it comes to capitol hill politics they don\'t know squat. For some reason they think that once all the cabinet selections are made, that Barack\'s legislation will just start rolling through both chambers once he becomes the POTUS. It ain\'t gonna happen and Barack through his failure to control the nation-wide controversy over his vacant senate seat, has signalled to the Republicans just how easy it\'s gonna be to oppose everything the Obama administration sends up to the hill (with the exception of bills to name post offices for outstanding citizens).<br><br>Obama\'s legislative fights will take place in the senate and he is already facing stubborn resistance from Harry Reid who has made it clear that he will not provide any significant support for the Obama administration. Reid\'s push back will be in the form of his usual complaint heard in the last congress that he could not  "get the votes" to bring critical legislation to a floor vote. However, this time he will use the same wimpish complaint concerning  his failure to get key parts of the Obama stimulus package to the senate floor for a definiitive vote. Harry is a cute clever politician and he will run circles around the Obama White House. Therefore, Obama NEEDS every Democratic vote he can get in the Senate, and screwing around with an empty Illinois seat for 60 or 90 days is not going to cut it for the problems that the country is facing. The Franken/Coleman battle for the other seat will most likely find its way onto some court calendar for final resolution, and nobody knows how long that will take. So there is currently another empty Senate seat that Obama urgently needs to get this stimulus package moving.<br><br>The republicans are loving what they see coming from the Democrats. It fits right in with their (Repubs) plan to sidetrack Obama\'s stimulus package so that as the depression deepens and millions of Americans become destitute, homeless, and hungry, the American public will get totally fed up with Obama and the Democrats and in between riots, turn the congress over in 2010. The Repubs are elated to see that their plan is starting to work courtesy of the Senate Democrats, even before Obama takes his oath of office.<br><br>If Barack wants to have a chance at winning this game, he needs to forget all of that Lincolnesque crap about building a government that  embraces and includes one\'s political enemies. We ain\'t living in Lincoln\'s time and those who know how to play the political game will be the winners. Some people rave over what an astute politician Tip O\'Neal was in his day in Washington. Tip was a great Boston Pol and a lousy Pol in Washington. Whereas, People like Rayburn, Johnson, and Stevenson were real Washington movers and shakers. Political idealism is just like graffiti, a lot of people may become aware of it but it is totally insignificant  respective of its impact on society. If Obama wants to win his first major fight as President, he needs to choose a smart floor team for the Senate and most importantly start building political capitol. These things are urgent and must be done even before he takes the oath of office.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4864382">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4864382" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4864382" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4864382" href="http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CPL</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4864382" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4864382" class="dsq-comment-message">At last, another person who sees what the deal is.<br><br>If Obama\'s Administration doesn\'t learn how to govern and not just win elections, he\'ll be a one-term POTUS.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805183">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805183" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805183" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805183" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805183" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805183" class="dsq-comment-message">Well Obama has capitulated time and time again to get to where he is. Why is anyone surprised. I mean trying to sell us LIEberman and HILLPATINE was just a bitter pill to swallow. Bobby Rush doesn\'t deserve any defense, but to me his points were valid and it\'s about taking initiative. It is just pathetic that there\'s only been 3 Black Senators and what, 1 or 2 Governors since Reconstruction. And I\'m all for a Rainbow Coalition, but we REALLY need to focus on BLACK people who identify and support other BLACKS. Not just any Black face and not other people who may or may not be allies. And we really need to be supporting more Black FEMALE candidates, those like Donna Edwards. And this needs to be said: What are Black people SERIOUSLY going to do when Obama does something to majorly piss us off - or ignore us? What exactly has he promised Black people SPECIFICALLY? I don\'t recall one thing. Just a lot of vague concepts tied up with everyone else that sounded good, but to US - NADA! That\'s not to say he doesn\'t want to help, but since the majority of us voted for him anyway - here\'s where the race baiting came in handy - he didn\'t have to do anything but show up to get our votes. That\'s on us. Or on some of ya\'ll because I my vote was largely a vote for putting a Black First Lady - Michelle - in the White House and I didn\'t want Hillpatine anywhere near the WH again. I have \'hopes\' but I\'m not holding my breath.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805488">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805488" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805488" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805488">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805488" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805488" class="dsq-comment-message">I actually don\'t care what Barack Obama does or does not do for black people.  It\'s high time black people start doing for OURSELVES and stop depending on some government official or government body to pull us through.  We as black people have never been able to depend on people in the government to have our best interests at heart and we shouldn\'t start now.  JMO.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4808119">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4808119" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4808119" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4808119">msmartin</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4808119" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4808119" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree, until blacks move enmasse as they did for Obama for themselves and their communities nothing will change.  We are the change we need not Obama.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4816353">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4816353" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4816353" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4816353">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4816353" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4816353" class="dsq-comment-message">Exactly -- I think that is what Obama has shown. <br><br>We are the change we need. That\'s why people pushing for the Burris appointment and using race as the primary factor to support a corrupt governor are doing black people a horrible disservice.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805556">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805556" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805556" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805556" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805556" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805556" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes but we voted for him and are entitled to results. Just like everyone else.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805813">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805813" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805813" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805813">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805813" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805813" class="dsq-comment-message">"We" as black people don\'t hold these white politicians who come into our churches every Sunday before election day, getting happy on the pulpit, trying to sound like white versions of MLK Jr, singing "We Shall Overcome" and holding hands rocking back and forth during the praise dance accountable, so why hold Obama extra accountable, especially when we routinely award white Democrats with 90% of our vote and get 0% in return?<br><br>I\'m not saying to NOT hold Obama accountable but to act like we have some special hold over him because we voted for him over 90% when we would have voted for him over 90% anyway if he was a white guy named Barry Johnson is...interesting.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806026">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806026" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806026" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806026">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806026" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806026" class="dsq-comment-message">Well stated, I\'m all for black community oriented ngos.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805926">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805926" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805926" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805926">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805926" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805926" class="dsq-comment-message">Town:   Ima co-sign on this point! <br><br>Annnnnd, in my church, NOBODY get in the pulpit EXCEPT the "preachas!"    :&gt;)     :&gt;)<br><br>We stopped the "political candidates" about 4 years ago.<br><br>BUT, they can sit in the congregation!    :&gt;)<br><br>I\'m just sayin\' . . . .  :&gt;)<br><br><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</b> [To YOU/YOURS!!]    God Bless.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815044">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815044" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815044" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815044">Plantsmantx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815044" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815044" class="dsq-comment-message">What haven\'t we gotten in return?</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805858">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805858" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805858" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805858" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805858" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805858" class="dsq-comment-message">True but if he\'d been white he wouldn\'t have received the support he got from us. Clinton wouldn\'t have race baited.  I\'m glad you asked though.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806182">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806182" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806182" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806182">Town</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806182" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806182" class="dsq-comment-message">You\'re exactly right, Hillary would NOT have needed to racebait because if Barack Obama were a charismatic white guy named Barry Johnson her ass would have been out of the race right along with Biden, Richardson, Dodd, etc.  Her ass came in THIRD in Iowa, remember?<br><br>And if she did try to "hang on" Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi would have been sweeping her off the stage.<br><br>And Barry Johnson would have gotten approx. 90% of the black vote as John Kerry and Al Gore did.<br><br>Hell, Hillary Clinton would have gotten 90% of the black vote had she been the Democratic nominee.  There might have only been 10 black people voting on 11/4 but 9 of them would have voted for Hillary.<br><br>Somehow I don\'t think we\'d be so strident on holding a white person "accountable" even if we rewarded that white person with 95% of our vote.  Hell Bill Clinton Sista Souljah\'d black people and black folks up until he and Hillary openly started racebaiting against Obama were still falling all over themselves for some Bill.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806401">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806401" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806401" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4806401" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806401" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806401" class="dsq-comment-message">Yes they did. I was too young to get what was going on back then. I used to think voting was it.  And Soulja has a new book out by the way!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4807496">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4807496" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4807496" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4807496">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4807496" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4807496" class="dsq-comment-message">LOL sista Soulja sista soulja\'s other black folks when they disagree with her!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805773">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805773" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805773" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805773">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805773" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805773" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree..with you and Town. Can I do that? :-)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805301">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805301" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805301" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805301">Anon</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805301" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805301" class="dsq-comment-message">I guess any black person is okay, regardless of how much of a fool or coon they happen to be.  It reminds me of how supportive Black folks were of OJ during the murder trial just because he had a Black face, not because we thought he was innocent.<br><br>If you want to see clowns, go to the circus.  We need to have higher standards - not the highest - this yassir boss man Burrus is going to have to defend himself every minute of every day.  Congratulations Illinois!!!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805404">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805404" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805404" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805404">eclecticbrotha</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805404" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805404" class="dsq-comment-message">Its easy to see why you chose your nick. I wouldn\'t want to reveal my identity either after posting crap like that.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805943">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805943" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805943" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805943">GreenLadyHere</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805943" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805943" class="dsq-comment-message">eclecticbrotha:  VIRTUAL \'DAP\'!!!    :&gt;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806557">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806557" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806557" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806557">Miranda</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806557" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806557" class="dsq-comment-message">Co-sign</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4809254">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4809254" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4809254" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4809254" href="http://shruglife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mr. Noface</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4809254" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4809254" class="dsq-comment-message">Couldn\'t have said it better myself!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805511">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805511" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805511" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805511">Jenny from the Bronx</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805511" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805511" class="dsq-comment-message">Ditto</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805655">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805655" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805655" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805655">Mandy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805655" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805655" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t think Obama capitulated at all. He stood up for what was right and I commend him for it. Blago is using Burris and made this appointment to throw race into the situation, knowing many blacks would take the bait. This was not done for any altruistic reason. Blago is a crook that needs to be removed from his position as govenor as soon as possible. The democrats stated from early on they would not seat anyone Blago appointed and I am glad they are sticking to it. Now is not the time for blacks to get all emotional and trying to state this is a situation of people trying to keep a black man down.That is thinking way too small.  Bobby Rush made me cringe with his performance at that press conference. This is not the way to go about having another african american in the senate. Blago needs to be impeached and removed from office. His replacement can appoint someone to the senate.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805767">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805767" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805767" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805767" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805767" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805767" class="dsq-comment-message">I\'m not only referring to this. I am talking about what he\'s done to win and who he had to appeal to. I don\'t ascribe t the Obama-Messiah mindset or the let him get in office first and then we\'ll see crap!</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805849">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805849" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805849" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805849">Mandy</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805849" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805849" class="dsq-comment-message">I don\'t ascribe to anyone is messiah period. I however think Obama handled this situation correctly and I commend him for it. Blago calculatingly threw race into the situation on  purpose knowing the kind of response it would ignite to blow up this disaster in Chicago even further. Burris would make a great senator but in my view he should not have allowed himself to be a part of Blago\'s machinations. Other african american pols were offered and refused. I commend them for refusing to be a part of Blago\'s latest schemes. It is a pity that Burris didn\'t do likewise.  The democrats should stick to their guns and not fall for this bait.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805994">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805994" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805994" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805994">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805994" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805994" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree Mandy, well stated.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4806748">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4806748" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4806748" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4806748">Admiral_Komack</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4806748" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4806748" class="dsq-comment-message">I agree with Mandy\'s assessment.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4814818">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4814818" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4814818" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4814818" href="http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blksista</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4814818" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4814818" class="dsq-comment-message">Same here, but black folks being black folks, they will take up the bait.<br><br>This ain\'t no black seat.  It\'s a seat.<br><br>We had an opportunity to seat  someone in the Senate who was a competent, relatively clean black individual in it who could possibly stand for election after the two years are up.  We don\'t, now.<br><br>Blago is laughing his ass off.  He really fixed this good.  This is a smokescreen.  He knows our psychology pretty well:  we\'ll support almost anyone we know who is black, sometimes regardless of politics.  As Dems and indies, we need his crooked ass out and stand competent individuals in the State House and the Senate.<br><br>Burris is an old man with hubris.  He\'s closer to death than I am.  He may be competent, and he may be qualified, but he is an embarrassment just like Bobby Rush.  He didn\'t think anything about how he might be a pawn in a game between Obama, the national Dems, and Blago.  He went out for himself, not for black folks and not even for Blago.<br><br>Months after this, folks are going to say to themselves once again, <i>what the f@ck did we get so excited about this for?</i><br><br>Just like with O.J., Unca Clarence, and other mistakes we have made in publicly supporting the wrong brother/sister.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4815789">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4815789" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4815789" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4815789">Piepiepie</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4815789" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4815789" class="dsq-comment-message">blksista... NO you must be a "troll" or an educated fool. <br><br>Burris is black, therefore we must support Blago, Bobby and Burris. <br><br>;)</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805905">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805905" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805905" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <a id="dsq-author-user-4805905" href="http://www.actsoffaithblog.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Acts Of Faith Blog</a>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805905" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805905" class="dsq-comment-message">This for me is beyond this one situation and about a larger issue.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 <li id="dsq-comment-4805733">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-header-4805733" class="dsq-comment-header">\
	 <cite id="dsq-cite-4805733" class="dsq-comment-cite">\
	 <span id="dsq-author-user-4805733">Against Race Politics</span>\
	 </cite>\
	 </div>\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-body-4805733" class="dsq-comment-body">\
	 <div id="dsq-comment-message-4805733" class="dsq-comment-message">The only problem is that Blago has already made his appointment and IF the senate cannot legally deny then what? I agree that it should not matter what color the appointee is but then again no one ever made it clear to me that his appointment could be blocked. Yes, he should be impeached but he has not yet. Now for all the people changing their minds and making this a Black thing I agree with you 100%.</div>\
	 </div>\
	 </li>\
	 </ul>\
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