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Short Note + OPEN THREAD

By SusanUnPC on May 20, 2008 at 2:32 PM in Current Affairs

We were overwhelmed by traffic early today, but both our server company and our new WordPress person have it under control. You’re going to see some GREAT improvements on the site, and some neat features designed to make it easier for ALL of you to read, and share the writings! Next, open thread announcement and a word for Sen. Kennedy …
This is an OPEN THREAD, but I’d like to say how very, very saddened I am by the news about Sen. Kennedy. I pray that he can get the best help — which he certainly can — and that he can live as long as possible but not in great pain. Bless his heart and that of his immediate and extended families.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQMjSltW6o JD

    If you support Hillary, you must watch this video. It will inspire you to fight on!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQMjSltW6o

    • standard

      HILLARY PICKED UP A SUPER DELEGATE!
      Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley

      YEEEHAAAA!

      • win oregon

        There you go! Thanks for the news!

      • Arabella Trefoil

        I remember Martha Coakley from way back in the 1970′s! I think she went to BU about the same time I did. I had no idea she had gone so far in politics.

        Good for you, Martha!

      • Dawnelle

        Thank GOD because I just heard FOX news say GALLUP is reporting that OBAMA has now surpassed WOMEN support over HILLARY 59-54percent!!

        He also said younger women are the reason.

        JEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZUS

        oh my little dennis K on fox news!

        (this world keeps getting stranger)

        • ginaswo

          Gallup is polling GrandTheftAuto voters only, I dont believe the hype!!!!

          KY women will show us a thing or two I betcha!!

      • Margaret

        Yeah!! I live in MA, and sent her a thank you note and promises of future support. Finally, a leader in MA with integrity!

    • jawbone

      http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/lesmiserables/onedaymore.htm

      Here are the lyrics for One Day More.

      Thanks for the tip on the video.

  • http://noquarterusa.net/ SusanUnPC

    I am overwhelmed by e-mails from people with ideas, with links to articles, with opinions, and much more.

    it is humanly impossible for me to read, let alone figure out how to use or appreciate the information.

    Half the time, I never respond, which is rude. The other half of the time, I haven’t the time to really think through the information provided.

    I need an assistant — a sharp one — who can look over what is sent to me and who then can write up what we receive.

    Please apply to susanunpc at gmail dot com

    The pay is nil, but I think the help will be both enormously beneficial and of great personal satisfaction.

    ______________

    NOTE: I am so afraid that in my harrried scans through the e-mails I get that I am missing GOLDEN ideas and information that we should use. That is why I need one or more of you to help me so badly.

    • http://www.hillaryclinton.com President Hillary Clinton will defeat Obama and his troll army!

      Make sure who you select is someone you have known for a very long time. And verify the actual person you know is the person who emailed you. You probably thought of all of this but just in case I said it anyway. As an alternative you can ask people to only send you very important tips and anything else they can post on the blog themselves.

      You could have a “tip thread” every day on the blog as well. That might work. I would be very concerned handing over control of what is sent you.

    • Ga6thDem

      Susan,
      Do you feel comfortable with me helping you out? How much time would it take? I’ll email you.

      • http://noquarterusa.net/ SusanUnPC

        Can you write articles?

        That is something that is essential … and they must be articles that do not require a lot of editing or supervision.

        I’m going to be picky about who I select… only because it must be someone who SAVES me headaches, and doesn’t create more work for me. (Sorry to be so blunt, but it is what i need.)

    • Ga6thDem

      Where is your email address on the site?

      • hillarysmygirl

        click on her name under the title of the post.

      • http://noquarterusa.net/ SusanUnPC

        I put it in my comment:

        Please apply to susanunpc at gmail dot com

  • http://deleted AnninCa

    Thanks for the improvements! I know this must have overwhelmed your site.

    Ted Kennedy has my prayers today. I simply ask that he not be in pain.

    That’s all. No pain.

    Whatever will be, will be, but I pray always that “whatever” is not pain-filled.

    I disagreed with him about his endorsement. I still do.

    But I sure don’t wish him ill.

  • http://truthteller2007.mydd.com/ Truthteller

    Susan,

    I created an open thread for the Kentucky results tonight. It will be published automatically at 6pm EST, when the first set of polls close in KY.

  • jes

    After I got over the shock, I wondered at the timing. Why do you think that they announced Ted Kennedy’s tumor today? He’s been in the hospital since, was it Saturday? I’m sure that the family has known for a day or two. Why not wait until tomorrow? After the election.

    • http://deleted AnninCa

      No, this is just life on life’s terms.

      It sucks.

      I’d far rather be fighting Ted and calling him names than be thinking about this.

      He did some fabulous stuff in his life, and he also did some really stupid stuff.

      Ted Kennedy led an authentic life.

      I just hate this news. I’ve lost 3 RL friends in the past 24 months to brain tumors.

      I really hate this news. It’s fine to battle him. But it just so sucks to have to mourn this news.

      • jes

        It could also be that a news organization got wind of it so the Kennedys’ released the news first.

        It is the end of an era. And what’s really strange is that Jackie Kennedy was diagnosed with cancer. I can’t remember which kind but she eventually died of a brain tumor.

        • workingclass artist

          I believe she has Hodgkins Lymphoma…Your odds of gettin the kind of Brain Tumor that Teddy has increase with age…Mostly occurs in Crackers and most of them Male. I hope it is treatable and he is lucky to have a supportive family and Health Insurance. He has been an effective legislator….I have been disappinted in his recent support for Obama…But all in all he has far exceeded early political expectations
          and anyone can respect a scrappy mick doin that whether you agree with the politics, his life or not….I’m just sayin’

          • workingclass artist

            I meant had…sorry for the typo…

    • Arabella Trefoil

      It was a coincidence.

    • It’s Not Me

      The test results were due today. I’m sure the media have been a bunch of vultures the last 2 days, so the family probably needed to get this out to get rid of them.

      My friend just called me and voiced the same concern you did in your post. I suppose they could have waited, but they didn’t. They could have told the MSM vultures that the tests have been delayed and given the results tomorrow, but…life is life. They chose not to do that, for whatever reason.

      I wish Senator Kennedy all the best.

      • workingclass artist

        They would not have waited as he is a HUGE political Figure in Politics.
        He has been a senator for over 40 years. This is big news so they did’nt put it off…unfortunate but understandable given Teddy’s stature.

    • pat ny

      They’ll probably give him “less than 6 months to live”. You know what else happens in “less than 6 months”? Amazing. Of course if Hillary siezes the nom at the convention, his death could serve to galvanize the electorate for her advantage as well. So we win either way! If it works out that way, then perhaps I’ll forgive him for his betrayal.

  • Arabella Trefoil

    In his endorsement, Byrd called Obama a fine “Christian” man. Between that adjective and the churchy Obama mailer, I think Obama’s team anticipates some new stuff to hit the fan. What kind of stuff? Maybe something about Obama’s muslim connections.

  • No Fraudz

    Lets pray that with all the advancements in healthcare, Sen. Kennedy and his medical team will be able to beat this one.

    And of course the Divine Creator is ever present!

  • http://www.sugarnspice.typepad.com Sugar

    Yes, me either Ann. I don’t wish harm on anybody. Not even BHO, with his silly self. I truly hope that Sen. Kennedy will be given as much comfort as possible.

  • indypol

    “After I got over the shock, I wondered at the timing. Why do you think that they announced Ted Kennedy’s tumor today? He’s been in the hospital since, was it Saturday? I’m sure that the family has known for a day or two. Why not wait until tomorrow? After the election.”

    Exactly my thinking. What’s so special about today, hmm? Why not tomorrow or Monday?

    If they were slimy enough to trot out Edwards in order to blunt the WV landslide (which worked for a grand total of one day), why not time the release of Kennedy’s diagnosis until today to blunt the impact of another landslide loss in Kentucky and god knows what in Oregon? The Obamazoids, desperate to change the topic from Hillary’s string of wins and growing popular vote lead, will resort to anything, including the careful manipulation of medical information.

    We have two primaries today people! Let’s get back on message. Go Hill in KY and Oregon! Make those calls before the polls close. Back to work!!

  • LikeH2O

    I believe Senator Kennedy is experiencing instant karma for his horrible mistake in shoving Barack Obama on this country, with his endorsement of him.
    I at one time would have cared, but after what I have witnessed from my Party of old throughout this campaign, I will not be a hypocrite to my principles.
    No sympathy here. RIP Ted. Call me cold, but this is what slapping someone around and pushing them into the gutter will do…suffer the consequences.

    • http://deleted AnninCa

      Oh please…..That is the worst kind of thinking ever.

      Brain tumors hit all people, in all walks of life.

      Frankly, it’s just another message to everyone. We’re so not in control.

      But at least I am sure of one thing. My own sense of a guiding power doesn’t award brain tumors as punishment for wrong thinking.

      Lordy, I’d be way dead by now if that were the truth.

      • Margaret

        You know what Ann, maybe it’s the trolls saying these horrible things to try and get us going so they can make Hillary supporters look bad. At least that’s what I hope it is. Anyway, it won’t work. Most of us are praying for Kennedy.

        • pat ny

          It’s not trolling. There’s just better and more positive things we can put our energy into today than fretting over something that can’t be changed. And on that note, I’m off to make some phone call for the next 45 min!

          • Margaret

            Pat,
            Yeah, for making phone calls!

        • LikeH2O

          Name calling by a Clinton supporter, doesn’t make you look good either. As per usual, someone you don’t agree with is a troll. What the heck is a troll, and why is that word trotted out when someone takes offense? Can’t we all get along? You don’t know anything about me except what I write. How is it you see me as some mythical character who lives under a bridge? Do you know how much money I have donated to Senator Clinton? Why not come right out and ask me who I support and why, rather than resorting to name-calling. Are you a troll?

      • Dawnelle

        yea that kind of talk sounds like that raving lunatic fundie that blames every natural disaster on GOD’s PUNISHMENT for __________ fill in the blank ANY thing Democratic.

        What’s his name I forget? There’s so MANY CRAZY PREACHERS these days!

        • ginaswo

          Wright? Hagee? we could go on and on and on…

    • Margaret

      I don’t believe that. God doesn’t bring harm on anyone for their mistakes. Ted Kennedy is just experiencing that sometimes life really sucks. I feel terrible for him and his family.

      • mimi

        Let’s not get into religious theology. We have our hands full already with politics. Besides, we all adhere to different beliefs. I also believe in karma or as it’s stated in the bible: “you reap what you sow.” I also support someone who prefers not to be a hypocrite.

        That said, we don’t have to dwell on the particulars and kindness in the face of adversity is a virtue.

        Senator Kennedy and his family have my prayers.

    • catriley

      Politics is a difference of opinion. As strongly as you feel about your opinions, everyone else — regardless of who they support, feels the same way about theirs.

      At the end of the day, it’s all just words and opinions. You would not be a hypocrite to your “principles” by extending some kindness and decency to Senator Kennedy, whose only offense in your eyes is choosing a different candidate to support.

      Of course, if your principals include complete disregard for another human’s fear, suffering, and pain, and lack of empathy for what a family is feeling right now with that diagnosis, then I guess you would not be a hypocrite posting those things.

      If your principles include compassion and decency, then I would hope you’d rethink your comments.

    • Greg

      Senator Kennedy has done a lot for America, don’t let his poor judgment in choosing Obama take away from all of the good he has done.

      Obama does not deserve the support of such a great man, but alas, he may not live to give his vote at the convention.

      • Dawnelle

        I just heard a doctor on the news say that the left side tumor would affect his mental decisions (make him confused, etc).

        like that (to me) explains his bad judgment lately!!! DOH

        he didn’t know what he was doing endorsing BO

        yep

        • Bill Delyon

          Have you no shame?

          Cripes…..

    • workingclass artist

      Kennedy is Catholic….afraid in his case Karma does not apply…
      He has probably already had confession and if penance is due he is doin it.
      He is old and this is common to old folks…
      The Catholic church ( his faith ) does not recognize the concept of Karma and gave up on the theology of chastisement after the Plague

    • Ellen Tenn

      Ted Kennedy served the American people for many years. You should have more respect for him and at least keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

      • workingclass artist

        Don’t know who your addressing my comment was meant in response to the silly karma one up the thread…I’m Catholic and he’s got a lot of Catholics already prayin for him….When I spoke of penance we do this in response to the sacrament of confession…In this sort of health crisis his priest or any priest would have been dispatched immediately…um…a catholic thing…I’m just sayin’

    • Bill Delyon

      No shame eh?

      Asshole.

  • Tom K.

    And that’s the difference I see on the Hillary side of the blogosphere: a much greater sense of restraint and humanity. If it had been announced that a major Hillary supporter had been diagnosed with a terrible illness, the Obamablogs would be full of gleeful, gloating Obots cackling over the person’s misfortune and making bets on the person’s day of demise.

    • http://www.hillaryclinton.com President Hillary Clinton will defeat Obama and his troll army!

      What you say does indeed say a lot about the character of blogosphere. And why I am on the compassionate side.

  • Arabella Trefoil

    What happened to Senator Kennedy is tragic. Nobody deserves to have brain cancer. It’s a horrible way to die.

    • http://www.hillaryclinton.com President Hillary Clinton will defeat Obama and his troll army!

      Is his prognosis that bad? I know brain cancer is serious but some forms must be treatable.

      • Margaret

        They’re saying he has 1 to 5 years, depending on the exact type of tumor.

      • beebop

        Over at ABC News, they have an analysis, and it is fairly bleak, yes. It is not a “good” type of tumor to have. Maybe it explains some recent behavior.

        The amazing thing about our culture is how much we resist death. If you believe in the faith in which you were raised, this is just one phase of God’s plan. I join with everyone in wishing him a minimum of pain. As well as the dignity in the final stage of his life. I have a friend who died of a brain tumor who lost all cognitive skills and was an extremely talented and articulate corporate attorney. The descent was tragic.

        • workingclass artist

          I’m sure that Kennedy is preparing and in close contact with his Priest.

      • ginaswo

        I have seen posts by those in the field that he may have as short as 7 months

  • win oregon

    Hey guys,
    At the time of my post here, it is about one pm in Oregon. They have until 8 pm to get those ballots in. We have about 6 1/2 hours left to reach the people who haven’t voted.

    Please help. Take an hour (more if you can).

    • win oregon

      Please don’t get caught up in something you can not affect. You can change what happens in Oregon.
      If you are working for the good, all good benefits.
      Please call Oregon and help us.

      • beebop

        I was under the impression that Oregon was mail in votes. Has that been misrepresented in the media? How does it work? Please explain. Thank you!

        • It’s Not Me

          Everyone in Oregon is mailed a ballot. They can fill it out and return it whenever they feel like it (by Primary Day) via the mail OR they can wait until Primary Day and drop them off at a polling place. I think that’s what I heard this morning.

  • http://www.hillaryclinton.com President Hillary Clinton will defeat Obama and his troll army!

    On a lighter note it is great to see Hillary is thinking about the original Americans. And has something concrete to offer them.

  • jawbone

    Best wishes for Sen. Kennedy — may he beat this thing. And, seconding AnninCa, who unfortunately has some experience with brain tumors, may he have little pain.

    NPR has neuro oncologist on right now: Malignant brain tumors quite difficult to treat. Number of different types, which will affect how he is traated. Us’ly chemo and radiation used concurrently. Surgery is used to try to remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing the patient harm. Left parietal lobe: Rather large area, and individual’s brain anatomy vary, it is possible to have little damage, or only occasional seizures. Would not expect speach difficulty. But, surrounding swelling may affect speach areas: finding words or understanding speach. Good sign that no serious consequences from biopsy surgery, plus up and around all good signs.

    So, we know little until his doctors know more–and choose to tell us.

    Best wishes for best possible outcome.

  • Mike in NOLA

    It’s all irrelevant. BO is going to stage a big event to push his gigantic loss in KY off the front pages and the MSM will go along with it.

    Another example is gallup.com. Released a new poll on the eve primaries supposedly showing demo support for BO is growing. Scrolling down to the head to head matchups still shows Hillary does better against McCain.

    Hope Hillary organizes something comparable to BO’s, but I have a feeling it will be ignored.

    • http://www.hillaryclinton.com President Hillary Clinton will defeat Obama and his troll army!

      There will be a big push and we and Hillary will push back. We’ve been through this before and will make it through it again.

      The mutiny within the party has begun. Ferarro and Koch are the canaries in the coal mine. And groups are springing up all over America saying NOBAMA. The DNC pretends not to notice but I assure you they do. Hang tight, we will make it!

  • PeggySue

    I was very sad to hear about Ted Kennedy’s diagnosis and though his collegues and the press is trying to be positive, a malignant brain tumor is incredibly bad news.

    Sad too, because Ted Kennedy is the last Kennedy man of his generation, the Lion of Winter. The Kennedys: Jack, Bobby and Ted were giants of my childhood and their impact on American society is absolutely phenomenal.

    We should only be sending our prayers and good thoughts to Senator Kennedy and his family. They’re going to need all the strength they can muster.

    • workingclass artist

      Well if prayer helps….I can gaurantee that there are masses being said all over the place…particularly in Mass. He’s got lots of help…

    • Al

      I second everything you said above, PeggySue.

  • Dawnelle

    Oooo Cavuto just said Hillary will be speaking shortly

  • http://www.ericksonblog.com/blog nkb

    Alot of us have grown up with the Kennedys. And while Ted Kennedy had a rough going when younger (who wouldn’t watching 2 brothers be assassinated), he has turned out to be a vigorous Senator, fighting for health care and more. I do wish him well but also am realistic for this diagnosis is a terminal one. I pray the remainder of his life has the quality he deserves. A very sad day indeed

  • Kourian

    Yes very nice Susan! Those wee icons are so cute! ;)

    Seriously: great job!

  • SKMF

    i am not a fan of senator kennedy, but i wish him strength, and love as i would all humans, at such a time.
    in the end, god judges not me, or the universe or whatever you believe.

    my best to sen kennedy…

  • PaganPower

    I think that the site improvements already made are awesome.

    Teddy’s tumor might explain a few things. My best to the Kennedy family.

  • It’s Not Me

    Since this is an open thread, I just had to post this here! Did you know that WOMEN are 56.6% of registered Democrats in OREGON???? 56.6%!!!!!

    I would think, that little statistic would make the Oregon Primary difficult for Mr. Hopey-Changey to win! He may do well in the Urban areas, but the rest of the state is pretty rural, working class, blue collar aren’t they? If Hillary wins the majority of the female vote, the bitter working class vote, the typical white working class/blue collar vote, the gun owners clinging to their guns vote, and the seniors….she COULD WIN OREGON!

    • http://www.hillaryclinton.com President Hillary Clinton will defeat Obama and his troll army!

      But its OK if she does not win OR. Kentucky is gonna be a huge win!

      • It’s Not Me

        Yes it will be OK if she doesn’t win Oregon, but I would like nothing more than to send Mr. Hopey-Changey’s campaigning into a tailspin over an expected win that he loses. It would be the icing on the cake for me.:)

  • HillaryMadamePresident

    Love the improvements on the site. I had begun to think I was having trouble with my computer, this morning. Thanks for the update and upgrade.

  • DixieChkn

    Let’s not forget, either, that Ted, Bill and Hillary have been very close for years . . . despite his betrayal of them (and us). I know they are hurting, too, about his diagnosis.

  • IndyBoomer

    So sad about Edward Kennedy–even more tragedy for that family. I don’t think the timing has anything to do with politics; just related to when the tests were completed and they had some answers.

    I don’t think his condition will affect the Democratic nom process one way or the other. If he makes it to the convention, he’ll vote for Obama (if possible, that is…chemo/radiotherapy can be debilitating). If not, there will be one less vote for Obama (which won’t make that much difference). The only other thing might be that Kennedy won’t be able to actively campaign for Obama over the next few months.