The latest from The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com
- Lee Stranahan: No, President Obama; We Should NOT Shut Up About Health Care Reform
- Washington Watch With Roland Martin: New Sunday Show Aimed At Blacks
- Zhao Danyang, Wu-Mart Advocate, Turns Buffett Lunch Into A Windfall
- Palin Facebook Message Slams Media
- Steve McNair Dead
- Brad Balfour: Dancing and Singing Holiday Hosannas Through Movie Musicals
| Lee Stranahan: No, President Obama; We Should NOT Shut Up About Health Care Reform | Top |
| An Open Letter To President Obama From An Uninsured American. Mr. President, According to the Washington Post, you're asking health care reform advocates to stop attacks... In a pre-holiday call with half a dozen top House and Senate Democrats, Obama expressed his concern over advertisements and online campaigns targeting moderate Democrats, whom they criticize for not being fully devoted to "true" health-care reform. I was a supporter of yours in the election and for the first time in your Presidency, I'm totally and completely at a loss trying to understand your words. Like many progressives, I've tried to be patient with disappointments such as your heel dragging on granting equal rights to gay men and women or your continuation of some Bush policies. I have reserved judgment on these issues for two main reasons. First, it's still early in your term and you've done much good. Second and even more important, I felt that the single most important issue today both for my country and for me personally is health care reform. I've tried to put my money where my mouth is. I'm a video producer and a few weeks ago I embarked on a project making as many videos on health care reform as I could. I've produced close to twenty different videos on the subject, which I'll link at the bottom of this post. Most of my videos are, in one way or another, 'attacking' moderate Democrats because as I say in one of the videos, they are the people who represent the biggest threat to real health care reform for reasons both simple and obvious; people like Senator Baucus, Lieberman and the rest receive large amounts of money from the health insurance and drug company lobbyists. This is why I'm so confused by your statement, Mr. President. One of the main reasons I supported you was because I wanted to see real health care reform and another major reason was because you said - over and over - that you would stop the culture of this open corruption created by the influence of lobbyist money. A quick note about the phrase 'real' or 'true' health care reform here as well. Almost all of my videos are strongly in support of The Public Option. That was in deference to your support of it, sir. It's a compromise, however, for real health care reform - namely, a single payer, universal health care system like every single other wealthy industrialized country on the face of the earth has. But progressives have been told over and over that single payer was a pipe dream; a political impossibility. So I fell in line for the more 'realistic' public option. Now that we're seeing the compromise on that compromise, perhaps this was a mistake. Finally, a personal note since this IS a personal issue for people like me and my uninsured friend Bob Cesca, who recently urged you to 'throw down' against the corrupt and spineless politicians who are on the take. I have two kids right around the same age your daughters Sasha and Malia - Jack is 8 and Olivia is 10. My wife Lauren is three months pregnant. We live in a hotel room, Mr. President. None of us are insured. It's a risk I took because the steady job I had working in television no longer paid the bills since the TV network I worked for cut all our overtime a couple of years ago. I was working fulltime in California and couldn't afford insurance. My wife and I both have pre-existing conditions. While I'm struggling to build my video production business, I've taken the time to produce these health care videos because the issue resonates on so many levels for me and nearly everyone I know. I don't mention this for pity but to point out that producing these videos is actually a struggle which is why your words stung, Mr.. President. I believed in you and now I am not quite sure what to believe about you. It's nice that you hug people with cancer, Mr. President but we don't need hugs. Friends of mine, my family and I need the same common sense approach the health insurance that everyone else in the modern world takes for granted. Don't tell us to shut up and not take on the politicians who are paid off my the health insurance lobbyists. Step up and lead, Sir. That what we elected to do. Regards, Lee Stranahan Here's the videos And here's a previous Huffington Post article I wrote that has another 10 videos in it. More on Joe Lieberman | |
| Washington Watch With Roland Martin: New Sunday Show Aimed At Blacks | Top |
| NEW YORK — Roland Martin will anchor a new Sunday public affairs show aimed at a black audience that will debut in September on the TV One network. The "Washington Watch" program aims to tap into a new interest in politics and government due to the election of President Barack Obama, said Johnathan Rodgers, TV One's president and CEO. It debuts Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. EDT, and the show will be repeated each week at 5 p.m. Martin, who is also a CNN commentator, will interview newsmakers and members of the Congressional Black Caucus. April Ryan, White House correspondent for the American Urban Radio Networks, and Robert Traynham, Philadelphia Tribune columnist and Comcast host, will be regular panel members. TV One is in about 48 million homes, a little less than half of the nation's TV homes. Rodgers said it dawned on him when TV One covered last year's Democratic convention and he saw many Black Caucus members trudge up to the network's temporary rooftop studio for interviews: These politicians have few outlets to talk about their issues and people have few places to hear them. "I hope to get smart, intelligent, entertaining conversation," Rodgers said, "but I put this under the public affairs arena. It doesn't have to be a ratings success." Despite the election of the nation's first black president, many of TV One's older viewers _ the network tends to get an older audience than competitor BET _ wonder whether his administration will actively push a civil rights agenda and other issues that interest them, he said. "Barack Obama is truly the American president," Rodgers said. "He is not the white American president or the black American president. He is our president. A number of our viewers might have had a different expectation." Martin said he hoped the show would reflect the state of black America every week. While the show is Washington-based, he said the concerns of people across the country would be reflected. He said he hopes to have viewers participate in the shows by suggesting questions and topics. "We want to be bottom up," he said. "The problems I see right now from so many of these shows is that they are top down _ these are the things that we think are important." Rodgers said he initially wanted the show to first air in the late afternoon or evening, to distinguish it from the crowded field of Sunday morning public affairs shows. But he was advised that premiering "Washington Watch" at that hour during football season would be suicidal. | |
| Zhao Danyang, Wu-Mart Advocate, Turns Buffett Lunch Into A Windfall | Top |
| A Chinese businessman named Zhao Danyang paid a record $2.1 million in a charity auction on eBay last year to win a lunch date with one of his heroes: Warren E. Buffett, the so-called Oracle of Omaha. This was a chance to get close to the world's greatest stock picker, Mr. Zhao says, and to pick his brain about investing, the global financial crisis and philanthropy. More on Warren Buffett | |
| Palin Facebook Message Slams Media | Top |
| In a message posted on Facebook, Sarah Palin on Saturday again laid out her reasons for resigning as governor and attacked the media for its "predictable" response to her speech yesterday: The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the "politics of personal destruction". How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it's right for all, including your family. Here's the complete message, posted at 4:55PM today: * * * * Happy 4th of July from Alaska! On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too. If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you. First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska's best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two - and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities. For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there's much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier - I've never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments. The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the "politics of personal destruction". How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it's right for all, including your family. I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I've never thought I needed a title before one's name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness! God bless you! And I look forward to making a difference - with you! Sarah More on Sarah Palin | |
| Steve McNair Dead | Top |
| NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, whose most noted drive was the final one of the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head Saturday afternoon in a downtown condominium. Police said a woman was also shot dead. McNair was 36 and played 13 seasons before retiring in April 2008. Police spokesman Don Aaron said officials tentatively identified the woman, but did not release her name. He confirmed she wasn't McNair's wife, Mechelle. He said authorities were still investigating the shootings and that no suspects were in custody. "I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible," Aaron said. "There are persons who were around the complex today, visitors, who have been taken to headquarters for questioning, just to see what they know, what they may have seen," he said. Aaron said officers went to the scene after receiving a call about injured persons inside the condo. "When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence," he said. The condominium is one that McNair was known to frequent, but police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said she didn't know if he was the owner. About 50 people crowded just beyond police tape outside the complex in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood, some wearing Titans hats. The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans' stadium. McNair, a four-time Pro Bowler, led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008. His most noted drive, the last one in that Super Bowl, came when he led the Titans 87 yards in the final minute and 48 seconds, only to come up a yard short of the tying touchdown. Kevin Dyson caught his 9-yard pass, but was tackled at the 1-yard line by the Rams' Mike Jones. McNair accounted for all of Tennessee's yards in that drive, throwing for 48 yards and rushing for 14. The rest of the yardage came on penalties against the Rams. Before that, he brought the Titans back from a 16-0 deficit to tie the game. "We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today," Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement. "He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl." "If you were going to draw a football player, the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional, he is your guy," former Ravens and Titans teammate Samari Rolle said. "I can't even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today." McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns. McNair played with pain for several years, and the injuries ultimately forced him to retire. "On the field, there isn't player that was as tough as him, especially at the quarterback position," the Ravens' Derrick Mason said. "What I have seen him play through on the field, and what he dealt with during the week to get ready for a game, I have never known a better teammate." During a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season, McNair was so bruised he couldn't practice. But he started all five games and won them, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons. McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that put him in those Pro Bowls. "I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. He was a player who I admired a great deal," said New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played for them. "He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. He felt like it was his responsibility to lead by working hard every day, no matter what." Titans coach Jeff Fisher was out of the country, taking part in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq. Ozzie Newsome, Ravens executive vice president and general manager, said he immediately thought of McNair's four sons. "This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers," he said "What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years." ___ AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker and Associated Press Writer Randall Paul Dickerson contributed to this report. | |
| Brad Balfour: Dancing and Singing Holiday Hosannas Through Movie Musicals | Top |
| Okay... It's the 4th of July and the pressure's on-- Enjoy the holiday and the fireworks. Think of the country's cheer and join family and friends for a beer and a burger. Being the grump you are, all you really want is slip away into a theater and see something... But what...? Rampaging Robots? Iraq War casualties in the making...? Well, there are other alternatives such as celebrating the summer holiday through joy and celebration of cinematic musicals. On the heels (so to speak) of Lincoln Center's 50th Anniversary, The Film Society of Lincoln Center celebrates this July 4th weekend with "All Singin' All Dancin' All Weekend!"-- a marathon of American musicals spanning six decades. From young sophisticates Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Top Hat (1935) to Prince dancing away with Apollonia in Purple Rain (1984), this song and dance fest offers lavish costumes, sets and elaborate performances on the big screen--where they are rarely seen-- from Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th at the Walter Reade Theater. Of the five new 35mm prints specially made for this series three include such classics as The King and I (1956) starring Yul Brynner which garnered him a Best Actor Oscar; Pal Joey (1957) with Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Kim Novak; and Carol Reed's five-time Oscar winner Oliver! (1968). Tommy! (1975), Ken Russell's cinematic fever dream of The Who's incendiary rock opera; and cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). From the opening film, Gene Kelly's Singin' in the Rain (possibly the greatest musical ever) to his On The Town the series offer old-school classics to rock revisionist takes on the musical like Ken Russell's Tommy (another of the new prints) and Milos Forman's version of Hair. Besides those two top-flight picks, there are some of my faves I hope to see, if not on this occasion, then hopefully next year. Blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell star in Howard Hawks' 1953 hit Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Astaire and Rogers are also in George Stevens' Swing Time (1936); then there's Carmen Miranda in Busby Berkeley's The Gang's All Here plus one of my all-time favorite movies, Bob Fosse's masterpiece Cabaret (1972). [In addition to individual tickets, There are two different passes: a Day Pass (admitting one person to every screening on that day) or a Series Pass (admitting one person to five films in the series).] | |
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