Flap Your Lips Friday
Posted by Michelle Moquin on February 3rd, 2012
Good morning!
In Rediscovered Letter From 1865, Former Slave Tells Old Master To Shove It
In the summer of 1865, a former slave by the name of Jourdan Anderson sent a letter to his former master. And 147 years later, the document reads as richly as it must have back then.
The roughly 800-word letter, which has resurfaced via various blogs, websites, Twitter and Facebook, is a response to a missive from Colonel P.H. Anderson, Jourdan’s former master back in Big Spring, Tennessee. Apparently, Col. Anderson had written Jourdan asking him to come on back to the big house to work.
In a tone that could be described either as “impressively measured” or “the deadest of deadpan comedy,” the former slave, in the most genteel manner, basically tells the old slave master to kiss his rear end. He laments his being shot at by Col. Anderson when he fled slavery, the mistreatment of his children and that there “was never pay-day for the Negroes any more than for the horses and cows.”
Below is Jourdan’s letter in full, as it appears on lettersofnote.com. To take a look at what appears to be a scan of the original letter, which appeared in an August 22, 1865 edition of the New York Daily Tribune, click here. As Letters Of Note points out, the newspaper account makes clear that the letter was dictated.
Dayton, Ohio,
August 7, 1865
To My Old Master, Colonel P.H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee
Sir: I got your letter, and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon, and that you wanted me to come back and live with you again, promising to do better for me than anybody else can. I have often felt uneasy about you. I thought the Yankees would have hung you long before this, for harboring Rebs they found at your house. I suppose they never heard about your going to Colonel Martin’s to kill the Union soldier that was left by his company in their stable. Although you shot at me twice before I left you, I did not want to hear of your being hurt, and am glad you are still living. It would do me good to go back to the dear old home again, and see Miss Mary and Miss Martha and Allen, Esther, Green, and Lee. Give my love to them all, and tell them I hope we will meet in the better world, if not in this. I would have gone back to see you all when I was working in the Nashville Hospital, but one of the neighbors told me that Henry intended to shoot me if he ever got a chance.
I want to know particularly what the good chance is you propose to give me. I am doing tolerably well here. I get twenty-five dollars a month, with victuals and clothing; have a comfortable home for Mandy,—the folks call her Mrs. Anderson,—and the children—Milly, Jane, and Grundy—go to school and are learning well. The teacher says Grundy has a head for a preacher. They go to Sunday school, and Mandy and me attend church regularly. We are kindly treated. Sometimes we overhear others saying, “Them colored people were slaves” down in Tennessee. The children feel hurt when they hear such remarks; but I tell them it was no disgrace in Tennessee to belong to Colonel Anderson. Many darkeys would have been proud, as I used to be, to call you master. Now if you will write and say what wages you will give me, I will be better able to decide whether it would be to my advantage to move back again.
As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score, as I got my free papers in 1864 from the Provost-Marshal-General of the Department of Nashville. Mandy says she would be afraid to go back without some proof that you were disposed to treat us justly and kindly; and we have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and forgive old scores, and rely on your justice and friendship in the future. I served you faithfully for thirty-two years, and Mandy twenty years. At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what you paid for our clothing, and three doctor’s visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy, and the balance will show what we are in justice entitled to. Please send the money by Adams’s Express, in care of V. Winters, Esq., Dayton, Ohio. If you fail to pay us for faithful labors in the past, we can have little faith in your promises in the future. We trust the good Maker has opened your eyes to the wrongs which you and your fathers have done to me and my fathers, in making us toil for you for generations without recompense. Here I draw my wages every Saturday night; but in Tennessee there was never any pay-day for the negroes any more than for the horses and cows. Surely there will be a day of reckoning for those who defraud the laborer of his hire.
In answering this letter, please state if there would be any safety for my Milly and Jane, who are now grown up, and both good-looking girls. You know how it was with poor Matilda and Catherine. I would rather stay here and starve—and die, if it come to that—than have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young masters. You will also please state if there has been any schools opened for the colored children in your neighborhood. The great desire of my life now is to give my children an education, and have them form virtuous habits.
Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me.
From your old servant,
Jourdon Anderson.
********
Readers: I’d say ‘ol Colonel P.H. Anderson, deserves to be a member in the LSOS Club – don’t you? It’s Friday…Jourdan Anderson flapped his lips. What are yours saying?
Blog me.
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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February 3rd, 2012 at 8:23 am
I’d say he deserves a membership, Michelle.
February 3rd, 2012 at 8:49 am
THE SCREENING TESTS THAT MOST MEN MISS
If you’re a man, then there’s a good chance that you take your health for granted. Now hold on a second, I don’t mean to insult you — you are probably great at many things, but odds are that going to the doctor isn’t one of them.
A new study from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, shows that men are much less likely to get screened for cancer than women — and that’s a major cause for concern, because men have higher cancer death rates than women.
According to the most recent statistics from the CDC, three of the top five most commonly diagnosed cancers in men are prostate, colorectal and skin. And they’re all ones that the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that men should be screened for.
For most men, colorectal and prostate screenings should start at age 50 and skin exams at age 20, but the ACS suggests talking to your doctor about your personal risk factors to determine the most appropriate age. How many have you been screened for recently?
To discuss the startling Moffitt finding in more detail, I called study coauthor Jenna L. Davis, MPH, research coordinator in the department of health outcomes and behavior at the center.
The study results were published on November 8, 2011 in American Journal of Men’s Health.
WHY MEN FALL BEHIND
Researchers examined data from a large-scale, random phone survey of approximately 1,150 adults in New York City, Baltimore and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The selected cities provided wide geographic, racial and ethnic representation, Davis explained. Most participants were between the ages of 30 and 59, and 35% were men.
In their analysis of answers, Davis and her team found that…
Roughly the same percentage of men (67%) and women (66%) believed that cancer screenings successfully detected cancer all or most of the time.
Even though they had the same faith in screening, 41% of men said that they had never had any type of cancer screening — compared with just 5% of women.
This may sound hard to believe, since PSA tests (prostate screenings) and occult blood stool testing for colorectal cancer are typically included in a man’s annual physical.
Davis said that these results could be due to the fact that men have had cancer screenings but simply didn’t realize that the tests were being performed — or, perhaps more likely, it’s because many men simply skip annual physicals.
When asked about their willingness to undergo screening for the following cancers — skin, lung, oral, stomach, colorectal, liver and blood (leukemia) — men’s responses indicated that they were less willing than women when the question was put in a general way.
But, interestingly, when given specific details about the screening process, they became slightly more willing than women.
Of course, you can’t judge willingness just by what people say, so it could have been that men wanted to appear willing — which is a far cry from actually getting yourself to the doctor for a test!
MAKING SENSE OF THE RESULTS
I asked Davis about why men aren’t getting screened as much as women are. She speculated that there are numerous reasons for this.
Besides the fact that prior research has shown that men are less likely to go to the doctor than women, there’s an awareness problem.
Media coverage tends to focus more on women’s cancers than men’s cancers. Even national government agencies promote greater cancer awareness among women —
Davis noted that the National Institutes of Health has long had an Office of Research on Women’s Health, but it’s still working on one for men.
But what’s even more intriguing is Davis’s hopeful secondary finding — the silver lining is that once men learn some specifics about cancer screenings, they say that they’re more willing to go get screened than when they have only general information about the screening.
So men — listen up! According to Davis, here’s how to be more informed, so you’re more motivated…
Go to the doctor at least once a year. The more regularly you see your primary care physician, the less likely you’ll fall behind on screenings and the more questions you can ask to ease any fears.
Learn more about cancer screening. Check out ACS’s cancer screening guidelines, which include recommendations for men of all ages, so you know when to get tested for what.
Advocate for your health. If your doctor does not perform certain screenings that the guidelines above recommend, speak up and ask why.
Source:
Jenna L. Davis, MPH, research coordinator, department of health outcomes and behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:01 am
McConnell: Obama is the most divisive president I’ve served with
by Audrey Hudson and Jason Mattera
VIDEO: In an exclusive interview Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says Obama is “not into governing.”
Feb. 3, 2012 — President Barack Obama’s campaign for a second term in office has essentially ground governing in the White House to a halt, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) told HUMAN EVENTS in an exclusive interview Thursday.
“Once they get the payroll tax holiday for another ten months, they basically don’t want to do anything else with us,” said McConnell, referring to negotiations between Republican and Democrat lawmakers to extend tax cuts for the middle class.
“And he’s not into governing. He may be serving what I hope is the last ten or 11 months of his term, but the purpose has nothing to do with getting anything accomplished for the country — it’s all about the campaign,” McConnell said.
Asked if Obama was the most divisive president in modern American history, McConnell responded that he is “certainly the most divisive one I’ve served with.” McConnell has served in the Senate for 25-plus years.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:24 am
It appears the Right doesn’t always get its way. I read this on Huffpost.
=======================
Following a massive public backlash over its decision to pull funding for breast cancer screenings from Planned Parenthood, Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder Nancy Brinker apologized to the family planning organization on Friday and said Komen will preserve its eligibility for future grants.
==========================
Extreme political behavior does (eventually) have consequences.
This is a good example. Keep it up America – we really can wrest our country out of the hands of those who would take away everything we have done to make this a better place.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:26 am
Mitt Romney is on the verge of locking up the Republican nomination. And now we’re in for an incredibly close race—Gallup’s latest poll has Romney tied with President Obama.1
Romney’s election plan is simple: Blame the president for the fact that people are suffering in a bad economy.2
And with hundreds of millions of dollars to spend, there’s a good chance that it’ll work—that he’ll manage to make voters forget that Obama inherited the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
We don’t have a super PAC full of deep-pocketed 1%-ers, but we do have people power that Romney and his Wall Street friends can’t match. We’ve also got a comprehensive plan to make sure that the election’s about one thing: who stands for the 99%.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:43 am
This merely points out the inanity of arab men.
—————–
The protesters blame the police for failing to prevent the melee after a soccer match in the Mediterranean city of Port Said on Wednesday killed 74 people. The violence – the soccer world’s worst in 15 years – has fueled anger at Egypt’s ruling military generals and the already widely distrusted police force.
——————————-
Why the melee in the first place? Fighting over a soccer game is par for the course for men who claim that a woman’s dress will force them to disobey the teachings of Islam.
Hafsah
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:45 am
So Planned Parenthood can strong arm itself back into getting funding for its abortion mills. Breast exam screeings?
Give me a break! These are not at all a major focus of PP, is a service widely available through many other community venues, and is only a means to fund and recruit customers for their money making (usually cash only) procedures.
What needs to be in the media is good coverage of the criminal investigations into Planned Parenthood and how they are duping their donors into funding activities that are getting them into legal trouble.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 am
“To be clear, Komen’s apology is not a promise to renew Planned Parenthood grants. It’s a promise to “continue to fund existing grants” to the organization — which it was already planning on doing — and to make it eligible for future grants.
At no point in the press release does Brinker promise that Komen will renew grants to Planned Parenthood.” – in other words, continue the course, cut the funding once the dust settles in.
I and mine will still BOYCOTT!
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:47 am
We call for the firing of vice president Karen Handel, who ran for governor of Georgia on an anti-Planned Parenthood platform if you truly “do not want our mission marred or affected by politics – anyone’s politics.
” Handel holding the vice-presidency of Susan G. Komen is clearly in conflict with that “mission”.
You “ask for the public’s understanding and patience as we gather our Komen affiliates from around the country to determine how to move forward in the best interests of the women and people we serve.”
We consider the next step the firing of Karen Handel – otherwise we doubt your sincerity.
Lauren Simon
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:48 am
I’m sure Komen’s motives are not altruistic. They are ONLY reversing their decision because of the LARGE PUBLIC OUTCRY, and the potential for lost contributions and sponsors in the future.
Busted – good.
Maybe, this will reverse the unfortunate trend that PP has had to endure, especially in the last few years.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:48 am
Weasel-worded semi-apology.
They have shown their true selves to the world, and the world didn’t like what it saw. Now they are back-pedaling to try to save what is now “damaged goods”.
Sorry, not good enough. My future contributions will continue to go elsewhere.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:05 am
Frankly Michelle, that letter doesn’t ring true. It reminds me of the kind of feel good stories one sees on the net about racism all the time. Like this one.
==================
A 50-something year old white woman arrived at her seat and saw that the passenger next to her was a black man. Visibly furious, she called the air hostess.
“What’s the problem, ma’am?” the hostess asked her.
“Can’t you see?” the lady said – “I was given a seat next to a black man. I can’t seat here next to him. You have to change my seat”
- “Please, calm down, ma’am.” – said the hostess.
“Unfortunately, all the seats are occupied, but I’m still going to check if we have anything available.”
The hostess left and returned some minutes later.
“Madam, as I told you, there isn’t any empty seats in this economy class section. We only have seats vacant in first class.”
“Look, it is unusual for our company to allow a passenger from the economy class change to the first class.
However, given the circumstances, the commandant thinks that it would be a scandal to make a passenger travel sat next to an unpleasant person.”
And turning to the black man, the hostess said:
“Which means, Sir, if you would be so nice to pack your handbag, we have reserved you a seat in the first class…”
And all the passengers nearby, who were shocked to see the scene started applauding, some standing on their feet.”
======================
A nice feel good story. But we all know that it never happened.
I’m not black. But I’m guessing that back in those days if a black man just out of slavery could read it would be a miracle.
If he could write also, he most certainly wouldn’t have the gift to write this sarcastically.
As much as I would love for it to have been true. It is my guess that the Colonel got away with his terrible treatment of his slaves and lived to a ripe old age despite his evil deeds as those who do so today do.
Henry
But thanks for the good feeling it gave me anyway, Michelle.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:12 am
Simple Stretches That Really Do Relieve Pain
If you suffer from pain or stiffness due to an injury, arthritis or even a neurological disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, a type of bodywork known as Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) may give you more relief than you ever thought possible.
What makes AIS different: While most other stretching techniques recommend doing each stretch for 30 seconds or longer, AIS uses brief, two-second stretches that are done eight to 10 times each.
What’s the advantage of quick, repeated stretches? This approach gives the muscle a full stretch without triggering its stretch reflex—an automatic defense mechanism that causes the muscle to contract and ultimately undo many of the stretch’s benefits.
The result is that muscles stretch more efficiently and avoid the buildup of waste products that lead to muscle soreness.
Developed by American kinesiologist Aaron Mattes about 35 years ago, AIS also stretches each muscle group at a variety of different angles, thus stretching all muscle fibers equally.
A MINI REGIMEN
To get a sense of AIS, try the stretches in this article. While doing each one, slowly count to yourself “one-one thousand, two-one thousand”—never any longer than two seconds. Always exhale while performing the stretch and inhale as you return to the starting position.
The first repetition of each stretch should be gentle…the second should go up to the point where you begin to feel resistance.
Subsequent repetitions should push just beyond this point (with the help of your hands, a rope or other aid, if necessary) to go a few degrees further each time, thus providing a maximum stretch. If you feel discomfort during a stretch, stop the stretch at that point.
If a stretch feels painful from the start, then skip it.
Daily AIS exercises that help relieve common types of pain…*
SHOULDER STRETCHES
Purpose: To help prevent muscle strain and joint sprain by increasing flexibility.
1.With your right elbow bent, position your right arm at a 90º angle in front of your body. Place your right palm on the back of your right shoulder.
Exhale and extend your flexed arm upward as far as possible. Gently assist the stretch with your left hand. Repeat eight to 10 times on each side.
2. With your right elbow bent and your right arm positioned at a 90º angle in front of your body, place your right palm on the back of your right shoulder.
Drop a two- to three-foot rope over your right shoulder and grasp the bottom of it with your left hand. Gently pull the rope to move your right arm upward behind your neck at a 45º angle for a maximum stretch.
Return to the starting position after each repetition. Repeat eight to 10 times on each side.
NECK STRETCHES
Purpose: To help prevent neck injuries, relieve stiffness and improve range of motion.
1. Tuck your chin as close to your neck as possible. Put both your hands on the back of your head and, while keeping your back straight, gently bend your neck forward, bringing your chin as close to your chest as you can. Return to starting position. Repeat 10 times.
2. Gently bend your head to the right side, moving your right ear as close as possible to the top of your right shoulder.
Exhale and place your right hand on the left side of your head to gently extend the stretch. Keep your left shoulder down.
Focus your eyes on a point directly in front of your body to keep your head in an aligned position. Repeat 10 times on both sides.
GETTING STARTED
For people who are new to AIS, I advise working with an AIS practitioner for hands-on instruction. If the movements are done incorrectly, you will get no benefits and could even hurt yourself.
To find a practitioner near you, go to http://www.StretchingUSA.com and click on the “A.I.S. Therapists” link. Sessions are not typically covered by insurance and usually range from $50 to $150 per session.
The Web site also offers books, including Specific Stretching for Everyone, and DVDs if you prefer to learn a complete AIS regimen on your own.
Bottom Line/Health interviewed Ben Benjamin, PhD, a sports medicine and muscular therapy practitioner since 1963.
The founder of The Benjamin Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, http://www.BenBenjamin.com, he conducts seminars and workshops on Active Isolated Stretching across the US and is the author of several books, including Listen to Your Pain:
The Active Person’s Guide to Understanding, Identifying, and Treating Pain and Injury (Penguin).
*Check with your doctor before performing these movements.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:35 am
HOWIE Says:
February 2nd, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Oili (#32):
===============
Howie, thanks for writing to my sister. She will arrive in Houston today. This is her first time in the US. I am a serious UFO enthusiast.
You are my favorite UFO man. I surf the net all the time looking for UFO info. You are without parallel. You are the Man when it comes to understanding extraterrestrials.
I printed your response to my sister. I love America.
Dejan
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:40 am
I looks like we may be getting some help on the bank fraud front.
I am heartened by this! The fraud has been going on for a long, long time, and they should be held accountable for fleecing ordinary people and redistributing ill-gotten gains into the pockets of the greedy financiers.
This could have a big impact if we can push some legislation… How about some social media impact? Anyone, anyone? We’ve seen what it can do!
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:14 am
I know for a fact that Israel with approval of the US will hit Iran in April. The need to do it soon is because some arab women have informed Israel that the bomb is about ready to be ready.
The crucial point is will it be successful. That will depend on the accuracy of the information we have received from inside Iran.
Please ladies keep it coming. This will be good for all women. We have to stop allowing the men of our countries to determine the qualities of our lives.
Beula
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:16 am
Zen Lill, your response to Ym was so well spoken.
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:43 am
It will be very difficult to take out all of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Even if it could Iran would still have the knowledge of how to build a nuclear bomb.
Some of us here in Israel are afraid that this will put an inordinate amount of pressure on the US presidential election.
No one here wants to confront Iran and the rest of the Middle East without the kind of leadership that President Obama commands in the world.
Israel leaders know that if Obama is replaced by Romney or Gingrich, war will break out in the Middle East because there will be no one in the US with the statue to bring the differing parties to the table.
Obama is trusted by both Israel and most arab nations to work with both sides to defuse the issues.
Degana
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:56 am
Zen Lill;
I wish I could express my opinions the way you do. I agree sometimes a woman is in a situation that most men could never imagine.
Women can’t force a man to stay in a relationship with them by threatening to physically harm them.
Plus how often does a woman have the ability to use money as a means to force a man to stay in a relationship with them?
I can understand why a woman would choose to have an affair rather that risk physical or financial harm by leading angry spouse or lover.
Gloria
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:00 pm
So the TAO tricked the underground aliens into believing that sending a cold wave towards the US would be equal to sending a earthquake.
So look for a series of very cold weather incidents. We believe that if this cold weather sting doesn’t hurt the earthling, this will be a clear indication that the TAO can not be trusted to have the aliens best interest of alien vs earthlings.
we7ne/3
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:09 pm
The household survey says unemployment has fallen. Jobs are being created.
A few days after American Airlines announced it would lay off 15,000 employees and other companies are laying off as well, the unemployment rate fell with new hires.
It is good news for Barack Obama, except not really.
The unemployment rate fell, but so did the number of people participating in the workforce. If those people were factored in, the unemployment rate would be 11 percent.
In fact, people 55 years and older and people just entering the workforce are having a ridiculously hard time finding jobs.
We know this is so by the number of foreclosures in the country — which are still high. The household survey data suggests good news for Barack Obama’s re-election prospects, but reality suggests otherwise.
70 percent of Americans, according to Rasmussen, know someone struggling to find a job. And these people will take it out on the incumbent.
But there is a danger for the GOP. If the unemployment number keeps falling, they’ll need a bigger platform than just claiming they can put people back to work.
They will have to work hard to cut through the media noise cheerleading unemployment numbers that ignore those who’ve just given up on Obama’s hope.
—Erick Erickson
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:13 pm
The republicans are starting to be afraid that Obama could get re-elected if the economy continues to improve. So they are doubling down on attempting to get rid of “that nigger in the attorney-general’s office” so he won’t go after them or their masters for fraud and other crimes.
Mike
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:18 pm
I check in to see if you have an opinion of the hot issues on the blog Al because my mother saids “that man has the wit and humor of your father.”
My father died when I was 9. I don’t remember him much. If it’s true that you are like my father, I couldn’t be more proud. I like the way you think.
Erica
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Protecting the Medicare Guarantee,
Making Homeownership More Affordable
February 3, 2012
Protecting the Medicare Guarantee
This week, House Republicans doubled down on their pledge to let Medicare “wither on the vine,” leading to an end of the guarantee and an increase in costs for our seniors.
But House Democrats—as we have for 45 years—will fight vigorously to protect and strengthen Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations.
While the GOP continues to prioritize ending the Medicare guarantee, my Democratic colleagues and I are focused on the immediate concerns of the American people.
Congress must pass legislation to extend the payroll tax cut, extend unemployment benefits for millions of Americans, and ensure seniors on Medicare can keep their doctor.
In San Francisco, the payroll tax cut extension will put more than $1,400 in the pockets of the average working family. It is time to act.
Leader Pelosi joins members of the California delegation of Communications Workers of America (CWA) at their Biennial Legislative Conference.
Making Homeownership More Affordable
This week, President Obama laid out a plan to help responsible borrowers refinance their loans and avoid foreclosure.
As part of the President’s Blueprint for an America Built to Last, homeowners would have access to broad based refinancing opportunities at historically low mortgage rates.
The plan, which would save eligible borrowers an average of $3,000 a year, requires Congress to enact a new law. Furthermore, the President’s plan would create a Homeowner Bill of Rights, establishing standards to ensure that borrowers are adequately informed about the provisions of their loans and providing protection for families against inappropriate foreclosure.
The President’s plan is a step in the right direction towards strengthening our nation’s housing market, but more must be done.
Celebrating Black History Month
Each February, we celebrate American diversity with a particular focus on the contributions of the African American community to our nation.
We recommit ourselves to promoting the fundamental values of equality and fairness. And we strive to build a brighter future for all.
Our celebration of Black History Month this year is made even more vibrant with the newly dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington D.C.
Now, Dr. King stands on an axis of leadership between Presidents Lincoln and Jefferson; this is as a testament to strength and determination, not only of an individual, but of an entire community.
Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends.
To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website.
I am also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NancyPelosi.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Gingrich is now calling Romney the “little food stamp president,” and Obama the big food stamp president.
Think about it ladies when men us the terms “little” and “big” in the same sentence they are usually referring to the size of their sexual appendage.
That would be about the only time I could agree with Newt. Little romney vs Big Obama.
Yeah, I can agree with you newt.
Norma
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:43 pm
It would be foolish to claim that minorities are no longer oppressed or exploited.
Just look at the way schools in poor neighborhoods are funded, so that they are crumbling, unsafe, hideous, outdated, and dangerous, and extrapolate from there to the opportunities they won’t have as adults.
But if you don’t like the racial aspect of the letter, think of it as an exploited WORKER telling his former boss that he will not continue to submit to low wages, bad treatment, and humiliating living conditions. Surely you can say “right on!” to that?
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Mike, buddy you are right on about the republicans going after the AG.
They figure it is a win win because if they can’t force him out it might slow down his pursuit of them when Obama gets re-elected because he will think that an aggressive legal pursuit of them would look like revenge.
And if that doesn’t work they can bring that charge themselves.
Anonz
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Michelle, how come the slave and the owner has the same last name? That is so cruel.
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Kelly, thank you.
Gloria (and all you men out there, listen up), yes, what you stated makes the case for why women become great liars when engaged in extracurricular activity, it’s out of necessity, bc there’s muuuccccch more at stake (violence, stigma that is not attached to male affairs, financial loss, no forgiveness bc of gender jealousy/possessiveness- a whole topic of its own this one, etc…)…and oh, men love to work that issue in conversations about this topic.
Most men engage carelessly and get caught out almost knowing they’ll be forgiven bc yes, in a lot of cases they control the physical safety and/or purse strings so they feel entitled to do as they please and be forgiven…and it is cheaper to keep him : ) and dudes, if you’re forgiven and even if it doesn’t feel like it, more often then not, you’ve lost a bit of the allegiance you expect/feel entitled to from your woman, and if you’re forgiven pretty easily, you can also lose the illusion – bc she knew and someone’s making love to your old lady while you were out makin’ love (that’s a really old song), she’s just giving you the same nod she’s giving herself and really you should just shut up and suck it up when that occurs bc you pretty much asked for it. : D
If female sexuality in general was as straight forward as a man’s we’d already be ruling the world and you’d all enjoy it, but no, we’ve got barbaric cultures hiding behind religion using violence to control and in Western society we have self imposed psychological misconceptions going on, all in the name of ‘religious ‘values’ – add to that the fact that 40% of women will at some point in life have a sexual/hormonal issue of some kind and few will have a supportive spouse to go with that fact. Add to that the fact that while genital mutilation was outlawed years ago it still goes on and many women come for treatment and many of them have serious psychological scars that are difficult to overcome, I admire their courage and tenacity bc it’s a challenging road but there is HOPE and i find that the human spirit, particularly in women, never ceases to amaze me in this regard.
Men on the other hand, have the size issue (it is, sadly, – unfixable, so stop being angry and live with it and get great with your hands/mouth and learn best positions, someone will appreciate you) and a premature ejaculation issue (so easily fixable it’s pathetic, but for that fix, I charge money : ) – if men can identify with this and you think your woman is cheating bc of it, well…perhaps you should overlook it and work on what I wrote in parentheses bc there’s hope for you yet, that’s the good news.
…and I have to agree that the story writing is feel good though I question it’s authenticity (wish I didn’t).
Luv, Zen Lill
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:53 pm
re: last paragraph, and no I don’t touch you to fix the issue, it’s even easier than that…ZL
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Doesn’t all of the above comment make a nice case for openness and honesty in a relationship, it’s risky but worth it, bc it’s usually the mega-lies and covert behavior/actions that result in the hurt and mistrust involved in cheating, the bodies grinding is easier to get past…and that is just my opinion, though it’s what I hear most from others of both genders. – ZL
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:59 pm
I take that back…I hear that predominantly from women, men who say it feel very magnanimous about it…I apologize for saying that. – ZL
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Zen Lill:
I’d kill to have your communication skills.
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Beula, in answer to your request. My fiancee has already left on a mission to do damage to US interest. He belongs to a 1,000 cell unit that is committed to attacking US interest in a particular area.
All I know is that the cells are made up of 1,000 members assigned to different countries with US facilities including a 6,000, 6 cell, unit assigned to enter the US and inflict maximum harm in America.
The main interest is to disrupt the US presidential election process. Iran is desperate to get Obama out. They believe their petitions will fare better if someone else is in the office when Israel strikes Iran.
If any of the arab women get information that they can get out we will do our best. There is nothing for women to benefit from here in Iran because the men have us totally under their every whim.
It is our belief that unless women unite across the political and philosophic lines drawn by men.
Adiva
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Ditto Zen Lill
February 3rd, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Al, are you out there? Remember I saw the greatness in you before all the johhnie come latelys.
Your true Florida Fan
Linda
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Mystery Allergies
You never used to have allergies, but now you do—at least you think you do. You’ve got the symptoms—the sneezing, stuffiness and runny nose.
But adults who suddenly are sensitive to things that didn’t bother them before, such as fragrances, smoke, detergents, lotions or even aspirin, might have nonallergic rhinitis, a condition that mimics allergies but isn’t quite the same.
The difference is important because many of the medications that are used to treat allergies don’t work for nonallergic rhinitis even when the symptoms virtually are identical.
NO IMMUNE RESPONSE
True allergies are characterized by a release of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory substance that causes irritation and swelling of the nasal tissues.
Nonallergic rhinitis is different. It causes irritation, but the irritation isn’t related to histamine and the underlying cause is unknown.
Unlike allergies, which usually develop in childhood, nonallergic rhinitis mainly occurs in adults, affecting up to 10% of American adults.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The only way to prove that someone has nonallergic rhinitis rather than an allergy is with skin-prick or blood tests. If you test negative, your symptoms probably are due to nonallergic causes.
Main symptoms: Most patients with nonallergic rhinitis suffer from nasal congestion, a runny nose and/or postnasal drip.
Many patients also have conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), along with coughing and sometimes a headache.
They’re somewhat less likely than allergy patients to be bothered by sneezing or nasal itching, and they’re rarely bothered by watery eyes.
It’s tricky to distinguish the two because many patients have mixed rhinitis, a combination of allergic and nonallergic reactions.
Example: One of my patients, a 46-year-old man, is sensitive to (not allergic to) detergents but also sneezes a lot because of allergies.
Self-test: Take a nonsedating oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra), for a week or two.
Medication will help only if you have allergies. It won’t make a difference for nonallergic rhinitis.
PREVENTION
The most effective way to prevent symptoms is with avoidance…
Avoid colognes and other scented personal-care products. Look for household products with no scent.
Don’t burn candles indoors, even unscented ones. All candles emit soot, which can trigger reactions.
Wear a mask or respirator when working with wood, paints, varnishes and the like.
Switch to acetaminophen if you need a painkiller for another condition such as arthritis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can trigger nonallergic rhinitis.
TREATMENTS
Talk to your doctor about your choices, including…
Oral decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine (such as Actifed and Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine).
Prescription antihistamine nasal sprays, such as azelastine (Astelin). Unlike oral antihistamines, the sprays help relieve symptoms
Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Michael S. Blaiss, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics and medicine at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, and past-president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
He is a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Asthma and Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. His private practice, Allergy and Asthma Care, is in Memphis.
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:11 pm
It has now been confirmed that STARK accepted $2million cash each to pass the Citizens law from the Koch brothers.
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Thank god that there are good decent philanthropists like the Koch brothers who care enough about the future of America to sacrifice their fortunes, in order to help America move forward and back towards prosperity, and away from the dispair of the socialism that Obama wishes so dearly to inflict on all of us, and give us a glimmer of hope that we can recover from this Obama-damaged economy!
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:14 pm
If true Anonz, that is truly scary stuff.
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:18 pm
This is a reason to be furious with the republican party.
Get off the sidelines.
Get involved in the election. Don’t let the wealthy buy our election, and the next Supreme Court justices.
February 3rd, 2012 at 4:34 pm
As an attorney it saddens me to say the Supreme Court of the United States appears to be corrupt.
February 3rd, 2012 at 6:17 pm
I find it funny how the rich will cry about “socialism” however it is the rich that always get the bailouts and low tax rates that are being shouldered by the poor huddled masses…the ignorant irony is simply amazing. It just goes to show that the richest people are not smarter than anyone else, simply corrupted and greedy.
February 4th, 2012 at 7:43 am
In my comment #5 (January 31), I wrote about the State of Texas changing their textbooks to be politically correct and sanitize such things as the horrors of Slavery which took place in our country’s past. Zen Lill comment #29 (January 31) mentioned “Kindles.” and I had an epiphany.
I did not even think about Kindles when I wrote my comment yesterday. Zen Lill, I thank you for writing about our new technology which makes it so easy to change the content of any book ever written — It is Kindle. the digital book reading device.
If books are not printed and kept in libraries and book shelves in institutions and homes throughout the world, they can be digitally altered by companies suchas ‘Kindle’ — Who would know? With enough money the rights to anything can be purchased. It seems like Kindle is a gift from the Devil, from which we can cause even more chaos on earth.
History can be altered and books revised so millions can download them with these revisions, including anything that which is not politically correct at the present time. These alterations can be used to validate ideas that cults or political groups with power want to appear mainstream or for anyone’s agenda which requires a little change to a book to validate them.
We can now customize history or religious text to fit into the niches of any government or organization. Books do not have to be written — they just have to be altered or sanitized digitally to fit the agendas of certain organizations. WOW, instant revisions can turn up in any book that is in the digital realm. Just turn on your Kindle and read the altered truth. Who will regulate book altering? — the government? They are incapable of regulating anything when someone can be bribed. All it takes is wealth.
This is where computer technology has taken us. We are now able to change what we do not like or agree with in any book, or reminds us about things we do not want to read about, such as what really happened in history as apposed to a sanitized version.
We have created a Monster as evil as any Mary Shelly or H.G. Wells concoct in their eras.
Kindle used in the wrong hands can cause so much trouble. We do not need to burn books anymore, we can adjust them to suit our particular needs. We are being turned into “Sheeple” and this will speed up the process. I do not look forward to our future when devices such as Kindle exist. Johannes Gutenberg would roll over in his grave.
The 1 or 2%’ers are probably laughing all the way to their Swiss Bank Accounts. They know that they will be able to erase the bad reputation their families carry by changing the written word — Books that write about the history of their Billionaire Families, for instance, can change them into benevolent philanthropic families that only did good for this world totally unselfishly, instead of telling the truth of the terror which many Billionaire Families have wronged society throughout history.
HOWIE
February 4th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Howie, a good “read” of the disappearing “truth” from the literary world. In order to rectify this issue, truth will lend itself to grass roots levels. So, when the Koch Bros. and other fascist greedy ass fucks pay STARK enough to control the internet, human freedom will be gone. With no means to distribute truth society will be lost.
February 4th, 2012 at 8:47 am
Doug the Main Dude:
Bravo! Freedom and TRUTH will be a thing of the past.
HOWIE