May 23, 2013

Friday Open Thread- African-American Cowboys

January 6, 2012 by 551 Comments

 

John Ware (1845– 1905) was an African-American and later African-Canadian cowboy, best remembered for his ability to ride and train horses and for bringing the first cattle to southern Alberta in 1882, helping to create that province’s important ranching industry.

Ware was born into slavery in South Carolina. After the American Civil War he left the Carolinas for Texas where he learned the skills of a rancher and became a cowboy.Ware’s great stature and dedication to hard work made him a natural and allowed him to work his way up to Canada driving cattle from Texas up to Montana and then up into the great plains that would eventually become Alberta. Upon his arrival in Calgary he found work at the Bar-U and Quorn ranches  before starting his own ranch near the Red Deer river. By 1900, he and his wife, Mildred, had five children.  He moved from the Calgary area to a spot northeast of the village of Duchess, Alberta. In 1902 his first home was destroyed by the spring flood. He rebuilt on higher ground overlooking a stream, now called Ware Creek. Three years later Mildred died of pneumonia in the spring; despite being a master horseman John was killed in the fall when his horse tripped in a badger hole crushing its rider and breaking his neck. Ware’s funeral was reported to be one of the largest held in the early days of Calgary.

Like any folk hero there are a wide range of tales about his ability to eat, ride, shoot, and contribute to Western culture. It is said that he was never tossed from a wild horse and that he popularized steer wrestling which would then become a highlight of the Calgary stampede. The Blackfoot First Nations people reportedly called him “Matoxy Sex Apee Quin” (bad black white man) because of his courage and enormous strength, and wondered if he had connections to the spirit world. The story of John Ware is that of a remarkable figure in history who helped to lay the foundations of the ranching industry in western Canada and at the same time defying stereotypes. Born a slave Ware worked his way to being one of the most well respected figures in frontier Alberta crossing race lines thanks to his good nature and hard work. He is the subject of a biography, John Ware’s Cow Country by J. W. Grant MacEwan. Several geographical features near the Wares’ ranch are named in their honor:

John Ware
Ridge Mount Ware
Ware Creek

Other namesakes include ‘John Ware Junior High School’ in southwest Calgary, the John Ware building at Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic, a polytechnic undergraduate college, and the John Ware 4-H Beef Club in Duchess, Alberta. In 1958 the modest log cabin that was the family home from 1900-1905 was relocated from its prairie setting near Millicent, Alberta to the Red Deer River valley in Dinosaur Provincial Park, about 20 km to the east. The cabin was restored and re-dedicated in 2002.

None of John and Mildred’s five children who lived to adulthood had descendants. Their last surviving daughter, Nettie, died on her ninety-sixth birthday in March 1989 in Vulcan, Alberta. Their last son, Arthur, died in Burnaby, British Columbia in May 1989. However relatives of Mildred Ware still reside in New Jersey and British Columbia.

***Information Courtesy of Wikipedia.org***

Filed Under: African Americans Tagged With: , , ,
  • GN

    This week’s series has been terrific. Thank you for highlighting these outstanding artists, and thank you a million to all of the trustees for continuing the wsy2 experience without missing a beat. This is wonderful.

  • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

    Mornin’ POU!

    U.S. Is Set to Sue a Dozen Big Banks Over Mortgages
    By NELSON D. SCHWARTZ

    The federal agency that oversees the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is set to file suits against more than a dozen big banks, accusing them of misrepresenting the quality of mortgage securities they assembled and sold at the height of the housing bubble, and seeking billions of dollars in compensation.

    The Federal Housing Finance Agency suits, which are expected to be filed in the coming days in federal court, are aimed at Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, among others, according to three individuals briefed on the matter.

    The suits stem from subpoenas the finance agency issued to banks a year ago. If the case is not filed Friday, they said, it will come Tuesday, shortly before a deadline expires for the housing agency to file claims.

    The suits will argue the banks, which assembled the mortgages and marketed them as securities to investors, failed to perform the due diligence required under securities law and missed evidence that borrowers’ incomes were inflated or falsified. When many borrowers were unable to pay their mortgages, the securities backed by the mortgages quickly lost value.

    Fannie and Freddie lost more than $30 billion, in part as a result of the deals, losses that were borne mostly by taxpayers.

    In July, the agency filed suit against UBS, another major mortgage securitizer, seeking to recover at least $900 million, and the individuals with knowledge of the case said the new litigation would be similar in scope.

    Private holders of mortgage securities are already trying to force the big banks to buy back tens of billions in soured mortgage-backed bonds, but this federal effort is a new chapter in a huge legal fight that has alarmed investors in bank shares. In this case, rather than demanding that the banks buy back the original loans, the finance agency is seeking reimbursement for losses on the securities held by Fannie and Freddie.

    The impending litigation underscores how almost exactly three years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the beginning of a financial crisis caused in large part by subprime lending, the legal fallout is mounting.

    Besides the angry investors, 50 state attorneys general are in the final stages of negotiating a settlement to address abuses by the largest mortgage servicers, including Bank of America, JPMorgan and Citigroup. The attorneys general, as well as federal officials, are pressing the banks to pay at least $20 billion in that case, with much of the money earmarked to reduce mortgages of homeowners facing foreclosure.

    And last month, the insurance giant American International Group filed a $10 billion suit against Bank of America, accusing the bank and its Countrywide Financial and Merrill Lynch units of misrepresenting the quality of mortgages that backed the securities A.I.G. bought.

    MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/business/us-is-set-to-sue-dozen-big-banks-over-mortgages.html

  • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

    Obama Backs Bill Barring Discrimination Against Jobless
    By CATHERINE RAMPELL

    We’ve written before about job ads and hiring practices that exclude unemployed candidates from applying. Mitchell Hirsch, an associate at the National Employment Law Project, recently alerted me that President Obama had expressed support for outlawing such practices.

    From an interview with the president on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, a national radio program, which aired on Tuesday:

    Well, there is no doubt that folks who have been unemployed longer than six months have a tougher time getting back into the job market. Now, the single most important thing we can do is just have the economy strong so that employers aren’t as choosy because they’ve got to hire because their businesses are expanding.

    But we have seen instances in which employers are explicitly saying we don’t want to take a look at folks who’ve been unemployed. Well, that makes absolutely no sense, and I know there’s legislation that I’m supportive of that says you cannot discriminate against folks because they’ve been unemployed, particularly when you’ve seen so many folks who, through no fault of their own, ended up being laid off because of the difficulty of this recession.

    Mr. Obama appears to be referring to this bill, introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut.
    http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/obama-backs-bill-barring-discrimination-against-jobless/

    • GN

      The equal employment opportunity commission (EEOC) has been highlighting the issue of employers discriminating against unemployed jobseekers for months. Another little known fact: under President Obama, the EEOC has started to scrutinize the use of credit checks to bar people from jobs where there is no evidence that those checks predict job performance in any way shape or form (studies prove the opposite, actually). The rationale is that the Great Recession left too many Americans underwater for employers to be setting up arbitrary barriers to employment. The EEOC is currently suing Kaplan on this basis.

      • Town

        And Kaplan is owned by the Washington Post. Watch and observe.

      • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

        Good info, GN! This will definitely help our community, but let some folks tell it, PBO’s not doing anything for Black people.

      • gobrooklyn

        Good. It should be illegal in every state.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GIQMY4KEE2UAH3X3DCFYGB5UXY Desraye

      Finally a person in Congress thats doing their job.

  • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

    Nonfarm payroll flat in Aug, jobless rate 9.1%

    By Greg Robb

    WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) – Job growth was unchanged in August, the weakest performance in almost a year, the Labor Department said Friday. The weak report was lower than the 53,000 gain expected by Wall Street economists. A strike at Verizon Communications Inc cut 45,000 from payrolls in the month. The unemployment rate held steady at 9.1% as expected. Average hourly earnings decreased 0.1% to $23.09. Economists had been expecting a 0.1% gain. Earnings are up only 1.9% in the past year. The average workweek fell six minutes to 34.2 hours.

    http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nonfarm-payroll-flat-in-aug-jobless-rate-91-2011-09-02

  • http://winthemarket.com/the-spontaneous-healing-plan/ woody45

    Tuxedo Junction. In think that was the original version by Erskine Hawkins.

    I wanted to thank you for this series. These photographers were tremendous artists that captured images that for me brought back some memories but also were a revelation.

    Thanks again.

  • GreenLadyHere

    GOOD FRIDAY MORNTIN” –POU FAM —***BIG HUGS*** :>)

    – –Ooooeee —so many graphs of data. :>)

    — THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION — AUGUST 2011 (Still at 9.1%)

    – - – -Nonfarm payroll employment was unchanged (0) in August, and the unemployment rate held at 9.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment in most major industries changed little over the month. Health care continued to add jobs, and a decline in information employment reflected a strike. Government employment continued to trend down, despite the return of workers from a partial government shutdown in Minnesota.

    Household Survey Data

    The number of unemployed persons, at 14.0 million, was essentially unchanged in August, and the unemployment rate held at 9.1 percent. The rate has shown little change since April. (See table A-1.)

    Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (8.9 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (25.4 percent), whites (8.0 percent), blacks (16.7 percent), and Hispanics (11.3 percent) showed little or no change in August. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.)

    The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) was about unchanged at 6.0 million in August and accounted for 42.9 percent of the unemployed. (See table A-12.)

    The labor force rose to 153.6 million in August. Both the civilian labor force participation rate, at 64.0 percent, and the employment-population ratio, at 58.2 percent, were little changed. (See table A-1.)

    The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) rose from 8.4 million to 8.8 million in August. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. (See table A-8.)

    About 2.6 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force in August, up from 2.4 million a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.)

    Among the marginally attached, there were 977,000 discouraged workers in August, down by 133,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.6 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in August had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. (See table A-16.)

    Establishment Survey Data

    Total nonfarm payroll employment, at 131.1 million, was unchanged (0) in August. Employment changed little in most major private-sector industries. (See table B-1.)

    Health care employment rose by 30,000 in August. Ambulatory health care services and hospitals added 18,000 and 8,000 jobs, respectively. Over the past 12 months, health care employment has grown by 306,000.

    Employment in mining continued to trend up in August (+6,000). Since reaching a trough in October 2009, employment in mining has risen by 144,000, with mining support activities accounting for most of the gain.

    Within professional and business services, computer systems design and related services added 8,000 jobs in August. Employment in temporary help services changed little over the month (+5,000) and has shown little movement on net so far this year.

    Employment in the information industry declined by 48,000 in August. About 45,000 workers in the telecommunications industry were on strike and thus off company payrolls during the survey reference period.

    Manufacturing employment was essentially unchanged in August (-3,000), following a gain of 36,000 in July. For the past 4 months, manufacturing has added an average of 14,000 jobs per month, compared with an average of 35,000 jobs per month in the first 4 months of the year.

    Elsewhere in the private sector, employment in construction; trade, transportation, and utilities; financial activities; and leisure and hospitality changed little over the month.

    Government employment continued to trend down over the month (-17,000). Despite the return of about 22,000 workers from a partial government shutdown in Minnesota, employment in state government changed little in August (+5,000). Employment in local government continued to decline. Since employment peaked in September 2008, local government has lost 550,000 jobs.

    The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged down by 0.1 hour over the month to 34.2 hours. The manufacturing workweek was 40.3 hours for the third consecutive month; factory overtime increased by 0.1 hour over the month to 3.2 hours. The average workweek for production and nonsupervisory employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged down to 33.5 hours in August, after holding at 33.6 hours for the prior 6 months. (See tables B-2 and B-7.)

    In August, average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls decreased by 3 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $23.09. This decline followed an 11-cent gain in July. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 1.9 percent. In August, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees decreased by 2 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $19.47. (See tables B-3 and B-8.)

    The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for June was revised from +46,000 to +20,000, and the change for July was revised from +117,000 to +85,000.

    • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

      I’m reading the POU Twitter feed and Cornel West apologist, Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. has hopped on the increased AA unemployment rate, however I don’t recall him tweeting when last month’s AA unemployment rate dropped to 15.9%.

      They pick and choose. They pick and choose.

      • Miranda

        They just flat out lie too. They are truly despicable.

        • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

          And of course, he brings it back to PBO:

          esglaude Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
          We have to stop fighting over President Obama and fighting for those who are increasingly losing hope.

          • GN

            He need not get it twisted; the sole patrol and only the sole patrol is fighting President Obama, the rest of us are fighting to keep the GOP out of the WH and a black man from being scapegoated for the evil which the teaparty is doing in the House right now. They need to stop trying to hide their jealousy and personal pettiness behind black people.

      • GreenLadyHere

        Good Friday MornTin’ Sepia – — – -***BIG HUG*** :>)

        FIRST —THANK U 4 sharin’ the “twitter feed”. :>)

        —Good phrase —”PICK [as in --on MR. PRESIDENT!!]. . . .CHOOSE

        [as in data that HE/THEY wish would show MR. PRESIDENT in an ---UN-favorable light.]

        – —***sigh*** —4-EVA!!- -

        I’m ALWAYS keepin’ in mind of the NEGATIVE EFFECTS —of ALL the NATURAL DISASTERS that — have occurred —THIS year!

        I needta do some research on the numbers of these disasters in previous years —as in —during OTHER PRESIDENCIES.

        I’m sure that the figures R LOWER.

        Good 2 C U. :>) Have a Blessed day. :>)

  • GreenLadyHere

    GOOD FRIDAY MORNTIN’ Miranda! ***BIG HUG*** :>)

    WOW&1/2!! – —THIS entry reads like that– LAST FLURRY of FIREWORKS– on the 4th of July. :>) —-So MUCH FUN!! :>)

    – - – -Annnd —He was a FIRST!! :>) — – -De Carava’s prints and persuaded him to apply for a Guggenheim fellowship which he was awarded in 1952, the first black artist ever to be awarded a Guggenheim.

    – — -What an HONOR. :>) – - –

    Annnd THIS – - – - ->Powerful and serene, his approach to the medium heralded a new, artistically and emotionally driven context for creative photography. His contribution to American photography and culture is manifold.”

    He was an — -ARTISTIC SOCIAL ACTIVIST!- —-VERY POWERFUL. :>)

    THANK U Miranda –4 this powerful series with this different PERSPECTIVE of the ARTISTS! :>)

    Their lives have been an INSPIRATION. – – -

    B Blessed annnd have a good day. :>)

  • rikyrah

    Good Morning, Everyone :)

    • pamelabrown53

      Good Morning rikyrah and POU fam.

      Thanks for this wonderful series Miranda. I still can’t stop thinking of yesterday’s photo of the little girl whose eyes penetrated my very soul.

      • Miranda

        I loved that photo too! That little girl was just so beautiful to me.

  • Guns3000

    Democrats distancing themselves from Obama
    President’s low approval rating worrying Party members in swing-districts

    It’s been a tough summer for swing-district Democrats seeking reelection in 2012 with a president at the top of the ticket whose approval ratings are in the weeds.

    As these members begin to focus on their reelection bids after Labor Day, they are increasingly calculating how close is too close to an unpopular President Obama.

    Take Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., who represents a district that nearly went for Republican George W. Bush in 2004. In a recent local TV interview, DeFazio said of Obama that the word “fight” isn’t “in his vocabulary” — and he then repeated the criticism to constituents at a town hall. Or Rep. Bill Owens, D-N.Y., who won a Republican-friendly district in a special election last year and pointedly declined to endorse the sitting president last week.

    The president’s dismal poll ratings, should they continue into next year, could sink Democratic hopes for reclaiming ground in the House and retaining control of the Senate — especially in battleground states and swing districts.
    First Read: Washington returns to gridlock

    “If he is where he is now, it’s not going to work for Democrats,” said Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., who opted earlier this year not to seek reelection in his competitive district.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44358736/ns/politics-white_house/t/democrats-distancing-themselves-obama/#.TmDdoTu9LaI

    Rats are jumping ship.

    • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

      Because that worked so well for them in Nov. 2010. *eyeroll*

      Not surprised at DeFazio. He’s been back-biting PBO for a while now. But I guarantee that when Oct. 2012 rolls around, these same mofos will be BEGGING for PBO to campaign for them and holding their hands out for money.

    • Admiral_Komack

      “Democrats distancing themselves from Obama”

      They’ve been doing that since President Obama took office.

      • pamelabrown53

        …and these “distancing democrats” are often the ones feeding the “Obama is weak” meme. Give me an effing break. It’s about PROJECTION, or as we said as children: “Skunks smell their own holes first”!

      • Scopedog

        Not just that–some of them have been stabbing him the back (Gitmo, anyone?).

        Have some of them ever heard of watching your buddy’s back? Why are they not firing back at the Repubs (Well, Rep. Frank is)? And now, they just throw up their hands and say, “Oh no! It’s 2011, and we’ve lost in 2012!!”

        Plus most of them prefer to listen to the PL.

        Jesus, people…how about giving the guy some backup, huh? You really think a Perry or Bachmann presidency is going to be a good thing?

    • GN

      Deeply stupid people…President Obama remains more popular than Congress. Their best bet is to double down on the GOP’s numerous problems, such as their endorsement of the Medicare and SS-slashing Ryan proposal, and stick together. Elected Dems bring a lot of problems on themselves.

    • aleth

      whats new? They have been doing that since he won…he is not the boss of me… see election 2010 results…

      Whats new with democrats?

    • GreenLadyHere

      GOOD FRIDAY MORNTIN’ Guns3000. ***BIG HUG**** :>)

      —GLOOM annnd DOOM!!. —Way 2 SUPPORT MR. PRESIDENT!! — -NOT!!

      Oh! waitaminute! —- – –THIS has BEEN the PROBLEM!! – — -THEY have –NOT

      –SUPPORTED —MR. PRESIDENT!! – — — SOUNDS like the —”RE-THUGS” –HUH!?

      Good 2 C U –Guns3000. :>) Have a good day. :>)

    • http://winthemarket.com/the-spontaneous-healing-plan/ woody45

      Last time they did that they had no record of accomplishment to take back to their districts. How’d that work out?

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GIQMY4KEE2UAH3X3DCFYGB5UXY Desraye

      Yawn. I bet MSNBc couldn’t wait to report this.
      “The president’s dismal poll ratings, should they continue into next year, could sink Democratic hopes for reclaiming ground in the House and retaining control of the Senate — especially in battleground states and swing districts.”

      LOL These fools trying to predict what will happen in 14 months. They don’t know what whill happen in fourteen months. Also if democratic are running from Obama then why did a Dem from New Jersey invite him to tour the state. They also gave bad examples of the Dems. Defazio is one of the progressive that worship The Daily KOS. Bill Owens is probably a blue-dog becomes he represent a republican-leaning district.Boreen probably a blue dog also. You have a hyper-partisan and two republican-lite mention in the article and they supposed to represent Dems running from Obama. The bluedogs always ran away from Obama. The progressive always bash the president.How come the “liberal ” MSNBC won’t write about the splinter Republican party?

      • gobrooklyn

        So basically its the same story with more hyperbole.

      • Admiral_Komack

        Hey now!

        I’m sure Hillary would be President…14 months before the 2008 Presidential election.

    • Town

      Um, the Democrats were never with, behind or for Obama to begin with.

      Listen up, Democrats: if Obama goes down, YOUR ASS is going down too because the simpleton at the poll will check R R R R R all the way down the ballot. They’re not going to make an exception for you.

    • eclecticbrotha

      As I said yesterday. Distancing themselves from Obama was such a winner and brought us the Tea Party in 2010, so by all means pursue the same suicide mission in 2012. Idjuts.

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM – — Ohh. Let’s have some – - POSITIVE NEWS :>): – - —

    – - -Aretha Franklin Opening For Obama

    – - – — -President Barack Obama will have a royal warm-up act when he comes to Detroit to speak during the city’s annual Labor Day festivities.

    Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is scheduled to perform Monday before Obama speaks near the Renaissance Center at an event sponsored by the Metro Detroit Central Labor Council. Also scheduled to perform is Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theater.

    The event is free and open to the public.

    It will be Obama’s second trip to Michigan in a month. Obama visited a battery plant in Holland on Aug. 11.

    Obama has promoted his administration’s work to rescue Chrysler and General Motors, which is headquartered in the Renaissance Center.

    He’s expected to deliver a speech to a joint session of Congress next week describing his job-creation plan.

    Happy 2 C that –the –QUEEN – FIRST LADY of SOUL —is doing WELL!! :>) B Blessed. :>)

    GOOD CHOICE –MR. PRESIDENT. :>)

    • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

      Can’t wait to see what hat Auntie Ree-Ree will wear!

      • zackboston

        OMG Sepia, I had exactly the same thought! Glad President Obama is going to Detroit. Hope he takes time to visit Catherine Ferguson Academy and see what educators ought to be doing for every child.

        • GreenLadyHere

          HEEY zackboston! ***BIG HUG!!!*** :>)

          —- YEP! He’s – —”UNLEASHING” – –himself annnnd

          “Auntie Ree-Ree- – — -on Detroit – –where – - – -A FEW- – — AFRICAN-AMERICANS live. LOL

          Good suggestion. :)

          Good 2 C U. :>) B Blessed!! :>)

      • GreenLadyHere

        Sepia – —I KNOW –HUH! :>) Gon B —MUCH NEEDED —BIG TIME –FUN!! :>)

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM – - –FROM MR. PRESIDENT – - – –

    – – –White House: Jobs Won’t Be Back Until 2017
    Estimate acknowledges weakness in economy

    – - —If you’re waiting for the economy to get back to normal, the White House has a message for you: Don’t hold your breath. The White House budget office released its midyear economic forecast yesterday, and it wasn’t pretty, predicting that unemployment will remain at 9% next year, and won’t return to the more comfortable 5% range until 2017, the New York Times reports.

    The numbers are roughly in line with private sector estimates, but represent an acknowledgment of one of Obama’s reelection challenges and act as fuel for his push for new spending and tax cuts to bolster growth. Today will bring a more concrete indicator of actual conditions, however, in the form of the Labor Department’s August jobs report. Economists are only expecting about 60,000 new jobs to have been added—below the 150,000 the US needs just to keep up with population growth.

    Annnd —NOT 2 4-get —THE CEO’S of CORPORATIONS –[-YA KNOW --THOSE PEOPLE] — -have made SURE that THEIR SALARIES R – —INCREASING!!

    BUT —THEY R NOT HIRING – - -the PEOPLE!!. WE C –’EM!!

    • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

      Exactly, GLH! The corporations refuse to hire in an effort to hurt PBO’s re-election chances. Instead of talking about this, the PLs. fauxgressives, Sole Patrollers and Ivy Tower residents are either silent, blaming PBO or tweeting about what PBO bet say next Thursday.

      • http://winthemarket.com/the-spontaneous-healing-plan/ woody45

        And some places that always let themselves get jerked around by the daily fluctuations are in full panic mode.

        You just don’t know how in that short period of time you guys were away how much you were missed. I can’t stand that “I love The President but the sky is falling everyday” mentality.

        • Kennymack1971

          ALL OF THIS. It is ironic the very people who want President Obama to big and bad get all weepy and wussy with every MSM media meme…NEWS FLASH: This President plays the long game…sees the big picture and governs accordingly. That will not always play to the 24 hour news cycle. Folks need to get a grip. So glad POU is here…this space is so needed.

        • MsKitty

          Yes indeed, it is so frustrating as hell and when it takes hold in certain places that’s my hint to leave them alone for awhile. If you want to spend all day wringing your hands and panicking because PBO “won’t take the gloves off,” “his advisers are letting him down,” “he has too much faith in the American people,” yada, yada, yada, knock yourself out. In the meantime I will be doing all I can to help his campaign and getting the word out about his accomplishments. It’s called being proactive.

          • http://winthemarket.com/the-spontaneous-healing-plan/ woody45

            And don’t forget that tired one about messaging. If only he would say this or that. Pound the bully pulpit or get other people to say it for him as if that’s all it takes to pass legislation.

          • Ebogan63

            This is from Univ. of Minnesota politcal sciences professor, Kathryn Pearson: “A lot of people in the media and on the left seem to think the bully pulpit is much more powerful than it really is. It would make them feel better to hear that speech but they aren’t
            thinking about the whole population. A lot of people are not listening when the president speaks and a lot more interpret what he says through an existing partisan lens”.

            http://www.winningprogressive.org/channeling-the-sphinx-obama-and-fdr

          • gobrooklyn

            For real. Engaged in some of that this morning and my eyes were just bugging out from the stuff I was reading. I thought I was back at DKos.

            And indeed, when this site was down I had no idea how much I would miss it.

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GIQMY4KEE2UAH3X3DCFYGB5UXY Desraye

            Amen, MsKitty. This needs to be said to some of the folks at TOD.

        • Scopedog

          The funny thing, Woody, is that things are going to be wildly fluctuating. And yet some people assume that everything’s going to fixed in one day. It won’t be. The situation we’re in will take quite a while to be repaired.

          “I can’t stand that “I love The President but the sky is falling everyday” mentality.”

          I despise it. I’m also tired of the “The President should do something, but it won’t matter, because we’re all f***ed anyway”. Wow. Talk about self-defeating….

      • GreenLadyHere

        OOPs. Sepia. I thought that I had REPLIED.

        I was watching a BLACK ECONOMIST[Thomas "Danny" Boston] who was saying the SAME THING about the CORPORATIONS:[YA KNOW ----those PEOPLE LOL] – —

        THEY R NOT INVESTING annnnd NOT HIRING!! [Ohhhh-- --BUT THEY R giving THEMSELVES - -BIG BONUSES/SALARIES!!]

        Wellll –I guess that THEY R PEOPLE 2 – — -GREEDY PEOPLE!!

        Apologies.

  • Admiral_Komack

    “Save me, Obama, you’re my only hope!”

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM — –THIS CHART has POSITIVE INFO —RE: the RECOVERY ACT: – —-

    – -PRIVATESECTOR JOB GROWTH; PUBLIC-SECTOR CONTRACTION

    –THAT would B ——-THIS: – -American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

    ——–The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, abbreviated ARRA (Pub.L. 111-5) and commonly referred to as the Stimulus or The Recovery Act, is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress in February 2009 and signed into law on February 17, 2009 by President Barack Obama.

    To respond to the late-2000s recession, the primary objective for ARRA was to save and create jobs almost immediately. Secondary objectives were to provide temporary relief programs for those most impacted by the recession and invest in infrastructure, education, health, and ‘green’ energy. The approximate cost of the economic stimulus package was estimated to be $787 Billion at the time of passage. The Act included direct spending in infrastructure, education, health, and energy, federal tax incentives, and expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions. The Act also included many items not directly related to economic recovery such as long-term spending projects (e.g. a study of the effectiveness of medical treatments) and other items specifically included by Congress (e.g. a limitation on executive compensation in federally aided banks added by Senator Dodd and Rep. Frank).
    THERE IS MORE.

    – ——–THANK -U- —–MR. PRESIDENT! :>)——–

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM – —-HAH! —Barney – —CALLS! THEM! OUT!! – - – –

    —Barney Frank rips GOP on nominations

    – - —–Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) excoriated Senate Republicans for refusing to consider President Obama’s nominees to federal agencies in a Friday op-ed piece, calling it “the legislative equivalent to an arsonist having set a fire and objecting to a building’s inhabitants using the fire exit.”

    The Massachusetts Democrat accuses the GOP of blatantly distorting the constitution. It is fair, Franks says, for Republicans to object to the design of laws they disagree with, but not fair to engage in “substituting a refusal to allow the constitutionally mandated nomination process for the legislative process in which they simply do not have the votes to accomplish what they want.”

    Frank notes that Obama has nominated Richard Cordray, a former state attorney general, to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and that Republicans have publicly announced that it will not consider confirming any individual to the post, regardless of party affiliation.

    –This nomination is of particular concern for Frank because he co-authored the bill that created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, known as the Dodd-Frank Bill.

    Frank also lists other nominees that Republicans have declined to confirm, including Peter Diamond, a Nobel laureate in economics who was nominated to serve of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors but whose nomination was declined by the Senate.

    —THESE —OBSTRUCTIONISTS —- Yeah —THEY R RACISTS!!! THEY have —PICKED on –MR. PRESIDENT –at ERRY TURN!!

    THEN —THEY –BLAME HIM 4 the STATE of the VERY item that they –OBSTRUCTED!!

    THEY R – –BEYOND EVIL/VILE!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/erica.branchbutler Erica Raven Branch-Butler

      Finally a Democrat speaks up and attacks the Right people. Finally.

      • GreenLadyHere

        HEEY Erica Raven Branch-Butler. ***BIG HUG*** :>)

        - – - U1 AIN’T NEVA! LIED” – — -FINALLY! :>)

        Good 2 C U. :>) Have a good day. :>)

        • http://www.facebook.com/erica.branchbutler Erica Raven Branch-Butler

          Hi, GreenLadyHere! Good to see you, too. ((Hugs!)))

      • Scopedog

        Yep. I have to give Rep. Frank a lot of praise for this.

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM – —This is bein’ discussed – —Annnd I’m havin’ some MAJOR ISSUES with it —

    – –Book “Is Marriage For White People?” Suggests Interracial Marriage

    – - – –A controversial new book titled “Is Marriage For White People?” suggests that interracial marriage may be a solution for middle-class African-American women who can’t find a “suitable” Black husband.

    Ralph Richard Banks, a professor at Stanford University who is African-American, addresses the issue of declining marriage rates among African-Americans, and questions why Black women are so loyal to Black men.
    THERE IS MORE.

    YA KNOW – —-THIS topic has been explored – –waaay 2 many times – –with the SAME –controversial comments.

    I don’t think that there is a significant hypothesis that was tested — -nor significant conclusions drawn.

    Guess he jus’ –NEEDED 2 PUBLISH – -or PERISH!. — ***sigh***

    HAH! —He is the —MAJOR WEAKNESS!! He cain’t even – - -DEFEND his – — “thoughts” –which R NOT subject 2 a STRICT –RESEARCH MODEL!!!

    —JUNK!!! –

    Annnd –T.J. Holmes is — STR8 –CALLIN’ HIM! OUT!! – -

    • Town

      The author is married to a black woman.

      He was on the TJMS I think, this week, and said that black women should be more openminded about dating non-black men.

      I think it was Sybil who asked him, what if non-black men are not open minded to dating a black woman? He couldn’t answer that question.

      If there have been “studies” after “studies” reporting that black women are the most disease ridden, ugliest, un-desirable, lacking in moral character, only worth $5 etc. why WOULD men (black or non-black) want them PERIOD?

      • GreenLadyHere

        Good FRIDAY MornTin’ Town. ***BIG HUG**** :>)

        – — —Alll of this supports my conclusion — – - -JUNK!! —

        — –He married a BAAA-LACK woman[though ---all our - --SKIN FOLK ain't {yep :>)} ---OUR KIN FOLK! ] — -Soooo —a Black woman can find annnd MARRY a Black man!

        – - – -NO response 2 the OPPOSITE position of his —book??? —-FAULTY RESEARCH!! –JUNK!

        BWAHAHAHA! – —on your last point — –”WHYCOME” U don’t SPEAK –TA-RUTH!! :>) LOL.

        Thank U Town! :>) ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR REPLIES! :>)

        Have a good day. :>)

      • rikyrah

        I keep on saying this…

        what good is it to be open to the ‘ rainbow’,

        if the ‘rainbow’ is not open to you.

        there was a study on one of those dating sites, where the most open group going around contacting others was BLACK WOMEN.

        the one group that got the least response?

        BLACK WOMEN.

        so, all this ‘Black women should be more open’ lecture goes back to the same point:

        you can be open all you want..but what happens if who you’re getting ‘ open to’ doesn’t respond back?

        • angee

          I don’t discriminate but I can be discriminating. I noticed that a lot of these sites state that a black woman shouldn’t accept a black man who doesn’t have a job, have baby mommy,won’t put a ring on it but it is ok if a white man is doing the same thing.
          My philosophy is if you can’t bring something to the table I won’t give you an invite. I could care less if my baby had good (?) hair or nappy hair he/she gonna be cute no matter what and I won’t have to pay for it.lol

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM – - – - –Stole this from TOD –since I missed her – –GOOD –EXPOSE` –CALL! OUT! – - – -

    – –How To Decode Rick Perry ‘LIE-Speak’ on Social Security, Job Creation & Balanced Budgets

    — – — “HAIRY” perry — is TRULY —A FRONT-RUNNER – —of —LIES!! — -

    Thank U –Prof. Melissa :>) – - -

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM – —-THIS is TRULY —–CALL! OUT! the –”HAIRY” perry – -day —-HAH!! –

    – - – - -Former Boehner Staffer Suggests Rick Perry Would Be Happier With the Confederate Constitution

    – - – - -Analogies between Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) and Confederate President Jefferson Davis are rather obvious in light of Perry’s suggestion that Texas might secede from the union and his wholehearted embrace of the union-destroying doctrine of nullification. Nevertheless, Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) former staffer Scott Galupo spots an unexpected similarity between how Davis and Perry view the Constitution:

    I’m curious what Gov. Rick Perry and his fans think about the Constitution of the Confederate States of America. . . . [I]f you subtracted the slavery bits—as far as Perry (and, for that matter, many likeminded conservatives) is concerned—what’s not to like?

    It included a line-item veto for the president. It prohibited protective tariffs (free trade!). It rejected Henry Clay-style federal financing of internal improvements (no stimulus!).

    Galupo is on to something because, as it turns out, Rick Perry’s understanding of the Constitution is a whole lot closer to the Confederate Constitution that it is to anything resembling the Constitution of the United States:

    Social Security and Medicare. Rick Perry thinks that Medicare and Social Security are unconstitutional, but America’s Constitution empowers our nation to “lay and collect taxes . . . and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States” — a power which unambiguously enables it to enact essential programs such as Social Security and Medicare. The Confederate Constitution only permitted its congress to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises for revenue, necessary to pay the debts, provide for the common defense, and carry on the Government of the Confederate States.” Without the power to “provide for the general welfare,” Medicare and Social Security would be unconstitutional in the Confederacy.
    Infrastructure: The U.S. Constitution permits elected officials to build bridges, schools and other internal projects within a state. The Confederate Constitution, however, forbids its congress from “appropriat[ing] money for any internal improvement intended to facilitate commerce.” Such a ban would not only eliminate earmarks, which Perry falsely claims are “an unconstitutional perversion” on page 64 of his book Fed Up!, it would also have forbidden much in the way of economic stimulus — something Perry vehemently opposes.
    Presidential Pow: In 2006, Perry called for expanding President Bush’s power by granting him a line-item veto enabling him to unilaterally alter federal appropriations. Line-item vetos are unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution, but the Confederate Constitution provides that the President may “approve any appropriation and disapprove any other appropriation in the same bill.”

    In other words, there seems to be a pretty good explanation for why Perry recently published Fed Up!, an anti-government manifesto claiming that pretty much everything that protects ordinary Americans’ ability to live fruitful and productive lives is unconstitutional. He must have been working off the wrong constitution.

    YA KNOW —–It’s becomin’ clearer that – —HE is -LIKE THIS!!. LOL

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM. – —–C HOW THIS WORKS —MAKE UP LIES – —PERPETUATE them in the

    —RIGHT-LEANIN’ MSM – —

    – — -Contrary To GOP Claims, Small Businesses Say Taxes And Regulation Aren’t Holding Back Hiring

    – - – -Predictably, Republicans reacted to today’s dismal jobs number — which showed that zero net jobs were created in August — by blaming the supposed avalanche of taxes and regulations put in place by the Obama administration. “Private-sector job growth continues to be undermined by the triple threat of higher taxes, more failed ‘stimulus’ spending, and excessive federal regulations. Together, these Washington policies have created a fog of uncertainty that’s left small businesses unable to hire and American families worried about the future,” said House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in a statement today.

    – — THIS — – –>However, McClatchy conducted a survey of small business and found that they don’t blame taxes or regulations for their hesitancy to hire:

    THIS – - – - ->Politicians and business groups often blame excessive regulation and fear of higher taxes for tepid hiring in the economy. However, little evidence of that emerged when McClatchy canvassed a random sample of small business owners across the nation. [...]

    McClatchy reached out to owners of small businesses, many of them mom-and-pop operations, to find out whether they indeed were being choked by regulation, whether uncertainty over taxes affected their hiring plans and whether the health care overhaul was helping or hurting their business.

    Their response was surprising.

    THIS – - -> None of the business owners complained about regulation in their particular industries, and most seemed to welcome it. Some pointed to the lack of regulation in mortgage lending as a principal cause of the financial crisis that brought about the Great Recession of 2007-09 and its grim aftermath.

    Some small business pointed to the cost of health insurance as holding them back. Others cited a simple lack of customers (consistent with an economic slump caused by lack of demand). “I think the business climate is so shaky that I would not want to undergo any expansion or outlay capital,” said Andy Weingarten, who owns Almar Auto Repair in Charlotte, North Carolina.

    – —- – — – –BIG TIME GR8 NEWS!!! – – –HAH! :>)

    THIS! THIS THIS!—->Several respondents actually pointed to the 2009 Recovery Act (i.e. the stimulus), which was almost unanimously opposed by Republicans, as helping to boost their businesses. “It allowed those folks to spend and have money and pay for the essentials,” said Rip Daniels, who owns four businesses.

    BUT –THEY LIE!! – –Republicans, however, are continuing to insist on debilitating budget cuts that are not causing the private sector to hire, but that have contributed to an absolute hemorrhaging of jobs in the public sector. Since the official end of the recession, the public sector has lost 600,000 jobs.

    — -PL’s/ corney/T(r)avesty, ALL other HATAS annnd RACISTS – - — -READ – -

    – - -Several respondents actually pointed to the 2009 Recovery Act (i.e. the stimulus), which was almost unanimously opposed by Republicans, as helping to boost their businesses. “It allowed those folks to spend and have money and pay for the essentials,” said Rip Daniels, who owns four businesses.

    – - -THANK U 4 YOUR LEADERSHIP – — MR. PRESIDENT!! :>) B BLESSED! :>) –

    • edp4bho

      Thanks GLH, Adding this to my bookmarks.

      • GreenLadyHere

        HEEY edp4bho– – –***BIG HUG*** :>) My Pleasure!! :>)

        Annnnd— – - – -I guess that WE gon hafta INVOKE the – — WH.gov.- – - -

        - – — President Obama Signs Small Business Jobs Act – Learn What’s In It

        – — -“I’m thrilled to be here on what is an exciting day,” said the President as he prepared to sign the Small Business Jobs Act this afternoon. With small business owners who will receive tax breaks and better access to credit in the audience, the President explained to everybody why he has fought so long for it:

        Now this is important because small businesses produce most of the new jobs in this country. They are the anchors of our Main Streets. They are part of the promise of America – the idea that if you’ve got a dream and you’re willing to work hard, you can succeed. That’s what leads a worker to leave a job to become her own boss. That’s what propels a basement inventor to sell a new product – or an amateur chef to open a restaurant. It’s this promise that has drawn millions to our shores and made our economy the envy of the world.

        The bill includes a series of small business proposals that the President put forth earlier this year, and small businesses will start benefiting from the bill on day one. Among the many important provisions in the bill, twelve of the top benefits to small businesses are:

        Extension of Successful SBA Recovery Loan Provisions —Immediately Supporting Loans to Over 1,400 Small Businesses: With funds provided in the bill, SBA will begin funding new Recovery loans within a few days of the President’s signature, starting with the more than 1,400 businesses – with loans totaling more than $730 million – that are waiting in the Recovery Loan Queue. In total, the extension of these provisions provides the capacity to support $14 billion in loans to small businesses. The SBA Recovery loan provisions have already supported $30 billion in lending to over 70,000 small business.
        A More Than Doubling of the Maximum Loan Size for The Largest SBA Programs:The bill also increases the maximum loan size for SBA loan programs, which in the coming weeks will allow more small businesses to access more credit to allow them to expand and create new jobs. The bill will permanently raise the maximum size for SBA’s two largest loan programs, increasing the maximum 7(a) and 504 loans from $2 million to $5 million, and the maximum 504 manufacturing related loan from $4 million to $5.5 million. In addition, it will temporarily increase the maximum loan size for SBA Express loans from $350,000 to $1 million, providing greater access to working capital loans that small businesses use to purchase new inventory and take on their next order – allowing them to create new jobs.
        A New $30 Billion Small Business Lending Fund:The bill would establish a new $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund which – by providing capital to small banks with incentives to increase small business lending – could support several multiples of that amount in new credit.
        An Initiative to Strengthen Innovative State Small Business Programs – Supporting Over $15 Billion in Lending:The bill will support at least $15 billion in small business lending through a new State Small Business Credit Initiative, strengthening state small business programs that leverage private-sector lenders to extend additional credit – many of which have been forced to cut back due to budget cuts.
        Eight New Small Business Tax Cuts – Effective Today, Providing Immediate Incentives to Invest: The President had already signed into law eight small business tax cuts, and on Monday, he is signing into law another eight new tax cuts that go into effect immediately.
        Zero Taxes on Capital Gains from Key Small Business Investments:Under the Recovery Act, 75 percent of capital gains on key small business investments this year were excluded from taxes. The Small Business Jobs Act temporarily puts in place for the rest of 2010 a provision called for by the President – elimination of all capital gains taxes on these investments if held for five years. Over one million small businesses are eligible to receive investments this year that, if held for five years or longer, could be completely excluded from any capital gains taxation.
        Extension and Expansion of Small Businesses’ Ability to Immediately Expense Capital Investments: The bill increases for 2010 and 2011 the amount of investments that businesses would be eligible to immediately write off to $500,000, while raising the level of investments at which the write-off phases out to $2 million. Prior to the passage of the bill, the expensing limit would have been $250,000 this year, and only $25,000 next year. This provision means that 4.5 million small businesses and individuals will be able to make new business investments today and know that they will earn a larger break on their taxes for this year.
        Extension of 50% Bonus Depreciation: The bill extends – as the President proposed in his budget – a Recovery Act provision for 50 percent “bonus depreciation” through 2010, providing 2 million businesses, large and small, with the ability to make new investments today and know they can receive a tax cut for this year by accelerating the rate at which they deduct capital expenditures.
        A New Deduction of Health Insurance Costs for Self-Employed:The bill allows 2 million self-employed to know that on their taxes for this year, they can get a deduction for the cost of health insurance for themselves and their family members in calculating their self-employment taxes. This provision is estimated to provide over $1.9 billion in tax cuts for these entrepreneurs.
        Tax Relief and Simplification for Cell Phone Deductions:The bill changes rules so that the use of cell phones can be deducted without burdensome extra documentation – making it easier for virtually every small business in America to receive deductions that they are entitled to, beginning on their taxes for this year.
        An Increase in the Deduction for Entrepreneurs’ Start-Up Expenses:The bill temporarily increases the amount of start-up expenditures entrepreneurs can deduct from their taxes for this year from $5,000 to $10,000 (with a phase-out threshold of $60,000 in expenditures), offering an immediate incentive for someone with a new business idea to invest in starting up a new small business today.
        A Five-Year Carryback Of General Business Credits:The bill would allow certain small businesses to “carry back” their general business credits to offset five years of taxes – providing them with a break on their taxes for this year – while also allowing these credits to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax, reducing taxes for these small businesses.
        Limitations on Penalties for Errors in Tax Reporting That Disproportionately Affect Small Business:The bill would change, beginning this year, the penalty for failing to report certain tax transactions from a fixed dollar amount – which was criticized for imposing a disproportionately large penalty on small businesses in certain circumstances – to a percentage of the tax benefits from the transaction.

        – -THANK U MR. PRESIDENT!!- – -4 your — LEADERSHIP!!!

        Godd 2 C U—edp4bh0!! :>) Have a GOOD day.!!! :>)

  • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

    Disqus was down but now it’s back. Yeah!

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM- – - –BWAHAHA! – - – -rom-KNEE! rom-KNEE! rom-KNEE – - -YA KNOW —4 someone who is CLEARLY NOT the “front-runner”. he is takin’ o – - -the “front-runner” — as well as Mr. PRESIDENT- – –FROM BEHIND!! – — -LOL

    – - — -Mitt Romney Tries To Make August Job Numbers Rick Perry’s Problem

    - – - – - It’s clear to Mitt Romney what Americans should do about the terrible August job numbers released Friday.

    “In order to change the direction of this country, we need to change presidents,” Romney said in a statement Friday. President Obama “has failed,” he said, and it’s time for the country to move on from hope and change.

    But it’s also clear to Romney what Republican primary voters should do in the wake of the ugly jobs report: go against what appears to be their nature and pick someone other than Rick Perry to be their presidential nominee next year.

    Romney, facing down a surging Perry who has knocked him off as the Republican frontrunner, used the jobs report to take another in his new series of subtle swipes at the three-term governor of Texas.

    “Americans need a conservative businessman to get this economy moving again, not career politicians,” Romney said Friday. “That is why I am running.”

    THIS_ _ _>Romney — who has run for U.S. Senate once, governor once and president twice — has been attacking Perry as a “career politician,” an easy phrase to attach to Perry’s many, many years as a Texas elected official (some of them as a Democrat.)

    For its part, Team Perry has said the line is not about their guy.

    Romney used to basically ignore his Republican competitors on days like this, when the focus will be on Obama and the tough economic numbers he’s contending with as he attempts to win a second term. But with Perry surging, it seems Romney needs to make the bad jobs report about his Republican rivals now, too.

    He’s BEYOND funny! Look at his – - -LOSING TRACK RECORD!!- —

    NOW – - -SANG – -YOUR- – -SONG! – - -LOL. :>)

  • angee

    YAY!!! That’s all. lol

    • GreenLadyHere

      HEEY angee!—— —-***BIG HUG** :>)

      – — YAAAAAAA- — wicha!!!— -

      Good 2 C U. :>) Have a good day!! :>)

  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM- – –”WISCONSIN WATCH” – - —FINALLY- – - – Justice served- — so far- – -

    – — -Wis. Justice Prosser Recuses Self In Case Involving His Recount Attorney

    – - – - -Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser has recused himself from a prominent case on campaign-finance regulations that is coming before the court, in the wake of objections that he would have a potential conflict of interest — because the lead attorney for the Tea Party groups challenging the regulations, Jim Troupis, was just recently Prosser’s own attorney in the recount of his very close re-election campaign.

    Prosser sent a letter to all the various parties in the case, stating simply:

    Dear Counsel:

    Please be advised that I will not participate in the oral argument or decision in Wisconsin Prosperity Network v. Myse.

    THIS——–>The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that with Prosser absent from the court’s 4-3 conservative majority, the court could now potentially split 3-3. Such a deadlock would leave the regulations upheld and in place — though the state Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections in the state, has already indicated that it will not enforce the most controversial aspects of them.

    Prosser had previously indicated that he would not recuse himself from the case, though many legal experts said that he should. However, in mid-August he sent the parties a letter that opened the door to a recusal, asking for their opinions on whether he should do so.

    Prosser noted that he and Troupis had been friends for two decades — but also said that he had associations with other attorneys on both sides, and that he believed he could be “completely impartial” in deciding the case. “In sum, when all the facts are examined, I do not have a favorite ‘horse in this race.’”- – —- – NOT!!- – -

    Earlier this week, the major state teachers union WEAC responded, asking Prosser to recuse himself.

    CORRUPT JUSTICES R BLATANTLY willing 2 DEFILE the – - -JUSTICE SYSTEM!- – - – RE-/TEA- — THUGS R CORRUPT – - – -from the TOP – – -DOWN!! – -geesh!!!

  • http://www.minnahong.com asiangrrlMN

    Is this thing on? I have shit to say! Um, glad comments are back again. That is all.

    • GreenLadyHere

      HEEY asiangrrl. ****BIG – -BIG HUG**** :>)

      Sooo good 2 C U!! :>) It’s- -sooo ON! LOL. :>)

      I’m runnin’. Catch U in a “bit.” :>) ***hugs**

      • http://www.minnahong.com asiangrrlMN

        Always a pleasure, GLH! Catch you on the flip side.

  • Miranda

    Afternoon Thread is up!

  • Miranda

    DailyKos: the new liberal media still working for the old Republican machine

    Kos is repeating Boehner’s spin. Did the President only get 2% of what he wanted? Well, let me rephrase that: did the strong, decisive, manly Republicans crush the weak caving Democrats and get everything they asked for plus a cringing apology? Well of course they did- ask them yourself. The sole source for 2% is Boehner’s claim he got 98% of what he wanted. That’s our Progressive media. If you want to see a Democratic analysis of the debt limit deal you have to go outside DailyKos and read it here. . But if you want a good summary of how short-sighted single issue politics, disunity, self-interest, and lack of media saavy keeps Democrats repeating Republican messaging, I suggest this book. Maybe its author needs to re-read it.

    more here
    http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/09/dailykos-new-liberal-media-still.html

    • http://pragmaticobotsunite.blogspot.com/ Sepia

      The only time Markos shows up on Twitter is to pop isht about PBO.

      • Freder421

        I read that article at the TPV, Markos did say that he would vote for President Obama. That is all I need to know, who are you voting for.

        I can’t stand Markos, but it is wise for him to see that his brown kids are better off with President Obama than some fool like the repugs are offering.

        So the question is to all people, black, brown, white, yellow and red, who do you want to chart the future of this country?

        • Freder421

          I forgot, message to Thomas Sowell, Ward Connerly, Star Parker, Uncle Thomas, Kevin Jackson and the rest of you fools.

          The teabaggers like your black ass just as much as they do the president and my black ass.

          You dumb fucks.

  • GreenLadyHere
  • GreenLadyHere

    POU FAM- – — -2 L8!!- — – -UH! HUH!– – -Talk 2 da HAND!!!– -

    – - – - -Holiday Inn Responds: Liberal Protesters Against Cantor Were A Security Threat

    — –As ThinkProgress reported Thursday, a Richmond, Virginia-area Holiday Inn abruptly canceled room and event ballroom reservations made by progressive groups that had planned to hold a “jobs rally” countering House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-VA) event at the same hotel Wednesday evening. After they were removed, the groups held a protest outside the hotel. Holiday Inn’s corporate owner, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), did not comment on the incident before publication yesterday, but today IHG responded, saying the protesters were removed from Holiday Inn property out of concerns for employee and guest safety:

    IHG is aware of the protest that occurred at the Holiday Inn Richmond Koger South Conference Center. This hotel is independently owned and operated. IHG does not dictate local hotel operating policy for such franchised properties other than to require all hotels bearing its trademarks to comply with all federal, state and local laws, including laws regarding peaceful protests. The group in question was asked to leave the hotel due to concerns for the safety and security of hotel guests and employees. When the group returned to lead a protest, the hotel cooperated with authorities, who requested that the protestors leave the hotel property. All further inquiries should be directed to the Chesterfield County Police Department.

    - –RA’ CHERE- – ->Unfortunately, the statement fails to address why or how the groups’ reservations were a threat to public safety. The groups’ rally was planned for a ballroom in a separate portion of the hotel, and they planned to invite Cantor to speak to the group and listen to their concerns. After they were removed, the protesters assembled out of the hotel’s sight range, across the street and a shopping center parking lot from where the hotel is located. Upon marching to the hotel, they appeared to comply with law enforcement requests throughout the protest. According to police, there were no arrests made during the protests.

    - – –>When ThinkProgress asked IHG to comment further on how the protesters were a safety threat, whether it had heard specific claims from employees or guests concerning their safety, or whether it had spoken with Cantor’s office or campaign before removing the protesters, the company declined to comment, saying only, “At this time, this is the extent of the information we are able to provide. All further questions should be directed to the Chesterfield County Police Department.”

    Guess WE missed the– — EXPLANATION! LOL! :>)

    No matter! We will help! – –WHA’ HA’ HAPPENED was- – –there were 2 many people of color – –lookin’ — -UNSAFE 4 our employees annnd guest! ***tsk**** ***eye roll***

    • Town

      Like I said yesterday, Chesterfield County is the toilet bowl of the Richmond area.

  • Pingback: Para Ma

  • Pingback: window cleaning balham

  • Pingback: Kollagen Intensiv

  • Pingback: plants

  • Pingback: ebook store

  • Pingback: vancouver cedar roofing

  • Pingback: flag football plays

  • Pingback: short hairstyles

  • Pingback: offers in Thessaloniki

  • Pingback: forklift tires

  • Pingback: seo company

  • Pingback: Registry Cleaner Comparison

  • Pingback: Download Free eBooks

  • Pingback: Medifast reviews

  • Pingback: Buy Facebook fans

  • Pingback: ultimate autism solution review

  • Pingback: I Need To Work From Home

  • Pingback: Best Multi Level Marketing Companies

  • Pingback: Ulman

  • Pingback: Escort girl Paris

  • Pingback: Alia Coonan

  • Pingback: used ford edge

  • Pingback: Gunblood cheats

  • Pingback: dodge charger

  • Pingback: Real Estate

  • Pingback: internet income

  • Pingback: free image hosting

  • Pingback: Admin Services

  • Pingback: movies to ipad

  • Pingback: online computer games

  • Pingback: Euro 2012 Betting

  • Pingback: bahamas air charter service

  • Pingback: Herbal Highs

  • Pingback: how do you make your penis larger

  • Pingback: fransnäring

  • Pingback: Toronto Exterminators

  • Pingback: pimples on scalp

  • Pingback: affordable dental implants

  • Pingback: Peak Life Somnapure

  • Pingback: Wonga

  • Pingback: hans j wegner

  • Pingback: roulette system

  • Pingback: injury lawyers

  • Pingback: Sky Habitat

  • Pingback: pay day loan provider

  • Pingback: Integrative Nutrition Reviews

  • Pingback: ecofriendly cookware

  • Pingback: dentists in joplin mo

  • Pingback: flu symptoms

  • Pingback: Mac Carpeli

  • Pingback: tier 5 unemployment extension

  • Pingback: Business Valuation

  • Pingback: Cum

  • Pingback: electronic cigarette vapor king

  • Pingback: Delmar Hildebrand

  • Pingback: buy facebook likes

  • Pingback: Berlin Kunstdruck

  • Pingback: Latino PR Firm

  • Pingback: bajar de peso

  • Pingback: travel cheap

  • Pingback: top webhosts companies

  • Pingback: random facts

  • Pingback: crear tienda virtual

  • Pingback: e-juice

  • Pingback: reverse lookup

  • Pingback: bathroom and tiles

  • Pingback: fast cash advance

  • Pingback: czekoladowe fontanny

  • Pingback: challenge coins

  • Pingback: free online games for girls

  • Pingback: college textbooks

  • Pingback: bad credit car loans

  • Pingback: Consultant Referencement

  • Pingback: Paintball

  • Pingback: jailbreaking iphone 4s o2

  • Pingback: Healthy food guide

  • Pingback: Fencing in derby

  • Pingback: losing weight fast

  • Pingback: gravity defyer shoes

  • Pingback: Tobermory cottage rentals

  • Pingback: oxy e

  • Pingback: gout home remedies

  • Pingback: business forums

  • Pingback: wedding photography Melbourne

  • Pingback: Karen Millen Dress

  • Pingback: hosting

  • Pingback: Battery Chargers

  • Pingback: gnocchi recipe

  • Pingback: newborn photographer Melbourne

  • Pingback: spy cameras

  • Pingback: technology for small businesses

  • Pingback: ideas for mothers day gifts

  • Pingback: how to make money on the internet

  • Pingback: farm supplies

  • Pingback: unlock iphone 4 tmobile uk

  • Pingback: http://www.springbreakeurope.fr

  • Pingback: Honeymoon Vacations

  • Pingback: nieuwe keukendeurtjes

  • Pingback: Sex show

  • Pingback: how to be healthy

  • Pingback: mastermind group benefits

  • Pingback: Synergy Worldwide

  • Pingback: wholesale T-shirts

  • Pingback: Bet365

  • Pingback: breast enhancement herbs

  • Pingback: Toothache culver city

  • Pingback: Villa a Louer Ile Maurice

  • Pingback: New Balance Running Shoes

  • Pingback: Injury lawyers San Jose

  • Pingback: http://pharmacytechnicianhq.org

  • Pingback: personal injury lawyer

  • Pingback: Smart Battery Charger

  • Pingback: Logement Ile Maurice

  • Pingback: diseno web

  • Pingback: singles in asia

  • Pingback: juegos para pc

  • Pingback: elmahdy

  • Pingback: juegos para nokia c3

  • Pingback: Aticles

  • Pingback: phen375

  • Pingback: hotels in Jaipur

  • Pingback: renewable energy

  • Pingback: Free Credit Scores

  • Pingback: Social Bookmark

  • Pingback: Labor law posters

  • Pingback: imei unlock iphone

  • Pingback: Location Vacances Ile Maurice

  • Pingback: new hampshire dental insurance

  • Pingback: Cheap Hawaii Vacation Packages

  • Pingback: 3M ergonomic mouse review

  • Pingback: achondroplasia

  • Pingback: Walthamstow

  • Pingback: pest control

  • Pingback: tutor perth

  • Pingback: pret immobilier au meilleur taux

  • Pingback: Mallorca Properties

  • Pingback: Fast weight loss

  • Pingback: nashville seo

  • Pingback: auto repair rochester new york

  • Pingback: Location Vacances Ile Maurice

  • Pingback: jailbreaking software for iphone

  • Pingback: jailbreak iphone 3.1.3 7e18

  • Pingback: backlinks

  • Pingback: this site

  • Pingback: website

  • Pingback: aqui

  • Pingback: teeth grinding during sleep

  • Pingback: shade sails perth

  • Pingback: Sexanzeigen

  • Pingback: Optimum Window Manufacturing

  • Pingback: Car Rental Costa Rica Reviews

  • Pingback: sexdate schweiz

  • Pingback: Airplane Games

  • Pingback: Rhinoplasty

  • Pingback: wedding Bands

  • Pingback: michael kors handbag

  • Pingback: wen hair care reviews

  • Pingback: legal insurance

  • Pingback: Debt Settlement

  • Pingback: employment law

  • Pingback: unsecured loans

  • Pingback: energy healing

  • Pingback: india jobs

  • Pingback: sterile processing technician salary

  • Pingback: Calgary photography

  • Pingback: drain problems

  • Pingback: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

  • Pingback: indien

  • Pingback: get an extension

  • Pingback: babyfoon

  • Pingback: buy a car after a bankruptcy

  • Pingback: Xango Help

  • Pingback: Nikken Training

  • Pingback: MonaVie Training

  • Pingback: shanghai dining

  • Pingback: numis network

  • Pingback: Menozac

  • Pingback: Mack Karty

  • Pingback: stores that unlock iphones

  • Pingback: Wedding Photographer Sheffield

  • Pingback: bol cristal

  • Pingback: Orlando home inspection

  • Pingback: clothes for babies

  • Pingback: visit site

  • Pingback: payday loans

  • Pingback: designer bags cheap

  • Pingback: discount handbags

  • Pingback: forex

  • Pingback: Integrative Nutrition

  • Pingback: pedometers in bulk

  • Pingback: Psychiatrist 10007

  • Pingback: RaceXpert Reviews

  • Pingback: Business Directory

  • Pingback: driving lessons gravesend

  • Pingback: peintures abstraites

  • Pingback: driving schools chatham

  • Pingback: old timer

  • Pingback: reverse phone lookup

  • Pingback: Click Here

  • Pingback: GBK Voucher

  • Pingback: low vitamin d

  • Pingback: obituary samples

  • Pingback: golf course netting

  • Pingback: EMT job description

  • Pingback: baby mattress

  • Pingback: Anhaengerkupplungen

  • Pingback: Abschleifen Dortmund

  • Pingback: cuisine equipee pas cher

  • Pingback: Medical Spa in Montreal

  • Pingback: fast fire sites

  • Pingback: ViralURL Solo ads

  • Pingback: zija products

  • Pingback: remodeling

  • Pingback: by

  • Pingback: holiday greece

  • Pingback: unlock iphone 3gs rogers

  • Pingback: 12 Volt Battery Chargers

  • Pingback: emergency repair tape

  • Pingback: payday loan

  • Pingback: new xbox 360

  • Pingback: ass in jeans

  • Pingback: sell my note

  • Pingback: sell a structured settlement

  • Pingback: online tips

  • Pingback: lil wayne tattoos

  • Pingback: export import trade finance

  • Pingback: invernet

  • Pingback: Allia Ashton

  • Pingback: craftjobs.com

  • Pingback: acai berry drink

  • Pingback: ps vita review

  • Pingback: lower-back pain

  • Pingback: toddler belts for girls

  • Pingback: wholesale hCG Drops

  • Pingback: UK Sex Toys

  • Pingback: fiction

  • Pingback: nassau bathrooms

  • Pingback: sat tutors

  • Pingback: nook books

  • Pingback: finpecia

  • Pingback: new old stock campagnolo

  • Pingback: bankruptcy credit

  • Pingback: info

  • Pingback: holly rigsby fit yummy mummy

  • Pingback: 7Red

  • Pingback: Location Vacances Ile Maurice

  • Pingback: phentermine side effects

  • Pingback: bankruptcy in california

  • Pingback: bankruptcy in california

  • Pingback: Ryan Wuerch Motricity

  • Pingback: fat loss personal training

  • Pingback: walking dead comic

  • Pingback: Pelling hotels

  • Pingback: challenge coins

  • Pingback: Chang Allabaugh

  • Pingback: Discover More Here

  • Pingback: modular homes promotion in WI

  • Pingback: hollow bamboo poles

  • Pingback: Catering Equipment

  • Pingback: Driving instructors in Huddersfield

  • Pingback: grants

  • Pingback: Internet marketing

  • Pingback: early sign of pregnancy

  • Pingback: cash for junk cars atlanta

  • Pingback: i need a job

  • Pingback: gratis

  • Pingback: plumbing Morris

  • Pingback: prosciutto pata negra

  • Pingback: Columbus Accident Lawyer

  • Pingback: securities fraud attorneys

  • Pingback: Web Design Sydney

  • Pingback: auto crash lawyers

  • Pingback: data recovery service

  • Pingback: website

  • Pingback: party

  • Pingback: søkemotoroptimalisering seo

  • Pingback: Max Hirsh

  • Pingback: Darrel Raisbeck

  • Pingback: Mosaic House Numbers

  • Pingback: Mexican Vacation Rentals

  • Pingback: vashikaran mantra for love

  • Pingback: unlock iphone 4 for free

  • Pingback: Referral marketing

  • Pingback: absonutrix african mango pure

  • Pingback: letting agents clapham

  • Pingback: Antler Chandeliers

  • Pingback: seo orlando fl

  • Pingback: book of ra

  • Pingback: book of ra

  • Pingback: Christian Life Coaching

  • Pingback: Jefferson County Horse Properties For Sale

  • Pingback: buy diablo 3 gold

  • Pingback: wwwafrican mango

  • Pingback: Dr Kass

  • Pingback: How To Produce House Music

  • Pingback: Run This Town

  • Pingback: software development

  • Pingback: crossbows

  • Pingback: Lidschatten Palette

  • Pingback: cheap logo design

  • Pingback: hd projectors

  • Pingback: zynga poker chips

  • Pingback: what is direct marketing

  • Pingback: How To Attract Girls

  • Pingback: employee benefit plan form 5500

  • Pingback: picturesofjamaica

  • Pingback: home builders austin

  • Pingback: reno criminal defense lawyer

  • Pingback: Recommended Reading

  • Pingback: Sacramento real estate agents

  • Pingback: Sebastopol CA horse properties

  • Pingback: Best Vail realtors

  • Pingback: Pacific Heights CA real estate

  • Pingback: Highlands NC Real estate for sale

  • Pingback: Event Photography Perth

  • Pingback: Personal finance

  • Pingback: driving games online

  • Pingback: click here

  • Pingback: manfrotto tripods

  • Pingback: los angeles dentist

  • Pingback: locking mailbox

  • Pingback: residential mailbox

  • Pingback: commercial mailboxes

  • Pingback: check this

  • Pingback: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

  • Pingback: Metanx

  • Pingback: Piracetam

  • Pingback: Deplin

  • Pingback: Panicyl

  • Pingback: Read Full Article

  • Pingback: online data backup

  • Pingback: sell real estate note

  • Pingback: cannabis seeds

  • Pingback: click here for Dean Graziosi scam review

  • Pingback: Winner Poker

  • Pingback: photo slideshow

  • Pingback: cash advance

  • Pingback: ennenaikainen siemensyöksy

  • Pingback: japanese kanji tattoo

  • Pingback: sapie

  • Pingback: roulette system

  • Pingback: padded panties

  • Pingback: Horse farms for sale in Aiken

  • Pingback: Alexandria VA real estate

  • Pingback: Check us out

  • Pingback: Vancouver Real Estate

  • Pingback: Merkur Spiele

  • Pingback: Visit our site:

  • Pingback: Real estate for sale Georgetown Ky

  • Pingback: Bennett CO farms for sale

  • Pingback: Pneumatic Hardwood Flooring Nailer

  • Pingback: golf range netting

  • Pingback: Anchorage Ky real estate agents

  • Pingback: Maillot Pas Cher

  • Pingback: Primitive bird house

  • Pingback: tips online geld verdienen

  • Pingback: extensions

  • Pingback: Chimney Cleaning Red oak

  • Pingback: Garage doors Kennesaw

  • Pingback: refrigeration equipment

  • Pingback: HVAC

  • Pingback: URL

  • Pingback: Non Status Car Lease

  • Pingback: shillelagh

  • Pingback: freelance writing jobs

  • Pingback: selling powermta

  • Pingback: Visual Impact Muscle Building FREE Download

  • Pingback: Real estate for sale Fijj

  • Pingback: prespes

  • Pingback: delicious cookies

  • Pingback: Homes for sale in Louisville

  • Pingback: events management Scotland

  • Pingback: arbonne reviews

  • Pingback: condos for sale in sierra towers

  • Pingback: forex indicator

  • Pingback: click here

  • Pingback: visit their website

  • Pingback: digital ultrasonic cleaner

  • Pingback: click here

  • Pingback: Gratis Browsergames

  • Pingback: Fort Wayne legal employment

  • Pingback: brevard shutters

  • Pingback: Auth Florence Mailboxes

  • Pingback: Sciatica

  • Pingback: xtreme no body building supplement

  • Pingback: Commercial Real Estate CRM

  • Pingback: Chiropractor Englewood Fl Port Charlotte Fl

  • Pingback: Weight Loss with HCG

  • Pingback: MILF Escorts

  • Pingback: http://docs.dragons.sl/docs-bin/index.php?title=Camisas

  • Pingback: dating online

  • Pingback: lds dating sites

  • Pingback: free dating service

  • Pingback: jule

  • Pingback: » Achondroplasia | Cause Of Achondroplasia » Top Online ResourcesTop Online Resources

  • Pingback: sma

  • Pingback: local dating sites

  • Pingback: online dating

  • Pingback: Auckland Reiki

  • Pingback: good dating sites

  • Pingback: Bed Bath and Beyond Coupon

  • Pingback: paranormal forum

  • Pingback: Payday Loans

  • Pingback: blog for you

  • Pingback: Get Cheap Travel Forever

  • Pingback: ניסור בטון

  • Pingback: back

  • Pingback: how to make a website

  • Pingback: The Global Talent Website for Professionals Jobs

  • Pingback: K Cups

  • Pingback: tell the time

  • Pingback: amway india

  • Pingback: הובלות

  • Pingback: Jordan Holidays

  • Pingback: Kenya Safari Holidays

  • Pingback: this page

  • Pingback: casino reviews

  • Pingback: mp3 and songs

  • Pingback: download mp3 songs

  • Pingback: Plastic surgeons in Long Beach CA

  • Pingback: kohls printable coupons 2011

  • Pingback: Keynote Speaker Toronto

  • Pingback: flyttstädning stockholm

  • Pingback: zynga poker chips

  • Pingback: zürich kunst galerie

  • Pingback: Video Production UK

  • Pingback: nlp blog

  • Pingback: commercial inflatable bouncers

  • Pingback: cigarette electronique

  • Pingback: Futon Cover

  • Pingback: Garden Gazebo

  • Pingback: Television Stands

  • Pingback: Chris Evans

  • Pingback: Oneida Yeaney

  • Pingback: more youtube views

  • Pingback: Redondo Beach Personal Trainer

  • Pingback: pets

  • Pingback: fast and easy ways to lose weight

  • Pingback: Sydney

  • Pingback: Gulf Keystone Petroleum

  • Pingback: How to make money from home

  • Pingback: Pattaya forum

  • Pingback: Roulette strategy

  • Pingback: judi bola

  • Pingback: Roulette system

  • Pingback: How to make money online

  • Pingback: kerem azer

  • Pingback: Wine Glasses

  • Pingback: How To Lose Stomach Fat In A Week

  • Pingback: Ways To Lose Stomach Fat

  • Pingback: Service Apartments in Gurgaon

  • Pingback: energy saving radiator covers

  • Pingback: dumpster rental richmond in

  • Pingback: letmewatchthis

  • Pingback: facebook sex

  • Pingback: free dateing sites

  • Pingback: Conferencistas Famosos

  • Pingback: divorce attorney

  • Pingback: cheap car insurance in NJ

  • Pingback: how to overcome premature ejaculation

Friday Open Thread: African-American Shoe Designers

October 28, 2011 by

Happy Friday Obots!
*secret handshake*

Today’s featured designers: Shane & Shawn Ward

Many twins spend a lifetime trying to foster an identity separate from their siblings. That may never have been the goal for Shane and Shawn Ward, but as one spent his days designing for Adidas, and the other traded stocks on Wall Street, it would have been an easy inference to make.  Today their attitude toward independence is best represented by the name of their company, Shane&Shawn.;  Crafting shoes for men and women using materials and principles that mimic the shock absorption and support that make sneakers so comfortable, their designs have won over the likes of Diddy, Jamie Foxx and the Black Eyed Peas.  When the recession descended their business suffered a swift drop in sales.  Rather than give up they got lean.  Scaling back staff, outsourcing manufacturing and closing their Manhattan boutique has allowed the brothers to focus on online sales and thereby keep their feet the market.

 

Filed Under: Arts and Culture Tagged With: , , ,

Friday Open Thread: African-American Photographers

September 2, 2011 by

Ya made it to Friday Obots! And its a 3-day weekend to boot! Woo-hoooo!

Today’s featured photographer: Roy DeCarava

Roy DeCarava was born in New York City in 1919 in the Harlem district to a single mother who was an immigrant from Jamaia. As a child he drew avidly, using the sidewalks as canvases for his chalk drawing of cowboys and Indians.
When he left school he worked as an artist for the Works Progress Administration creating posters during the day and studying painting and lithography by night, although he was eventually forced to quit his studies due to prejudice and he went instead to the Harlem Art Center.
photographs by roy decarava

Above: Cover Image of Photographs by Roy DeCarava
He started using photography around 1946 as reference material for his paintings but became more and more involved with it as a means of expression in its own right and a way to capture images with an immediacy that painting could not provide. Most of his photographs were of the people and places he roamed through at night as during the day he was employed full-time.
His first of 25 solo exhibitions was in a Manhattan gallery attended by Edward Steichen who was then curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. Steichen bought two of De Carava’s prints and persuaded him to apply for a Guggenheim fellowship which he was awarded in 1952, the first black artist ever to be awarded a Guggenheim.

photographs by roy decarava the sweet flypaper of life cover
By 1955 Roy DeCarava was firmly established as a photographer and worked with the poet Langston Hughes on The Sweet Flypaper of Life , the story of a black woman’s life in Harlem which includes more than 140 of DeCarava’s images.
Other major achievements include:

  • Opening of Photographers Gallery in New York in the mid-1950s
  • Co-founded the Komoinge Workshop for Black Photographers in 1963
  • Began teaching photography in 1969 at Cooper Union in New York
  • Became associate professor at Hunter College in 1975
  • Became professor of art at Hunter College in 1978
  • Has received received honorary degrees from Rhode Island School of Design, the Maryland Institute of Art, Wesleyan University, The New School for Social Research, The Parsons School of Design and the Art Institute of Boston
  • Works by Roy DeCarava have appeared in leading magazines such as Time, Newsweek, Life and Look
  • Worked as a contract photographer for Sports Illustrated from 1968 to 1975
  • He has published several collections of his photographs including the most recent The Sounds I Saw: Improvisation on a Jazz Theme in 2001, images of Harlem nightlife from the 50s and 60s including photographs of celebrities such as Billie Holiday and John Coltrane

The Sound I Saw is a photographic portrait of the world of jazz music. Presented as a stream of 196 images interspersed with DeCarava’s own poetry, this volume is, in its form and overall effect, a printed equivalent of jazz, composed of overlapping passages of pain, sweetness, optimism and suffering.
photographs by roy decarava Roy DeCarava has documented the people, both famous and anonymous, and the seemingly mundane yet intimate moments of his Harlem neighbours and neighbourhood. The result is at once a work for photography enthusiasts, an historic documentation for jazz lovers, and a profound message to African-Americans as well as Whites that artistic talent knows no boundaries of race.
Photographed 30 years ago and not published until 2003, The Sound I Saw is a saunter through a poignant period of New York musical history and life experience.
Vacant lots and sweaty musicians dot a cultural landscape that looks as if it’s going to burst at the seams. The beautiful black-and-white images simultaneously capture hard and luscious life in the city. Lonely figures abound, on park benches, street corners, stages, and subways.
The music appears and strives to make intense connections with the surrounding world. A delirious trumpet player works so hard you can almost feel him move the camera. This beautiful coffee-table size book has one striking picture after another, each capturing heartfelt experiences of life in the great city. From jam sessions to candy stores, the streets of New York appear choreographed to reveal the depths of the human spirit.

The final word goes to his wife, Sherry Turner DeCarava, who said: “Roy photographed for himself, and ultimately produced a body of work that enshrined the social contradictions of the 50s, the explosion of improvisational jazz music in the 60s, the struggle for social equity, the bold faced stridency of the 70s and 80s, only to turn to even more contemplative and serene realities during the later years of his life. Powerful and serene, his approach to the medium heralded a new, artistically and emotionally driven context for creative photography. His contribution to American photography and culture is manifold.”

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Open Thread Tagged With: , , ,