BlueGrassRoots

WE'VE MOVED!! THE NEW BLUEGRASSROOTS 3.0 IS UP!!!!!

Our site has been upgraded!!! We are now at http://bluegrassroots.org and http://www.bluegrassroots.org. We have TONS of people to thank for this, and I will list every single damn one of them on here once I get the chance (and stop playing with our new site).

We're still working out the kinks over there at the moment, so be patient. We'll have the real deal official red carpet introduction there real soon.

You will still be able to access this old archive at http://crazytalk.typepad.com/bluegrassroots and http://crazytalk.typepad.com

If you have linked or bookmarked to these last three addresses, you will need to update them to access the new BLUEGRASSROOTS 3.0.

The Draft Horne Movement Keeps Building Steam

This is old news, but better late than never, eh? Bluegrass Report had a big survey in which 500 of its readers responded to a bunch of KY politics questions. This is the BIG NEWS within:

Also noteworthy about this group, only 38% said that U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler (D) should challenge Senator McConnell (R) next year (62% said no). Meanwhile, Andrew Horne (D) bests the group of possible McConnell opponents:

2008 Senate Challenger Preference (Democratic respondents only)
Andrew Horne -- 37%
Greg Stumbo -- 33%
Charlie Owen -- 19%
Bruce Lunsford -- 11%

That's right, the most insider political blog in the state just put Lt. Col. Andrew Horne in 1st place among all potential challengers to McConnell in 2008. This is despite the fact that he hasn't been campaigning or even set up an exploratory committee to run, not to mention the fact that he's never run for a state office.

There is some definite buzz happening with the Draft Horne movement in Kentucky. First of all, Horne has been an incredible ambassador for our state and our troops, as he has loudly and publicly criticized McConnell for his shameless rubberstamping of Bush's failed Iraq policy and his truly disgusting filibuster of the Webb amendment to restore proper rest and rotation between tours for our troops. This is someone who has the courage to stand up for what is right and speak truth to power, no matter what taunting he may endure from the right as a result. And quite frankly, the silence of our other Democrats in KY on this issue has been deafening. That is, when they aren't giving more unchecked warrantless spying powers to Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales.

Secondly, Horne matches up ideally against McConnell. McConnell won't be able to smear him for standing up to Bush on Iraq, at least not successfully. If McConnell tries to call a 27 year Marine and Iraq veteran a wimpy cut-and-runner terrorist appeasing Defeatocrat for opposing a very unpopular war, it will be suicide. He would LOSE, make no mistake about that. Not have a close race... LOSE. However, McConnell would bash every other candidate with these labels (though its effectiveness might not be overwhelming or even successful if things continue like they are in Iraq).

Horne also doesn't have many of the flaws that other candidates have, particularly with past scandals or social standing/perception. I won't get into those (you know what they are) because I will strongly support whichever candidate gets the nomination, and I'm not going to get into smearing here. But McConnell will probably end up spending somewhere around $20 million dollars on attack ads alone in this race. The slightest chink in someone's armor could be fatally amplified with this kind of money. But what are Horne's weaknesses in this area? I can't think of many. I've never met the guy, and maybe I'm off base here, but he seams like a guy with outstanding character and dedication to his country, whether you are conservative or liberal (of course I'm not talking about the 25%'ers, I'm sure they'll despise him). McConnell will definitely try to smear him, as he has ruthlessly with all of his opponents, but I think he'd have a hard time making them stick on Horne.

Anyway, if you're one of those Kentuckians that would like to see Lt. Col. Andrew Horne at least enter the 2008 Senate race against Mitch McConnell, I implore you to GO HERE and SIGN THE PETITION TO DRAFT HORNE into the race!

Bluegrass Blogtopia

BlueGrassRoots 3.0 is so close I can smell it!!!

Media Czech Moves to W Weekly

Well, as some of you may be aware, I have parted ways with Lexington's Nougat Magazine, for whom I wrote a full page media criticism column in every issue the past 14 months. The publisher's new policy of banning discussion of religion, gay rights and women's rights because they are "controversial" was a little too much for me to take (and this is a self-described Arts/alternative magazine). After I challenged the no gay rights policy (which would be "profanity", in the words of the publisher) with my Holsinger column (which she refused to run), my decision to leave was very easy.

Foreseeing this turn of events, I fortunately lined up a gig writing at W Weekly here in Lexington. W used to really suck, but they've dramatically improved in the last 6 months and there's some genuinely good stuff in there these days. W decided to run my Holsinger column that Nougat censored, and has offered me a regular spot in each issue, if I so desire. And the word on the street is that they actually give you a few bucks for your work, which is kinda considerate. (Nougat never paid me one red penny).

Anyway, my article on Karl Rove's destruction of the Republican Party for a generation to come was published in this week's issue, with a zesty inside cover page 2 spot.

And I'm quite happy to announce that my review of the Yearly Kos Convention will be the cover story for the new issue that  hits stands tomorrow. The people at W have been great (Robbie Clark is the kind of editor that you want), and this whole situation has turned out to work for the best.

Writing a monthly column was frustrating sometimes, as I had to choose just one topic for the month, which was always difficult (yes, the media spreads A LOT of lies, it's impossible to cover a month's worth in one column). Also, it was difficult to write about topics that were very current, as I had to finish my column in the middle of the previous month, meaning that people sometimes read my column a month and a half after I had written it. And while I loved the whole "Media Czech" format, it was a bit constraining, as I wasn't able to branch out into other subjects besides misinformation in the media.

But the old "Media Czech" idea isn't dead, as I plan to break out the old MC occasionally to highlight some egregious MSM lies. Plus, the Media Czech name, which is in parts clever, stupid, corny and sappy, is simply too good to abandon.

And would like to thank the people at Nougat (besides Miki) that were very supportive of me for the past year +, especially the recently departed editor Jennie Leavell. Jennie was the person who accepted my pitch for the Media Czech column, and she was very appreciative of my work the entire time. This column has meant so much to me, as it helped me focus some positive energy in a really difficult time for me personally, and it has managed to open a bunch of doors for me as well. Without this column, it is doubtful that I would have taken over the reigns at BlueGrassRoots when Ben took his LOA. Which means that I wouldn't have had the great experience of working with the Ditch Mitch crew (and being able to meet Jim Pence, a true KY legend). I have also been able to meet/talk with a number of individuals whom I greatly admire (Elizabeth Edwards, Tom McMahon, Sam Seder, Cliff Schecter, Mark Boehlert, Barack Obama???), that I never would have had the opportunity to otherwise.

This was all possible because Jennie Leavell decided to run my column, and I will be eternally grateful to her. (I also thank Lo and Saraya for helping out as well).

Anyway, I'm happy to be writing every week for an audience that mostly includes UK students, as they will play a key role in our politics in the coming year with some big '08 races.

So check out the W Weekly tomorrow or the coming week for my cover story, and keep checking in regularly for my column.

(And buy from their advertisers!!! We must support indie media that doesn't avoid "controversy" like other Lexington magazines)

Ditch Mitch is Smoking

Over at Ditch Mitch, Matt Gunterman has been a blogging machine as of late, making some really good posts. Today he got some much deserved love from Kos with a big front page link. The "Mitch is Vulnerable Express" just keeps on rolling.

DebateSam.com

I've discussed it many, many times, but there is perhaps no other group of "liberals" that are more  incompetent and idiotic than the people who run Air America Radio. First, they managed to let a bunch of inept con men financially back the network, then they decided to ditch all of their best programming in favor of "liberals" like "Lionel", who manage to pull off the rare trifecta of being neither funny or informative, while also bashing liberals who dare criticize AG Fredo.

Any fans of the old Sam Seder Show (the best political show on radio or TV at the time) should check out this link, www.debatesam.com, calling on the bad joke "Lionel" to debate Sam, who's slot he took, on Gonzalez, or anything else for that matter.

I don't think that Lionel actually reads the news at all, so it really wouldn't be a fair fight, but it would certainly be fun to listen to.

Oh, and you can still listen to Sam Seder on Sundays, here. And buy his very funny book, FUBAR, here.

Mitch McConnell Reads DitchMitchKY

Well, it looks like we've really gotten under someone's skin.

Mitch McConnell is sending out fundraising letters to supporters in which he whines about the "liberals, radicals, far-left, unions, Hillary, Schumer, etc..." who are hounding him about his pathetic record and his obedience to corporate contributers and George W. Bush rather than his constituents in Kentucky. In fact, we are "the 60's anti-war movement on steroids!". That's probably the greatest unintentional complement I've ever received. I think I'll have that put on my gravestone/obituary: "one of the leaders of the 60's anti-war movement on steroids".

Anyway, Mitchy even gives a big shout out to the good folks at Ditch Mitch!

"Liberals on the internet have already created a website called "Ditch Mitch," and 6,000 radicals from across the nation have already signed up."

Hey, Mitchy, glad to see you're reading the site! We feel humbled by your presence.

And as far as being a "radical", I wish. I don't think you can have an 8-5 Mon-Fri non-political office job and be defined as "radical". But I aspire to prove you right someday, Mitchy. And we're FAR more than 6,000, I can guarantee you that.

On second thought, maybe I'll have "the leader of 6,000 liberal radicals" on my gravestone/obituary, that's even better. (Though that honor technically should go to Matt Gunterman or Aniello, amongst a few others.)

And look what we have here. Why it's Mitchy's full fundraising letter, in all of its paranoid glory. It's funny, you can almost smell the desperation in here. For Christ's sake, have a little more dignity Mitchy.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Draft Horne for US Senate

There is a new site up devoted to drafting Andrew Horne into the 2008 Senate Race against MItch McConnell. The old petition that I set up to persuade him to run has been incorporated into that site, so if you want to get involved, go to the new site. It's quite spiffy, and should be fully operation very soon.

In addition, Bluegrass Report has a survey up on their site, and one of the questions asks who is your preferred candidate to run against against McConnell. If you're so inclined, go vote for Horne. His name recognition is still low, so this would help give him so mojo.

Billy Reed?

I've spent my entire life detesting the writing of sportswriter Billy Reed, a shameless Rick Pitino jock sniffer. Which makes my discovery of his political blog a little confusing for me. He appears to be one of those crazy liberals, who knew?

Anyway, he righteously slams nutjob Stan Lee in one of his recent posts, though I'm a little baffled by some of his tangents on facial hair. But hey, that goes with the territory sometimes in blogtopia.

Fox's Wiki Memory Hole

Example #1,237 that Fox News is scared shitless by the progressive netroots. This is some great reporting by Democrashield and O'Reilly Radar, documenting that someone from Fox News has been desperately trying to edit wiki entries for Fox News. Their misdeeds are scrubbed and their enemies are smeared.

Fortunately, these folks caught them red-handed.

And as for Mr. Falafel / Loofah, your exploits will never be erased from the internets.

Kentuckians for the Commonwealth

If you're looking to get away from your computer and do some good for your community, I advise you to check out Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. They do outstanding work, and are second to none in the Bluegrass as far as activism goes. This is a very busy week for them, with meetings all over the state, so check out their calendar if you want to get involved.

Their new blog is also an outstanding read. (and quite spiffy)

Meet the Press must see TV

This morning on Meet the Press (9:00 in Lexington), Daily Kos founder and netroots hero Markos Moulitsas takes on DLC head Harold Ford. Ford, while not making tacky campaign commercials from inside his church, is the head of the withering faux-Democrat DLC. Markos, meanwhile one of the take-no-prisoners leaders of the progressive force that has taken back Congress and given the Democratic party more of a backbone. While Markos has helped convince the party that they truly represent the "middle" of America, Ford and Co. continue to try to move the party to the right, a strategy that has failed for the past 13 years.

I look forward to Markos chewing him up and spitting him out.

UPDATE: Wow, that was even better than I thought. Markos was pounding him so bad that Ford threw out the "anti-Semite" card. Truly pathetic. Kos even said that its easy for Ford to control what everyone in his organization says, because there are DOZENS of them. Ouch.

Ford, if you want a softball TV appearance, go on Fox News. If you go up against somebody like Markos, you better come better prepared than you were today.

Here are some clips at Crooks and Liars.

YearlyKos fun facts

Among the many things I learned at Yearly Kos:

UCLA is well known for two things: being a pioneer in the racial integration of sports (Jackie Robinson is one of many examples of alumni breaking the color barrier) and the creation of the internet.

Who were two of UCLA's most prominent alumni in 2006?

Ted Stevens and George Allen.

Back From Chicago / YearlyKos

I'm back from the amazing YearlyKos Convention in Chicago, otherwise known to me as "the most wonderful place on earth". I was in Vegas for last year's inaugural gathering, and this year was even better. In Vegas, I was in full "star watching mode", as I basically went to panels to see all of my favorite bloggers in person. This year, my main objective was to learn. Particularly, learn how to build Kentucky's local/state blogosphere into a force to be reckoned with, just like so many others have over the past year.

In many ways, this was a sign of how the blogosphere has matured over the last year. While last year focused on big national blogs/bloggers, 2006 showed everyone the power of state/local blogs and muckrakers. We took back both branches of Congress in large part due to the tenacity, research and general mischief that these new journalists provided. This year's panels were full of their stories, providing a basic "how to" guide for everyone wanting to follow in their footsteps.

Additionally, this year showed how the perception of the liberal blogosphere has changed. While we used to be shunned as the wacky pajama-wearing losers in their parent's basement, we now are respected and feared by Democrats, Republicans and the media alike. 8 presidential candidates knew that we could not be ignored, and showed up for a quite lively "debate" of sorts. Additionally, the right-wing noise machine is scared to death of us, as you could see by Bill-O's colossal meltdown over the past week.

Expect big changes with BlueGrassRoots over the next week. We will be revamping our site dramatically by utilizing the tools that so many other state blogs have used with great success over the past year.

Live from Chicago!

Note to self: before next year's YearlyKos, buy a laptop with wi-fi.

Yes, let me briefly (as I'm charged $2/minute) say hi from Chicago's big blogger convention, which is friggin' Disneyland to political geeks like me.

You know, it's the damndest thing.... people don't like Mitch McConnell here.

talk soon,

Thursday Music Post: Sweet Home Chicago!

Well, I'm off to Chicago for the YearlyKos Convention to get my ass kissed by Hillary/ Obama/ Edwards/ Pelosi etc... Should be a lot of fun. And I am coming in town just as my Cubbies have taken over first place with a walk-off win last night. In honor of the lovable losers (the Cubs, not the Democrats), I present to you the happenin' 1969 Hey, Hey, Holy Mackerel song from that promising but ultimately crushing season.

Oh, and Kerry Wood is back!

I don't think I'll have any computer access up there, so I'll probably be gone until Sunday.

But if you've stopped by, go sign the Horne petition!

My E-Mail to the KY GOP

In response to the top three news items on the KY GOP's website, I was forced to send them a friendly letter.

Item #1- They site the 2 week old poll showing Beshear and Fletcher in a close race, which "shows" that Fletcher's "leadership" in calling for the special session gave him a huge bump in the polls.

Item #2- They post an absolutely hilarious letter from Ned Flanders Stan Lee to his opponent Jack Conway, asking him to oppose Beshear gaming expansion, or as Ned Stan puts it, "his desire to see casinos in every county across the commonwealth". Basically, he cites studies showing that casinos lead to rape, robbery, drugs, aggravated assault, embezzlement, prostitution, divorce, motor vehicle theft, murder, suicide and abortions. Wow! But he buries the lead:  " In 2002, the Indiana Gaming Commission fined the Belterra Casino $2.2 million for providing prostitutes to its customers. As part of the investigation into the prostitution scandal, it was reported that casino owners would send female 'player development managers' into surrounding communities to lure gentlemen back to the casino boats. One such female casino employee even stated that she was told to go to the popular bars and nightclubs in Lexington and pick up gentlemen to bring back to the casino." Oh my.

Item #3: They post a column from right-wing nutjob Hugh Hewitt, in which he lavishes praise on McConnell for the filibuster to enable Bush's Iraq policy.

My response:

"Some comments on your three top stories on your website right now:

#1: I see that you posted the poll that showed the Governor's race as being tight 2 weeks ago, just wondering why you haven't posted the new SUSA poll showing Beshear stomping Fletcher? Perhaps the internet tubes are clogged and you haven't received those yet. If so, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

#2: Is it wrong to ask about the causal linkage of casinos with rape and divorce? I'd be really interested to hear this explanation, especially from Ned Stan himself. And as far as the attractive women that go to bars in Lexington to pick up men: I need the names of the bars, Ned Stan. The NAMES, damnit!. Don't Bogart this info just because you're not interested, share the wealth.

#3: Additionally, I am glad that you finally found one conservative pundit that actually isn't ashamed of Mitch McConnell. I know that this has been really difficult to find. I do like the fact that he's praising Mitch for wrapping the Iraq anchor around the GOP's neck too, it's a nice touch.

All the best,
Joe

(crosposted at DitchMitchKY)

Glenn Greenwald hits NYT Bestseller List

America's Best Political Writer has debuted on the New York Times bestseller list with A Tragic Legacy: How a Good vs. Evil Mentality Destroyed the Bush Presidency. I've got my copy, now I just need that whole "free time" thing I've been hearing so much about.

Congrats Glenn, you deserve it.

Steve Beshear's Blogger Conference Call

In an effort to reach out to the progressive KY blogosphere, soon-to-be-Governor Steve Beshear (D) conducted a conference call with several local bloggers. The roll call included: Matt, Shawn, Cliff, Jim and I from DitchMitchKY; Jonathan Singer from MyDD; and Ted Shlechter from The Bridge. (there might have been others, fill me in if I missed someone)

Beshear noted that the blogosphere is going to continue to play an important role in KY politics, not just in this year's Governors race, but next year with the Congressional and Presidential campaigns. He felt that this call presented an opportunity to hear some concerns and feedback from us, and the gesture was greatly appreciated by all. Any candidate that wishes to have success in the next 2 years would do well to embrace the post-Bluegrass Report blogosphere.

Steve noted that he was glad he avoided a run-off election in the primary, as the Kentucky Democrats appear to be united on all fronts and in good shape for this Fall. Though polls show him well ahead of Fletcher, he cautioned that we shouldn't be overconfident. Fletcher is sure to raise and spend plenty of money for attack ads, which could always make it a close race. He did note that he plans on raising $4-5 million himself, excluding outside dollars.

Several of the questions and concerns dealt with Beshear's advocacy of "clean coal" as the future of KY's energy policy. Beshear said that he would sit down with leaders from all sides of the issue to reach some kind of common ground; allowing union leaders, environmentalists and industry to meet at the table. He also expressed a desire to enforce regulations on strip mining and mountaintop removal that are not currently followed through on. Additional funding for alternative technologies at universities will also be a top priority. He noted a quite interesting tidbit on the Peabody deal- that Peabody wouldn't even have the feasibility study done for one of its plants until April. Which makes the special session plan a little....shady?

Beshear also talked a great deal about improving Kentucky's economy. He noted that KY's budget is currently woefully inadequate to fund everything that we are in need of. One method of increasing revenue, of course, is his plan to expand gaming. He also criticized the tactic of offering outside businesses tax breaks to move to KY as rather short-sided, in itself. He noted that such companies often move here for a few years, only to leave for Mexico or somewhere else where they can get even cheaper labor. Beshear wants to give small and medium sized independent businesses incentives to stay and thrive here in KY, and he also wants to fund job training programs.

When asked what he would do as Governor in the instance that a bill is passed which prohibits UK and UL from implementing its domestic partner benefits plan, he said that he would veto it. We need to help our universities compete nationally, and having the government impose such a restriction will not allow them to attract and keep our best candidates.

The folks at DitchMitchKY, BlueGrassRoots, The Bridge and MyDD thanked Beshear for setting up this conference call, as it shows a good deal of respect for both the KY blogosphere and grassroots activism. As local blogs in Connecticut and Virginia showed last year, we can have a huge impact on the political scene. We're glad that Beshear and his staff have recognized this new political reality.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Elizabeth Edwards Rocks Lexington (and chats with me for 10 minutes!)

I’m not really sure how many supporters John Edwards had in Lexington on Friday morning, but I know that he has a lot more now. The line on John Edwards that is making the rounds is that his best asset in the campaign to win the presidency is not his humble Southern background, health-care platform or charm, but his wife, Elizabeth Edwards. After watching her performance during Friday’s Small Change for Big Change event in Lexington, I think that statement isn’t too far off base.

Elizabeth Edwards performed a rather spectacular hour+ Q & A session with over 200 contributors, fans, and potential voters. And due to the online outreach efforts of the Edwards campaign (thanks to Tracy and Amy, via DMKY’s Shawn Dixon) and the southern charm of DMKY’s own Jim Pence, Jim and I were able speak with Elizabeth face to face for roughly 10 minutes before her public Q & A session.

Though the Edwards staff thought we had a decent chance of chatting with her for a couple of minutes, shortly after we entered the venue and set up our cameras (Jim and fellow film guru Erica), we were told that there was no time for an interview. After Jim disappeared for a few minutes to chat up the Edwards folks, he came back saying that she might be doing a short “meet and greet” with some people.

“What’s a meet and greet?”

“I’m not sure”

“I’ve never been to a meet and greet”

“Yea, me neither”

Ten minutes later, Jim pulled me backstage and one of the staff stopped us and asked if we were the guys from DitchMitchKY and told us that we could speak with Mrs. Edwards in a few minutes, but not on camera or on tape. So while all of the slick, dolled up TV reporters waited for Elizabeth to come out for the Q & A, the blogger in ratty Chuck Taylors and ripped pants, and the hillbilly with the Acapulco shirt were whisked upstairs to meet her.

Happy 5th Birthday DailyKos

I echo Atrios in his sentiments, wishing The Great Orange Satan a belated 5th.

In the insanity of 2002 and 2003 that was America, some days DailyKos (and Eschaton and ThisModernWorld) was the only thing keeping me from a complete nervous breakdown. Its nice to know that a site like this has transitioned from one that convinced you that you weren't alone despite being a rational, informed person, to one in which many thousands can work together to spread information, causes and activism, knowing that the majority of Americans have come around to agree with us on the big issues of the day.

Here's to many more.

Weird, weird, weird, weird

Kos:

" Apparently, the topic of bands "selling out" has become one of the hottest topics in the blogosphere."

(devilish laughter)

Let it be known to everyone in the liberal blogosphere, that MEDIA CZECH controls the fucking agenda.

Weird, considering I only get 50 hits a day here...oh well.

....oh, and yes, they're united against him!!:)

....yes, its a joke.....Jeebus, people

Throwing Away Money

I find this thoroughly funny. The top three advertisers on Eschaton right now are (1) a religious book (2) a Liebercrat book and (3) a Glenn "prove to me you're not working with the enemy" Beck special on the myth of global warning.

Nice to know that these people are willing to throw their money at an atheist liberal. I'm sure Duncan doesn't mind their stupidity.

Hurray for Iraq Concentration Camps

It's probably best just to ignore these people, but the deranged longing for fascist rule in Iraq as a means to achieving democracy that is exhibited by the rightwingers really needs to be laid bare.  Maybe if people start to see just how sick and twisted these jokers are, the next time the war drums start beating reasonable people can have a reasonable discussion while those other idiots play out their Conan fantasies in the World of Warcraft by themselves so the adults can make the decisions.

Mob Boss Kos in Cincy

For those interested, inclined, or in the vicinity, you can catch Kos of Daily Kos at the Mercantile Library in Cincinnati on Sept. 29.  Details here.

The Circle of (Blogging) Life

Nice words about Ben Carter from a guy who does some fine blogging himself.

This certainly piles on the pressure.

America's Lost Morality

I'd say that "Digby is really good today" but that's something I'd generally say anytime he posts.  But this post really lays bare 5 years of Bush Rule:

The US government has lost all moral authority and no longer even theoretically adheres to a consistent set of principles. It indefinitely imprisons citizens and non-citizens alike as non-combatants, some of them innocent, saying the "battlefield" comprises the whole planet, including Smalltown USA. Yet we place our own non-combatants on the real battlefield and protect them by saying there is no legal system that applies them. The taxpayers of this country are paying for human trafficking. The administration created a series of secret prisons for the sole purpose of circumventing American laws. The government advances theories of executive authority that kings and dictators could appreciate. And we are now in the process of enabling the country we liberated from a tyrant to create tyrannical institutions of their own in the name of democratic government.

Every one of those things will make us less safe and yet the perpetrators insist that they are all done to protect us. And they are finally admitting that most of this is done purely for domestic political reasons.

This was not done in a vacuum - at every bad turn, whenever there was a chance to stop the Man Child from making things worse the Republican Congress circled the wagons, stuck their fingers in their ears, and just cheered louder.  Well...after they called the rest of us traitors.  McConnell, Bunning, Rogers, Northup, Davis, and Whitfield are all every bit of the problem as is the failed legacy of a failed presidency.

Blogs: Kentucky Law Blawg

For all of you legal eagles out there, I've got a real Friday afternoon treat for you: Kentucky Law Blog.

Blogs: Plug Nickel

Wow, look at this!  A blog from Maysville!  Meet Plug Nickel.

Blogs: Last Sane Man, Kentucky's Deep Throat, Revealed

I have long-maintained that Last Sane Man was one of the most quality blogs about Kentucky politics in existence.  Unlike most blogs, including this one, that mostly recycles and comments on news stories, Last Sane Man actually researched his own stories, scouring KREF records and legislative histories to pierce the veil of our government and show us the naked politics that shape our public policy.  Last Sane Man required rigorous public accountability from both parties and had a common sense approach to government. 

It doesn't take a Democrat to understand why Last Sane Man gained the respect of both conservative and liberal readers.  And why everyone I knew who reads blogs asked me who Last Sane Man was.

I use the past tense to describe the blog because, in case you haven't noticed, Last Sane Man blog is no more. 

But, fear not, bloggy soldiers!   

Last Sane Man's pragmatic wisdom and probing investigations are not gone, just moved.  From now on, you can read the writings of Last Sane Man at Long Way Home run by Lexingtonian Ralph Long. 

That's right, folks, Kentucky's Last Sane Man was none other than Ralph Long.  Keep up the good work, Ralph. 

Blogs: Donut Age

Have you been to Donut Age recently?  They're geting postmodern (yet simultaneously traditionalist...ooh, that's so PoMo!) onT.S. Eliot and cyberspace!

I love blogs.

Blogs: Jabley.com

Say hello to Jabley.  His dog is amazing.

Blogs: Written Up in the Courier

Blogs got a feature story in the Courier-Journal today about basketball blogging.  BlueGrassRoots is psyched that we were included in it. 

If any journalists want to write about Kentucky bloggers and politics, we are always available for comment.

Admin: By Our Powers Combined...

No, we are not Captain Planet.  Rather, we're a growing group of Kentucky Democrats with rockin' good blogs.  Here's our membership list: 

BlueGrassRoots
Last Sane Man
Kentucky Democrat
Sparkgrass Community
Art Pottery, Politics, and Food
Fire Ron Lewis
Fire Anne Northup
Donut Age
Kentucky Blog

More to come about Kentucky Bloggers for Tomorrow Today as the coalition develops...

Blogs: Rick Santorum Caption Contest

Over at the Sparkgrass Community, you can give your anal-yis of Sen. Rick Santorum.

Blogs: Kentucky Blog Emporium

Dude!  Look at this site!  It blows our Kentucky Blog blogroll out of the Ohio River!  And, it has a clickable map!  Ridiculous.  Awesome. 

I'm lobbying for Fred Ochsenhirt, the site's proprietor, to found the first ever Kentucky Blogger's Ball.  I'll help organize and recruit, but I doubt he needs it, judging from his blog.

Blogs: Check 'Em Out

Two new sites that can be found on the politiblogs list are Left In The West, which is a great blog out of Montana but has great news and opinions from the West.  The other blog is The Angry Bear, which is a very well researched blog and deals mostly with policy.  Check 'em out.

Blogs: Kentucky Blog

Heads up!  Another progressive Kentucky blog comin' atcha!

Admin: Most Deserving Of Wider Recognition

Okay, folks, there are only four days left to vote for BlueGrassRoots as the blog "Most Deserving of Wider Recognition." 

Take a moment, click on the link, and tell the folks at Wampum what's up.  I mean, tell them we're the only blog out there with a friggin' radio show!

Blogs: Kentucky Fried Adventures

You know, cool people in law school are like upsides to another four years of George W. Bush: you know they're there, but it's hard to find them.  Well, one of the coolest people to come out of UK Law in my short time there now has a blog.  She's hip, she's smooth, and even though she's living in DC, she's been added to the Kentuckiblog blogroll. 

Come on, with a name like Kentucky Fried Adventures, where else does she belong? 

From thoughtful musings on gay rights to guest posts from her fart-igniting father, this blog has it all.

Politics: WLAP-dog

Quick reminder: I will be appearing, along with Jeremy Horton and the KyDem, on WLAP AM-630 tomorrow at 3 p.m.  For those of you not in the greater-Lexington area, you can listen online here.  Much thanks to Jonathan Miller for the invitation.  It's an honor to appear on the station that hosts Coast to Coast.

Also, please welcome Last Sane Man to our Kentuckiblog blogroll.  Recently, it seems our Kentuckiblogroll has been exploding with more and more quality bloggers.  It's like we fed them after midnight and dunked them in water.  A great sign.  Very encouraging. 

LSM has his head screwed on straight and his finger on the pulse of Kentucky politics.  He has only been at it a month or so, but he's doing good work.  Now if he could just get some reciprocal links up on his website...

UPDATE:  For those of you who tuned in this afternoon to WLAP and found your appetite for my smokey voice and radio face merely whetted, fear not.  I have my own radio show on 88.1 WRFL, Radio Free Lexington.  The BlueGrassRoots Radio Review airs Wednesdays from 6-9 in the morning.  Next week's guests will be State Senator Ernesto Scorsone and Matthew Stoller of simonforchair.org.  You can read more about it or listen online.

Blogs: Opinions You Should Have

Tom Burka, author of the brilliant Opinions You Should Have, has a column in today's New York Times.  Read it and weep (cause it's so funny).

Blogs: Pop Humor

Pop Humor, the funniest NBOTB, has been added to our Kentuckiblog blogroll.  If you're cool, you'll add it to your blogroll, as well.

Speaking of funny blogs, Stockton and Tweed, tired of Lickin' Bush, have started a new blog, Bad Vernacular.