Monthly Archives: September 2012

(Community Matters)  and that’s just among the staff . . . in the Maxine Waters investigation- Politico

(Community Matters) The myth that lower capital gains sustainably spurs economic growth and jobs creates an inequity that threatens democracy. We’re taxing the wages of men and women in the military, teachers, fire fighters, janitors and other laborers at higher rates than most investors while Nordquist’s grand strategy of robbing the treasury (not funding two wars nor the largest increase in entitlements in several decades) to justify shrinking government could result in drastic cuts to the infrastructure that supports economic mobility. Intentional or not, we’re pulling up the ladder behind the 5%* of Americans who are upper middle class and rich.

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(Community Matters) Very articulate – Brooks

Conservatism has lost the balance between economic and traditional conservatism. The Republican Party has abandoned half of its intellectual ammunition. It appeals to people as potential business owners, but not as parents, neighbors and citizens.

(Community Matters) yeah. thank you!

(Community Matters) his daddy was also one of the main, early advocates for people of color in central texas. I liked Ed a lot. He was a helpful guide when we were organizing early AIDS/HIV services & funding. I don’t know Ed, Jr well except several emails over the years but this is a good opinion piece http://m.statesman.com/statesman/db_42785/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=w4qc4dsW&storycount=170&detailindex=7&pn=&ps=

Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) Austin is “like a blueberry in the middle of tomato soup” – Gov Rick Perry 9/21/12 Texas Tribune Festival

Since Dallas, Houston & San Antonio now vote D in presidential races too . . . think we’re gonna turn the soup soon

Blueberries for the state fruit!

(Community Matters) Thousands of Libyans marching through the streets of Benghazi, Libya disarming militias (in part) for the retaliation of the killing of a popular American diplomat. story

“We want justice for Chris,” read one sign among the estimated 30,000 Libyans, including families, who marched into Benghazi’s main square on Friday to protest in front of the chief encampment of Ansar al-Sharia.

– not what neocons have been churning as their brewing Swiftboat narrative against the incumbent’s foreign policy successes.

(Community Matters) This wasn’t a good weekend to be away – tonight’s Ballet Austin Fete, Andy Roddick Gala, Miracle Foundation event – plus this weekend’s Pride Festival (Tana’s the grand marshal at tomorrow’s parade & Michael Mitchell is riding in the car with her) and Texas Tribune Fest. We’ll even miss the 52nd celebration of Michael Mitchell on Sunday since we’re back late and barely in time to wash & repack for Steven’s early Monday departure for LA. But, business is business; Steven’s been in London all week for a client and asked me to join him at the end.

(Community Matters) HBR senior lecturer finds three out of four vc-backed start-ups fail, challenging the vc narrative that only 3 or 4 fail, another 3 or 4 return the original capital and 1 or 2 produce the substantial returns. WSJ. Posted from my blackberry (which would be replaced by new iPhone 5 if in town tomorrow)

(Community Matters) Who’s Bud Johnson? Again from Towleroad but evidently first reported by the Burnt Orange Report, the Austinite hung this chair from a tree as symbolism for the lynching of President Obama.  Beyond horrific symbolism toward the first African-American President.  update: the homeowner has since added an American flag to the chair

Burnt Orange update:

Updated 6:28 p.m. Wednesday I called the homeowner to ask about his display, citing my concerns as a fellow Austinite. He replied, and I quote, “I don’t really give a damn whether it disturbs you or not. You can take [your concerns] and go straight to hell and take Obama with you. I don’t give a shit. If you don’t like it, don’t come down my street.”

Ironically, the [northwest Austin] homeowner in question, Bud Johnson, won “Yard of the Month” in August 2010 from his Homeowners Association.

Surprised I missed this in the Austin American Statesman

(Community Matters) 86 plans for any Chick-Fil-A sandwiches or expressions of appreciation for their promise to not engage in anti-gay politics, according to Towleroad:

Chick-fil-A executives this week promised to stop supporting and donating money to political causes, particularly homophobic organizations that work to restrict people’s rights. Apparently CEO Dan Cathy didn’t get the memo.

The Advocate reports that Cathy on Tuesday tweeted a picture in support of the 2012 WinShape Ride for the Family, a ride aimed at fighting same-sex marriage.

(Community Matters) Excerpts from Pew survey analysis: Obama’s overall advantage – he leads 51% to 42% among registered voters – does not narrow significantly when looking only at those most likely to vote. Among 2,192 likely voters, Obama leads Romney, 51% to 43%.

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