How Tennessee Representatives Voted On the Final Health Care Reform Bill

Thirty-four of a little over 250 Democratic representatives voted against the Senate version health care reform bill that became law Sunday night. Two of the 34 are from Tennessee: Lincoln Davis and John Tanner.

As in the November House vote, all Tennessee Republicans voted against the package: Phil Roe, John Duncan, Zack Wamp, and Marsha Blackburn.

One Representative who voted against the November house health care bill, voted in favor of the more conservative Senate bill this time. Middle Tennessee Rep. Bart Gordon, amid controversy surrounding rumor that he was offered the position of NASA administrator if he voted in favor of health care reform (a rumor for which he and the administration denies); voted for reform this time.

In a statement Gordon said:

“In the end, the question I'm faced with is this: will this reform be better for Middle Tennessee than the status quo? I think it will. That's why I believe passing meaningful health care reform is essential and why I have made my decision to help ensure health care is affordable for Middle Tennesseans today and for generations to come.”

Despite all the ballyhoo and lambasting by liberals for months, Blue Dog Democrat Jim Cooper voted in favor of both health care bills that came to the house floor, in November and this past weekend. Memphis Rep Steve Cohon was the other of the Tennessee Contingent to vote in favor of the bill.

For his part, Democrat John Tanner, in explaining his no vote, in part wrote on his website:

“There is no question our health care system needs reform. Since the outset of this national dialogue, I have talked with many West and Middle Tennesseans about how we can identify and fix what is broken within our system. Chief among these goals is the long-term reduction in health care costs for families, employers and the government…“After thorough and careful review of the legislation, I am unconvinced that the long-term trend of rising health care costs is adequately addressed and am therefore unable to support the legislation.” Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF

Fair Lending Legislation Hearing Tuesday March 23

From organizer Melissa Gordon:



Hello All, As many of you know, I recently started working ajavascript:void(0)t the Neighborhoods Resource Center as a Neighborhood Organizer. I am advocating for fair lending policies in Tennessee with the Coalition for Responsible Lending in Tennessee. I am sure we all know someone or have experienced the debt trap of predatory lending. Imagine being a single mother that borrows 80.00 against her car title to pay her childcare. Imagine paying 35% of your tax refund to have it deposited in your account three weeks early because your heating bill increased during the cold 2010 Tennessee winter. Stories like these are common realities because too many people turn to predatory loans (refund anticipation, car title, payday) during financial crisis. Show your support by being present march 23rd so we can create fair lending policies in Tennessee!


If you have questions or comments, contact me at (615)72-8212.

Thanks,

Melissa Gordon
Neighborhood Organizer
Neighborhoods Resource Center


Dear Friends of the Coalition for Responsible Lending in Tennessee,

I am writing because we need your help. We need people to attend an upcoming hearing about payday and title lending that is taking place in the Tennessee Legislature on Tuesday, March 23rd at 10:30 am. We anticipate that it will be in Room HHR30, but it is possible that it will be in a nearby room (we will be on hand to direct people).

The Utilities and Banking Subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee will consider several pieces of legislation related to small dollar predatory lending. One of those bills will cap the interest rate for payday lending at 100% APR.

We want to send the message that 100% is ENOUGH!!

Obviously, many of us think that 100% is far more than enough and would like to see a more reasonable cap set. The Coalition for Responsible Lending in TN will continue to work toward that aim, but as we build the necessary constituency to make such a change, we would like the industry to tell us why they think 100% isn't enough. That should be interesting, don't you think?

I am in the process of finalizing talking points related to the legislation under consideration. I will send those out soon.

Please, forward this email to anyone you think would be interested in the issue.

We need to pack the room on Tuesday. Can you be there? Please, let me know.

If you can arrive early, that is strongly advised.

Thanks Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF

Nashville Youth Rally

*About the Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series
as delivered to me from Keith Caldwell

The Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series began in 1957 and occurs annually in March at the American Baptist College and Baptist World Center complex in Nashville, TN.

The Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series was named in honor of the leadership of James Henry Garnett and James Madison Nabrit. Garnett was a teacher of Systemic Theology and New Testament Greek at American Baptist Theological Seminary from 1924 to 1938. He served as the seminary’s dean from 1927 to 1939. During a portion of that time, from 1930 to 1932, he provided leadership as the acting president.

James Madison Nabrit was president of American Baptist Theological Seminary from 1936 to 1944. His eight-year tenure advanced the institution and brought forth the development of the National Baptist Training School for Christian Workers.

Garnett and Nabrit are landmarks in the legacy of great leadership provided to American Baptist College. Their example of innovation and integrity are recognized annually through the Garnett-Nabrit Lecture Series.

The goal of the GNL Series is to provide a national dialogue around topics which challenge the modern day church to keep up with the changing needs of society. The lecture series seeks to accomplish this by bringing together American Baptist College alumni, clergy and laity of various faith communities, educational institutions and the Nashville community to engage in conference topics. The lecture series also serves as an excellent medium to initiate and culminate national fund-raising efforts on behalf of the college. Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF

Tennessee State University Named to 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

Vanderbilt was granted the distinction last year, but this year it's Tennessee State.

Below is the official TSU press releases from Cheryl Bates-Lee
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs
615-963-5331

------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Tennessee State University Received National Recognition for Community Service, Named to President’s Honor Roll
University listed as the only Tennessee institution with distinction

Nashville, TN – March 2, 2010 –Tennessee State University has been named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. TSU is the only higher education institution in Tennessee named to the 2009 Distinction List. TSU was also selected as a Community Service Honor Roll honoree in 2008.

“I am extremely proud of our selection to the President’s Higher Education Community
Service Honor Roll. This honor is a fitting tribute to our students, faculty, staff and alumni who have worked diligently to make community service and service learning an integral component of our academic programs. It also strengthens our commitment to be recognized as one of our nation’s most engaged universities,” said Melvin N. Johnson, president of Tennessee State University.




The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. On campuses across the country, thousands of students joined their faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs using the skills gained in their classrooms. Business students served as consultants to budget-strapped nonprofits and businesses, law students volunteered at legal clinics, and dozens of others organized anti-hunger campaigns.

“Congratulations to Tennessee State University and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities,” said Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Our nation’s students are a critical part of the equation and vital to our efforts to tackle the most persistent challenges we face. They have achieved impactful results and demonstrated the value of putting knowledge into practice to help renew America through service.”

The Honor Roll includes six colleges and universities that are recognized as Presidential Awardees, with an additional 115 named to the Distinction List and 621 schools named as Honor Roll members. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. Click here for a full list of Honor Roll recipients.College students make a significant contribution to the volunteer sector; in 2009, 3.16

million students performed more than 300 million hours of service, according to the
Volunteering in America study released by the corporation. Each year, the corporation
invests more than $150 million in fostering a culture of service on college campuses
through grants awarded by its programs; the education awards that AmeriCorps members
receive at the conclusion of their term of service to pay for college; and through support of training, research, recognition, and other initiatives to spur college service.

The corporation oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the
American Council on Education. Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF

Lt. Gov Ron Ramsey Wants Corporate Donations...For the Good of Campaigns

Tennessee Senate Speaker/Lt. Gov Ron Ramsey apparently doesn't think the supreme court went far enough in deciding that corporations have the same speech rights as individual human citizens in airing ads at any time during a campaign. He wants more.

Lt Gov. Ron Ramsey



As quoted by the Nashville Scene at the First Tuesday Club meeting on Febuary 2nd, Ramsey stated:

A lot of people think that now I, Ron Ramsey, candidate for state Senate, can take contributions from corporations. We can't. What can happen is corporations can pool their money and run independent expenditures. Me as a state senator whether I'm running for office or whether I'm running for governor ... I want to be able to control my message. So it scares me just a tad. So I think what we need to do in the state of Tennessee is what about 28 other states do and allow direct corporate contributions to candidates here in the state of Tennessee. It will allow you to control your message. ... I am for full disclosure.

Wow, if those aren't some logical gymnastics, I don't know what is.

Rasesy is trying to tell us that getting direct legal bribes from coporations is some how better so that he can control his message. Yes, because that's what the purpose of government for the people, and by the people is all about; politicians personal PR campaigns. Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF

Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Sends Degrading Michelle Obama Email To Public Officials

Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Walt Baker's sent out an email last week to 12 prominent Nashvillians in which Michelle Obama is compared to a Chimpanzee.

Tennessee Hospitality Association was instrumental in the development of the new Nashville Convention Center project.

On Saturday the publicly funded Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that it would be canceling its $50,000 marketing contract with Baker's company.

CVB president Butch Spyridon is one of the people Baker sent the email to.

Here is the original email sent by Barker:

From: Walt Baker To: Albie DelFavero, Bruce Dobie, Butch Spyridon, Joe Hall, Peter Heidenreich, Terry Clements, Toby Compton, Chuck Creasy, Rob Moorefield, Ken Whitehouse, Paul Brown, Bob Davis Date: March 4, 2010 9:18:29 PM CST
Quoting Larry the Cable Guy...I don't care who you are, this is funny...

I was at the store yesterday, and I ran into Tarzan! I asked him how it was going and if he was into anymore movies.



He told me that he could no longer make any more movies as he had severe arthritis in both shoulders and could no longer swing from vine to tree.


I asked how Jane was doing, he told me she was in bad shape, in a nursing home, has Alzheimer's and no longer recognizes anyone, how sad. I asked about Boy, and he told me that Boy had gone to the big city, got hooked up with bad women, drugs, alcohol, and the only time he heard from him was if he was in trouble or needed something.


I asked about Cheeta, he beamed and said she was doing good, had married a Lawyer and now lived in the White House!!!

Butch Spyridon, in a CVB president press release said:

"On behalf of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, I apologize for the offensive email sent yesterday by Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Walt Baker. As a recipient of the email, I am embarrassed for my organization and myself. The content is deeply hurtful to all Nashvillians and beyond. The attitudes expressed in the email are both appalling and unacceptable, and are not shared or condoned in anyway by the NCVB or by me personally.

Nashville's hospitality industry has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming environment for our visitors and this behavior discredits the work done by so many. After serious consideration, the NCVB has terminated its contract with Mr. Baker's marketing agency, Mercatus Communications. I have communicated this action and my deep regrets about the email to the Mayor's Office and other hospitality industry leaders."

Bakers apology with his contention that the email was not meant to be racist, nor insulting:

"Thursday night I spontaneously forwarded -- to a small group of people -- an email that had been sent to me as political humor. As I forwarded it, I did not think or consider its implications, other than that it was political humor. I am saddened that anyone misinterpreted the sentiments behind the email. I deeply apologize to anyone who is offended by this action. I hope that those who know me realize that the message was not intended to be malicious or hurtful in any way and can find it in their hearts to forgive me."

Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF

Kyle Vanden Bosch Signs With Detroit Lions

The 3 time Pro Bowl defensive end, effectionately known in Nasvhille as KVB is apparently on his way out of town.

According to the Nashville City Paper

Vanden Bosch agreed to a four-year contract with the Lions on Friday morning worth $26 million. His agent Tony Agnone confirmed to The City Paper that the agreement had been reached between the Lions and his client.

Vanen Bosch has been known for his nonstop motor in agressively pursuing quarter backs. But last year after Albert Haynesworth left the endside of the line for Washington, KVB only registered 3 sacks.

I wouldn't sign for 4 years, especially at that amount, a 31 year old End who just came off a subpar year; but these are the Lions we're talking about. They're not exactly known for good decisions and success.

Having been a fan favorite, Kyle Vanden Bosch will be missed in Nashville though.

A ten year fan favorite, Keith Bulluck, is still on deck. Keith spent a lot of last night, retweeting sentiments from Titans fans urging him to stay, and the Titans to pay him; such as the following:

RT @Janeydd @kbull53 the titans need to pay this man! you are the heart and soul of the Titans let him go and he'll prove you wrong!
about 13 hours ago via Twittelator

Reply Retweet RT @wilo_8 @kbull53 please don't go anywhere!!!!
about 13 hours ago via Twittelator

Reply Retweet RT @Noisemaker52 @kbull53 Please dnt leave Ca$hville. We need you here in Tennessee. PLEASE DNT LEAVE US!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
about 13 hours ago via Twittelator

Bulluck's twitter is http://twitter.com/kbull53 Read more! Read more: http://www.blogdoctor.me/2007/02/expandable-post-summaries.html#ixzz0fvTXmFSF