Posted on 01/08/2011 3:39:18 PM PST by Jim Robinson
I am from the Tucson area and live in Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords' district. I worked like a dog for her elections when she was in the Arizona House, surrounded by rightwing nutcases. When Arizona re-districted in 2002, a seat opened up and she was right smack in the middle of it. So was I because I live in Oro Valley, Arizona, which is at the heart of that - then - new CD. I was one of several people to talk her into running and pledging complete loyalty and pledging to raise as much money as possible for her.
She ended up running for the first time against a fellow AZ House member, Randy Graf who was a rightwing whacko who advocated guns in bars and was the "Russell Pearce before Russell Pearce" vis-a-vis border issues. With a LOT of hard work and plenty of money, Gabby won. Easier than thought, too. I never like to throw money in people's faces, but i have given Gabrielle Giffords THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of dollars in both good times and bad times for me financially.
Fast forward to this election season. A weirdo asshole named Jesse Kelly who advocated ELIMINATING Social Security and was a tea bagger favorite got the GOP nom to run against her. I am gay and had been married and my spouse left me January 15, 2010. I shot myself in the mouth in a serious suicide attempt, because of that. Barely surviving, I spent two months in the hospital and still have some paralysis. I did receive a severance from my employer, as i had been laid off in December, 2009. That may have been part of the reason my spouse left me.
Anyway, after months of physical and mental rehab, I got back into the political scene and started working for Gabby once again. I raised over $100,000 for her and maxed her out myself out of my severance, even though i still don't have work and could not qualify for state aid because of my severance.
She wins her re-election and told me she was still a supporter of Speaker Pelosi at her victory party. We talked about how Nancy Pelosi was a successful woman and accomplished oh so much in just four years as Speaker.
Today, just a little while ago, I saw on Andrea Mitchell Reports (out of the one eye in can still see out of) that Giffords voted AGAINST Nancy Pelosi as our Minority Leader. Rhetorical question: I fought back from my condition and jumped in with both feet to help Gabrielle Giffords for THIS shit???
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is dead to me now. I won't lift a finger, make one phone call, nor will i EVER vote for her in the future. And why did she do this? Giffords never told me she was conservative Democrat. And her voting record is okay. Damn.
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fcvaguy, tiponeill, LordMike, BoxerDave, ybruti, BachFan, gooderservice, john07801, kafkananda, Nica24, willie2011
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:07:18 AM PST
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LordMike, BoxerDave, happymisanthropy
she did this or whom she voted for. It could have been Elvis or Jesus Christ...it accomplishes NOTHING but plays into the MEDIA NARRATIVE of Democrats against Pelosi. Just watch.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:53:00 AM PST
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her voting record is okay.
If you are satisfied with the way she votes; why not vote for her again?
by Kitty on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:56:38 AM PST
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extremely poor choice of words BoyBlue especially now that she was assassinated an hour ago. Maybe you'll think twice before using terminology like this.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is dead to me now.
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
-8.50, -6.92
by ferallike on Sat Jan 08, 2011 at 11:30:12 AM PST
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Call their office and let them know... handwrite this diary on stationary, sign, and hand deliver it to her field office. Those kind of letters get attention.
DARTH SPECTER: I am altering the deal! Pray I don't alter it any further!
LANDO REID: This deal keeps getting worse all the time!
by LordMike on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:09:05 AM PST
(8+ / 0-)
fcvaguy, BoxerDave, Mikecan1978, UncleCharlie, BachFan, fizziks, gooderservice, BoyBlue
"I drank what?!" -Socrates
by bagman on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:11:09 AM PST
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about our turncoats. i have even left a message on HER cell. which she won't return.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:11:50 AM PST
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Not Shuler. Statement:
Congresswoman Giffords today cast a ceremonial vote in the process of confirming Rep. John Boehner as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The congresswoman’s vote for Rep. John Lewis signaled her desire for courageous leadership and high moral standards at a critical time in our nation’s history. He is one of our nation’s most prominent civil rights leaders and a hero to all Americans.
John Lewis spent a lifetime standing up for the enduring values that sets our nation apart from all others. He is widely admired by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both houses of Congress. Sen. John McCain, put it well in his 2004 book, “Why Courage Matters: the Way to a Braver Life.” Sen. McCain wrote that “John Lewis was as courageous as anyone could ever hope to be.”
In words and deeds, John Lewis should be a clear and bright guiding light for every member of Congress and every American. His integrity and civility is an example for us all.
by Adam B on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:13:49 AM PST
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For THAT I could see your vitriol, but on this?
What was essentially a coronation for Boehner? Not so much. Heck, she could have voted for Donkey Kong, and I wouldn't care much. [But I agree that Shuler would be a terrible choice.]
We don't want our country back, we want our country FORWARD. --Eclectablog
by Samer on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:19:42 AM PST
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If memory serves, Giffords kept her Minority Leader vote on the DL.
Too Folk For You
by TooFolkGR on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:27:02 AM PST
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why? because she is helping the media narrative that NINETEEN Democrats voted against Nancy Pelosi. I always knew Gabby wasn't the brightest bulb (but always voted correctly), but i must say, that vote and that statement, in lieu of how the media spins things like this is just....STUPID. And Pelosi has a LOOOONG memory and our CD is now at the bottom of the barrel because of this. She embarrassed the former Speaker, she embarrassed herself, and she embarrassed ME as a former supporter.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:19:48 AM PST
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eddytom, kurt, Kickemout, Neuroptimalian
You always knew she wasn't the brighest bulb? Why would you give thousands of your own dollars away to someone you thought was stupid? Sounds like you may be the one who isn't the brightest bulb.
by MRobDC on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:22:41 AM PST
[ Parent ]
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:30:37 AM PST
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tiponeill, polecat, Samer, BoxerDave, Catte Nappe, homogenius, furi kuri, peacestpete, mcronan, fizziks, kurt, gramofsam1, wwjjd, FiredUpInCA
First: Giffords is an actual Blue Dog (not like the way Kossacks use it) so if you've worked so hard for her I don't know how you wouldn't know that.
Second: She didn't vote for Shuler. She voted for John Lewis; as did fellow Blue Dog John Barrow.
Too Folk For You
by TooFolkGR on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:19:06 AM PST
by House of Gin on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:20:35 AM PST
[ Parent ]
Too Folk For You
by TooFolkGR on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:22:17 AM PST
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in this election. keep buying into the media BULLSHIT, bro!!!
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:27:56 AM PST
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I didn't say Pelosi was a big factor in the district, but she's even less of a factor now that whoever runs against her next time won't be able to say, "And she voted to continue San Francisco Liberal Nancy Pelosi's tenure as speaker!"
Too Folk For You
by TooFolkGR on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:31:23 AM PST
[ Parent ]
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:54:37 AM PST
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but not for a real progressive. So, advantage Gabby.
You might consider moving to Raul's district if it means that much to you...
by furi kuri on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:43:20 PM PST
[ Parent ]
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:28:25 AM PST
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she's a freakin blue dog. The shocking thing is you believed her lies and worked for her. Lesson learned.
by House of Gin on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:24:38 PM PST
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BDINO = Blue Dog In Name Only
So, yeah, i did know that. And she comes from a rich family so let her finance her own goddam elections from now on. But i hope she loses. Rumor has it Arizona's "Independent" Re-Districting Commission (but in reality, is a GOP shill group) is planning on tossing her and Grijalva into the same CD for next time. Well, hmmm, since i helped them BOTH in 2010, and now this backstabbing from Giffords, who do you think i will work for next time??? Hint: i LOVE Raul and he is a friend as well and is sooo strong on my signature issues of gay rights.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:26:47 AM PST
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Adam B, tle, peacestpete, mcronan
ProgressivePunch rates Giffords almost dead last among Democrats when it comes to voting on the right side in the areas of Aid to the Less Advantaged, Fair Taxation, and Making the Government Work for Everybody, Not Just the Rich and Powerful.
http://progressivepunch.org/...
Too Folk For You
by TooFolkGR on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:29:19 AM PST
[ Parent ]
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:31:19 AM PST
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Samer, Catte Nappe, Mikecan1978, mcronan, fizziks, VClib, wwjjd
consisted of painting Gabby as a "Pelosi Democrat", can you conceive that the Lewis vote was for protective cover come 2012 ("I voted against Nancy Pelosi") and may even have been with the new Minority Leader's blessing?
It's not like the vote was critical, or even close. Perhaps you're overreacting here.
Pancho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty, too. Townes van Zandt.
by DaNang65 on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:20:07 AM PST
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That was NOT a central tenet of his whacko campaign. Don't say shit unless you know, k???
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:29:35 AM PST
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and heard a never ending stream of tv commercials by or on Kelley's behalf.
Perhaps you think of Oro Valley as representative of CD-08, I think it's much more about Cochise County and the east side of town.
Pancho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty, too. Townes van Zandt.
by DaNang65 on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:34:12 AM PST
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MANY times. And it is FULL of "Giffords Republicans." full of liberal Republicans in general? Do you know the names Jim Kolbe, Toni Hellon, and Mike Hellon???
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:04:33 PM PST
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Do I get to ask any?
Of course I know who Jim Kolbe is. Being in LD-27 I'm not as familiar with the Hellon's, but have a vague awareness of their existence.
Now my turn. Why was it necessary to put the word CongressWOMAN in that capitalization? Should I infer something from your sig line?
Pancho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty, too. Townes van Zandt.
by DaNang65 on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:16:22 PM PST
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Speaker and how things have come a long way. Then she throws Nancy under the bus? Giffords isn't qualified to carry Pelosi's Prada handbag.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:40:45 PM PST
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it might have been better spelled out in the text. Obviously any inference I might have drawn would have been inappropriate.
I still disagree with the necessary truth of your assertion that Rep. Giffords threw the former Speaker under the bus, and neither you nor I really know what, if any, transactions occurred privately between them.
Politics ain't beanbag, as Mr. Dooley noted.
Pancho needs your prayers it's true, but save a few for Lefty, too. Townes van Zandt.
by DaNang65 on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:58:42 PM PST
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to the capitalization is this: Democratic women might want to support other Democratic women achieve as much power as possible in Congress (since women are underrepresented there).
Should BoyBlue (and the other gays reading this diary's thread) infer something about comments in this thread which ask "Why are you telling us this?" (and thank you bagman for your appropriate reply to that question....I'd tip you 100xs for that if I could), or that make an ad hominmen attack on the diarist by suggesting he's hysterical (you know us gays, how fucking hysterical we can be) and needs to "calm down"?
by BoxerDave on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:43:41 PM PST
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...that five kossacks (I'm naming them in case they delete their tip) tipped the ad hominem comment.
Adam B, homogenius, Annalize5, mcronan, bythesea, you should all be ashamed for tipping such an attack.
by BoxerDave on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:54:33 PM PST
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However, had I known the author was gay (I take your word for it), I wouldn't have tipped it b/c of the word hysterical -- nor do I like seeing it used against women. For that reason, I'll pick up the rec.
by Adam B on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 05:17:46 PM PST
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I appreciate it...bigtime. and, if you're gay like i am, even on progressive sites like this, we need to stick together. Giffords voted to repeal DADT and always accepted my being gay. THAT'S kinda why her vote "hurt" so much. I am bringing it up at our next local Democratic precinct meeting. Thanks again, Dave!!!!
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 06:01:48 PM PST
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homogenius, Annalize5, mcronan, bythesea
You seem to have a knack for writing alarmist, hysterical diaries. Have a nice cup of tea, watch a little TV, and calm down a little before writing diaries please.
by MRobDC on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:37:47 AM PST
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I am working on that stuff with my shrinks after my suicide attempt. But thanks (sarcasm) for pointing that out. Actually, and THIS is silly, part of what went through my mind before i pulled the trigger - aside from the end of my gay marriage - was Blanche Lincoln killing the public option and the general feeling that HCR wasn't going anywhere. THAT'S how dedicated i am.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:59:33 AM PST
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It is something I am glad to hear you are working hard on with your "shrinks".
I know that, but I don't believe it
by Catte Nappe on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:24:23 PM PST
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Catte Nappe, blindcynic, mcronan, BoyBlue, john07801, psychodrew
job. Please don't bet your life on such things again.
Good luck.
Freedom has two enemies:
Those who want to control everyone around them...and those who feel no need to control themselves.
by Sirenus on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:30:00 PM PST
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This is a district vote and one that is meaningless because she knows Pelosi will get the Leader position anyway. Giffords is a good one in a very red state (I live her too). It's standard fair to allow the purple districts to take some "face-saving" votes.
by BrowniesAreGood on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:52:23 AM PST
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"Democrats against Pelosi" that only serves to help the repugs.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:56:22 AM PST
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it won't matter if she voted for Jesus Christ for Speaker. She's in an R+4, she's lucky she squeeked by this time.
by MRobDC on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 11:58:12 AM PST
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Her CD is VERY moderate, even liberal...VERY liberal in parts. and pro-gay. +R sometimes means less than people here think.
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:02:06 PM PST
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doesn't give Jesse Kelly 47.2% of the vote and the libertarian 3.9%. If the Liberterian hadn't been the race, Kelly would be your rep now. keep that in mind.
by MRobDC on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:07:35 PM PST
[ Parent ]
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:42:22 PM PST
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and doesn't affect her important votes (such as her vote for DADT repeal ).
And next election you will have the choice of her or Jesse Kelly again.
I'm in Gabby's district now, and she has always been a blue dog - but she has always been the politican that saves us from the Jesse Kelly's of Arizona.
John McCain is deeply disappointed that Barack Obama has failed to follow through on John McCain's campaign promises.
by tiponeill on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:03:23 PM PST
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....Write her an email. Easy enough to find the necessary link.
www.house.gov
Then look for her name and go to her website; then check for a Contact link.
Someone who has given her as much support as you should make an impression if you complain.
And....just a suggestion....ease off a bit from now on. You shouldn't beggar yourself supporting any political candidate. Direct more of your money and your energy to your your own concerns and good health.
Freedom has two enemies:
Those who want to control everyone around them...and those who feel no need to control themselves.
by Sirenus on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:28:13 PM PST
Freedom has two enemies:
Those who want to control everyone around them...and those who feel no need to control themselves.
by Sirenus on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 12:32:44 PM PST
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...nearly all of the comments in this thread, you deserve an empathic response from me BoyBlue. I'll do my best; here goes.
That Giffords did not bother to return your call after all the work you did for her, says something about her. If I had worked for her as you did, and if she had, after all my hard work, not returned my telephone call, I'd be furious with her. You'd be crazy not to be angry about that.
Thanks for writing this diary and for putting her name on my radar; I knew little about her before this diary/diary thread.
You certainly don't need to be asked "Why are you telling us this?", or "have a cup of tea" and chill out (not sure if there's some subtext to those comments or not, but the thread, overall, has put me in a surly mood). Some people are cruel motherfuckers; but, you know this.
Stay strong; stay active; stay vocal.
by BoxerDave on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:22:23 PM PST
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 01:44:32 PM PST
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my facebook, if ur interested, can be found at my private email:
joeystuart@gmail.com
You keep the faith, too, buddy!!!
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 06:04:15 PM PST
[ Parent ]
Not a single issue voter, but if I was, gay rights would be it. I just want Democrats to be tough. And I wish Obama were tougher. That's all. I'm a proud gay!
by BoyBlue on Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:36:56 AM PST
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Words aren't always just words.
If I were a praying person, I'd pray for both of your souls.
by ColoTim on Sat Jan 08, 2011 at 11:16:10 AM PST
by guinea on Sat Jan 08, 2011 at 11:57:09 AM PST
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diary about this, saying how he was very upset about this and how he had been planning on going to the event but changed his mind due to his mother's illness.
My guess is they'll never use the "dead to me" term ever again.
by ColoTim on Sat Jan 08, 2011 at 12:05:49 PM PST
[ Parent ]
by norfair18 on Sat Jan 08, 2011 at 12:05:25 PM PST
by Enzo Valenzetti on Sat Jan 08, 2011 at 12:09:10 PM PST
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The leftist spin on this event gets more sickening evey day.
The nut who does the shooting is always the front man. Every time.
Who put the nut up to it and why? Those are the important questions.
That sheriff is an idiot.
BUMP!!
Very interesting!
It was always thought that the Mafia had put Zangara up to killing Roosevelt due to the fact that they were making so much money due to prohibition. But there are also those who have wondered if Mayor Cermak, who was giving the Mafia a very hard time in Chicago, could have been the actual target.
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