Were you as shocked as I to see that monument knocked down in Durham, NC? Some are arguing that this "erases history." Have a seat... How many monuments to Benedict Arnold and Cornwallis do we have on American soil? Were they not part of history? These Confederate statues memorialize TRAITORS that seceded and attempted to overthrow the federal government for the express purpose of continuing slavery. Let's remember history... These statues were NOT funded by the government of  the treacherous Confederacy. They were funded by governments of states and cities... active parts of the Union of the UNITED STATES. Governments do not memorialize traitors. Governments do not memorialize villains. If citizens want to commission statues of persons, they are more than free to. HOWEVER, to expend GOVERNMENT money (that is to say money contributed by Black citizens too) to maintain statues and parks named for people who tried to defeat that government and continue to enslave th...

I've posted a fair amount of schadenfreude-laced facebook barbs about McConnell's trifecta of FAIL in the recent round of health care votes. Scorn turned to glee about John McCain... Delight in Trump's continuing tally of (not)WIN... and, of course, a blessed moment's reprieve from concern about the destruction of health care for those who need it the most. My ACA coverage isn't cheap. We make too much money for a subsidy and we live in California. It costs almost $800 a month. Every month. That's a lot. More than some folks' mortgages in other parts of the country. It's the single highest monthly bill I have (after my own mortgage). However, Kathy got sick last year. Took her to the ER. Gall bladder had to go. Come to find out, the hospital we went to wasn't "in plan." They wanted us to sign a statement of responsibility for the uncovered portion... of a $192,000 bill. STOP. $192,000. $192,000 / $751 = 255 months. That's 21 years of ...

Taraji was snubbed, and cramming three Black actresses into Supporting (though deserved) has me concerned. This is probably Viola's year for an Oscar, though Naomie was really solid. Octavia's performance was too close to the space of "The Help" to earn another trophy. I would have MUCH rather seen Janelle on the list OR seen a slot made available for Taraji in the Best Actress category. No shade to Meryl Streep, but did we REALLY need another nomination for a movie that nobod y even cared to see? Good to see the representation for Hidden Figures and Moonlight... but I hate that 13th and I am Not Your Negro are facing off (against the OJ documentary no less). Le Sigh. Supporting Actor is jammed with great performances. Pulling for Ali, but Bridges was AMAZING in "Hell or High Water," I'm not a fan of "Nocturnal Animals" but Michael Shannon inhabited his character fully. I guess "Manchester" is the "La La Land" of drama...