Southern Progressives

Moving to the left one post at a time

September 12, 2023

National News

McCarthy juggles a government shutdown and a Biden impeachment inquiry as the House returns for fall

Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces a political standoff when the House resumes this week. McCarthy needs to steer the House to fund the government and avoid a government shutdown.

apnews.com/article/mccarthy-speaker-biden-impeachment-republicans-shutdown-4d8c314763252429a6f87e7d13ad2b43

Many mainstream politicians who preside over a democracy’s collapse are not authoritarians committed to overthrowing the system; they are careerists who are simply trying to get ahead. They are less opposed to democracy than indifferent to it. Careerism is a normal part of politics. But when democracy is at stake, choosing political ambition over its defense can be lethal.

Mr. McConnell, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other top Republican leaders are not trying to kill democracy, but they have subordinated its defense to their personal and partisan interests. Such reckless indifference could make them indispensable partners in democracy’s demise. They risk joining the long line of semi-loyal politicians littering the histories of interwar Europe and Cold War Latin America who sacrificed democracy on the altar of political expediency. American voters must hold them to account.

State News:

Taxpayers to pay $1B in interest on new Titans stadium, as team value spikes from project – Tennessee Lookout

The Tennessee Titans team value increased $900 million, while bond documents show taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $1 billion in interest.

tennesseelookout.com/2023/09/11/taxpayers-to-pay-1b-in-interest-on-new-titans-stadium-as-team-value-spikes-from-project

Local News:

Democracy Day Dinner tickets are now on sale! Please join us at the Niota Depot on September 14th at 5:30pm.

Tickets are $35 and include a catered dinner and Keynote Address by none other than Rep. Gloria Johnson!

As per tradition, we will also be holding our awesome Silent Auction.

The Democracy Day Dinner is just days away! If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, now would be a great time! Show your support for your county Democrats by getting your tickets here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mcdpdemocracyday

This event, to be held at the Niota Depot, will feature a catered dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and speakers, including Gloria Johnson (D, Knoxville).

Pictured are even more of the exciting things that will be up for bid in the silent auction - there are lots of Gift Certificates (assorted car care services from Next Generation Car Wash, Majestic Car Care, and others, piano lessons from Cody Hensley, pizza from Gondolier, $100 gift certificates from Wagg-n-Purr, photo session from DVL Photography, and several others).

There is also a framed photo of the old McMinn County Courthouse from Fuller's Frame Shop, a wine basket from Muddy Waters Two Wine & Spirits, Young Living Essential Oils gift basket, a decanter set, several books, including a handmade sketch journal, "My Travels With Mrs. Kennedy,” and a rare miniature edition of "Sandburg on Lincoln!”

So many wonderful items have been donated to the silent auction by generous and talented supporters for which we will be ever grateful. Be sure to thank them if you have a chance! And come ready to bid on these many unique, unusual, useful, fun, and downright awesome items!

The Arts:

Bill Freeman is Southern Progressive Newsletter

If you would like to support what news I bring to progressives in McMinn County, buy me a coffee so I will have the energy to keep on going.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calabash52M

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