Jackie Robinson Ceremony tomorrow

[TayTay]

The the AP Daybook

2 p.m. JACKIE ROBINSON-AWARD_Jackie Robinson, who broke the
color line when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in
1947, receives the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously, for his
legendary baseball career and his lifetime of breaking down
barriers and his fight for justice. Participants include Sen. John
Kerry, D-Mass., and Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., who both wrote the
resolution posthumously honoring Robinson; Rachel Robinson, his
widow; and President George W. Bush, congressional leaders and
other distinguished guests.
Location: U.S. Capitol Rotunda
Contacts: David Wade, 202-224-4159

[sandnsea]

1. Cool

I remember when they announced this on Jackie Robinson day. We seem to keep forgetting how hard so many worked for people to get the opportunities they have.

"In 1947, when went into the Major Leagues, we had just come out of a war," Kerry said. "We had a separate black flying unit. We still hadn't integrated the military, let alone sports. We hadn't integrated life in America. And it wasn't just on the baseball field. When he retired he opened up a bank in Harlem. He started doing low-income housing. He marched for civil rights. He helped to change the life in this country."



http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view...

[politicasista]

2. Thanks for posting this Tay Tay

Jackie Robinson is one of my heroes. I am glad he and his family are getting the recognition they deserve.

[TayTay]

3. Updated roster of speakers

UPDATED
2 p.m. JACKIE ROBINSON-AWARD_Jackie Robinson, who broke the
color line when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in
1947, receives the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously, for his
legendary baseball career and his lifetime of breaking down
barriers and his fight for justice. The presentation will be made
by J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House. Other participants
include Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.,
who both wrote the resolution posthumously honoring Robinson;
Rachel Robinson, his widow; and President George W. Bush; Bill
Frist, Senate Majority Leader; Harry Reid, Senate Democratic
Leader; Nancy Pelosi, other congressional leaders and distinguished
guests.
Location: U.S. Capitol Rotunda
Contacts: David Wade, 202-224-4159


Hmmm, lots more Rethugs want in on this action. Curious.

[TayTay]

4. Fascinating. Look how the REthugs put it

This is the announcement of the same damn event from Rethug Hastert's office. (I adore semantics, so I am fascinated to see what gets emphasized here and what doesn't. Remember, this was Kerry and Neal's idea to begin with.)

BC-USN-Hastert-Jackie-Robinson To: Assignment Desk, Daybook
Editor Contact: Charles Chamberlayne or Larry Farnsworth, 202-225-2800,
both of the Office of House Speaker Dennis Hastert, Web: a
href=``http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=4371...
ink =http://www.speaker.gov:80/\'\' >http://www.speaker.gov/a >
News Advisory:
WHAT: House Speaker Dennis Hastert to posthumously award the
Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson. The Speaker and
several other members of Congress will be honoring Jackie Robinson
in recognition of his many contributions to the United States of
America.
WHO:
-- George W. Bush, President of the United States
-- J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of
Representatives
-- Ted Stevens, President Pro Tempore, United States Senate
-- Bill Frist, Senate Majority Leader
-- Harry Reid, Senate Democratic Leader
-- Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader
-- John Kerry, United States Senator
-- Melvin L. Watt, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus
-- Richard Neal, U.S. House of Representatives
-- Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder & President, Rainbow Push
Coalition
-- Mrs. Rachel Robinson
WHEN: Wednesday, March 2 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: United States Capitol, The Rotunda a
href=``http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=4371...
ink =http://www.usnewswire.com:80/\'\' >http://www.usnewswire.com//a >
-0-
/Copyright 2005 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

[Pirate Smile]

5. Wow, Hastert is awarding the medal. What a guy!

edit to add - it is on C-span 3. @#$$! I don't get C-span 3.

[JI7]

6. they might rerun it on cspan 1 or 2 later on .

[Pirate Smile]

10. You're right. I didn't look for that but they may not have scheduled

the rerun yet. Thanks.

[TayTay]

7. C-Span 3 streams online

http://www.c-span.org /

You can get it here.

[Pirate Smile]

9. Thanks.

[politicasista]

12. Interesting that some repukes want a piece of the action..

Like they have really done something for civil rights.

[JI7]

8. i would like to watch this but i don't want to look at or listen to

Bush, Hastert or any of the other right wingers.

[Pirate Smile]

11. My mute button is going to get a workout for the next four years.

I now miss some of the great Bush screw ups but I just can't stand listening to him.

Before the election, during one of my more self-absorbed moments , I thought that Bush could NOT possible win because I literally could NOT stand to look or listen to him for another four years.

Sometimes people would start threads like "what will we do if Bush wins?" I never went into those because the idea was so horrible I couldn't figure out why people would torment themselves by even imagining it could happen.

[Hans Delbrook]

58. Oh my God! It's the same for me.

The horror I'm now living w/ is compounded by the fact that I refused to admit it could possibly happen - right up until about 2 AM Nov. 3rd.

I've come far along enough that I no longer think death would have been preferable. It's close but not preferable.

[TayTay]

13. Well, one guy showed respect to the Flag

and the other guy is POTUS. Geesh!

Kerry kept his hand on his heart during the National Anthem and until they marched the flag out. * drooled. Sigh!

[whometense]

14. He has a cold.

awww...

[TayTay]

15. I have chicken soup to spare

and he sounds very gracious. He thanked * for coming.
*is staring at Kerry as though he was an annoyance.

Edit: I think JK graciously shook *'s hand. (Industrial strength Evil-Be-Gone is now nedessary.)

I'm not gracious at all, but that was a classy thing to do. Pics in all papers, but the Globe, tomorrow.)

[whometense]

18. It must just kill him,

being the petty, arrogant little man he is, to have to sit there and listen to JK give a speech he could never ever manage to imagine, never mind deliver, himself.

[angrydemocrat]

19. Can't help but wonder after he gave that speech

And was talking about people marching for civil rights and Robinson fighting for his rights just what the hell was going through idiot *'s head. Because when him and Kerry were in Yale * use to call Kerry crazy all the time for fighting for the very thing they are celebrating now civil rights and people like Robinson.

[whometense]

22. Agree.

There sure are a lot of people there. Notice how * has trouble sitting still through the music? I'm sure he considers it a big waste of his precious time.

[angrydemocrat]

23. Yes

I have been watching that fool. I haven't seen his racist VP there or have I overlooked him?

[whometense]

16. oh my word,

what a beautiful and gracious speech!!!!!

[TayTay]

17. Yeah,

Sigh!

[whometense]

20. and duly noted

that he did manage to sneak in a few political ideas anyway. hahahaha.

I don't know about you all, but just hearing JK speak has given a lift to my whole day.

[ginnyinWI]

21. wonderful speech--delivered with such sincerity!

It occurred to me, as he gave that speech, that he was recognizing in Jackie Robinson the same characteristics that he himself has! Speaking of Robinson joining the military to serve his country, of continually standing up for what is right; wanting to make what is wrong in this country right. It takes one to know one--a real American patriot and hero. (and didn't he look adorable today?)

[whometense]

24. I was thinking the same things.

Lots of parallels. I loved when all the members of the Congressional Black Caucus stood. You know, the repugs can try to coopt this ceremony, but they don't get it, and they never will.

JK looks wonderful.

[angrydemocrat]

27. Notice the expressions on

*'s face. You can tell he doesn't want to be there and it is all for show for him. What a asshat! Watch his face while people speak when they show the idiot and you will see what I mean.

[ginnyinWI]

31. I know

he doesn't even seem to be listening.

When JK thanked * for being there, his words were correct, but I didn't get the feeling that he thought * to be above him in any way. It was more like, "nice of you to come and join my party", not,"oh thank you for making this legitimate". His voice was so good to hear.

Oh, why does JK have to be so crushingly intelligent, articulate, insightful, distinguished, decent, and just plain nice, as well as being such so stunningly handsome? I'm not going to be able to focus now for the rest of the day!

[whometense]

33. oh, me too.

The downside of getting to hear him speak is the inevitable comparison. With * in the same room it's SO much worse.

[TayTay]

25. Jackie Robinson deserves this

he was a great and courageous man. He died young and many people believe that Jackie was worn out from all the fighting he had to do. (I think he was only 53.) He was a true hero. And he changed the world.

I loved Rev. Jackson's line (probably paraphrased.)
Many have followed Jackie Robinson
Few have followed Branch Rickey.

So True!

As an aside, I am so proud of my State Dems for doing this. And thank you to the Rombinson Family for allowing this to happen. It is vastly overdue.

[whometense]

26. extra added bonus:

Gov. Mitt Romney , who returned to Boston yesterday from a national governors' meeting in Washington, will not attend the Sox ceremony at the White House, an aide said.

haha. http://news.bostonherald.com/election2004/view.bg?artic...

[TayTay]

28. Well, he can't be seen with Kerry

on the same stage. Ahm, not without a referee. (The war between them is heating up good. This is going to be so much fun.)

[whometense]

29. I

CAN'T WAIT.

[TayTay]

30. I can't wait either

I can't wait to hear the red meat speeches at convention in May. Should be fun.

[angrydemocrat]

32. Nancy gave a good speech as well.

Now it's Harry's turn. I like listening to him too.

[angrydemocrat]

34. Oh My Frist????

I can't believe this fool is up there speaking. This is crazy.

[TayTay]

35. This is a good ceremony

They did a good job. It is very fitting that the Red Sox had their congressional reps sponsor this. The Red Sox were the last major league team to integrate and that they had a chance to sign Jackie Robinson and treated him horribly at the tryout. Maybe, just maybe this is, in a small way, a chance to say, "We were sorry, and we were stupid." Karma.

(Really, Jackie Robinson was a hero of mine. First bio I did was on him. Another reason I became a Dem.)

[angrydemocrat]

36. I Feel Robinson Truly Deserves This

And so does his wife and family. I just wish they had more speakers that are truly genuine in their feelings. Like Kerry, Jackson, the gentlemen from the NAACP, etc. This is too special a moment not to have.

[angrydemocrat]

37. Does Anyone Have Any Idea

How old Mrs Robinson is? She is a beautiful woman. And is so nice.

[politicasista]

39. I believe she is in her late 70s

I may be wrong, but she looks good for her age. I was only able to see bits and pieces. (Class today).

[angrydemocrat]

40. She does look good for her age

And seems to have plenty of spunk in her as well.

[TayTay]

41. Well, she met him at UCLA

He would have been 86, so she must be in her 80's at least. (Not sure.) They met when both were attending UCLA. She married, had kids, supported her husband through his career. She returned to school, eventually got her Masters in Nursing and was an assistant Prof at Yale. (Needless to say, that is one poised and accomplished woman. Wow!)

[TayTay]

38. Ahm, I saw that

I saw JK pass in front of the camera and * give him and evil look, like "Is he going to come over here." Good to know that the bad feeling is still there. (Sorry, bipartisanship only goes so far.)

[ginnyinWI]

42. I don't blame Bushie boy for being afraid of him!

He's so outclassed!

No handshake at the end, either--JK went in the other direction--good!

Wasn't the kiss sweet? Right in front of the microphone--smack, on Ms. Robinson's cheek.

Bush didn't kiss her, and really didn't seem to be enjoying being there at all. Phoney!

[TayTay]

43. Well, who would you rather

kiss? (Okay, no brainer, sorry. I know there isn't enough Evil-Be-Gone mouthwash in the whole wide world for *, yuck, kisses.) And that was a smacker of a kiss, I heard it on the mic.

No handshake and * only mentioned Kerry in passing and to steal one of his lines. Kerry was very gracious and kept in the spirit of the occasion. * is a goon.

EDIT: There was a handshake. I was wrong. I will now go home and eat huge quantities of humble pie. See photo downthread.

[angrydemocrat]

48. LOL

That reminds me. When I was listening to idiot because he was out of place at a event for civil rights people and all. I don't care if the idiot does like baseball he was very uncomfortable being around people he has made fun of all his life including Kerry for supporting and fighting for civil rights. He use to say Kerry was crazy all the time when they were in Yale because of all his work and efforts when it came to that very issue.

Anyhow when he brought it up about JK being right about the military part Kerry just sat their with this grin on his face like he truly wanted to LHAO and the look was like "Yeah you phony ass bastard where were you?" And if you noticed he dropped that part pretty quick. But to me Kerry just looked as if he seriously wanted to laugh at him. And I think Kerry was like me thinking about what a damn phony this idiot truly is. I bet you if you had a way to ask and find out one of the things that went through Kerry's mind is all the crap idiot said when they were in Yale and yet he was standing there being one of the biggest phony's of all time putting on a show for people.

[whometense]

50. I would have been surprised

if Kerry hadn't shaken *'s hand. Anyone have an INDUSTRIAL SIZED DRUM of Evil-be-Gone??

I kinda get the feeling JK enjoys getting in *'s face. Especially on an occasion like this, when he had * so visibly outclassed to anyone who was watching. It's like that grin is saying, "Still here, a**hole. Still on your case."

[whometense]

51. look at that wolfish grin.

I mean, really...

[angrydemocrat]

44. Well the way I feel

There is no bipartisanship when it comes to * and those fools in his cabinet. I can't stand those idiots! And I have never hated a president but I sure as hell do that bastard and don't care to say it! AAARRRGGGHHH!! * is the worse the country has ever elected. He is worse than Nixon ever thought about being.

[ginnyinWI]

46. I agree

This goes far beyond the limits of bipartisanship. These people are trying to destroy our country as we know it. So it's a choice between being a good sport, and going along with the destruction, or standing apart and fighting for America.

The reign of the Neocons: worse than Nixon, Reagan, and Poppy combined!

[TayTay]

45. PICS!

Former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites), D-Mass., shakes hands with President Bush (news - web sites) during the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring baseball great Jackie Robinson at the Capitol Wednesday, March 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

[TayTay]

47. another pic

Look it's a great American and that idiot *.

Honestly, it looks like * is asking Kerry if he knows where the little cowboy's room is around here. Sigh!

[angrydemocrat]

49. LMAO

Tay Tay you are wild! I thought I was the only one that thought crazy crap when I looked at pics like that one. To me it is almost as if JK is looking him in the eye calling him a damn phony and getting ready to break a bone or two in the idiots useless ass hands and the idiot is scared or in pain with that expression on his face.

[whometense]

53. you know,

if there is any justice in the world someday we will all have front row seats at the coliseum to watch JK kick *'s ass all around the arena.

[angrydemocrat]

54. Sounds Great To Me!

Man oh man that would be a dream come true! I would love to see JK whoop his ass good! I would give anything to see that. And I would cheer him on all the way.

[ginnyinWI]

52. That's good, John,

Look the evildoer straight in the eye!!

[TayTay]

56. Damn

What a time for WEL to desert the forum. This is her pic all the way. It just screams 'Oh WEL, come on out and play."

Sigh! The demands of college and all. I understand. The LLL can wait.

[JI7]

60. that asshole is supposed to be the President ?

he still looks crappy and intimidated by Kerry as he did in the debates . he looks scared. he is a small man and deep down he knows it and can't hide it . you see it when he is in the company of real men like Kerry.

if someone had been in a coma for since since election day or before and just woke up now, judging from the pic itself who would they think is the President.

[politicasista]

55. Sounds like Smirky was there for some comic relief.

Didn't work. He sounded so ignorant and drunk. His speech is so elementary compared to Kerry's, which didn't sound rehearsed but presidental.

[TayTay]

57. Sen Kerry's speech is up on the web site at

http://kerry.senate.gov/high/record.cfm?id=232706

Sigh! That was a great speech.

[PresidentObama]

59. He never disappoints.....

Bravo John, bravo!

Man I can't wait till 2008, then I won't have to check C-Span every ten minutes to see if his voice is on the T.V. I miss his voice sometimes

Most people listen to music, I listen to a nice John Kerry speech. Ahhh music to my ears.