Messing With Texas: Seibert Leaves Think Tank For Internet Startup
Posted on August 12, 2008 at 8:01 am
Journalist turned think-tanker, Trent “Sweet Tea” Seibert, is turning journalist yet again. The former Tennessean reporter and WKRN investigative journalist who teamed up more than a year ago with the libertarian Tennessee Center For Policy Research to serve as their Director of Government Accountability has departed that organization and the Music City for the home of the Astrodome.
Seibert, with the help of some as yet unnamed benefactors, has started Texas Watchdog described on its new website as “a news Web site and training center that scrutinizes the actions of government agencies, bureaucracies and politicians in Texas.”
While he was loathe to leave Nashville, Seibert felt the opportunity to strike out on his own was too good to pass up.
“Leaving Nashville will be the toughest part. I love this town. It’s a heckuva town. I’ll miss working with Drew [Johnson] and with TCPR. There was a free-wheeling spirit there. We were fighting for a lot of good things: better open records, a more transparent government, more government accountability to residents – the kinds of things I fought for as a journalist,” Seibert tells Post Politics. “But I want to get back into journalism, and this is a phenomenal opportunity to do exactly that, as well as work with two journalists that I greatly respect.”
Indeed, Seibert is not alone in this venture and the names of his associates and fellow board members will not be unfamiliar to Tennessee media watchers. Lee Ann O’Neal, formerly of the Tennessean as well as the Asheville (N.C.) Citizen-Times, is on the team as City Editor.
Also on board is currrent Tennessean Government Editor Jennifer Peebles. The 14 year Tennessean veteran and Vandy grad, however, cannot be chalked up as just the latest statistic in the mass exodus from 1100 Broadway. Peebles has no intention of leaving her day job.
The powers that be at the Tennessean are fully apprised of her involvement in the new organization and bestowed their blessing on her activities. Peebles role with Watchdog will be chiefly an advisory one as her former Tennessean colleagues do most of the grunt work on the ground in Texas.
“I am very excited to be part of Texas Watchdog, even though Trent and Lee Ann are really doing all the work,” Peebles explains, “I think two full-time employees is about all our little startup nonprofit is going to handle. I have the greatest respect for Trent and Lee Ann — God bless ‘em, they have taken a leap of faith and are truly putting their whole lives into making this work. Leaving your job (and your health insurance) to move to another state is a big leap. They’ve really put their whole lives into it.”
As its website indicates, the new organization is not only seeking to fill a void in investigative journalism Seibert has seen develop as traditional news organizations cut staff and resources, Texas Watchdog has an evangelical mission as well.
“Our organizational model is a newsroom – that teaches. We’re bringing in bloggers, citizen journalists, journalists from small papers – frankly, anyone that wants to walk through the door. We train them and they produce for our website where we will break news. They leave with the skills of a journalist so they can dig up original content for their own blogs/jobs/desire to fight city hall,” explains Seibert.
So why Texas? Trent breaks it down.
“Texas is a place that people nationally look to see what works and then they duplicate it in their states. (California would have been another logical choice, in that regard.) And Houston is chock full of entrepreneurs. We’re hoping to tap into that community for ideas/cash/support, etc.” Seibert tells Post Politics.
“If it works in Texas, it can work anywhere in the US. And with journalism going the way it is, I think we need more organizations like this in every city in America.”
Texas Watchdog is an independent, nonpartisan corporation currently seeking nonprofit 501(c)3 status. Apply to work with Trent here.
SEE ALSO: Trent on YouTube
Ross Alderman, RIP
Posted on August 10, 2008 at 6:34 pmFrom WSMV:
Nashville officials are mourning the loss of Public Defender Ross Alderman. Alderman was killed Saturday when a car struck his motorcycle. State troopers said Alderman was riding his motorcycle along Old Hillsboro Road near Leipers Fork when a 16-year-old driver in a car swerved into his lane and struck him.
Alderman died at the scene.
SEE ALSO:
Ken Whitehouse with reactions from Nashville’s elite.
Sean Braisted
City Paper
Niece Megan Mitchell
Democratic Senator Rosalind Kurita Fights Back
Posted on August 4, 2008 at 11:14 amAs we mentioned last night, Senator Rosalind Kurita has gone negative in her Democratic primary race for her state Senate seat.
After voting for a Republican Speaker in 2007 and refusing to commit to supporting the Caucus candidate in 2009, several of Kurita’s Democratic colleagues have lined up with money and district visits to help Tim Barnes defeat Kurita.
Until now, Kurita had been running warm and fuzzy media not even mentioning her party affiliation or her opponent. Not anymore. Ros has unleashed the dogs:
Milk, Cookies And Litigation
Posted on July 29, 2008 at 2:20 pmJeff Woods on meetings in the black community which could lead to a lawsuit challenging the Metro Schools rezoning proposal — unless the Great White Mayor or a reconstituted school board intervene:
“Everybody in the meetings understands that, if the new school board doesn’t change this or doesn’t overturn it, then really the reason we’re meeting is to prepare for a lawsuit,” the source says. “There’s no question they will sue.”
The role of Mayor Karl Dean in all this is uncertain. Black leaders hope he’ll urge the new school board to undo the rezoning plan, but the mayor hasn’t committed yet.
“I get the clear impression that Dean’s not happy that a large part of the community is upset about this,” our source says. “I think he understands that regardless of whether there’s a lawsuit, it’s not good for the community to be split. We’re hoping he gets in there to knock some heads together or gives out some milk and cookies or whatever it’s going to take to get everybody moving in the same direction.”
Neighborhood Watch
Posted on at 6:59 amColby Sledge reports that limited seating for the Presidential Debate at Belmont University in October has resulted in a plethora of planning for off-site watch parties:
Even Belmont is setting up an invitation-only viewing party elsewhere — the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Members of the honorary host committee, including Gov. Phil Bredesen, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and former Vice President Al Gore, will be invited, along with Belmont trustees, event donors and students from Belmont and other area universities.
“We would love for everyone in Tennessee to be at a viewing party on October 7,” said Pamela Johnson, Belmont’s debate planning director. “The message we would like to send to the commission and the nation is that we are turned out and engaged in the presidential election.”
It isn’t known how many tickets will be issued for people to sit inside the Curb Event Center but not ask questions.
One of the members of the host committee will be throwing his own event for Democratic supporters. Congressman Jim Cooper reserved the Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village in March, although his office has not made final plans for the soiree.
The Nashville Democrat has endorsed Barack Obama, his party’s presumptive nominee, and the event will reflect it, said Lisa Quigley, Rep. Cooper’s chief of staff.
“If you wanted to be with more partisan Obama supporters, we’re going to create an environment for that,” Quigley said
Is Barack Down With 287(g)?
Posted on July 28, 2008 at 2:50 pmTim Chavez wants someone to ask the candidate if he will shut down a controversial deportation plan by executive order upon his election to the presidency:
Sadly, the one question that needed to be asked was not. Would a President Obama in the first hours of his first day of his first term as president make a phone call or sign an order to stop 287g deportation programs in 57 U.S. communities and two states(N. Carolina and Tennessee) across the country and halt ICE raids of workplaces?
Comprehensive immigration reform will take many months and perhaps another year to pass and enact. Relief from 287g and ICE raids are needed now to stop the inhumanity against heads of households and pregnant mothers such as Juana Villegas (DeLaPaz) in Nashville.
The only certainty in this presidential race is that it will be a referendum on Obama’s fitness to be president. It is his race to lose.
SEE ALSO: Sean Braisted
Bleeding Hearts For Rove
Posted on at 10:37 amBlake Wylie shares his experience as an attendee at the GOP’s closed press annual fundraiser:
I got to meet Mr. Rove. He is a very cordial person who has a great sense of humor. He always had a joke and was ready with a quick response to everything. He was quite different than what I expected, and not the “evil architect” that he is portrayed as.
Both me and my fiance were there, and when we met Mr. Rove, he asked if I had nose bleeds a lot. “Why?” I asked. “Because you’re marrying too high.” I had to agree with him, and it was a joke my fiance found quite funny as well.
The night went on without incident. It was a great event for all in attendance
Reporting From The TNGOP Statesmen’s Dinner
Posted on at 8:13 amRichard Locker reports from the closed to the press Republican Statesmen’s Dinner:
- Former White House senior political advisor Karl Rove told Tennessee Republicans the story of Sam Houston, the only man who ever served as governor of two states, as a metaphor for an unnamed president who grew unpopular with his people.
According to some who attended, Rove said Houston was wildly popular as the Texas governor (and former Tennessee governor) who helped lead Texas to independence from Mexico. But he was deposed as governor in 1860 because he opposed secession from the Union, an unpopular stand before the Civil War broke out — but a stand for which history later vindicated him.
SEE ALSO:
City Paper editorial
Sandra Clark
Photos by Blake Wylie
Protesters on hand
The Hobbs Report
Closing The Gap
Posted on July 23, 2008 at 8:08 amJohn Rodgers reports that John McCain only narrowly outraised Barack Obama in Tennessee despite the fact all indicator point to his winning the state handily:
During the second quarter of 2008, Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) out-raised Sen. Obama (D-Ill.) in Tennessee by about $57,000 — raising $521,109 while Obama took in $463,824, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.
No doubt the gap will be completely closed if the Al Gore fundraiser slated for Nashville comes off as planned.
UPDATE: Sean Braisted begs to differ with the numbers.
More Carly Fiorina
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 1:24 pmIf you didn’t get your fill of former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina yesterday, the TNGOP has more from the potential Veep’s visit to Middle Tennessee from Marsha Blackburn’s Women of Distinction Luncheon:
Poster Girl
Posted on at 10:28 amBusiness School Professor Bruce Barry lends some insight as to why the press may not have so eager to attend a TNGOP-hyped press conference featuring Carly Fiorina:
Fiorina, a poster child for the fundamental corruption of executive pay, walked away from this sparkling performance with a $21 million severance package after the HP board summarily fired her. One can only hope that McCain taps her for VP and has to spend the next three months defending her tarnished leadership brand.
Gore Likely to Host Obama Fundraiser In Nashville
Posted on July 18, 2008 at 1:04 pmThose Obama supporters out there feeling left behind by Barack Obama’s lack attention to Tennessee may be in for some excitement relatively soon. Post Politics has learned that a conference call took place this morning to make arrangements to bring the Democratic Presidential nominee to Nashville.
On the call were operatives in the Chicago campaign office of Barack Obama, Obama supporters here in Tennessee as well as a representative of former Vice President Al Gore, Beth Alpert.
The purpose of the call was to discuss the possibility for a Gore-hosted Obama fundraiser right here in Nashville, Tennessee before the Democratic National Convention in late August.
Preliminary plans call for two events. One would be a private high dollar affair possibly at the home of Al & Tipper Gore, the other a more public event at bigger location such as the Ryman Auditorium.
While Obama came within a hair’s breath of Tennessee just a few weeks ago when he kicked of his general election campaign in Bristol, Virginia, he has not visited the state in a public way since June 2007.
Obama’s wife, Michelle, was in Tennessee for fundraiser this past May. The trip was made infamous when the TNGOP came out with a viral video on YouTube to “welcome” her to the state.
The video, which spliced regular folks discussing their reasons for being proud of being an American with Obama’s famous quote, “For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country,” was roundly denounced by Democrats and Republicans in the state and made national news when Barack Obama denounced the state party on Good Morning America telling the party to “lay off my wife.”
The prospect of an Obama fundraiser at Al Gore’s Belle Meade home is likely to inspire the creative juices of the same crowd who “welcomed” Michelle Obama. Gore’s Belle Meade home was made famous in February 2007 by libertarian think tank, The Tennessee Center for Policy Research, when they asserted that the home’s energy use was out of step with his persona as an environmental activist.
Most recently, that same libertarian think tank teamed up with a national group to fly a hot-air balloon over the Gore home after claims that Gore’s “green” renovations to the domicile did not result in a precipitous change in the house’s carbon footprint.
Gore, who has remained largely an apolitical figure of late, endorsed Barack Obama only after he had mathematically secured the nomination but did take the rare step of soliciting funds for him on his website coinciding with the endorsement.
Post Politics is told that final plans for the Gore hosted Obama fundraiser could be made as early as next week.
John Ford Guilty
Posted on at 12:18 pmFormer Senator John Ford was found guilty by a Nashville jury of receiving consulting fees totaling more than $850,000 from two TennCare dental contractors, Doral Dental and OmniCare.
SEE ALSO:
AP
Memphis Flyer
Commericial Appeal
Raise It High, Karen: School Board Votes 5-4 To Approve Rezoning
Posted on July 8, 2008 at 9:30 pm
By a five to four vote, Metro’s school board passed the the Community Task Force on Student Assignment’s revised recommendations on rezoning. Karen Y. Johnson joined the four white members of the board (Fox, Warden, Glover and North) in voting to affirm the plan.
Members George Thompson and Ed Kindall, as promised, took the lead in opposing the plan citing the infamous Garcia memos and the NAACP’s vocal opposition. In a spirited address, featuring charts, Kindall attempted to rebut the plan laid out by Mark North in a presentation preceding his remarks. In contrast to the silence during North’s presentation, Kindall’s speech moved several members of the audience to offer audible positive affirmations.
Three motions in total were made. One, by Kindall, to defer the vote to a later date and another by Thompson to accept the proposal except for the controversial parts concerning the Hillsboro, Pearl-Cohn and Hillwood clusters were rejected five to four. The third and final motion to accept the proposal was passed.
As the final vote approached, media coverage by the Nashville Scene regarding a possible violation of the open meetings law was discussed. George Thompson referred to the coverage and suggested that some members should recuse themselves. Karen Johnson spoke up immediately and vociferously defended herself telling those assembled that she was in no way lobbied nor did she discuss her vote in violation of the sunshine law and that she would not be recusing herself.
At last, when the final vote was made and Karen Johnson raised her hand above her head a voice from the crowd, clearly disgusted by the side Johnson had chosen, shouted, “Raise it high, Karen.”
Johnson, who was facing the chair, Marsha Warden, with her hand roughly at head level then starred straight at the crowd in the direction of the voice and reached for the sky much like that overenthusiastic kid in the front row in elementary school and made her choice emphatic.
SEE ALSO:
Amy Griffith (II)
Aunt B.
Enclave
WKRN
Channel 5
Gannett
Further Refutation Of Al Gore’s Alleged Energy Guzzle
Posted on June 18, 2008 at 7:54 amFurther response from Al Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider on the assertions of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research that despite rennovations Al Gore’s Belle Meade home is still guzzling energy at an alarming rate:
I am happy to provide more information about this from the Gores’ perspective. First, this release yesterday are a mere re-release of old bills. If any of you have ever worked with contractors, you know that renovations take years. The Gores renovated a 80 year old house from stem to stern. This took about 3 years to go through all the ducwork, to install a geothermal system, to replace all the windows, to put in solar panels (which used to be illegal in Bellemeade and took 6 months to reverse).
So, to be clear, the Gores’ achieved Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in November 2007. The reduction in the electricity and natural gas bills–you need to look at both in order to truly evaluate their carbon footprint, really kicked in in 2008. At that point, evaluating both, there is about a 40 percent reduction.
Their natural gas bill has seen the biggest reduction as a result of the geothermal system. For electricity, they purchase green power through their utility, which is called “Green Power Switch.” It isn’t an offset, any customer can purchase green power (solar, wind, methane gas) and its a wonderful program.
MORE: Kay Brooks
Renovating The Image: Gore’s House Steady Guzzlin’
Posted on June 17, 2008 at 3:26 pmThe boys over at the Tennessee Center For Policy Research celebrates a over a year of dining out over exposing Al Gore’s electric bills by exposing that, after extensive renovations, the house still consumes an inordinate amount of electricity:
After the Tennessee Center for Policy Research exposed Gore’s massive home energy use, the former Vice President scurried to make his home more energy-efficient. Despite adding solar panels, installing a geothermal system, replacing existing light bulbs with more efficient models, and overhauling the home’s windows and ductwork, Gore now consumes more electricity than before the “green” overhaul.
Since taking steps to make his home more environmentally-friendly last June, Gore devours an average of 17,768 kWh per month –1,638 kWh more energy per month than before the renovations – at a cost of $16,533. By comparison, the average American household consumes 11,040 kWh in an entire year, according to the Energy Information Administration.
UPDATE 6:15: Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider takes issue with the TCPR release:
Kreider pointed out that the renovations weren’t complete until November, so it’s a bit early to be attempting before-and-after comparisons. In addition, the Gores participate in the Nashville Electric Service’s Green Power Switch Program, which allows them to buy their electricity from renewable sources like wind power, solar power or methane gas from landfills (the house’s 33 solar panels only supply 4 percent of its power needs, per Kreider.) So any energy they burn won’t be burning them a bigger carbon footprint.
SEE ALSO:
Mens News Daily
The Nashville City Paper
Grantham Is Talking
Stop the ACLU
Jennifer Peebles
Terry Frank
Bill Hobbs
Mike Slater
Webutante
Kay Brooks
Stacey Campfield
The Guerilla Women
Tennessean
Haslam To Speak To Davidson County GOP, Undecided On Gubernatorial Run
Posted on June 14, 2008 at 2:52 amAs Post Politics reported here earlier this week, Knoxvile Mayor Bill Haslam will speak today at a picnic and straw poll for Davidson County Republicans.
Georgianna Vines speculates, as we did, that Haslam’s appearance so far from home may indicate the Mayor is laying the groundwork for a 2010 run for Governor.
Who Was That Masked Man?
Posted on June 2, 2008 at 10:59 am
If you stop by the John McCain townhall meeting at the Ryman today you may see a few folks donning George W. Bush masks in order, one would assume, to further the meme that the election of John McCain would amount to a third Bush term.
If you would like to join in the effort you can stop by and pick up a mask compliments of the very inwardly focused, positive messaged Tennessee Democratic Party.
Late last week an email went out calling for “twenty names who will definitely show up and wear the George W. Bush masks the party purchases.”
If you are interested, you can show up at 11:45 today at 223 Eighth Ave. North and pick you up a mask and show the colors.
UPDATE 1:30PM: From Cara Kumari:
In addition, there is a crowd of protestors wearing George W Bush masks holding signs saying “100 more years in Iraq” etc.
The Sincerest Form Of Flattery
Posted on at 8:57 amThe Tennessee Democratic Party, learning at the foot of the master, releases a YouTube video welcoming John McCain to Nashville:
In this morning’s paper responding to whether his own communications shop would attempt to replicate “blogstorms” created by his GOP counterpart Bill Hobbs via his press releases and YouTube videos, Tennessee Democratic Party spokesman Wade Munday said:
“We just highlight the positive message. In no way do we exist to bring attention to ourselves. Our focus is on our candidates and our message.“
China And India Are So Far Ahead Already Metro Just Decides To Give Up
Posted on May 26, 2008 at 10:43 pmJackson Miller reacts to the news that Nashville’s middle schools will no longer offer Algebra as an option to seventh graders:
To allow for four years of math in high school — a new graduation requirement that kicks in the 2009-10 year — the Metro school district will change when children can take advanced classes in middle school.
AdvertisementBeginning this fall, the district will no longer offer Algebra I in seventh grade next year but move it up to eighth grade, school officials said. Geometry, now available to eighth-graders, will be taught a year later. The changes will give sixth- and seventh-graders more time to prepare for the advanced math classes all students will have to take in high school to get a diploma, district officials said.
But some parents of top-achieving children are frustrated and outraged by the new plan.
“What this would mean for my children is that they’ll spend another year spinning their wheels, not learning much,” said Theo Wellington. One of her children will attend fifth grade at Head Middle Magnet School next year and another is on a waiting list for seventh grade at M.L. King Magnet School.
As you may have read recently China and India are pretty much eating our lunch in terms of student math and science achievement.
Decoration Day In Tennessee
Posted on at 1:32 pmJoe Powell and others share their thoughts on Memorial Day:
I’d like to think most of us have moved past the idea that support and encouragement of our troops - the men and women who volunteer to serve in the military and not the hired contractors who serve to make a profit - does not mean support for the war in Iraq. I have never supported it and still cannot. But make no mistake - I have friends and family who serve now and have served in decades past. I’ve seen them used and abused and I simply hope for their safe return home and for greater wisdom to direct our armed forces.
I don’t sport bumper stickers or yellow ribbons, but I know many who do. Sometimes, they are presented by the wives and husbands and parents and children and brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and more who wait here at home anxious for their loved ones to return home. I tell my elected representatives in government when they’ve been wise and when they’ve been unwise when deploying the military.
SEE ALSO:
Sharon Cobb
Left Of The Dial
Six Meat (II)
Ramblings
Maury Thinks
Angelia
Webutante
Donald Sensing
Linda Noe
Doug Petch
Chris Lugo
R. Neal
Kay Brooks
Tennessee Free
Terry Frank
Lean Left
Terry Heaton
Bill Frist
Meeting Michelle
Posted on May 16, 2008 at 11:23 amNashvillest has an exclusive report from yesterday’s closed to media fundraiser featuring Michelle Obama:
Thursday, March 15th Mrs.Obama appeared at a fundraiser for her husband, Senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama right here in Nashville, TN. A small crowd of roughly 100 people, including 2 undecided superdelegates, arrived at a private West Nashville residence to greet Mrs. Obama in support of her husband’s campaign and to hear her remarks.
The TNGOP Welcomes Michelle Obama To Nashville
Posted on May 15, 2008 at 11:16 amBill Hobbs and crew give a YouTube shout out to Michelle Obama upon her visit to Nashville later this afternoon.
Keeping It Real
Posted on at 8:13 amChris Sanders comments on Karl Dean’s use of the word “good” in his State Of Metro address:
“Good”–there’s that word. “Ladies and gentlemen, as we approach the mid-point of 2008, the state of Metro is good.” The budget situation is not good and the dropout rate is not good. What does he mean? Unlike some spectators, I took “good” as a fairly mild description. It certainly contrasts with the President’s description of the state of the union as “strong” or “has never been stronger.” I think it was an attempt to avoid exaggeration. He lists a number of features of the city that are good. He may also ironically be borrowing a page from Bob Clement via Jim Collins when he closes by saying, “The destination our city arrives at will be great.” He acknowledges that the “path we take will not be easy.” Good becomes a great deal more understandable in that context.
Michelle Obama To Headline Nashville Fundraiser Thursday
Posted on May 11, 2008 at 8:15 pmKen Whitehouse breaks the news that First Lady-in-waiting and vigorous opponent of a “dream ticket”, Michelle Obama, will be headlining an afternoon fundraiser right here in Music City for her husband’s presidential campaign on Thursday, May 15th. The shindig is set to be held at the home of Cyndee and Jerry Martin.
Mr. Martin, an attorney at the firm of Barrett, Johnston & Parsley, previously served as David Briley’s finance chairman for his 2007 Mayoral run and in 2002 was the campaign finance director for Jim Cooper’s inaugural 5th District Congressional campaign.
Williamson County School Administrator Declares Limits To First Amendment For Students
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 7:29 amApril is Confederate Heritage History Month but here in the Greater Nashville area, the cradle of Southern agrarian thought, an educational institution in the lily white county of Williamson has banned the display of the Confederate flag after a student decorated his truck with the banner — along with a noose.
The student, who WSMV reports displays confederate regalia on his MySpace page and admits to extreme racism, has not been suspended and continues to attend classes.
School administrators on Monday posted a message on the school website arguing that the First Amendment protections of free speech and expression can be limited for students on school grounds:
As I told our student body on Friday, the display or wearing of the Confederate flag and/or racially offensive symbols which incite school disruption on campus is currently prohibited. While such symbols are generally protected by the First Amendment, that protection is limited in a school setting when events occur such as we have recently experienced. The faculty and administration of IHS intend to work with our students and our community to identify and address any racial issues that may impact our school. We ask that you work with us to remind your children that we have the same behavior expectations of our students that we have had since this school opened, and I invite you to give me a call if you have any questions or concerns.



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