vibinc

Progressive Politics from Memphis

  • Education: Tennessee’s Under-Funded Mandate

    The State of Tennessee recognizes the inherent value of education and encourages its support. The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools. The General Assembly may establish and support such postsecondary educational institutions, including public institutions of higher learning, as it determines. –Tenn. Const.…

  • A Shake-up, or a Shakedown?

    Monday’s announcement that Jack Sammons was Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s choice to take over as the City’s CAO is only surprising in that it took so long to happen. The mayor’s administration has been mired in criticism from city employees, and citizens who don’t feel they’re getting much in the way of anything (tax…

  • District 5 free-for-all

    The entry of District 5 Councilman Jim Strickland into the race for Mayor of Memphis has set up a free-for-all in the race for his district. Right now there are four people who have either declared, or are openly considering a run. I’ll be honest with you, I only know two of them, and a…

  • The Steve Ross Show – Episode 3

    Episode 3 of the Steve Ross Show is up and ready for your viewing pleasure. You can watch it below or by clicking here. This episode focuses on the issues surround police militarization, and the protests that have arisen since the Michael Brown and Eric Garner Grand Jury Decisions. I spoke with Brad Watkins of…

  • Populism alone won’t save Southern Democrats

    Friday, the AP published an article pushing for more populism from Democratic candidates in Southern states to help revive the respective state party organizations. I agree that a more populist message would help motivate Democratic voters, and possibly move some swing voters our way, but the notion that populism alone is the answer is moronic.…

  • The Comedy and Tragedy of James Harvey’s Mayoral Aspirations

    In the blur of pre-Thanksgiving preparations, and the shadow of the Ferguson Grand Jury decision, a process that even Justice Scalia thinks was nuts, comes this article on the “non-traditional” campaign of former County Commissioner, James Harvey for Mayor of the City of Memphis. Now, Harvey’s illustrious eight years on the County Commission are remarkable,…