Eric Holder Confirmed as Attorney General

Another milestone was reached today with the confirmation of Eric Holder as the nation's first African American Attorney General.

The Senate this evening confirmed Eric H. Holder Jr. as the nation's first African American Attorney General in a vote of 75 to 21, opening a new chapter for a Justice Department that had suffered under allegations of improper political influence and controversial policy decisions on wiretapping and harsh interrogation practices.

Holder, 58, will arrive at the Justice Department headquarters in Washington tomorrow for a swearing in ceremony and to greet some of the department's 110,000 employees.

"The need for new leadership at the Department of Justice is as critical today as it's ever been," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), the Judiciary Committee chairman, on the Senate floor this afternoon. "This confirmation is going to do a great deal to restore the morale and the purpose throughout the department."

So what's up with Republicans? Clearly, raising the obstructionist bar three fold during the previous Congressional term wasn't enough. Glad they weren't successful.

super sunday scattered thoughts

Four days ago, ice layered our fence outside as I slip-slided about taking pictures. Today, I"m in jeans and a t-shirt, enjoying Super Bowl Sunday on the patio. It's early in the day and I attended a matinee of "The Reader". Actually enjoy is probably not the correct word. Like the book. the film is quite intense, serious, and thought-provoking. Kate Winslet's performance is worthy of an Academy Award. Excellent film. Now I bask in the sunlight, watching birds flitter about and chatter. I should be reading, but nah....sometimes it's okay to let the world cruise along.

Super Bowl Sunday is the epitome of American excellence in sloth, junk food, and sheer waste of time. Ain't it grand! I shall have a magazine in front of me during the game, but even then I can't truly concentrate because the commercials are generally better than the football.

It's been a week full of rejections (6), but I watched Dinara Safina persevere as Serena Williams kicked her butt in Aussie Open tennis. The kid didn't give up, and I won't either. More writing and mailing next week!

G'day

Joanne

Sunday Funnies