[I]f yet again debate moderators intentionally became part of the story how can any assessment of the debate be credible? This was apparently yet another example of showmanship over substance. And yet again, I'm happy I opted for a "Law & Order" rerun over glitz disguised as news.

House Finance Committee Chair Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) announced his committee will consider contingency legislation appropriating $70 million in additional Department of Children's Services funding if steps at the federal level fail. The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) faces a $73 million withdrawal of federal funds due to a recent rule change by the Bush administration that slashes federal reimbursements to states providing key child protective and welfare services.

Senator Alexander, I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. I'm hoping that this is not a tawdry political stunt. To put this perception to rest, I propose that you show us your budget for your new tax plan. Show us how you fund our troops, care for our veterans, fully fund a sensible GI Bill and pay down the massive debt you've run up. Show us how you will protect Social Security and Medicare. Show us how the thousands Tennessee families keep homeowner exemptions at tax time. Tell us what you would cut. Education? Health care? Social Security? Homeland Security? Student Loans? Corporate welfare for big oil companies? Senator Alexander this is your chance to put me in my place. Prove to me this isn't an election year gimmick. Better yet, let's schedule a public meeting to discuss it. Bring your plan. We will invite the media and have a calm chat about your plan. I'm calling your bluff. I want to see your hole card.

“If Senator Alexander were serious about lifting some of the load off of the working class, he would not have voted at least a dozen times to block tax cuts that were targeted for middle- and lower-income taxpayers,” Padgett said. “What about tax cuts that would really make a difference in the working family’s budget – a tuition tax credit equal to 50 percent of college costs, for example, or a first-time homeowner tax credit? How about doubling the tax credit for child-care expenses?

The 1979 injunction charged that Daddywackers was operating "in such a manner as to unreasonably interfere" with "the reasonable use and enjoyment" of the residents' living quarters. The injunction--filed pending a law suit to "restrain and prohibit the Defendants"--argued that the commercial business constituted "a nuisance." The hall's lawyer argued that music was "plainly audible between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. at a distance of 100 feet," which was a violation of the existing law.