Jannie Blackwell’s Mother Cried, Too

Jannie Blackwell and Tom Knox officially formed their alliance yesterday, launching plans from the Hall of Justice to fight Lex Luthor, The Riddler and the lesser-known Gorilla Grodd.

Actually, they announced their partnership and mutual support at the Lucien E. Blackwell Homes, named after Jannie’s late husband.

Why are the two partners? Tom says his ticket is comprised of people who want to end “pay-to-play” in City Hall, but there’s another reason, too.

Blackwell conceded they lack a long-term relationship, though both grew up in public housing. “In fact that’s what makes it the better,” she said of their new political alliance. [...]

Asked whether theirs was a marriage of convenience in order to help Knox get African-American votes and Blackwell attain the Council presidency, Knox said: “That’s not true. I have more black votes than two of the black candidates combined.”

Blackwell responded: “Convenience is OK. It’s all right. Any way it comes is all right. My people will support Tom Knox.”

Irony is dead.

As such, any possibly successful idea is picked up on by the other candidates, and Dwight Evans announced the Public Housing Authority’s endorsement of him at Abbotsford Homes — where Tom Knox grew up.

Knox, Blackwell form an alliance [Inquirer]
Oh, snap! [The Next Mayor Blog]
Tuesday: Knox Dreams Of Jeannie

Lawmaker For Gun Control To Begin Carrying AK-47

State Rep. Jewell Williams, who’s from Philly, is a co-sponsor of an Angel Cruz bill that has no chance at passing but is a way to get attention for his gun control arguments. (The bill’s about gun control, too, obviously; it’s just not going to pass.)

Anyway, this morning some idiot from Allentown wrote him an email saying something to the effect of “you should be shot” for supporting his fellow democrat Cruz. Way to do your part to make gun owners look like responsible human beings, buddy!

Williams is taking the threat seriously, which is certainly his prerogative and not something you can really criticize. But, ah, could we do it so everyone’s reaction to the story isn’t “guh-wha”?

A Philadelphia lawmaker who supports tougher gun-control laws said Thursday he will likely start wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying his gun more often after receiving a threatening e-mail.

I think the equivalent of this move is protesting abortion by opening up a Planned Parenthood.

Lawmaker who got e-mail threat says he’ll wear bulletproof vest [AP/Philly.com]