Thinking back, it is hard to believe Ross Perot nearly upturned the two party system in 1992. He received almost 19% of the vote, which was more than an independent had received since 1912 - when a former President ran. Perot had a staggering array of disadvantages: The absence of even a bare bones third party infrastructure, no political experience whatsoever, an untelegenic face and somewhat high pitched (and grating) voice, a running mate who seemed simultaneously authentic and buffoonish, and a continually prickly reaction to the prying and publicity that comes with any serious bid for the White House. And then of course there was the epic freakout. Ahead in the polls, he abruptly dropped out of the race, then dropped back in several weeks later and accused the Republicans of trying to sabotage his daughter's wedding. He seemed, literally, to be having a nervous breakdown in full public view. And after all that he still captured nearly a fifth of the electorate!
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 173- Strange week. Saw my first McCain ad this week...and it is clear he is running as a Democrat. Healthcare, alternative energy, environment...all Democratic talking points. We have gone from Democrats feeling like they have to run as Repub-Lite to Republicans trying to hide behind a Democratic facade. You even have a Republican running for Senate in Oregon trying to claim (falsely) that Obama supports him. This is desperation for the Republicans! It sounds like racist attacks have failed them, though I am sure they will try more as time goes on.
Reunited and It Feels So Good....- ::
Aw, yes.
Remember the Peaches and Herb smash hit from the 70s? Reunited and it feels so good...
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 172- The floods in the Midwest have continued and I include some information where I can in the Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin sections. Best of luck to all readers in the hard hit areas.
This week I return to an issue I discussed before: Republican cronies litterally killing our troops with no government oversight. This week Democratic Sentor Bob Casey is demanding an investigation of the electrocutions due to bad wiring that have been plaguing our military bases managed by a Hallibruton subsidiary. More below.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 171- This week's newsletter includes another discussion about the Republican neglect of our infrastructure. Since I wrote it two more levees have failed, flooding Des Moines, which aren't included in my analysis. If you want to help the Midwest, you can go here.
Turning to the election, the attacks have begun in earnest. Republicans rolled out a whole slew of attacks against Barack and Michelle Obama...some borderline racist, some merely lies, and none all that effective. In most states Obama's popularity has surged such that if the election were held today, Obama would easily win with over 300 electoral votes, just like Senator Chuck Schumer predicts will happen. But keep in mind, this is just the first volley of attacks.
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, LBJ, and a Few Empty Words- It's obviously in the self-interest of Mr. Obama and his friends to mollify people who supported Hillary Clinton, but a few conciliatory words with the obvious purpose of attracting votes may not be sufficient.
Mr. Obama and his brutal campaign machine vilified Hillary Clinton as a racist again and again and again during the campaign... for example, when she mentioned that Lyndon Johnson deserved some credit for passing the Voting and Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 170- The primary is over and our nominee is Barack Obama.
This was going to be a historic moment no matter what. Once the field narrowed to Obama and Clinton, we KNEW we would make history. We would have either the first black or first woman nominated for President by one of the two major parties. Well, THIS, folks, is history. Real and amazing history. We have now done what our parents couldn't do.
This coming week is a big primary in California. This week I highlight some of the progressives running in that primary and I hope my California readers will consider helping them out. Focusing on these kinds of local elections is so critical, yet so neglected. In California this week we have the chance to elect the next generation of progressive politicians.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 167- One of the highlights of this week was a slapdown of a Texas Republican by a Wisconsin Democrat in the House during a debate over funding the Iraq Quagmire. Check out the video. It is wonderful to watch.
Another wonderful video is Chris Matthews, not someone I generally like, slamming a Republican for making references to Neville Chamberlain without having a clue of the real history. Parroting lame talking points is no longer working for the Republicans. Their gross ignorance is showing and even conservative talk show hosts are getting irritated by it.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 166- Last week was the 5th Annniversary of Bush's idiotic "Mission Accomplished" moment. And John McCain tried defending Bush, blaming it on the Navy. This led to a considerable amount of attention on John McCain's own suggestion that we should stay in the Iraq Quagmire for 100 years. Howard Dean in particular slammed McCain for his willingness to sacrifice American soldiers for oil profits for 100 years. Poor John McCain didn't like having people pick on him, so John "wimp" McCain began whining and complaining about it. Well, Mr. McCain, if you can't take criticism of a stupid policy, how the hell are you going to stand up to al-Qaeda? Oh, yeah...just like Bush you plan on wasting time, money, and lives in Iraq rather than actually fighting al-Qaeda, the people who attacked us.
Why are the Republicans such crybabies? Look Mr. McCain. YOU are the one who said you wanted to stay in Iraq for 100 years. Don't blame us for holding you to your word and criticizing the stupidity of it. Even the mainstream media is sick of the same old Republican failures:
Progressive Democrat Issue 164- This last week was Passover and the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in 1943. You can read about this event here.
Last week also saw some very promising numbers (fundraising and polls) for Democratic Senate races, particularly in Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Colorado and Virginia. If these numbers hold out, five Senate pickups are very possible. Oregon, Oklahoma, Alaska and Mississippi are less spectacular, but do indicate some good fights ahead. Nebraska isn't mentioned. All of these are endangered Republican seats. There are only two endangered Democratic seats, and only Louisiana looks even vaguely like the Republicans are able to raise money to defeat a Democrat this year. So it comes down to 5 seriously threatened and four or five possibly threatened Republican Senate seats and only one seriously threatened and one possibly threatened Democratic Senate seat.
If you believe this grim reading, healthcare reform is DOA--or even worse, just empty campaign bullshit.
The Hill is reporting this morning that leading Democrats,including my own Chuck (I never met a TV camera I didn't love) Schumer, are to put it politely, hedging on healthcare reform.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 163- This week I have been focused on my real job, so this week's newsletter not quite as in depth as I sometimes do. This week I am focusing on what I consider some interesting races around the country. I may do that for a few weeks or so because I am learning about so many really good people running who I want to help. This week I focus on Nebraska Senate, Oklahoma Senate, and an Iowa state legislature race.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 162- Last week I discussed the economic mess we are in. Someone commented that I am making things up and that job growth has been fine under Bush. She claimed I gave no evidence that job growth has been nearly flat during the Bush administration. Well, let me quote Paul Krugman, with an illustration:
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 161- Today on Current TV I heard a headline that some of the virtual currencies in online games are now worth more than the dollar. That CAN'T be true. But apparently a study showed that some virtual currencies carry more weight than the US dollar. Well, I haven't been able to follow up that story, and I am sure it really is more a faux entertainment kind of story than a real one. But it is indicative of how far the dollar has fallen under Bush's "leadership." I work with many foreigners from around the world. They all tell me how weak the dollar is...they are all AMAZED at how weak the dollar is. From Spain, Israel, France, Peru, Russia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and many other nations they all tell me they are amazed at how weak the dollar is. It used to be that nations around the world tied their currency to the dollar as a way of stabilizing their currency. Now some of those nations have abandoned the dollar standard in favor of the Euro. Right now the Euro and the British pound reign supreme. The dollar is becoming a sad, backwards currency.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 160- This last week I think marks when Iraq is finally sinking into genuine civil war. And our troops are caught right in the middle with no loyal allies, no goal, no exit strategy. I'd say there's a 50/50 shot it will calm down again, but if so it will be on Sadr's terms. Like last time. It could also spiral into even worse chaos and the Republicans have no idea what to do. I fear for our troops and I fear for the civillians of Iraq. 50/50 it calms down if Sadr wants it to...50/50 it will get really ugly.
I want the world
I want the whole world
I want to lock it all up in my pocket
It's my bar of chocolate
Give it to me
Now!
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 159- It has been an eventful week. The economy has shown signs of considerable collapse. One of the most stodgy and respected banks, Bear Stearns, collapsed from being worth some $130 a share to being bought out for a mere $2 a share. AND it needed bailing out by the government as well. Inflation and stagnation...what used to be called stagflation. That is what we are seeing. Back when we first saw this horrible combination, at least our Presidents admitted it. Ford's slogan was "WIN: Whip Inflation Now!" It was worthless, but at least it admitted the problem. Bush merely "reassures" us that there is nothing to worry about. He claims there is no recession, no inflation, no problem. "Don't worry, be happy." The mantra that worked so well for his father.
NY-21: A Universal Health Care Candidate!- Cross Posted on DailyKos
Now that the furor over Spitzer's prostitution-prosecution scandal has died down and Governor Paterson has been sworn in, things can get back to normal in New York's Capital Region. The region is home to the 21st New York Congressional District, where two amazing things are happening.
First, we have five announced candidates in a Democratic primary to fill retiring Representative Mike McNulty's seat, something that has never happened in the district before.
Second, out of all these five candidates, only one, Phil Steck, is distancing himself from the pack by joining local doctors and advocating for full, single-payer, universal health care. He's doing this for two main reasons: first, because it makes sense, and second, because no matter who gets elected President this year, once we have the White House, we're going to need Congressmen who are able to push him or her to keep their promises.
More below the fold.
A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq- Cross posted at Daily Kos
This afternoon at 5:30 EST, a group of eleven Democratic hopefuls to become freshman members of the House of Representatives will announce "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq. The group includes Darcy Burner (WA-8), Larry Byrnes (FL-14), Donna Edwards (MD-4), George Fearing (WA-4), Steve Harrison (NY-13), Eric Massa (NY-), Tom Perriello (VA-), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Jared Polis (CO-2) and Rep-elect Bill Foster (IL-).
Beware the Ides of March...- "It is upon us..." I was hit by this Shakespearean emptor as I got into bed last night, after an appallingly awful day; this one being, not any different from the others, in the Bush Empire, I continually find myself struggling in. Upon awakening this morning, the gloom and pall still hover around my head, just as an ice fog does here, almost unremittingly so, in this winter without seeming end.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 158- Well, for those of us living in New York this has been, shall we say, an "interesting" week. I discuss the scandal surrounding Eliot Spitzer in some detail in this newsletter. In the end it just may be a good thing. Our new governor, Governor Paterson, is untested in many ways...and some consider him a bit weak. But I have a better feeling about him than I did about Spitzer when he was elected. But time will tell.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 157- This week's newsletter focuses a little more on simply winning as Democrats and a little less on primaries within the Democratic Party than my recent newsletters, but it is time we start focusing on winning the Senate and Presidency. I do still refer to the need for progressives to win primaries, and once again draw people's attention to my Progressive Primary Act Blue Site. Hope you guys can help in these primaries as well as in the Senate races I highlight. But mostly, this weeks newsletter directly confront's John McCain as the candidate who promises us nothing but more war, more recession, more inflation.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 156- The year is such a big one for politics. I am amazed how many people are extra involved. One friend describes it as "Democrat fever," and is finding that people are eagerly digging deeper than usual to win. And there are already payoffs.
One of the most important things to happen this last week was Kofi Annan has finally gotten the battling factions in Kenya to sign a peace agreement. I was watching a segment on Current TV about the situation in Kenya and it was really worrisome. Some thought it could turn into another Rwanda, though others felt Kenya would pull itself together before it sank that low. But the truth is, one of Africa's more stable nations nearly collapsed into a bloody civil war. Kofi Annan has for now eased the crisis and could deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The chaos in Kenya had a personal connection for me because some of my loans through Kiva were in the areas of Kenya where the fighting was taking place. As I write here, the situation there was really bad and many of the businesses I loaned to in Kenya may no longer exist.
MUCH more below the fold.
Political years must be like dog years, because the Democrats are acting as if 2006 is ancient history.
The sweeping Democratic victories in 2006 were based on perceived Republican failures on two fronts: 1. the war in Iraq and 2. corrupt and unethical behavior in Congress. The big stories were the rising violence in Baghdad and the string of congressional scandals starting with Rep. Tom DeLay, peaking with Jack Abramoff, and culminating with Rep. Mark Foley. In almost every congressional race, Democrats painted themselves as a viable alternative.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 155- For those who are focused on Congress, you might be surprised to learn that Alaska may be among our best shots at picking up one Senate and one House seat. Keep an eye on Alaska. Republican corruption has been exploding, with four State level politicians arrested, some pleading guilty. One Alaska Senator and their single House Rep are also implicated. This gives us a great shot at winning the state. Alaska may turn blue this year if we pay some attention to it.
On a personal note, I have a new scientific paper coming out in the Journal of Cell Biology. This comes from work I did more than two years ago! My current work is going slower, but overall looks promising. I hope to write up my current work within a year.
Here is this week's newsletter:
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 154- This week I highlight John McCain again, the probable Republican nominee who offers America nothing but a third term of failed Bush policies. I also bring you info on a web seminar (so all can participate) from the Union of Concerned Scientists focusing on reducing America's carbon emissions. I also highlight one of the most important organizations around: Progressive Majority. And I continue to highlight local events in all the states where I have had a good number of readers. I also highlight some peace rallies, alternative energy events and impeachment events around the nation. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
KS GOP Laughs Off Young Voters- This week after the Kansas GOP primary I got a tip off about a piece in a local Kansas paper about the caucus and the comparable turnout. Understandably, there was immense turnout for the Democratic caucus and not so much for the GOP despite the fact that the GOP caucus was infinitely more convenient - being on a Saturday morning which wasn't plagued with a blizzard.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 153- Well, the primaries are in full swing. And the infighting that implies is also in full swing. In the past 2 weeks, I have been called a bigot because I endorsed Barack Obama, I have been called a DINO because I am eager to support either Obama or Clinton in the general election, I have been called hypocritical because I opposed a petty, probably illegal, definitely stupid action by my local Democratic Party leader, Vito Lopez, and I have been called, I quote, a "naive ignorant relativist" because I disagreed with people who claimed that Islam is inherently a violent, unacceptable belief system.
Ah, the circular firing squad continues.
My Presidential Candidate- I’ll vote for the person who can say that Democrats will do what Democrats are supposed to do– stand up and fight for equality for all, and mean it. That they will defend civil liberties and work to represent the interests of people who need it the most, the low wage earners and middle class. This used to be the “platform” of the Democratic Party. I hope it can be again.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 152- This week I highlight the Drum Major Institute's response to the State of the Union and a short video showing "The Real McCain" (a must see for any Dr. Strangelove fans out there). I also discuss the importance of Primary elections, including Mark Pera's, Steve Harrison's and Dennis Kucinich's, for the strength of the progressive movement. And I continue to highlight local events in all the states where I have had a good number of readers. I highlight Darwin Day events in many of these sates as Darwin's Birthday approaches. Interestingly, Florida and Texas are joining New York and California as states where I have lots of readers. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Edwards, Clinton, & Obama: On Economics & Workers- John Edwards' loyal, astute supporters are rightfully proud of his focus on economic inequities and the decline of the middle- and lower-classes in this country. Therefore, these two important news revelations will certainly interest both Edwards and his supporters:
Batwoman vs. the Fog Monster- Edwards is gone, Kucinich is gone, Dodd is gone, and somehow the progressive movie that we thought we were watching has turned into Batwoman vs. the Fog Monster.
In her excellent response to the President’s State of the Union speech last night, Kathleen Sebelius, Democratic Governor of Kansas, made reference to this new generation in the abstract. In the last historical period the saving generation was dubbed “the Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw who named a book that and who understands and has written well about the Strauss & Howe theory of generational breaks and politics. Sebelius referred to Brokaw’s “greatest generation” but made the case that the “greatest generation” is not behind us but ahead of us.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 151- Well as the Bush economy spirals into its second recession (did anyone really notice a "recovery?") and prices continue to spiral upwards (does that make this "stagflation" time again?), we can now consider our nation mired in no fewer than three quagmires: Iraq, Afghanistan and the Bush economy.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 150- This week I highlight Bill O'Reilly's latest insult: denying the existence of some 200,000 homeless Veterans. For my NYC readers I highlight a very important attempt in the City Council to require permits for citizens to use devices that detect harmful materials in the air, water and soil. For my North Carolina readers I highlight a Democratic candidate for Congress, Marshall Adame, who is pissing off the mercenary firm Blackwater. I am urging people to support Marshall Adame for his willingness to challenge Blackwater. And I continue to highlight local events in all the states where I have had a good number of readers. Interestingly, Florida and Texas are joining New York and California as states where I have lots of readers. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 149- The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. I have try mixing my own rants and ideas, with national issues, news items, and some very local groups and events in an attempt to both help shape debate and to help people find their own ways of getting involved.
This week I discuss a couple of major victories (one familiar to the dKos community, but only covering it now in my newsletter). I also continue to highlight the REAL Rudy Giuliani, countering some of his lies about 9/11/ I also do a roundup of local progressive events for places where I have had the most readers over the last couple of weeks. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 148- The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. I have try mixing my own rants and ideas, with national issues, news items, and some very local groups and events in an attempt to both help shape debate and to help people find their own ways of getting involved.
This week I discuss the Republican led loss of privacy in America, bringing us down almost to the level of China in terms of Surveillance. I also discuss solar energy in America. I also do a roundup of local progressive events for places where I have had the most readers over the last couple of weeks including some events I am helping organize in NYC. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Last year was a disappointing one for those of us who hoped a Democrat-controlled Congress would begin to restore some of the balance that has been lost in the unchallenged expansion of executive power. If 2008 is to be better we will need new leaders and a new approach.
First of all let's look at who the leaders WON'T be. The odds are against either major party's nominee.
The Democrat Flat Tax- For many years, Americans assumed that the great majority of money available to be taxed, was earned income. After all, everybody works, everybody generates income, and it seems fair to tax this money as it comes in. It was the bulk of money earned in the United States. After all, the USA was the place to be, to earn a good income. Since the Reagan administration, we have created a different kind of America.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 146- This week I discuss the latest horrors committed by America's mercenaries in Iraq, a couple of comments on the special elections in OH-5 and VA-1, and the comments from the Anti-Defamation League regarding the Christianization of American plitics. I also do a roundup of local progressive events for places where I have had the most readers over the last couple of weeks including anti-Semitism in NYC, Veterans for Peace in Atlanta, Georgia, and upcoming chances for meeting Rick Noriega in Texas. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Some news items I don't have time to discuss but which are worth attention:
Indiana's most progressive Congressional Rep, Julia Carson, has died.
Ohio's Secretary of State (elected in 2006 to clean up Ohio's voting mess) has issued a report on Ohio's voting mess...with excellent recommendations.
America has been shamed by pretty much the rest of the world into withdrawing it's obstructionism to the Bali conference on global warming...so, in essence, the US has agreed to keep talking about maybe doing something about global warming.
Here is this week's newsletter:
"Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, who leads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, insists that the more Republicans block Democrats in Congress, the more seats Democrats will win next year."
A "diary" at Daily Kos titled: Get it Straight: The Dems DO Know What They're Doing has pretty much ended whatever positive view I can take on our "leaders"..
It is not a complaint about that work or that author: indeed, it's how well and clear the author lays out the reality of what's happening right now that prompted me to write this.
It's that I have really tried to muster respect for the current leaders. I really have. I was as thrilled as anybody when they took back some power. But one year later I find them stalling and footdragging and doing a fantastic job of feigning weakness specifically to drag out the resolution to the Occupation of Iraq - perhaps ALL of our expressed goals - until much closer to the 2008 Election.
They are purposefully prolonging the carnage to maximize their election potentials. It's cold, immoral political calculation.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 145- This week I discuss holiday shopping to match your values (alonovo.com), why nuclear energy is NOT a solution to Global Warming (a sort of preview of a review I will write about Paul Brown's new book on Global Warming), and discuss Pretty Bird Woman House woman's shelter on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. I also do a roundup of local progressive events for places where I have had the most readers over the last couple of weeks, including ways you can help win two special elections this coming Tuesday: OH-5 and VA-1. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 144- Haven't posted here for awhile because been busy and wasn't sure too many were interested in my coverage of issues. But, I hear they are trying to boost participation around here and I am always willing to help. So, if people are interested I will post.
The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. So I have bene doing this for three years. Having organized protests against the Republican Convention, I found I had a core of activists who needed some encouragement after Bush "won" re-"election". My carefully thought out suggestions as to where we could go from that defeat led to this more-or-less weekly newsletter. Since then I have tried mixing my own rants with national issues and some very local groups and events in an attempt to both help shape debate and to help people find their own ways of getting involved.
This week I discuss Bush's latest slashing of funds for first responders, give some suggestions for holiday shopping to match your values, the irrational Republican hatred for Muslims, and a special thank you for the Oregon Democratic Party. I also discuss the anniversary of the Bhopal disaster. I also do a roundup of local progressive events for places where I have had the most readers over the last couple of weeks. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.
Rating Democrats on Electability- First the disclaimers. We are in the realm of subjectivity here, which is highly vulnerable to the art of "spin". It's not like looking at candidate position papers and voting records, it is guessing how voters will react to a person, their positions, their image, and overall how well they campaign. And electability is not the end all criteria for selecting a candidate either.
Democratic leaders in both houses of Congress have been engaged in a ferocious debate about how to effectively deal with the situation in Iraq. I really thought this would be the easiest policy for them to develop. This is not complicated. The invasion of Iraq was a colossal mistake.
In the spring Harry "weak tea" Reid gave up on meaningful opposition to the Iraq war and allowed a fully funded, no strings attached bill to go to the President's desk. Bush demanded and Congress complied. In the summer it happened again, this time with the FISA law. Each was an embarrassing collapse by the Democratic leadership and each enraged the left wing of the party. Now with fall upon us and the World Series in full swing (har) it's a perfect time to discuss what may be strike three. Each of the previous failures was enormously frustrating to progressives, and now that reauthorization is being discussed it seems like the temperature is near boiling.
Kos - Will work for Rice?- When I've been in Oklahoma City to visit family and friends for the past several weeks I always stop by and put in a few hours with Andrew Rice's campaign. Sometimes simply because he's another heartland democrat who needs help and has the volunteer mechanism in place to utilize me - and sometimes simply because he's a young democrat who is running for office.
Remember when they were an opposition party? Remember when they were on our side? I’m sure most of you have noticed by now that they just aren’t anymore.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 136- This week I discuss a very personal conflict with Homeland Security, which involved first bad news, then, on appeal, excellent news. Sometimes our court system works! I also cover the response our troops have for Rush Limbaugh, responses to Bush's opposition to healthcare for American children, and I discuss the situation in Burma. I also am finally getting back to some more local stuff including local events in NYC, a brilliant plan for winning in Colorado, and some local Virginia and New Jersey stuff. If you go to any of these articles, please click on some advertisements because that helps me keep doing this!
John Edwards Brings Populist Message Back to Ohio- Democratic Presidential candidate, John Edwards, brought his message of returning power to the people into Columbus, Ohio Friday evening. Speaking to a lively and engaged crowd of about 800 people, Edwards laid out his distinct vision for America. Under his popular grassroots theme of, "Small Change for Big Change", Edwards energized an already eager for change crowd, stumping for about 25 minutes, at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #189 union hall, near Ohio State campus.
Death-Wish of the Democrats and Republicans- Sigmund Freud’s interpretation of dreams was based on the concept of wish-fulfillment, but after World War I this concept was baffled by the dreams of returning veterans, which replayed “past experiences that include no possibility of pleasure, and which can never, even long ago, have brought satisfaction even to instinctual impulses which have since been repressed.” It’s hard to find wish-fulfillment in a dream where the dreamer’s legs get blown off in a fox-hole.
On Tidying Up, Or, The Assembly Of Disconnected Thoughts- Just as you have unfinished work piling up on your desk; stories pile up on mine that deserve discussion. Each of today’s stories would not in and of itself make a complete day’s work, so instead I’ll lay out on the table a late summer buffet, if you will, of conversational morsels that together will hopefully present a more complete “meal”.
When Experience isn't a Good Thing- Recently, Senator Hillary Clinton has been utilizing her #1 argument: Experience is what we need.
While I would agree that this would be the most compelling argument in a focus group or in polling what it does is perpetuate the old school, establishment, image that Senator Clinton cannot escape.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 133- This week I discuss Nuns calling for impeachment and withdrawal, and some scary indications that global warming may be happening faster than we thought. I also discuss some local stuff for Florida, NYC, New Jersey, and California. I also continue a new feature that started with an unexpectedly recommended Daily Kos diary some weeks ago.
We must "help" our Democratic Leaders- I see in the New York Times, one of the largest of the formerly credible "mainstream" or "traditional" media which has laid down for the Bush Administration and lied us into the occupation we are now trying to end, that "Democrats Aim to Reframe Iraq Debate".
Isn't that quaint?!
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 132- This week I disucss the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I also discuss some revelations about the 2000 stolen election in Florida: it looks like at the center of it might have been the touch screen machine industry itself. I have more local focus on New Hampshire, North Caronlina, New Jersey, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
Charging Donkey!-
copyright paul kane 2007 all rights reserved
It's time for us to get our Dander up!! I mean, Gumption (I keep getting this mental picture of Edwards worriedly brushing off his shoulders...)!
Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican. - Ronald Reagan's "11th Commandment"
I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat. - Will Rogers
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 131- This week I am discuss the growing power of bloggers in NY State, STRONGLY urge all of you to fight global warming but helping plant trees worldwide, talk a lot about Iraq and cowardly Chickenhawk Republicans, and discuss local elections in Michigan and Washington State. I also continue a new feature that started with an unexpectedly recommended Daily Kos.
A Rising Tide?- First, a disclaimer. I am an Edwards supporter. But I am also a realist. And the reality is that Hillary Clinton is the front runner for the nomination at this
point. This causes many no little amount of heartburn, for two main reasons:
1. Hillary is unelectable.
Democratic Capitulators now 'regret' the FISA Cave-In.-
OMG! I slept with WHO???
It seems our Democratic leaders have had time to think a little bit and now - vacations are winding to an end, I guess - and for whatever reason they now "regret" that they caved-in to Team Bush on this.
They should have had misgivings LONG before they ever saw such a request for more power from Team Bush. This is a basic function of intelligence and they failed.
Option "C" for Democrats - Winning on National Security- Labor Day is approaching and George Bush and Dick Cheney are now almost certainly the least popular President and Vice President team in American History. John McCain, the G.O.P. pretender to the thrown who once was feared as the only man with sufficient stature and integrity to convince the American public to renew the Republican lease on the White House, has departed center stage after a war vote malfunction stripped bare his passion for the Iraq surge, exposing him as unelectable in the Super Bowl of politics. So the Democrats, with a seemingly strong field of candidates, seem poised to win in 2008. Given the quagmire the G.O.P. now seems stuck in, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Few Democrats do, it’s easier to go with the giddy prevailing wisdom, but cracks that can fracture the veneer of Democratic complacency are hiding in plain sight, where many refuse to see.
The Evil of Lessers- The Evil of Lessers
by James Craven
Intro
My father gave me some advice when I was young that the Democratic candidates, for any office, need to take to heart: 1) "Never wind up the only honest person in a rigged card game."; 2) "Never show up to a gun fight with a knife."
Revolution of the Bunnies- In 2006 the people of the United States threw the rulling party out of the majority in both Houses of Congress and installed the opposition, with a strong anti-war mandate. And then...
The Revolution of the Bunnies began!
At first, some people compared the Democratic victories in 2006 to the French Revolution, but...
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 130- Seem to be getting a second wind with the newsletter, partly because I can draw on things I write elsewhere. Also I have largely abandoned the more detailed local stuff I used to write. I can offer to people that if they want to write some local stuff, with all the proper html formatting, and submit it to me, I will consider using it here with full credit.
Just say, "I'm a Democrat"- --crossposted from DailyKos (by request, thanks!)
Just say, "I'm a Democrat"
It just might work.
I just finished re-reading The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell, one of my favorites. If you haven't read it, it's about social phenomenons like fads, but it also delves into what can cause sudden, large changes in the public space on everything from early literacy to crime and smoking. Gladwell talks about "The Law of the Few", who "Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen" are, and the translation that needs to occur between Early Adopters and Early to Late Majorities. The book is thought-provoking, and presents a challenge to readers: What change do you want to see, and what might cause that idea for change to "tip"?
We cannot stop them.- The American People have lost their power.
Lots of people are going on with things as if we still have some sort of power, like we will figure out something that will cause or force the Bush administration to stop it's criminal actions at home and abroad. As if there is a button we haven't yet pushed, a fee we haven't yet paid, a word we haven't yet said, or a legal incantation that has not yet been filed or stamped or approved by a proper notary.
I am calling that fantasy.
Click here if you don't want to hear anymore.
The rest of you, please hear me out.
On Evolution, Or, Political Robots Compared- Some of you may recall my previous exclusive reporting of the crash (and successful restoration) of the Hilary® Mark II Mod. 7 Robotic Candidate Device just before the start of Tuesday’s Democratic debate.
Because of the community interest, we will today expand upon that discussion by walking through some of the differences in design philosophy between the two major categories of political robots: the Robotocan™ .1 Series and .3 Series of Devices and the Democrobot Device Program robots.
The reader should also expect technical comments on the execution of those philosophies, and some consideration of the day-to-day funding, operating, and maintenance issues that impact the entire Robotic Political Device establishment.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 129- There is some discontent among Democrats because of the FISA fiasco where some 57 Democrats sided with the Republicans against the Constitution. Disappointing! And I want to discuss that a bit with some solid suggestions on what to do about it.
Let's keep one fact firmly in mind before we discuss the Democrats: the erosion of American civil liberties, the destruction of our defining document, the Constitution, and the betrayal of our founding fathers' dream for America, has been led by Bush, the bulk of the Republican Party, and that Benidict Arnold, Joe Lieberman. Most of the blame for this crap is squarely on the Republicans.
Most...
Do you really know what's for lunch tomorrow?- This was originally written for Daily Kos but has been edited and adapted for posting elsewhere.
I see so many diaries, articles, and essays being posted (on the InterTubes), each breathlessly claiming their choice of the 3 "Official" candidates is the most electable or will win
Its chief sponsor, Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., had offered the amendment as a "pre-emptive measure" to counter the Markey proposal, his spokeswoman, Katie Moreau, said.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 128- The levees broke in New Orleans...and Bush claimed "no one could have predicted the levees would break."
That was a lie. It was predictable AND predicted in clear terms in a report that was on his desk. He ignored it. Money was withheld from upgrading the levees. People died because Republicans cut the budget so they could boost Halliburton profits and cut taxes on the richest 1% of Americans.
We're rallying early for a huge 2008 victory- Twenty-First Century Democrats is in the middle of our Annual Youth Leadership Speakers Series. We put on this program in order to provide a chance for the interns who flood Washington DC during the summer to hear real progressive leaders. These young people come to DC with high idealism and a desire to change the world, yet too often they only find cynicism and complacency.
Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 127- Well, I am back from vacation and still catching up. Did you miss me?
One thing struck me while on vacation. Southern California, including Los Angeles, had hardly any smog during the entire 3 weeks we were there. Summer is a peak time for smog in Los Angeles, and to have such perfect conditions for such a long period during summer is astonishing. The air quality was worse in NYC when we left than it was in Los Angeles the whole trip.
The Future's So Bright...- With the Yearly Kos convention around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at where we are and how far we have come. The last two presidential elections were quite a shock to me. Having lived in Texas under Governor Bush I didn't think it was possible that he could beat Al Gore in any election and of course many of us still believe he didn't. I thought initially it would be a cake walk for Gore.
Why Do Democrats Fear A Filibuster?- Actually I first posted this Diary on MyDD Sunday July 15th, and sure enough come Monday July 16th Majority Leader Harry Reid announced he would keep the Senate in session for 24 hours starting the next night. I had been planning to post this Diary here at Diatribune that Monday but changed my mind given the breaking events. Now I've changed my mind again.
When I first heard this phrase, I was puzzled. For me, it could easily be the other way around. But then I’ve always enjoyed opposites and contradictions; you know, turning something on its back and looking at its belly. Whether we use this phrase as a campaign guide or a life guide, I’ll stick with John Kenneth Galbraith in his distrust of conventional wisdom.
How often have you heard the refrain in this diary title from a friend or acquaintance that the Democratic and Republican parties are indistinguishable, that they are "all the same"?
While progressives continue their petty, self-indulging, cacophonic, disorganized rants and raves within their favorite echo chambers, the neocons, the right-wingers and the G.O.P. continue doing what they've always done: stay on unified, but disinformative, messages. Why should they do anything differently? Especially since that what worked before is apparently working still for them ...
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Aw, yes.
Remember the Peaches and Herb smash hit from the 70s? Reunited and it feels so good...
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Mission Accomplished? Yes, actually.
