Al Franken for U.S. Senate

Russia vs. USA - A Power Alignment!

Percy H Florez — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:22:08 EDT

Very interesting article coming up from the opinion of a reader who is concerning about the situation in the Caucus. It seems to me finally the American opinion is taking conscientious about GEOPOLITICS and comprehends what the old fashion of politics of the 20th century is gone!

And for the sake and PEACE in this small rock called PLANET a new alignment of POWER will be welcomed soon rather than later.

Article published today in USA TODAY page 12A. on August 19, 2008

Superpowers flex muscle, but at what cost?

Earl Beal - Terre Haute, Ind.

In the power politics of international relations, superpower behavior is governed by the concept of geopolitical spheres of influence. When a superpower nation meddles in the internal affairs of another and attempts to exert undue political or economic influence in its perceived sphere, that's when trouble starts.

The trouble started when President Bush pressured Poland and the Czech Republic to establish a missile-defense system in their territories. This policy was then, and continues to be, seen by some as a direct threat to Russia, not to mention Bush's push for democratic reforms in former Soviet Republics still considered vital to Russia's national security interests.

Also, if Russia placed ballistic missiles in Cuba and/or Venezuela, this would constitute a direct threat to the U.S. Washington's hue and cry over such a move would be surpassed only by Bush's hypocrisy when he and his Pentagon took the "dramatic," "brutal" and "disproportionate" measure of invading a sovereign Iraq in 2003. As a result, what do we have?

The hemorrhaging of our national treasure in terms of lives lost.

Thousands of courageous people wounded.

A cost of more than $10 billion a month to finance this fiasco.

5 million Iraqi refugees scattered and without homes.

Percy H Florez

The Minnesota State Fair 2008.

Tom Tonneson — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:19:34 EDT

If you're in the Twin Cities on August 23, 2008. I'll be volunteering at the Al Franken for Senate booth at 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Stop by and say hi. (See link below for directions).

http://www.alfranken.com/content/StateFair2007

What's in Your Heart?

Nick Danger — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:32:28 EDT

Democrats come in all sizes and shapes, we like different types of foods and hold jobs and social standing in all sectors of society. As a Democrat there is one truth I hold in my heart and that is to use the party to better the plight of mankind, starting right here in the USA! And I think we can agree that as Democrats we believe that all the people should be heard, not just those in the highest points of industry or those whose choice of religion or sexual orientation we agree with. And I believe that being a Democrat is not about filling your pockets with gold but to be able to look yourself in the mirror each and every morning with pride cause you believe in a better world for all people and you're ready to do something about it! What is being a Democrat mean to you?

The “Being Stupid” and “Sounding Strong” Policy Connection

Stephen Crockett — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:39:38 EDT

Developments in the ongoing conflict between the nations of Georgia and Russia grew very hot this past week. The conflict has very long historical roots and has been potentially ready to explode since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The comments of John McCain on the current outbreak of war has demonstrated the close connection between “sounding strong” for domestic political considerations and “being stupid” in the execution of American foreign policy.

McCain has a tendency to talk tough and to threaten military consequences far too often for the comfort of many foreign policy experts and American citizens. McCain seems to have the first response impulse to use force and to send in the troops. This sometimes is appropriate but often is not the wise or intelligent course of action. McCain seems to discount the limits of military force in achieving foreign policy objectives and the negative blowback or other unintended consequences of getting involved in military conflicts without carefully studying the facts first.

Basically, McCain’s well-known bad temper marks him as a seemingly dangerously hot-head when it comes to foreign policy. McCain is very opinionated when it comes to many aspects of foreign policy. When conflict first erupted this week, McCain quickly made harsh comments criticizing Russia. McCain clearly appears to be threatening Russia with economic, diplomatic and, maybe military actions without considering the consequences for the United States.

His comments were not very helpful in persuading Russia to halt military actions. The Russians never respond well to direct public threats or orders from the United States. Intelligent diplomacy requires the very careful use of both carrot and stick measures to achieve the desired results. When you start “being stupid” in your public rhetoric by “talking tough” before thinking through the situation, you almost always fail to achieve your foreign policy goals.

Our foreign goals in the current Georgia-Russia conflict should be (1) halt the exchange of hostilities, (2) get Russia to withdraw their soldiers from occupied Georgian territory, (3) obtain a solid diplomatic front with our European allies especially NATO members regarding this conflict, (4) guarantee the international border integrity of Georgia, (5) protect the international oil pipelines running through Georgian territory, (6) guarantee the safety of American citizens in the war zones, (7) preserve both democracy in Georgia and a measure of ethnic self-rule in the breakaway provinces within Georgia, (8) avoid outright American military conflict with Russia and (9) avoid a new Cold War between Russia and the United States. “Taking tough” to “sound strong” in order to win points with the American electorate is a poor way to achieve any of these desired foreign policy goals. McCain was reckless and self-serving in his highly charged rhetoric.

Military action is all but impossible for the American government when it comes to responding to Russian actions in Georgia. The foreign wars launched by Bush (with the enthusiastic support of McCain) in Iraq and Afghanistan have drained away our military response ability when it comes to real threats to world peace and international emergencies.

McCain, like Bush, seems to be recklessly saber-rattling regarding Iran without having the necessary military forces required to back the threats being made. We need not to make the same mistake in Georgia.

How are we going to pay for more wars? McCain and Bush have not explained how we are going to pay for the current military conflicts or rebuilding our nearly exhausted military forces, much less launch even more foreign military misadventures. Economic mismanagement and disastrous trade policies have crippled our national finances and undermined our industrial capacity to fight wars.

Even economic conflict with Russia will have a very negative effect on the American nation. The world needs Russian oil. Disruptions in the oil supply from Russia will create severe hardships on American consumers. Only the oil companies financing much of McCain’s Presidential campaign would profit from such a situation. McCain’s “tough talk” might already be keeping oil prices higher than they would have been if McCain had not made those comments.

The fact that McCain has had a chief foreign policy advisor that was directly employed by the nation of Georgia while working on the McCain campaign demonstrates very poor judgment by Senator McCain. His chief foreign policy expert on Georgia was half of a two-man lobbying firm which received around $800,000 from the Georgian government while he was advising McCain. No advisor to any Presidential candidate should be a paid agent of any foreign government. It is no wonder that McCain does not have a balanced, well-informed approach to this subject.

McCain has dangerously injected himself into this touchy foreign policy/military crisis in a very public way. McCain should remember that he is not the President. Hopefully, for the sake of the American nation, he never will be.

Written by Stephen Crockett (host of Democratic Talk Radio http://www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com and Editor of Mid-Atlantic Labor.com http://www.midatlanticlabor.com ). Mail: 698 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, Delaware 19702. Email: demlabor@aol.com. Phone: 443-907-2367.

Feel free to publish without prior approval.

Tire Tracks Across your back?

Nick Danger — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:53:17 EDT

I received an email today that was supposedly written in humor touting the beefeating providers as Conservatives and the weak as Liberals. The email which was written as a humorous tribute to the chest beating right dragging their women across the floor and spouting 'we're the choosen ones' was built on three concepts. 1) The first one is that all liberals are weak and will gladly lay down for those on the other side to walk on, 2)that being creative and in possession of a creative mind is a weakness and 3)and this third one is implied but states that all Democrats are liberal.

I was watching cable the other day and Henry Rollins, a punk rock music artist with a power lifters body, who by the way, is also a poet and actor was the host. Rollins was the first and only television host I've seen who actually voiced that he was a liberal and ready to kick some ass as opposed to laying on the highway awaiting tire tracks. What a concept I thought, liberals who are not afraid to stand up and be counted, use a firm handshake and look down the barrel of a conservative's gun with one that has a bigger barrel!

Secondly, the right's conservative Corporate generals are for the most part working only to put great wealth in their own pockets and more mindless consumers on the street. The creative community for the most part are creating "thinkers". "Thinkers" consume but not without reading the label.

Thirdly, as you know all Democrats are not liberal and that's what makes the world a great place cause we need a balance of ideas from all sides to keep America great. Of course some Dems aren't really Democrats but virtual wolves in sheeps clothing and yes, I am speaking about Joe Liberman but that's another subject altogether.

In closing, I say stand up and be counted, stay true to your heart and we'll see a sea of blue in November!

Cero (0.0) In GEOPOLITICS

Percy H Florez — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:20:47 EDT

While the American media is bluffing about the “Invasion of Georgia” the Bush administration just receive a lap in his face as a consequence of his erroneous and horrendous mishandling of the situation in the Middle East; special remarks on his attitudes an action in the illegal war in Iraq.

Percy H Florez

Blog post addendum correction

Nick Danger — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:19:02 EDT

In my haste to the battle front I included www.netrootsnation.org to my list of blog sites for you to explore. It is a good one to visit but is not on the right and I stand corrected by myself, before someone else does. Thanks.

Operate Behind Enemy Lines armed only with a Pen!

Nick Danger — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:57:23 EDT

Attention all scribes with an Obamistic diatribe or perhaps just a blue hue to deliver! I've compiled a short list of right-wing destinations on the blogsphere where you can sign on and blog to your hearts content on topical issues, namely politics. The time has come to beat the reds at their own game by posting articles that are slanted positively toward Barack Obama. Operating with finese will place doubt in the minds of those reading the propoganda these sites spew forth... To achieve our goal we must not slam the other side nor rant but must explore and dissect political issues of economic and social importance slanting the writings ever so slightly...well maybe a little more than slightly but you get the point. Several of the sites you might consider exploring for purposes of exploitation include; www.redstate.com, www.thenextright.com, www.rightonline.com, www.realclearpolitics.com, www.netrootsnation.org. Happy hunting!

Building Alliances and Voting for Change in 2008

Stephen Crockett — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:39:22 EDT

The American nation has an excellent opportunity to change the nature of politics in our country this year. We have a real chance to build lasting alliances that will re-define the political landscape at every level of government and permit us to take back our government by the average citizen.

For decades, the political power of the largest international corporations and the wealthiest of the Super Wealthy have been tightening their grasp on governments in America. They have effectively bought their way to power by giving billions in campaign donations and buying up the media.

The effect has been passage of laws that undermine the power of average citizens to control their own economic futures, have an effective voice in government policies and to hear opposing political viewpoints. It is no accident that most Americans think that their children will not have as high a standard of living as they currently experience. It was economic policy on the national and international levels that forced tens of millions of families to have both parents working to maintain a decent standard of living.

Your rights to sue corporations when they abuse you as a worker, investor or consumer are being stripped away by Republican politicians like George W. Bush, John McCain, Dick Cheney and your allegedly “moderate Republican” member of Congress. The same bunch of Republican politicians are and have been for decades falling all over themselves to pass legislation that ships high-paying jobs with healthcare benefits to Third World nations where the high pay and employer provided healthcare vanishes while corporate profits explode! Yes, Bush, McCain and Cheney love NAFTA, the WTO, CAFTA and the rest of these deals. They have been a goldmine of campaign cash for the Republican Right and the alleged “Republican moderates” in Congress.

By appointing corporate thinking federal judges and government regulators, American workers have seen their rights to form labor unions effectively undermined and often destroyed. The public fiction of “free elections” in the workplace is there for these deceitful Republicans to “defend.” However, in most workplaces, the reality is that these giant corporations make real free elections impossible by intentionally breaking the law (the penalties are a joke), firing pro-union workers, preventing union organizers from talking to workers or distributing material, issuing threats and the like. The reality of these “free unionization elections” is that they are no more free and fair than the “free elections” in the former Soviet Union, communist China or Nazi Germany! Still, the Republicans vehemently oppose passage of the Employee Free Choice Act which would return effective workplace democracy when it comes to unionization votes.

The decline of labor unions has meant the decline of the American Middle Class both economically and politically and corporate forces know it! An effective labor movement has meant real economic opportunity for tens of millions of working class and poor Americans. Labor unions have been the vehicle for millions of racial and ethnic minorities to join the mainstream, Middle Class majority in experiencing the American Dream.

Corporate controlled politicians like Bush and McCain are simply killing that Dream. Will we let them?

The wealthiest of the Super Wealthy control our mainstream media but not our votes.

We all should know that racism has an economic purpose. It is the tool most often used in America to get the working class whites and Middle Class majority to put in power politicians who vote against the economic interests of working class and Middle Class whites. Racism is the tool used to divide the non-economic elite majority so that all working class and Middle Class Americans do not demand government policies that provide real economic opportunity for the vast majority. Racism is a sucker bet for all poor, working class and Middle Class Americans!

Gay Rights Series: The Christian Right's Position on Homosexuality

Politically Active — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:10:16 EDT

The Christian Right has taken a position of Homosexuality of Biblical proportions. They have an extreme view of the issue that is beyond homophobic. They do not even view homosexuality as a civil rights issue. Theirs is a distorted view that is disturbing to listen to.

Let me start by defining the Christian Right. They are a very conservative group of Christians who interpret the Bible literally. They are typically Republican and almost all are anti-gay. They are not bad people but just a group with very extreme and sometimes distorted views of reality.

The Christian right views homosexuality as a sin. Their belief is that you will not enter God’s kingdom should you commit this sin and not repent. They view it as a perverted lifestyle that God does not permit. They base their argument on the Bible and believe that homosexuality is not a civil rights issue but an issue of what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. They claim that homosexuals are going against their own bodies. These right-wing Christians are not only against gay marriage but against homosexuality in general. Never do they ask, “ Why would God have anything against homosexuals?”

I have listened to a Minister who shares these viewpoints speak on the topic. When talking about transsexuals and sex changes or just homosexuality in general, the Minister spoke with a tone of disgust. He called homosexuality perverted and uses terms such as “sick sexual thrill.” The condescendence was plentiful and the realism scarce. He spoke with a tone of absolute disgust that frankly scared me.

In the upcoming days I will be further examining the viewpoints of the Christian Right and explaining why they are wrong. Please remember that I am generalizing and that not all right-wing Christians share this viewpoint. This issue is beyond politics. This is civil rights, and civil rights goes beyond politics.

Union Web Sites that can help you buy union-made products

Stephen Crockett — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:35:55 EDT

Union Web Sites that can help you buy union-made products

BUILD UNION, BUY UNION, SHOP UNION, BE UNION!

http://www.unionlabel.com

Miscellaneous

http://www.allamericanclothing.com

Clothing (Formerly Union Jean Company)

http://www.unionhouse.com

Clothing

http://www.justiceclothing.com

Clothing

http://www.unionmade.com

Miscellaneous

http://www.kinglouie.com

Clothing

http://www.legendaryusa.com

Leather Jackets (All Jackets Made in USA, Schott Jackets are Union Made)

http://www.tigereyedesign.com

Promotional Items – Bumper Stickers, Buttons, Pens, Etc.

http://www.unionvacations.com

Air, Hotel, Car, Cruises

http://www.unionsales.com

Miscellaneous

http://www.unionwear.com

Miscellaneous

http://www.atc-ny.com

Watches, Clothing, Clocks, Etc.

http://www.buyunion.us

Clothing, Specialty Items, Promotional Items

http://www.backdraftproducts.us

Specializing in IAFF Products Union Retail Stores

Greater Lehigh Valley Area in Pennsylvania

Wines & Spirits Shoppes

Rite-Aid

Super Fresh

Shop-Rite

Strauss Auto

Mailroom Copy & Print Center (call Stephen Crockett at 443-907-2367 for details)

K-Mart , T.J. Maxx Distribution Centers are Union, Retail is Not

Marshall’s

Do Not Shop! Wal-Mart Sam’s Club

Union Web Sites

• Bakery Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM)

http://www.bctgm.org

Food Products

• UNITE-HERE (UNITEHERE)

http://www.unitehere.org

Textiles, Hotels, Casinos, Etc.

• International Association of Machinists (IAM)

http://www.goiam.org

Motorcycles, Miscellaneous

• United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW)

http://www.ufcw.org

Retail, Miscellaneous

• International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

http://www.teamster.org

Truck Drivers, UPS, Misc.

• United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1776 (UFCW 1776) http://www.ufcw1776.org Eastern Pennsylvania

• AFL-CIO http://www.aflcio.org

• Change to Win http://www.changetowin.org

-United Steelworkers of America http://www.usw.org

-United Auto Workers http://www.uaw.org

If you cannot find a Union Made product, please contact me at 610-217-5123 or at schlen@union-america.com

In Solidarity,

James S. Schlener

IAFF Local 735

UFCW 1776

Lehigh Valley CLC. VP.

Bethlehem City Democratic Party Chair

Why Democrats should organize boycotts of Wal-Mart, picket their stores and challenge all store openings

Stephen Crockett — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:49:00 EDT

Wal-Mart Wants to Make Sure Its Employees Don’t Vote Democratic

by Tula Connell, Aug 1, 2008

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/08/01/wal-mart-wants-to-make-sure-its-employees-dont-vote-democratic/

Wal-Mart and all its $13 billion in 2007 profits are quaking. The retail monolith is scared that Democrats will be elected to office this fallâ€"and might pass legislation that would level the playing field for workers seeking to join unions.

The Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB121755649066303381.html reports on Wal-Mart’s corporate tremors today, noting that

in recent weeks, thousands of Wal-Mart store managers and department heads have been summoned to mandatory meetings at which the retailer stresses the downside for workers if stores were to be unionized.

Downsides, huh? Like getting paid enough to support yourself and your family. Or maybe even the real big downside of having affordable job-based health insurance so that the emergency room isn’t the only option when your child has the flu. Because by not paying its employees enough to afford the company health plan, Wal-Mart dumps the cost of health care onto all taxpayers http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/walmart/upload/walmart_tax_memo.pdf , even making it a corporate policy to encourage new hires to use public emergency rooms, according to author Barbara Ehrenreich.

(You can tell Wal-Mart to stop its unfair and immoral workplace intimidation by signing a petition here http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/wal_mart_petition .)

Wal-Mart has been so intent upon piling up its billions in annual profits, it has created a mini-industry of anti-unionism to ensure it keeps its employees at everyday low wages. So, Wal-Mart is stepping up its efforts to prevent Democrats from being elected this fall, by telling employees http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB121755649066303381.html that “voting for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama would be tantamount to inviting unions in.” And Wal-Mart employees report feeling pressured to vote for candidates who oppose the Employee Free Choice Act.

Wal-Mart is doing even more arm-twisting workers on their way to the ballot box. Rather than pay its employees a decent wage and provide affordable health care, Wal-Mart is putting mega bucks into front groups that are spearheading a multi-million dollar ad campaign to slam workers, their unions and their efforts to pass the Employee Free Choice Act http://www.aflcio.org/joinaunion/voiceatwork/efca/ .

For instance, Wal-Mart is the largest member of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, one of the main funders of the $30 million anti-union campaign called “Coalition for a Democratic Workplace http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/the-anti-union-network/chamber-of-commerce/coalition-for-a-democratic-workplace-exposed-20080424-557-273.html .”

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney says this latest revelation of Wal-Mart’s egregious meddling into its employees’ voting preferences

goes to show the extent that companies like Wal-Mart will go to maintain the status quo, which allows them to exploit workers to maximize profit. It’s clear the business community intends to spend heavily to protect its interests but working people know this election is about creating real, lasting economic change.

Wal-Mart is ready to use its corporate power as America’s largest private employer to corrupt the political system to safeguard its profits. American Rights at Work has lots of info on Wal-Mart’s actions attacking the Employee Free Choice Act here http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/employee-free-choice-act/latest-updates/wal-mart-mobilizing-against-the-employee-free-choice-act-20080801-605-83-83.html and has a detailed report here http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/wal-mart/wal-mart/wal-mart-rolling-back-workers-wages-rights-and-the-american-dream.html on how Wal-Mart rolls back workers’ wages in an assault on the American Dream. Plus the worker advocacy organization also tracks the front groups behind the Employee Free Choice Act smear campaign, with info here http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/the-anti-union-network/chamber-of-commerce/coalition-for-a-democratic-workplace-exposed-20080424-557-273.html .

Take action now and tell Wal-Mart stop intimidating its employees http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/wal_mart_petition . Sign the petition here http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/wal_mart_petition .

Obama VP's - Down to four (Three Really)

spencer — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:40:20 EDT

the shortlist has been leaked and there are four names left on it:
4. Sen. Evan Bahy (D-IN)

Now the only thing I know about the selection at this point is that it will not be Evan Bahy for two Reasons. 1) He's boring 2) If Obama wins and the Democrats get to 60 the governor of Indiana (Likely to remain Republican) will choose his replacement which means The GOP could Filibuster.

3.Gov. Tim Kane (D-VA)

At first when making my list, of 10 and then 7, I took off Tim Kane because I thought he was not well known enough. Obama think different. Kane is extremely charismatic and Powerful. Kane would be an excellent counter to the now likely McCain Pick of Eric Cantor. Kane could help bring Virginia and maybe North Carolina.

2. Gov. Kathleen Sabillius (D-KS)

Sabillius is a good choice. She could help with some Clinton supporters who wanted to see a woman in office. She makes it harder for McCain to use the Experience argument against Obama. She is fully able to be Vice President. She Can help in the Midwest, in states like MT, ND, SD, CO, IA, MO NM and NV. However, she is a risky choice. Racism and Sexism could prove difficult to overcome. The McCain Campaign could still bash them on foreign policy.

1. Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE)

I feel Biden is the by far the best choice Obama has. He is the one of the most qualified people in politics to be Vice President. He brings foreign policy experience. He has been a major critic of Bush and his Cronies. He will make almost every one more likely to vote for Obama. He is Respected by almost every one, he has a high approval rating. some people say he doesn't help with the map but I dis agree. I see him helping in states Like MN,MI,WI,PA,
OH,VA and CO.I think Biden will help make all Democrats and Liberal Independents feel better and make them More Likely to Vote. I feel Biden should, and is likely to be the VP.

Wanted :Coffee House hangout for local Politicos!

HowieJames — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:28:07 EDT

For the last year or so I have been spending my Saturday Mornings at a Cafe in Lowell Mass called Cafe Aiello,a centrally located shop with a little parking,access to wifi,tables inside and out and contemporary art hanging on the walls.A group of local officials ,election officers,town and regional committee members,political operatives,freemasons and young computer and science wizkids hung out there religiously.Unfortunately tough times have fallen and we lost our Cafe to the constable,our loyal group was not enough to sustain the shop downtown.You don't know what you've got til its gone!Try to find another place with the elements of parking and location,where people from five suburbs can drive to in five minutes and a State Senator and City Democratic Committee members can walk to in two!Hopefully ,something can be worked out in the near future so the place can reopen,there are rumors to that effect ,but for now I'll have to keep busy with the canvassing and settle for donut shop coffee.If anyone is reading this please share stories of your favorite Java Joint,I am jonesing for the Joe!

The Con as in Comic and a Change in Climate

Nick Danger — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:23:31 EDT

I've been away at the Comic-Con conference in San Diego for a week or so...Several hundred thousand people were in attendance, actual numbers are still in debate but it's safe to say there were at the very least 125,000 attendees present (last years numbers) attending special film and television screenings, an indie film festival, panels, workshops, an impressive tradeshow and an area dubbed Artists Alley, where artists and writers promote their work and exchange ideas with the public. Comic-Con or "the Con" as it is effectionately known to long time attendees is no longer driven by a focus on Comics but has become a "pop culture" event and the organizers touted it as such. The change in the event seems to be happening just as there is change happening with society in general. With the Con switching gears from a focus on Comic book superheroes of fantasy to a focus on action and individuals taking action as seen in upcoming films, television and gaming industry product, a movement in the focus of the social fabric of society was evident. This shift in focus can also be seen as a shift from a society that is being taken care of by a benevolent corporate hero or in some instances an institution itself to individuals standing strong and making a difference. This climate change in society is setting the scene for new policies, a new approach to government and a new type of politician, perhaps making our jobs a bit easier. That being said, the forests have been cleared and paved but we as a party must not sit arrogantly idle as though we're waiting for a deserved moment in the sun. The time for action by average Americans to take the country back is NOW! So I call on all who read this to speak out and move our candidates and party forward, move the issues that you're passionate about to the forefront because each and everyone of you reading this are the true action heroes of our story. By the way, I am also happy to report that Obama volunteers were out in force registering voters and handing out stickers etc.

Nantucket Sleigh Ride...

HowieJames — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:53:25 EDT

No not the song by Leslie West and his band Mountain,but the mini media blitz surrounding Senator Kerry being photographed with partying college kids on Nantucket.This sleigh rides on a slippery slope,since it is summer and most people who have the time off would gladly be doing the same thing...Except for Kerrys Democratic primary opponent ,Ed O'Reilly who wants to debate Kerry now while everyone is on vacation.Not to mention the Republican nominee Jeff Beatty ,and that political juggernaut known as the Massachusetts Republican Party,who are just about dumb enough to play it as Kerry being irresponsible rather than a bunch of kids having a good time and getting their picture taken with the Senator. On the Real News front,the Massachusetts Senate Just passed same day voter registration,which would allow people to register to vote on election day in at least 1 precinct this year and all precincts by 2010 ,a move I support and Kerrys Republican partypooper voter suppressing goon squad friends are opposed to.For obvious reasons.I seriously doubt that the kind of person who would become engaged in the process at the last minute would vote for anyone the Mass GOP could field,unless they could get Ted Nugent to run or something!

The situation in Los Angeles

spencer — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:27:08 EDT

We just experienced a 5.8 earthquake Centered in chino Hills (27 Miles from LA). The ground had a large swaying sensation for a good 15-25 seconds. this is the biggest earthquake here since Northridge in 1994. It seems that every one is fine, Just a little shaken up. I've called Friends and Family and everyone I could get a hold of was fine. one of my friends said their ukilalee Broke. There have been about 3 after shocks of a 3.8 Magnitude, I only felt one of them. It seem's like everything is fine out here. Cell phone lines are out and Land lines are as well in some parts of the county. Hopefully the system won't jam. Every one here is pretty much fine, and on behalf of California I thank you for your concern.

Who's it Going to Be? Running Mate Test

Letitrip — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:52:11 EDT

McCain stirred interest when he held a Memorial Day weekend barbecue at his Arizona home and invited three potential running mates

Gov. Mitt Romney, Florida
Gov. Charlie Crist and Louisiana
Gov. Bobby Jindal and their wives
I noticed they're pushing Mitt Romney in the limelight recently. McCranky is going to hold out until last minute to counter BO.

Obama has fielded numerous questions about perhaps offering Hillary Rodham Clinton a spot on his ticket. The former first lady suspended her own presidential campaign but issued a strong endorsement for him. Okay, so now he's entertained:
Majority Leader Harry Reid
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Reps. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina
Rahm Emanuel of Illinois
Jim Johnson and Eric Holder asked to guide the vetting. Johnson suffered media coverage about corruption, so he left.

What we know from the past is, Cheney was guiding the vetting, when he put himself as a running mate.

So, who do you think each of these front runners will announce as their VP running mate?

My guess is:

-Sen. McCranky & Sen. Lindsey Graham

-Sen. BO & Sen. Dick Durbin or Sen. Joe Biden/or General Wesley Clark (last 2 favorable)

I predict it could possible be an all out senatorial race...first in history.

All I know is, I want accountability in Washington, we haven't had it in ANY party. Put PINK in the party and damn, you'll have it! We'll beotch. We know how. :P

What you think...

Quick and REALLY REALLY REALLY FUNNY

Politically Active — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:25:10 EDT

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/opinions/cartoonsandvideos/telnaes/telnaes_main.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter

Copy the link to address bar.

Who is Best for the Economy?

Politically Active — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:45:54 EDT

There is no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama will do the most as president to help the middle class. But will he do the most for the economy? I have not once heard him talk about cutting pork-barrel spending. I have not once heard him talk about Wall Street Woes. I have not once heard him talk about strengthening the dollar. McCain cares about these things. Fixing these problems will help the overall economy. Cutting middle class taxes will help fix these problems, but there are other steps to take.

Barack Obama has the best plan to help the middle-class. John McCain seems to have the best plan to help the overall economy. I am wary of BHO's spend, spend, spend plan. I know we can ill afford another Republican President, but Senator Obama had best smarten up on the overall economy. He needs to take a Bill Clinton approach. Clinton was good to the middle class, but also worked toward balancing the budget. Be wary Senator Obama. We cannot keep borrowing money from China.