DCP Blog Community: We Ask for Your Consideration

Here's what the WaPo is saying about it and perhaps some info you can use when you write your letter...

FEC Weighs Limited Internet Activity Rules

--snip--
Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, who took the lead on drafting proposals with vice chairman Michael Toner, described the steps as "restrained." The commission emphasized a hands-off approach to bloggers, or authors of Web logs, among the loudest and unruliest voices online.

"We are not the speech police," said Weintraub, a Democrat. "The FEC does not tell private citizens what they can or cannot say, on the Internet, or elsewhere."

The draft guidelines suggest applying limits that exist in other media to certain political advertising on the Web and political spam e-mail.
--snip--
But the Center for Individual Freedom, a nonprofit advocacy group, said any regulation is too much.

"No matter how innocuous the proposal may appear on the surface, these rules still represent the government's first foray into regulating the Internet, and the draft raises the very real possibility that the final rules may be much more extensive," said Reid Cox, the group's general counsel.

Toner, a Republican, said the commission recognizes the Internet is distinct from other forms of communication in that it does not "invade" the home like a television ad might, but rather offers content that the user seeks. Nor does one message online crowd out a competing opinion, as happens in newspapers or television networks that have limited space or time.
--snip--
The draft focuses on paid advertising and political spam e-mail.

Under the proposal, a political ad paid for by a Web site operator and displayed on a different site would be considered a "public communication" subject to campaign finance controls. Internet material would otherwise be excluded from the definition of a public communication for regulatory purposes, Toner said.

News stories, commentaries and editorials appearing on Web sites would not be considered a contribution subject to limits.

The commission also proposed an exemption for individuals using their own computer or one at a public place, such as a library, for Internet activities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63872-2005Mar24.html

~~Get Well Soon, Casey!
We wish you a speedy & complete recovery!

~meanwhile, back at the ranch:

Bush approval slips to 45%, lowest of his presidency

By Bill Nichols, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — President Bush's approval rating has fallen to 45%, the lowest point of his presidency, according to a new USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll.

The finding, in a poll of 1,001 adults Monday through Wednesday, is a dip from 52% in a poll taken last week. Bush's previous lowest rating, 46%, was recorded last May.

The White House declined to comment. Republican National Committee spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt said that Bush is taking on "tough issues, whether it's to reform Social Security, promoting the spread of democracy or making a renewed pitch to Congress to pass comprehensive energy reform."

Independent political analysts said the drop may reflect opposition to the White House and Congress intervening in the Terri Schiavo matter.

"You have to wonder if people didn't feel that the president and the Congress couldn't be spending their time working on Social Security and other problems," said Charlie Cook, editor of the non-partisan Cook Political Report.

On Monday, Bush signed a bill passed in an unusual weekend session of Congress allowing federal courts to take jurisdiction over a decision by Schiavo's husband, Michael, to have her feeding tube removed.

A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll last weekend found that 61% would have a spouse's feeding tube removed under similar circumstances.

The new poll found the largest drop for Bush came among men, self-described conservatives and churchgoers.

The poll also found an increased number of Democrats. In this survey, 37% said they were Democrats and 32% said they were Republicans. Last week, 32% said they were Democrats and 35% said they were Republicans.

Bush's handling of the economy also appears to have contributed to the poll's findings.

Bush's economic ratings:

• 59% said economic conditions are getting worse, Bush's highest negative number on the economy in two years.

• 32% rated economic conditions good or excellent, the lowest rating in over a year.

• A Gallup Poll taken in the same period found rising concern about gas costs. Fuel and oil prices tied with unemployment, jobs and wages for top economic concerns.

"Any politician pushing a Social Security privatization plan that cuts benefits and increases the national debt by $4.3 trillion would see his or her approval ratings tumble," said Josh Earnest, Democratic National Committe spokesman.

The margin of error for the USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll is +/- 3 percentage points.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-03-24-bush-poll_x.htm

A Thin View of 'Life'

By E. J. Dionne Jr.
Friday, March 25, 2005; Page A19

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- What does it mean to be pro-life?
The label is thrown around in American politics so blithely that you'd imagine it refers to some workaday issue such as a tax bill or a trade agreement. Might the one good thing to come out of the rancid politics surrounding the Terri Schiavo case be a serious discussion of the meaning of that term?

To begin with, why did Congress feel an obligation to turn Schiavo's tragedy into a federal case? President Bush's answer was compelling: "In a case such as this, the legislative branch, the executive branch ought to err on the side of life."

You don't have to be a religious conservative to agree with that or to worry about prematurely allowing someone to die. But what, exactly, does "a case such as this" mean? Does it refer to one that received widespread publicity and became a major national cause for the right-to-life movement? Does it refer to one in which the parents and the spouse disagree?
snip~~
How has Terri Schiavo's care been financed? The available information suggests that some of the money came from one of those much-derided medical malpractice lawsuits and that the drugs she needs have been paid for by Medicaid.

The irony has not been lost on Democrats. Just a few days after most Republicans in both houses of Congress had supported cuts in federal funding of Medicaid, here they were erring "on the side of life" in a single case. The same issue has come up here in Florida, where Gov. Jeb Bush, a strong supporter of keeping Schiavo alive, has been proposing cuts in Medicaid spending.

Republicans cry foul when any link is made between the Schiavo question and the Medicaid question. "The fact that they're tying a life issue to the budget process shows just how disconnected Democrats are to reality," harrumphed Dan Allen, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Forgive me, Mr. Allen, I know you're just doing your job, but what's disconnected from reality is refusing to accept the idea that health care is about life issues and money issues.

People who lack access to health care because they can't afford insurance often die earlier than they have to -- with absolutely no national publicity and with no members of Congress rising up at midnight to pass bills on their behalf. What is the point of standing up for life in an individual case but not confronting the cost of choosing life for all who are threatened within the health care system or by their lack of access to it?

What does it mean to be pro-life? As far as I can tell, most of those who would keep Schiavo alive favor the death penalty. Most favored allowing the assault weapons ban to expire and oppose other forms of gun control. The president makes an excellent point when he says we "ought to err on the side of life." It's a shame how rarely that principle is put into practice.

entire article~
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64568-2005Mar24.html

Here is what I sent: I hope that the political process--which is in desperate need of interjections of TRUTH--can be understood as an educational process, first and foremost. People are so deeply underinformed by the corporately-owned mainstream media that they often vote against their interests, without knowledge. The internet has begun to close gaps that the mainstream media and the current power holders want left wide open, so they can retain power and control. This country, however, was founded on principles that work against that. Please remember who we fought in 1776 and WHY.

I'd better post my letter to the washington post before DCP becomes censored:

In your editorial, "Dishonest Debate", you lead with the assertion that "One can debate the merits of creating personal accounts in Social Security but not the case for fixing the program's solvency problems." But the program's solvency "problem" is critically based on assumptions about demographics. In the CBO report, "Social Security: a primer" http://www.cbo.gov/showdoc.cfm?index=3213&sequence=0 these assumptions are discussed in a chart showing a rise in the proportion of the 65+ population to the 25-65 population. This chart is used to assume we are moving from a situation of 1 retiree per 5 workers, which is sufficient today to generate a large surplus adding to the SS trust fund, to 1 retiree per 2.5 workers creating the insolvency in about 30 years. In that report as in the entire debate, that fundamental relationship is taken as a demographic law, exogenous to the aging of the population. But is it a law? Is it exogenous. Consider the following:

1) Actually, it's the size of the population and its participation in the labor force that matters. Since this administration came to office, the participation rate has dropped considerably, which is why the unemployment rate understates how much of the population could be employed and contributing to SS.

2) The size of population drawing SS checks is dependent on the life span of the retired and their participation in the labor force. Its not clear how much of the anticipated increases in life expectancy is factored into the CBO chart.

3) Changes in the birth rate. While declining of late, there is a reasonable likelihood that it may reverse; already we see a propensity for larger families among the religious right and immigrants (legal and illegal).

4) But most importantly, the immigration rate over such a long period is most likely assumed to be what it is today. Historically it has fluctuated considerably.

As the baby boomers retire, the US will have a large and growing aged population that, by world standards, is quite wealthy. The demand for labor from that group will be substantial, for health and hospice care, for developing retirement communities, for maintenance of homes, lawns and gardens, for all kinds of recreation and travel. While the supply of age 25-65 workers per retiree is diminishing, the demand is escalating. And outside the gated community of America the population is growing at a much faster rate, is relatively underpaid, and unemployed.

In order to believe that there is a SS solvency problem, one that is not self correcting, one has to believe that the pressure of a market imbalance between the demand and supply of immigrants can be sustained over the next 70 years. The answer to the social security "insolvency problem" (and perhaps the Medicare crisis as well) lies not in privatization, not in tax formulas, not in reductions in benefits, but in a rational immigration policy, one that makes immigrants citizens, not guest workers, one that makes immigrants participants in SS and Medicare, one that is geared toward a sustainable ratio of retires to workers. Immigration and SS are being debated as if they are separate issues. In fact they are not and the policies we choose may exacerbate both problems or may provide the synergy to solve both. Unfortunately, the policies of Mr. Bush and the Republicans towards immigration and SS exacerbates, and doesn't solve anything. The non-policy of the Democrats is closer to the self-correcting policy of the market. Ironic, isn't it.

Bob

What causes my double quotes to come out like " and " ?

Sorry, I had to test. Apparently cut and paste from word is the problem.

From LUTD... news about the frustration of Native Americans that Bush has been silent over the Red Lake incident, poverty and youth statistics of Native Americans and their traditions and rituals dealing with grief.

-snip-
As a Nation Mourns, Great White Father in Washington is Silent
25 March 2005

It is not that I expected anything from George W. Bush, in regards to a statement about the Red Lake incident, however it was the right thing to do and once again, Bush did nothing. Yesterday, Ron posted the Ronald Brownstein piece in the L.A. Times about this subject. Today’s WP has a story on the reaction of Native Americans to the silence of the “Great White Father in Washington.”

[i]"From all over the world we are getting letters of condolence, the Red Cross has come, but the so-called Great White Father in Washington hasn't said or done a thing," said Clyde Bellecourt, a Chippewa Indian who is the founder and national director of the American Indian Movement here. "When people's children are murdered and others are in the hospital hanging on to life, he should be the first one to offer his condolences. . . . If this was a white community, I don't think he'd have any problem doing that."[/i]

-snip-
There is something perversely troubling about this incident. A nation of proud people have been reduced to living in some of the worst conditions of poverty in our country. Native teens often face more struggles than their peers.

[i]Statistics show that Native youth face the highest rates of school victimization and use alcohol, drugs and tobacco at higher rates than their counterparts. Native youth don't perform as well as their peers, drop out of school at higher rates than other students and often come from low-income families.[/i]

-snip-
For hundreds of years the Great White Father has oppressed these proud people and they struggle daily to maintain their culture and way of life. As the people of Red Lake grapple with their grief, some understanding of their rituals and traditions may help us to understand the culture and traditions they have fought to preserve.

MORE & LINKS - http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=621

Healing hugs for Casey. And lots of love too.....

As far as the F.E.C. goes, the message I sent told them that trying to regulate the internet is like trying to catch a whale with a fishing pole.
If you make a law trying to decide who is doing political advertising and who is spamming you are going to find that you can't even begin to keep track and catch all of us. There are many whales out here in the cyber ocean, and your bamboo fishing pole law might look good on paper, but you won't be bringing any great trophy back to the dock.

On topic one...

Casey

Heal quickly!

One topic two...

I posted this a couple of weeks ago and suggested people sign on to the petition started by Bloggers on this FEC mess...

The Online Coalition: From Left to Right, Preserve Our Rights
12 March 2005

If there is one thing that bloggers, left and right, can agree on, it’s the need to preserve our rights to free speech on the internet. The FEC has proposed a rulemaking process regarding political communication on the internet.

The Online Coalition has drafted a letter and a petition to Scott E. Thomas, Chairman of the FEC, regarding their concern over “potential regulation of bloggers and other online journalists who distribute political news and commentary exclusively over the web.”

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=534

Casey, it's not the same without you here! Get well soon!

Regarding the proposed FEC changes to Internet, give me a break. Free speech shouldn't cost a dime.

Here's another story...
http://news.com.com/The+coming+crackdown+on+blogging/2008-1028_3-5597079.html

Sad News for Kerry Bloggers
25 March 2005

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=622

Dean, the DNC and the Trainwreck Just Waiting to Happen.

I just received a fundraising phone call from the DNC by a ruefully uninformed Deaniac asking for money to reach young voters...you people only have to deal with me on the blog, forum or IRC...this poor lad had to hear it from my mouth...needless to say it was not pretty as I left him stammering and speechless.

Not one damn dime!

Not one damn dime will I give to the DNC until Howard Dean and the DNC start actually working hand in hand with the Democrats and Independents and, if necessary, pressuring them to vote in the best interest of Americans and with a decent respect for all of mankind.

We all want change but our elected officials have to fight, even if only on principle, by voting against Neocon driven legislation and fighting to free up the media from the clutches of the Neocon Death Grip.

We all understand the damage inflicted to the Democratic Party in promoting unhealthy Nationalism (yes, indeed there is healthy Nationalism...though Dianne and others might disagree with me) in using fear, and bigotry and hatred and racism...using religion and morality as a basis for electing government officials and the sladerous defamation and character assassinations performed by Rove and Co. (my slobbery ol' Kujo mutt Karl...BAD DOG!)

If real change is to take place and real organization is to be successful it must be done together and with clear and concise direction and focus in RE-educating people to the true meaning of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and by enlightening them just exactly what "rights" we as Americans do and DO NOT have...what the difference is between a democracy and a fascist state...no amount of money is going to fix this...not by us...not by Howard Dean and NOT by the DNC.

Not one damn dime I say again...not one damn dime until I see pictures and news footage and can read articles about Howard Dean working with the free thinking Americans in power be they Democrats, Independents AND Republicans...there is no one sided leadership in a democracy...our government them becomes something else entirely as we have all witnessed.

Thanks for letting me vent...hit me with your best shot...at this point I am bullet-proof...but always willing to listen to reason and support action as opposed to only words...the battle has only just begun and though progress is being made it is still scattered, divided and leaderless.

Just a thought...please continue with your daily blogging...

A blog a day keeps the fascist boogy-man away!

wipe your face Marc...you have banana dribbling down your chin...

P.S.

Sorry you are under the knife Casey...please get well soon.

INDYYY,

Did you rescucitate, but just a little bit before Eastern?

I'm happy to see you're fine and still on the fight mood.

Joyeuses Pâques, honey.

Indy,

I have to say (and I have never been a big Dean--OR DNC fan) that I felt a difference the other night.

MUCH less exclusive/partisan/we tell you what to do. MUCH more out-reaching/bottom-up/listening.

Not there yet--you set high ideals. But closer.

Keep reminding us--gently--of your truth.

Pamela, don't fret only 24 more months till we crank it out again and do better next time for JK.

WACO, Texas (AP) - President Bush on Friday expressed condolences to the leader of the Minnesota Indian reservation where 10 people died Monday in the second-worst school shooting in U.S. history.

He had to wait 4 days to respond to this tragedy. What a guy.

Unbelieveable. Our tax money is going to benefit these descrimnating biggots in Bentonville; big GOP contributors.

The US Congress has approved a federal highway bill that includes $37 million for widening and extending the Bentonville street that provides the main access to the headquarters of Wal-Mart Stores (WMT).
The company says it asked U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., to help get federal money for the project

Posted by Karen at March 25, 2005 10:00 AM

Under the proposal, a political ad paid for by a Web site operator and displayed on a different site would be considered a "public communication" subject to campaign finance controls.

Does this mean that anytime a group like USANext.com publishes an inflammatory anti-gay ad and it is widely distributed (by other groups higlighting the deception) over the net USANext.com will be charged? Not by this administration or any ultra conservative administration. The purpose of such a proposal is to limit free speech and expression. This idea is so poorly conceived it would be laughable if it weren't possible.

sorry it is a liitle long but:

News about the IVAWIVAW member Camilo Mejia released from Ft. Sill Prison!
Some of you might remember Camilo, a courageous soldier who spent more than 7 years in the military, 8 months fighting in Iraq, came home for a 2-week furlough, and decided that he could not - in good conscience - return to Iraq. He applied for Conscientious Objector status, and was declared a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International. But the US military convicted him of desertion, and sent him to serve a one-year prison sentence in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This happened the same day that Spc. Jeremy Sivits was court-martialed and sentenced to a year in prison for abusing Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, an order Camilo had refused to obey.

Regaining My Humanity
By Camilo Mejia February 15th, 2005
I was deployed to Iraq in April 2003 and returned home for a two-week leave in October. Going home gave me the opportunity to put my thoughts in order and to listen to what my conscience had to say. People would ask me about my war experiences and answering them took me back to all the horrors - the firefights, the ambushes, the time I saw a young Iraqi dragged by his shoulders through a pool of his own blood or an innocent man was decapitated by our machine gun fire. The time I saw a soldier broken down inside because he killed a child, or an old man on his knees, crying with his arms raised to the sky, perhaps asking God why we had taken the lifeless body of his son.

I thought of the suffering of a people whose country was in ruins and who were further humiliated by the raids, patrols and curfews of an occupying army.
I am confined to a prison but I feel, today more than ever, connected to all humanity. Behind these bars I sit a free man because I listened to a higher power, the voice of my conscience.
And I realized that none of the reasons we were told about why we were in Iraq turned out to be true. There were no weapons of mass destruction. There was no link between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda. We weren't helping the Iraqi people and the Iraqi people didn't want us there. We weren't preventing terrorism or making Americans safer. I couldn't find a single good reason for having been there, for having shot at people and been shot at.

Coming home gave me the clarity to see the line between military duty and moral obligation. I realized that I was part of a war that I believed was immoral and criminal, a war of aggression, a war of imperial domination. I realized that acting upon my principles became incompatible with my role in the military, and I decided that I could not return to Iraq.

By putting my weapon down, I chose to reassert myself as a human being. I have not deserted the military or been disloyal to the men and women of the military. I have not been disloyal to a country. I have only been loyal to my principles.

When I turned myself in, with all my fears and doubts, I did it not only for myself. I did it for the people of Iraq, even for those who fired upon me - they were just on the other side of a battleground where war itself was the only enemy. I did it for the Iraqi children, who are victims of mines and depleted uranium. I did it for the thousands of unknown civilians killed in war. My time in prison is a small price compared to the price Iraqis and Americans have paid with their lives. Mine is a small price compared to the price Humanity has paid for war.

Many have called me a coward; others have called me a hero. I believe I can be found somewhere in the middle. To those who have called me a hero, I say that I don't believe in heroes, but I believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

To those who have called me a coward I say that they are wrong, and that without knowing it, they are also right. They are wrong when they think that I left the war for fear of being killed. I admit that fear was there, but there was also the fear of killing innocent people, the fear of putting myself in a position where to survive means to kill, there was the fear of losing my soul in the process of saving my body, the fear of losing myself to my daughter, to the people who love me, to the man I used to be, the man I wanted to be. I was afraid of waking up one morning to realize my humanity had abandoned me.

I say without any pride that I did my job as a soldier. I commanded an infantry squad in combat and we never failed to accomplish our mission. But those who called me a coward, without knowing it, are also right. I was a coward not for leaving the war, but for having been a part of it in the first place. Refusing and resisting this war was my moral duty, a moral duty that called me to take a principled action. I failed to fulfill my moral duty as a human being and instead I chose to fulfill my duty as a soldier. All because I was afraid. I was terrified, I did not want to stand up to the government and the army, I was afraid of punishment and humiliation. I went to war because at the moment I was a coward, and for that I apologize to my soldiers for not being the type of leader I should have been.

I also apologize to the Iraqi people. To them I say I am sorry for the curfews, for the raids, for the killings. May they find it in their hearts to forgive me.

One of the reasons I did not refuse the war from the beginning was that I was afraid of losing my freedom. Today, as I sit behind bars I realize that there are many types of freedom, and that in spite of my confinement I remain free in many important ways. What good is freedom if we are afraid to follow our conscience? What good is freedom if we are not able to live with our own actions? I am confined to a prison but I feel, today more than ever, connected to all humanity. Behind these bars I sit a free man because I listened to a higher power, the voice of my conscience.

While I was confined in total segregation, I came across a poem written by a man who refused and resisted the government of Nazi Germany. For doing so he was executed. His name is Albrecht Hanshofer, and he wrote this poem as he awaited execution.

GUILT
The burden of my guilt before the law
weighs light upon my shoulders; to plot
and to conspire was my duty to the people;
I would have been a criminal had I not.

I am guilty, though not the way you think,
I should have done my duty sooner, I was wrong,
I should have called evil more clearly by its name
I hesitated to condemn it for far too long.

I now accuse myself within my heart:
I have betrayed my conscience far too long
I have deceived myself and fellow man.

I knew the course of evil from the start
My warning was not loud nor clear enough!
Today I know what I was guilty of...

To those who are still quiet, to those who continue to betray their conscience, to those who are not calling evil more clearly by its name, to those of us who are still not doing enough to refuse and resist, I say "come forward." I say "free your minds."

Let us, collectively, free our minds, soften our hearts, comfort the wounded, put down our weapons, and reassert ourselves as human beings by putting an end to war.

Go to the original at Code Pink
For more info on Camilo Mejia, go to www.freecamilo.org

The Miami Herald reports that during the January 2000 court battle in which Bob and Mary Schindler sought to wrest Terri's guardianship from Michael Schiavo, the Schindlers repeatedly conceded that their daughter's brain damage was extreme.

''We do not doubt that she's in a persistent vegetative state,'' Pam Campbell, then the Schindlers' lawyer, told the court. Later, Michael Schiavo's lawyer, George Felos, asked Mary Schindler, ''Is Terri in a vegetative condition now?'' to which she replied, "Yes. That is what they call it.''

this poor lad had to hear it from my mouth...needless to say it was not pretty as I left him stammering and speechless.

Posted by: Indy at March 25, 2005 01:43 PM

Nice to see you posting again Indy,
I hope it is a sign of more to come.

Take it from me, somebody who is not as confident as I should be when it comes to describing what the DCP is in a face to face conversation. I can empathize with the young man you went after. True, I didn't have the opportunity to hear his pitch, but I too got a call the other day from the DNC.

I was very upset by some of the recent votes by Democratic congressmen (Senators especially), but is it the DNC's role to make every Democratic member walk in lock step? I don't think that is what you are saying. Yet the DNC does have to outline a clear message that will encourage the electorate to thoughtfully consider whom they elect. If that person is not a Democrat so be it, but that is politically unrealistic. Hopefully by clearly enunciating their message, the DNC can attract candidates which will be more appealing to those who wont stand for the status quo in today's political arena.

Personally, I do get the sense this is what Dean is trying to do. Yet, I still remain wary about amking any contribuitions to a party that has not made any comments about the obscene behavior of some of its Senators.

"is it the DNC's role to make every Democratic member walk in lock step?"
Yes, unless you think that wandering Hawaiian Senators should support drilling in Anwr.
As long as Republicans regularly vote in lockstep, we have n other choice.

Body Double

Even as the president was supporting his brother, Florida governor Jeb Bush, and congressional Republicans in "defending the culture of life" in the Schiavo case, doctors in Houston were pulling the breathing tube from the throat of an ailing infant.

By Chris Floyd

The boy suffocated within seconds, legally killed -- against the wishes of his anguished mother -- in accordance with a draconian law signed as a "cost-saving" measure by the state's former governor: George W. Bush. Continued

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/

Ira

Per usual he waits until there's sufficient outcry thus showing his ignorance.

And yes, we'll do it better next time!

Kennedy and Lautenberg Request Media Payola Investigations Include Maggie Gallagher
25 March 2005

AP News is reporting that Democratic Sens. Edward Kennedy and Frank Lautenberg said today that Congressional investigators are looking into whether the Bush administrated violated any laws when paying columnist Maggie Gallagher to promote their marriage imitative.

White House Payments to Columnist Probed

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=624

Ira,

Of course I thought that the Hawaiin Senators, Liberman ,and several others were wrong for their votes on several issues, and I will never forgive them for their votes. But the only way I can see the DNC having an impact on wayward Congressional voters is to withhold funding for them. Unfortunately something like that will be "after the fact". By making public declarations of disappointment, we will not be helping ourselves. I think that working behind the scenes to encourage a change in certain politicians position and publicly calling for positions that reflect democratic ideals, the DNC will be more sucessful. As Indy has said in the past, it is not a democratic nor a republican problem it is an American problem. I think that the Democrats however have the best chance of fixing the problem.

oncall: I understand what you and Indy are saying about quietly working behind the scenes to impact Dem Senators and yes these are American problems not Dem or Rep problems, but the fact is that we can not rely on the Republican party to stand up to the right wing of their party on impt issues like the environment or SS.

Indy and I have had this discussion before.We have similar goals, I believe, our strategies differ.
To me 'winning' means defeating the Republican agenda which is gotten totally out of control.
We are way beyond the point of saying we won a peric (sp) victory any longer on Anwr with 49 votes. If that means playing hardball by denying committeee assignments and yes denying DNC funding to the Neslon's, Landrieu, Lieberman, Inouye's, etc so be it. Personally I resent one cent of my hard earned contributions to the DNC going to Ben Nelson and Landrieu especially. Unfortunately even our own Dem Senators need to understand that their is a price to pay, in campaign funds etc for selling their vote to the oil drillers or Charles Schwabs. We only have 45 Dem Senators. A defection of one has cost us permanent damage to the environment; and could permanently undermind SS. Just one vote.
Sorry I disagree. I think we need to play hardball with even our Dems Senators. There is just too much to lose. Right now I believe that Dems Senators think they have a free ride.

Hey Casey--Feel better. Heal quickly.

Ira,

I don't think you and I disagree all that much here. Money talks, and no money talks the loudest. I think you and are saying the same thing here about that?

Yes, unity is critical now. No disagreement here.

I agree that the Republican party is a pathetic example of a political party, and that some of the more level headed members of their party can not be relied upon for tempering the ultra wing nuts. Personally, I think denying committee assignments IS playing behind the scenes. But I think a lot of this is mostly a Congressional Democratic issue, and not one on which the DNC can have much of an influence. I may be wrong about that. But, again, no money talks the loudest. It will be up to the candidates themselves to make their positions clear-and not only their positions, but also defend their records. If their answers are unsatisfactory--"forget about 'em"

oncall:

I agree, Committee Assignments are controlled by Harry Reid, not the DNC. Committee assignments don't mean a whole lot when Dems are pretty much ignored when it comes to legislation but it does have an impact when it comes to their voters back home.
Inyoue and Akaka definitely need to be punished, if that is the correct word for their votes. Landrieu's vote was unprincipaled but at least it had a political rationale. Someone, Reid, Dean need to let her know that there is heavy price to be paid when she turned her back on the party and the country and pandered to Louisiana drillers. Otherwise she should not be trusted with DNC money or volunteers. I am not sure where the DNC and Reid intersect but it needs to be done. As I posted before, if the Democratic Party (even though it may only be a minority of Dems) can no longer be trusted to protect the Environment or SS what is left of the Party?

Posted by: Ira at March 25, 2005 04:48 PM

Ira,

I agree that this is Reid's responsibility, not Dean, but I am getting more and more disturbed by the freepass Deaniacs are giving to Reid on these issues. It has just become ridiculous that just because Reid says something, it has to be uncontested. I doubt the same r433 pass would be made for Daschle in the same situation.

Just today, the Boston Globe says that Dean is impressed by Reid and I am not sure why right now, except if strong talk is the only thing expected from him and results are irrelevant.

All this and the choice of a few candidates (Casey, Kaine (NJ) ) leave me with a lot of doubts as where the party is going.

I agree that Reid did not delivered on Anwr, and that is why I urge him to crack the whip even more especially regarding Ben Nelson and Landrieu.

I implore you to please get on board with Bob Casey. Santorum is a demagogue and Bob Casey has a good chance of unseating him if we can get help from easterners like you. He may not be 100% of what you want but he is 1000 times better than evangelical Rick.
I plan on being up in Pa to help Otter et al with Bob Casey but I repeat we will need every warm body in Pa in '06. Corzine should be a great new governor for New Jersey. Its too bad the US Senate will be losing him.

I implore you to please get on board with Bob Casey. Santorum is a demagogue and Bob Casey has a good chance of unseating him if we can get help from easterners like you. He may not be 100% of what you want but he is 1000 times better than evangelical Rick.

Posted by: Ira at March 25, 2005 06:03 PM

No question about that. Casey is a lot better than Santorum.

I do admire this man always have very much so, but i think he is wrong I think evil lives in the white house, why is it that the evil are elected and not the men of true valour.

To long ohhhhhh well
Patriotism Is Nonpartisan

Challenging a Mistaken War Can Take More Courage than Fighting One.

by George McGovern

03/25/05 "The Nation" - - There is a notion abroad in American politics, carefully crafted by its proponents, that is both disturbing and false. It is especially disturbing to me personally because it is frequently associated with my campaign for the presidency in 1972. The notion is that my party, and especially its standard-bearer of ’72, are not interested in the defense and security of America. Nor, according to this notion, do we care about marriage and the family, the sacredness of human life and the things of the spirit. Perhaps my views are outdated, but I have always assumed that every American cares about these values; consequently, they are not issues for partisan exploitation.

What is the truth as I see it?

First and foremost, I have believed since childhood that my country is the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Never once during my long years as a public servant did I drive down Pennsylvania Avenue to my office at the US Capitol—past the majestic memorials to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln—without experiencing the genuine thrill of knowing that I worked for the US government and its citizens. One of my young daughters observed to a playmate as we drove by the Capitol one evening long ago, “That’s my daddy’s office.”

There has not been a day in my life that I would not have proudly sacrificed that life in the defense of America. Following the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, as a college sophomore, I promptly volunteered for the Army Air Corps and flew thirty-five missions as the pilot of a B-24 bomber. Half of the bomber crews flying with me did not survive the war, including my navigator and dear friend Sam Adams of Milwaukee. That was a terrifying, destructive war, but I have never experienced an hour of regret over my part in helping to smash Hitler’s ruthless war machine. America had no honorable course except to halt the worldwide, murderous aggression of the Axis powers—including the unspeakable Holocaust that murdered 6 million Jews.

When I entered the US Senate in 1963, eighteen years after World War II, America was involved in a vastly different kind of war in the jungles of Vietnam. I was convinced that our leaders had embarked on a course that, however well intentioned, could only end in disaster. Over the next decade I sounded the alarm against what I believed was a tragedy for the young Americans dying in the Southeast Asian quagmire, a tragedy for the people of America and a tragedy for the people of Vietnam, whose country was devastated and 2 million of whom were killed. That war became the central issue of my successful bid for the presidential nomination and the subsequent campaign in which I was defeated by the incumbent President, Richard Nixon.

Had I lost the courage to resist the enemy that I had demonstrated in World War II? The truth is that it took more courage as a junior senator to stand up in the Senate and challenge the war policy of our government in Vietnam than it did to fly combat missions in World War II. My first warnings against our deepening involvement in Vietnam were delivered when public opinion polls in South Dakota were reporting that 80 percent of my constituents supported the war. I assumed that this spelled defeat for me in the next election—a one-term senator.

But looking back on those early years after eighteen years in the Senate and as a presidential nominee, I am as proud of my effort to stop the needless slaughter in Vietnam as I am of my participation in World War II. In both cases, I was guided by patriotism and love of my country. But men who had never known a day of military combat worked ceaselessly—especially in 1972—to paint me as a weakling unwilling to defend the nation. Of course, I did not stand alone in opposing the looming disaster in Asia. Such senators as Fulbright, Mansfield, Church, Gruening, Morse, Nelson and Hatfield were adamantly against the war. But I was also seeking the presidency, which made me a special target of the war exponents.

Another factor that made me a convenient punching bag was my effort to curtail some aspects of the Pentagon budget that appeared to be wasteful and needless. I frequently quoted President Eisenhower’s great farewell address, in which he warned of the mounting power of “the military-industrial complex” and its unwarranted influence in our society. It seemed to me then, as it does today, that more is required for the defense and security of America than simply giving over what this year will be half of the federal discretionary budget to the Pentagon. But here again, a senator risks the political danger of being branded as weak on defense if he applies the same common-sense examination to military spending that is applied to other sources of American strength, such as healthcare, education, the environment or full employment.

It was also politically troubling to critics that my maiden speech in the Senate forty-two years ago was aimed at our government’s policy of isolating and boycotting Cuba—a self-defeating policy we still pursue. No such policy was pursued toward the Communist giants—Russia and China. Somehow our strategists thought it wise to seek détente with Moscow and recognition of China as a “most favored nation” trading partner—which, of course, it was given—but unwise to build such a relationship with our little Cuban neighbor. What have we been so fearful of in Cuba—their cigars and rum? Or is it the oratory of Fidel Castro, who has outlasted nine American Presidents of both parties? Is common sense dead when it comes to our Cuba policy? Or is this the best way to carry Florida at election time?

Old-fashioned American liberals such as I are accused not only of being weak on defense but also weak on marriage and the family, the work ethic and reverence for religious faith. I resent such groundless political slurs. After all, I hold the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I have been happily married to the same woman for sixty-one years and am the father of five children and ten grandchildren—all of whom I love dearly, including dear, deceased Terry. As the son of a Wesleyan Methodist clergyman, I dare say that my life has always been enriched and guided by the Judeo-Christian ethic. Nothing has influenced my philosophy more than the Hebrew prophets and the Sermon on the Mount. Beyond this, I have worked hard at useful tasks throughout my life and thank God I still have the health and motivation to continue that work schedule at the age of 82. Of course, I share one of my father’s oft-quoted biblical lines: “All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

So many challenges face us at home and abroad that we should not waste time, tolerance and good will debating which politician loves America most ardently, which one is most devoted to marriage and the family and which one is closest to the Almighty. I’ve never known a political leader in either party who was disloyal to America, or who scoffed at marriage and the family, or who disrespected God and religious faith. Republicans and Democrats alike are pro-American, pro-freedom, pro-life, pro-family and pro–God Almighty. When we are sworn into public office, we all place our left hand on the Bible while raising our right hand and swearing to uphold the Constitution. It is worth noting that this sacred ceremony requires each of us to use both arms—a left wing and right wing!

Recently, the officers and enlisted personnel of Ellsworth Air Force Base at Rapid City, South Dakota, in the magnificent Black Hills under the shadow of Mount Rushmore, named a B-1 bomber “The Dakota Queen”—the name of the B-24 bomber I flew in World War II, so titled in recognition of my wife, Eleanor. After a moving ceremony attended by Eleanor and me, one of the junior officers said to me, “Senator, I don’t know whether it bothers you to be called a left-wing liberal, but just remember, a plane can’t fly without both a left wing and a right wing!” That is the kind of common sense that prompts my admiration and to which I say Amen and God bless us one and all—even those of God’s children who are unmarried, or have deeper love for those of their own sex than of the opposite sex. In the Methodist parsonage where I was reared I was taught that we should be cautious about judging one another. Such judgments are more properly left to the Almighty rather than to the political hustings and the quest for partisan advantage.

© The Nation
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8367.htm

Casey is home from the hospital and resting--well, maybe not COMFORTABLY--but successfully!

Please go to the forum:

http://www.democracycellproject.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=452&st=0&p=1581&

and post a message there. She will love them!

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8361.htm

very interesting guys on real player interview with Guiliani herself and was injured much more that they are saying

~this doesn't sound like progress to me:

Assassination, Attacks Overshadow Iraq Political Talks

Fri Mar 25 World - Reuters
By Elizabeth Piper and Mariam Karouny

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents assassinated a senior Iraqi army commander Friday and staged two suicide car bombings, killing 15 people, in violence that politicians fear may deepen if a new government is not formed soon.

Almost two months after an election, politicians from Iraq's main parties, the Shi'ite alliance and the Kurds, pursued talks to form a government but were squabbling over top cabinet posts.

Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, a key Kurdish negotiator, said Iraq's new parliament would meet for the second time Tuesday and would name key officials in the new cabinet.

Officials had earlier hoped to strike a deal in time for parliament to meet by Sunday, but agreement has proved elusive. The Shi'ite Islamist bloc that came top in the polls and the Kurdish coalition that came second have been so far unable to agree on a new government, nearly two months after the polls.

continue~
http://tinyurl.com/5gmeu

Hooray for George McGovern!!

from a former South Dakotan who is also a
native Northwesterner

other heroes:
Eugene McCarthy
Paul Wellstone
Robert Byrd

Great, just when I thought this case was enough to squash Jeb's future political aspirations I see a report on Aaron Brown that there are some whacked out wingnuts calling Jeb Pontious Pilot for not going in with force to "save" Terri. Are these nuts RNC plants to make Jeb seem moderate or are there people out there really that whacked out? Good grief.

Ira, oncall and indy,
Great discussion on Dean and the DNC tonight! I haven't responded to any of the DNC pleas for money, yet. I think I am kind of like Indy and am waiting to see something that looks like success before I get overly supportive. That may not be the right attitude, because without a lot of money, we will always be behind the RNC. I heard something interesting from Dean very recently, though, that resonated with me. He said, "we need to run four-year campaigns, not seven-month campaigns."
This seems like a move in a positive direction.

I am spending my donation money on the luncheon next week for which I'm taking one of my precious vacation days off work.

There I will at least get a free meal & hopefully hear about 8 female Senators.

From now on, I lean toward donating when I get some kind of fun experience or I will donate my labor (also assuming a fun experience is in the offing).

Florida Dem

I vote for whacked out. A fundamentalist Christian recommended an exercise to me to use with children, to teach numbers. It is called "Resurrection Eggs" and a sequence of what transpired with Jesus before the Crucifixion is put into plastic eggs, which the children open in sequence. There is a Bible verse for each one. I noticed that one of the eggs was to include a strip of leather "to indicate the flogging that Jesus received." Now that is sick! Another one told me that she would rather shoot her children than deny Christ.

As if that was not enough, right after hearing these things, I saw a man in a ten gallon hat - walking with his identical twin daughters who were wearing hot pink cowgirl outfits with little ten gallon hots in hot pink. A woman walking next to him said, "I have never met a girl or woman in my life whose favorite color was not pink or purple."

So glad to be back to civilization for 3 days. I did get a few thumbs ups up north for still having my 8 Kerry/Edwards bumper stickers. Other than that, I wonder what was in the water! At least I got a raise today.

Then I get home & my son tells me a bunch of anti stem cell research protesters showed up at UW today.

I just ordered one of those "Chirac Help Us" shirts.

Hey DiAnne!

Okay, after reading your post, I guess people are just that whacked out. I'm still hoping this begins the tanking Jeb's political future. This country can't afford any more Shrubs in power.

muse,
"we need to run four-year campaigns, not seven-month campaigns." Yep. From what I've been reading it seems all of the Dems leaders know this. I was just talking to a co-worker about how intense national political campaigning won't be an "only every four years type of thing anymore." As it is now, in order to just keep up with the Repubs the Dems are going to have to campaign non-stop thru 2008.

My son added (about the anti stem cell researchers): "They were about your age .. but fatter and dressed older." LOL

John Ellis "Jeb" Bush
Governor of Florida
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Fl. 32399
Phone: 850/488/7146
Fax: 850-487-0801
www.myflorida.com
jeb.bush@myflorida.com

"Mailbox is full .. please try again later."

I wanted to tell him to start thinking in terms of separation of church and state from now on.

I wanted to tell him to start thinking in terms of separation of church and state from now on.

Posted by: DiAnne at March 26, 2005 01:20 AM

Yeah, like THAT might happen.

Schiavo case tests GOP alliances, priorities

Public reaction to federal intervention surprises many lawmakers

By Shailagh Murray and Mike Allen
The Washington Post

WASHINGTON - A week after their unprecedented intervention in the Terri Schiavo case, Republican congressional leaders find themselves in a moral and political thicket, having advanced the cause as a right-to-life issue — only to confront polls showing that the public does not see it that way.

"How deep is this Congress going to reach into the personal lives of each and every one of us?" asked Rep. Christopher Shays (Conn.), one of only five Republicans in the House to vote against the Schiavo bill.

Fractured alliances
Republican lawmakers and others engaged in the debate say an internal party dispute over the Schiavo case has ruptured, at least temporarily, the uneasy alliance between economic and social conservatives that twice helped President Bush get elected.

Read more...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7297597/

Ya know, I'm reading further into that article I just posted, and the very next paragraph is this quote...

"Advocates of using federal power to keep this woman alive need to seriously study the polling data that's come out on this," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, who has been talking to both social and economic conservatives about the fallout. "I think that a lot of conservative leaders assumed there was broader support for saying that they wanted to have the federal government save this woman's life."

Can someone please tell me why Grover Norquist, the "president" of Americans for Tax Reform, is being quoted on an issue that clearly has nothing to do with tax reform????

Red Grover

Posted by: DiAnne at March 25, 2005 11:40 PM

Anti-stem cell reaserch protestors? That doesnt go well for the "Culture of Life." =/

Just remember, you can't spell "Culture of Life" without "Cult"...

FINALLY!

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/26/opinion/26seely.html?

In the NYTimes today, at last the publice has a chance to ask the White House real questions and get real answers:

A Brief Sample???

"Is the White House like the television show?" ("Brady" to Karen Hughes, former presidential adviser, Jan. 21, 2004)

"Has anyone ever said to you, 'You're such a card,' without knowing your last name in advance?" ("Monty" to Andy Card, White House chief of staff, Aug. 12, 2004)

By HART SEELY

Syracuse — IT'S harder than ever to tell the difference between authentic news and government propaganda. But since 2003, the Bush administration has been able to bypass the media filter and go directly to the public through Ask the White House," its online interactive forum. Here, everyday folks interrogate top government officials on key issues of the day. And nobody ducks the tough questions. Consider these excerpts from the archives.

"Can you salsa dance?" ("Danny" to Mel Martinez, secretary of housing and urban development, Oct. 2, 2003)

"Can you dunk a basketball?" ("Jon" to James B. Comey, deputy attorney general, July 15, 2004)

"In your picture, you are wearing red. Does that mean you like Spider-Man?" ("Andy" to Margaret Spellings, assistant to the president for domestic policy, May 14, 2004.)

"Has anyone ever said to you, 'You're such a card,' without knowing your last name in advance?" ("Monty" to Andy Card, White House chief of staff, Aug. 12, 2004)

"Do people ever laugh that you work at Treasury - and your last name is Nichols (like the five-cent piece - the nickel)?" ("J" to Rob Nichols, assistant secretary of the Treasury for public affairs, Oct. 17, 2003)

"Do you watch 'American Idol'?" ("Kelly" to Desiree Sayle, Freedom Corps director, April 21, 2004)

"Do you ever get tired of people giving you nicknames involving the name 'Dan?' In the last week I have been called, 'Dan the Man,' 'Dan-O,' 'Danny Boy,' 'Danimal' and others." ("Dan" to Dan Bartlett, counselor to the president, Jan. 20, 2004)

"Is that your real hair?" ("Curly" to Jimmy Orr, White House Internet director, Oct. 24, 2003)

"Are you single? And has Mrs. Bush ever tried to fix you up with anyone?" ("Beverly" to Gordon Johndroe, press secretary to Laura Bush, Feb. 10, 2004)

"Is the White House like the television show?" ("Brady" to Karen Hughes, former presidential adviser, Jan. 21, 2004)

"You do not resemble Peter Frampton at all. But speaking of Peter Frampton, what do you believe his best song is? I'd have to go with 'Do You Feel Like We Do.' You?" ("Rachel" to Joel Kaplan, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Feb. 4, 2004)

"What late 70's video game did you prefer: Asteroids or Space Invaders?" ("Valerie" to N. Gregory Mankiw, chairman of the president's Council of Economic Advisers, Feb. 9, 2004)

"Do you have any suggestions for crabgrass?" ("Lyle" to Dan Bartlett, June 24, 2003)

"Who are your cats and where do they spend most of their time?" ("Kathy" to Laura Bush, Dec. 10, 2003)

"Why is money green?" ("Consuela" to John Snow, Treasury secretary, April 15, 2004)

Okay, repeat after me: "BOK-bok-bok-bok bok-AWK!"

----------

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Early this week, Tom DeLay assumed an uncharacteristically visible role in the Terri Schiavo case, pressing Congress to intervene, invoking God and attacking Ms. Schiavo's husband before television cameras and on the House floor. Now, with the prospect that she will be kept alive essentially dashed in the courts, he has slipped out of the spotlight.

Mr. DeLay, the House majority leader, is not alone. Republican responses, including those of President Bush and Bill Frist, the Senate majority leader, have become muted in the face of the legal setbacks and of polls that show overwhelming disapproval of Congressional intervention, as well as a perception among the public that lawmakers trying it were motivated by politics.

----------

(Full story here: http://tinyurl.com/6osm7 )

And speaking of the "culture" aspect of the repo-mens' so-called 'culture of life', Frank Rich wrote a very thoughtful and thought-provoking piece on the subject for tomorrow's New York Times:

THE GOD RACKET, FROM DEMILLE TO DELAY
(full text at: http://tinyurl.com/4n7qb )

Otter gives it two paws up.

On April 15 (tax day) 2002, I heard Michael Moore sing the entire Canadian anthem!!

& this is really nice to read today - maybe I'll take a drive up there.

I am a Canadian,
free to speak without fear,
free to worship in my own way,
free to stand for what I think right,
free to oppose what I believe wrong,
or free to choose those who shall govern my country.
This heritage of freedom
I pledge to uphold
for myself and all mankind.
(Extract from the Canadian Billl of Rights)

Americans should never underestimate the constant pressure on Canada which the mere presence of the United States has produced. We're different people from you and we're different people because of you. Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is effected by every twitch and grunt. It should not therefore be expected that this kind of nation, this Canada, should project itself as a mirror image of the United States.
- (Prime Minister) Pierre Elliot Trudeau

Posted by: Otter at March 26, 2005 12:18 PM

Otter,

Thanks for the link to Rich's "God Racket" column -- interesting read.

To reciprocate, here's a link to another (lighter) look at religious extremism at what has to be one of the most entertaining DU threads ever -- the "Trailer Hitch Jesus" thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3349832

Long post, but the list of participating organizations is so uplifting to read that I wanted to share it. People of true faith in this country really are awakening and getting together to oppose Bush's immoral, illegal war that is killing and maiming so many of our young men and women.

I believe it was posted on Faith America.
----------------------------

Peace - NOT Poverty
Help Craft an Alternative to WAR

Normally, we wouldn't email you twice in a week, but we know you are concerned about the horrendous human and economic toll the war in Iraq is exacting - a war that is now in its THIRD year! Further, we are committed to offering you ways to express your faith and make your voice heard.

For these reasons, we wanted you to know about an event that is both unique and powerful. We hope you will consider joining MILLION PEOPLE OF CONSCIENCE in a "WRITE-IN" on March 30 to end the Iraq War.

Using a wonderfully powerful collaborative tool called "synanim" you will be able to actually help craft this document with hundreds of thousands of others in REAL TIME - a statement that will embody the depth and thoughtfulness of peace-loving people across this nation.

This is not a petition or chat room, but is your opportunity to share your commitment to non-violence and justice with others and to create a common Declaration called Peace Not Poverty.

REGISTER to participate in this online event by day's end on March 27 at www.peacenotpoverty.org, where you will find details.

Participation is open to anyone with an internet accessible computer, anywhere in the world. The Write-In will use a unique technology that enables groups to work collaboratively and create a synthesized consensus online in a few hours.

This "Write-In" is part of a plan to build what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.called the "Beloved Community" (details of all events at www.buildingbeloved.org).

On April 4, the Peace Not Poverty declaration will be read by the consensus leader at a special "Beyond Iraq" interfaith service in Riverside Church in New York.

This televised event will mark the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech against the Vietnam War in 1967 and launch a determined, on-going nationwide effort to end the war.

No matter what your faith or belief system, we want you to know you are welcome in the crafting of this most democratic of documents for the cause of peace. We hope you'll also forward this notice to your friends and colleagues and let them know.

How we value your commitment and care! Blessings to you as you celebrate what is closest to your heart in this blessed season.

Vince Isner & the FaithfulAmerica Team

The many co-sponsors of the "Write-In" include:

Clergy and Laity Concerned about Iraq
Clergy and Laity Network
Faith Voices for the Common Good
Drive Democracy
Fellowship of Reconciliation
United for Peace and Justice
National Council of Churches
FaithfulAmerica
Fellowship of Reconciliation
Gold Star Families for Peace
Pax Christi USA
The Tikkun Community
Unitarian Universalist Association
The Shalom Center
World Sikh Council-America Region
Progressive Christians Uniting
Protestants for the Common Good
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
Christians for Justice Action (United Church of Christ)
Disciples Justice Action Network
Witherspoon Society
Church of the Brethren, Peace Witness Office
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Clergy and Laity Network
The WHALE Center
The Bruderhof
Call to Action
The Witness Magazine
One Life Institute
Peace and Security Project of Iowa
Episcopal Divinity School

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3349832

Posted by: Bob Evans at March 26, 2005 01:05 PM

Can't stop laughing.

This is a don't miss thread over at DU for those who feel that our religion has been hijacked.

And it's hilarious.

A great LTE in the Az Republic..

Ethics from Tom DeLay?

Mar. 26, 2005 12:00 AM

Tom DeLay giving us advice on ethics is like Jeffrey Dahmer getting a cooking show on the Food network.

For Recruiters, a Hard Toll From a Hard Sell
By DAMIEN CAVE

The Army's recruiters are being challenged with one of the hardest selling jobs the military has asked of them in American history, and many say the demands are taking a toll.

A recruiter in New York said pressure from the Army to meet his recruiting goals during a time of war has given him stomach problems and searing back pain. Suffering from bouts of depression, he said he has considered suicide. Another, in Texas, said he had volunteered many times to go to Iraq rather than face ridicule, rejection and the Army's wrath.

An Army chaplain said he had counseled nearly a dozen recruiters in the past 18 months to help them cope with marital troubles and job-related stress.

"There were a couple of recruiters that felt they were having nervous breakdowns, literally," said Maj. Stephen Nagler, a chaplain who retired in March after serving at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, where the New York City recruiting battalion is based.

Two dozen recruiters nationwide were interviewed about their experiences over four months. Ten spoke with The New York Times even after an Army official sent an e-mail message advising all recruiters not to speak to this reporter, who was named. Most asked for anonymity to avoid being disciplined.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/27/nyregion/27recruit.html

Editorial Cartoon from the Toledo Blade...

Kind of says it all for me...

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200550325001

This is a don't miss thread over at DU for those who feel that our religion has been hijacked.
And it's hilarious.

I'm the one who sees things from far, over the pond, and whose laws are the strictest about separating church and state (1905 French Law), except I don't find it hilarious at all.

Why? Because my grand, grand, grand fathers had a deep respect for religion. When I was a kid, in my grandparents home, there was still a plate for the pauper. I may have been evolving differently, learning a lot about religion in the philosophy field, but I would never dare say it was hilarious.
Distracted from its aims, yes, these right wing people are crazy.
Do you know what shocked me during the campaingn? When you were calling people to pray or go on a vigil when John Kerry was due to face Bush in a debate. It ONLY rested upon his skills. No need to mix things up, that was politics and only politics.
It reminds me of a story that happens regularly in my place. When I have an American friend coming for dinner, without asking anything, she says Grace. SHE IS NOT ALLOWED TO, she is tresspassing on my civil liberties, and I could have her sued for that. She's lucky we're polite.

American politics are often descibed as a big circus aboad, that some turned it the same about religion is a pity.

I respect any kind of belief as long as it remains personal.

By the way we have beautiful show on TV tonight mixing all religions, origins and songs tonight.
They are all French wherever they come from.

The FEC condemns itself in its latest effort to muzzle America. Neither can they provide oversight to fair elections, they openly advocate an unconstitutional policy in censoring public opinion.

If they are so concerned about preventing political advertising, what about churches and televangelists -- non-profit organizations -- who openly (and perversely) stumped for Bush's reelection?

Or how about Faux News?

These cronies are a ridiculous product of neofascism, who have little else to do but concoct this idiocy, having abrogated their constitutional duties, and should be immediately squashed and dismissed from office.