From March 2005, courtesy of the Washington Post, here's George Allen, MD, giving us his professional opinion on Terri Schiavo:
"When I observed her on videotapes, clearly [she] is conscious and has the ability to feel," Allen concurred, although he has no medical background.
This tops even Allen's quotes about wishing he had been born in Iowa, about not having any idea who Federal Reserve nominee Ben Bernanke was, or about how bored he was in the U.S. Senate.
Don't worry, George, we're working on relieving you of that boredom. Just a few more months to go - seven, to be exact! Ha.
it scares me that you would use this quote..
She was murdered.
Most people who know about the Right Wing strategy understand that this issue was created in hopes of using it to approach the issue of choice. It was nothing more than a political tool to energize the religious loonie crowd. In otherwords it opens the door into peoples private lives for the federal government.
Untilmately this "base" would like the govenment to police even our ability to use birth control.
I suggest this:
1. Understand what's behind these things.
2. Understand who is behind these things.
3. Research their goals and beliefs.
Examination of Schiavo’s nervous system revealed extensive injury. The brain itself weighed 615 g, only half the weight expected for a female of her age, height, and weight.Microscopic examination revealed extensive damage to nearly all brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, the thalami, the basal ganglia, the hippocampus, the cerebellum, and the midbrain. The neuropathologic changes in her brain were precisely of the type seen in patients who enter a PVS following cardiac arrest. Throughout the cerebral cortex, the large pyramidal neurons that comprise some 70 percent of cortical cells—critical to the functioning of the cortex—were completely lost. The pattern of damage to the cortex, with injury tending to worsen from the front of the cortex to the back, is also typical. There was marked damage to important relay circuits deep in the brain (the thalami)—another common pathologic finding in cases of PVS. The damage was, in the words of Thogmartin, "irreversible, and no amount of therapy or treatment would have regenerated the massive loss of neurons."[59] Dr. Stephen J. Nelson, P.A., cautioned that "[n]europathologic examination alone of the decedent’s brain – or any brain for that matter – cannot prove or disprove a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state or minimally conscious state."[60] The vegetative state is a behaviorally defined syndrome of complete unawareness, to self and to environment, that occurs in a person who nevertheless experiences wakefulness. As the condition is defined in clinical terms, it can therefore only be diagnosed in persons who, at some point, are shown to meet those clinical terms. Ancillary investigations, such as CT scans, MRI, EEGs, and lately fMRI and PET scanning, may only provide support for the clinical impression—as might the pathologic findings, after death. In the case of Terri Schiavo, seven of the eight neurologists who examined her in her last years stated that she met the clinical criteria for PVS; the serial CT scans, EEGs, the one MRI, and finally, the pathologic findings, were consistent with that diagnosis.
What you don't mention here is that the “Great Wave†was eventually diminished by three events: More restrictive immigration laws enacted by Congress in 1924, the worldwide depression in the 1930’s, and World War II. Then in 1965, Congress enacted legislation that started another “Great Wave†of immigration that has steadily increased to record levels today, including 12-20+ million illegal immigrants. In short, there was a 40+ year period of relatively low immigration that allowed the "Great Wave" to assimilate.
Labor, like consumer products, responds to the market: An abundant supply depresses price, or in this case, wages. It is no accident that the period when the middle class experienced the greatest level of economic progress occurred between 1947 and 1973 while immigration to the US was still relatively low by current standards. Nor is it any surprise that the middle class has experienced economic decline in more recent years after decades of heavy immigration. The economic decline would have been even worse except for the rise of the two-income family as more women entered the work force. The bipartisan agreements to drastically increase immigration levels have had at least as much impact on the economic welfare of the American middle class as the regressive tax laws that the Republicans have enacted.
In a recent study, George Borjas, the Harvard economist and Cuban immigrant, concluded that immigration from 1980 to 2000 dramatically increased the workforce and decreased wages of the typical US worker by 3.7%. The wages of US workers who did not complete high school were decreased by 7.4%. Since the typical high school drop-out makes very low wages, this is a significant drop.
The sad truth is that neither political party seems to care about US workers, especially working class men and women. It's doubly sad in that the Democratic party used to.
Until we learn to discuss this issue realistically and stop turning it into a battle between good and evil (our side is always good, of course), we will get nowhere.
If Democrats and Progressives could figure out how to discuss this issue humanely but realisticly then we might have some ideas to offer the American people. But as long as we are caught in the idea that anyone who thinks immigraion should be controlled in any way is racist, we are letting the Right Wingers control the conversation.
Why can't we use some of that money which is being used to snoop on peace activists and spend it on regulating and processing the influx of immigrants?
Are today's "illegals" going to turn out like the earlier immigrants? I am not sure. The earlier ones were forced to learn English, for example (no accommodation was ever made for them by publishing instructions, holding driving tests, etc, in their original language). Those that brought their criminal gangs with them were handled roughly and subjected to deportation (the Mafia and Lucky Luciano, or the Chinese tongs, for example). And they sure were exploited by the Anglo WASP business elite, which imported thousands of illiterates in steerage across the Atlantic to work in the mills and sweatshops belonging to the country club upper crust--- The Democratic Party, by the way, would meet these immigrants at the pier, march them to Democratic machine headquarters, get them a job, and then their vote as soon as possible. Maybe we should try that technique today.
After World War II numerous "guest worker" programs imported labor into various European countries to help them re-build. Not all of these programs were successful; it depended on the cultural background of the guest workers, some of whom proved UNassimilable.
The phoenomena of today's "illegals" or is another facet of the entire Globalization trend. With that trend, not only is the market for capital and production going international, so is the market for labor... and the pressures are to reduce the price of labor (i.e., wages) to the same level world-wide, so that previous disparities between what a worker is worth in America will be worn down to the same price for a worker in, say, China or Bangladesh. The American worker's pay is inexorably being ground down to that of a coolie, and the coolie's pay is, more slowly, rising. Simultaneously, the rewards for entrepreneurs and management are exploding upward everywhere in the world. See my article on Failure to Engage, or the CITs, posted yesterday below
Virginia progressive politics have a new home on the internet and everybody's invited.
P.S. A third candidate, Phil Kellam, has declared he is going to challenge David Ashe and Troy Farlow for the opportunity to run against Thelma Drake in the VA-2 CD. http://www.coreyhernandez.com/node/96
Heres the site: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,177323,00.html
I'm sooo saddened today...
I know you care about what I think, really, so I'm sure that means a lot to you.
But, really, nicely done.
The only point I'm making is that the mainstream of both left and right should denounce the extremists in their ranks. I'm not saying that Cindy Sheehan is an extremist, but that Ramsey Clark certainly is. I just wish that Sheehan would condemn Ramsey as opposed to joining with his organization...
Look, I admire Cindy Sheehan in many ways, but I do NOT agree with her association with the likes of Ramsey Clark or the International Action Center...
You also might want to see this article in Slate...I'm not quite sure what to make of that. Thoughts?
"And why hasn’t his statement justifying Saddam Hussein’s massacre of 148 men and boys been condemned by legitimate leaders of the anti-war left (Michael Moore? Cindy Sheehan?)."
Humm how do I say this. Most people lump Michael Moore and Cindy Sheehan as nutjobs too. Just like most people are against "cut and run" (I wish there was a better word for that) Most people also lump Pat Robertson and his ilk as nutjobs too.
How big is the anti-war left? How big is the neo-con right? 10% for each 20%????
Here is the main point. Why do we as the american people let the far far left and far far right control the political process?????
Warner vs McCain 2008 :)
Perhaps this is just a way for Ramsey Clark to be relevant again.
Matt: Warner v McCain 2008 is my call too!
Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said it's not unusual for an industry to contribute money to the incumbent, particularly if he or she sits on an influential committee. Unless more evidence of wrongdoing emerges, Sabato said, the Democrats won't be able to make political hay out of the issue.
"There has to be real corruption, not just the image of corruption," Sabato said. "Just receiving campaign contributions from a questionable source doesn't cut it, politically."
Sounds like he's saying that political fallout won't occur unless this rises to the level of behavior that could land Goode in jail. I disagree - that's a pretty high bar to set. Being linked so prominently with such a sleezy company could certainly cause softenness in support in Goode's base (creating a decrease passion and likelihood to vote), fire up the other side's base, cost Goode some independent voters, and move the focus from his incumbancy (what has he done for the distract) to his "inside the beltway" problems.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/linkset/2005/07/14/LI2005071401107.html
Tail end of Washington Post Article
"Toalson said going further would increase the cost of housing and force developers to spread to outer counties in search of land. He said home builders will find a way to meet the demand for housing from new workers.
"Those jobs have to have a place to go rest at night," he said. "If we can't build them in the place where the jobs are being created . . . we're just going to be building them farther and farther away."
which creates more Sprawl
The bottom line competing issues and things to think about... Mainly talking about NOVA I wish I had a solution :)
1. More and more people are moving to where the jobs are.
2. Housing costs are very expensive in "close in areas due to housing shortages"
3. Housing costs are even more expensive for single family homes. Hence many families are forced to live in the burbs or exurbs.
4. Also, many people want a yard or prefer the country
5. 2,3 and 4 create "sprawl" problems
6. Is it fair to require "new" residents/developers to pay for inferstructure costs. Did people who moved/developed in the 1970s, 80s 90s have to pay???? Isn't that what taxes are for????
Deeds may have to be forced into a recount of only certain districts, which is always a mess. The only good to come out of this is McDonnell's loss of credibility with the Republicans. He couldn't "honestly" beat a guy who had half the funds he did.
Anyone fighting against Allen has to come up with a convincing case not only that voters should vote Democratic, but also a good case that voters should turn against the incumbent.
That's a really tough sell--it's difficult for aspiring candidates to come up with the gumption to throw themselves into such a daunting task, even under the best of circumstances. Candidates do want to win--and the allure of an open seat in the next cycle may be much more attractive.
Hey, I just had a brilliant idea: let's march as a group in the Kaine inauguration parade: "Democratic and Progressive Bloggers for Kaine."
It would give us all a chance to meet in person and celebrate. What do you think?
We have to file an entry by close of business today, December 16th.
jcwilmore@msn.com
And it is funny how much you used the word "oversimplification", because that seems to describe most of this post. Ironic, ain't it?
John: No, Bush has no decency. Ha ha. As far as McCain, I've pretty much lost it with him after being a big fan a few years ago...
Ohhhkaaay.. good to know a place not to send my cash.
(This also suggests something about lack of coordination/communication between the national and state parties... certainly something seems broken here..)
Why does Bush explain everything around "Why are we in war?" and still can't answer that question? Bush said that he went to war for all the wrong reasons, but there is always a reason for everything. With that said, I think that Bush went to war for his own greed because there isn't much other opinions.
What's really sad about his is that Bush only talked about the War. There is much more important things he could of talk about like hurricane katrina(last thing on this mind), what gives him the right to spy on people, why the Bush administration is so evil, and much more.
I served on a supply ship when James Webb was Secretary of the Navy. It was "open season" on women on that ship. I would never vote for James Webb for anything.
Run James, Run!
You have more influence than you guess.
Latest on petition drive---Saturday 2/25 at 10:00am – 1. Sue [Langley] will be at Vienna Community Center , 120 Cherry Street, in Vienna at 10am, at the front near the entrance. Sue will have sheet for you to collect signatures for Democratic Candidates.
2. Bettina will be at the Safeway Store at Pan Am Center (Lee Highway and Nutley) at 10:00am with sheet. Come and help Bettina, please.
3. Joanna will be at Safeway 1-3pm.Sunday 2/26 at 11:00am 1. Mark and Lola will be at Giant Store in Oakton (Hunter Mill road and Chain Bridge) with petition sheet. They need help.
2. Volunteers are needed to cover Vienna Giant Store. We have permission but no one step forward. I am out of town on Sunday till late evening.There is antique show on Saturday at the Community Center. Here is the direction to the Community Center. From the intersection of Nutley and Maple, go right (East) toward Park Street. Turn Right at Park. The Community Center is on Cherry and Park on your right. You can stay as long as you want collecting signatures there.
We will have the petition drive again on Saturday March 4th and the weekends after that. Petition sheet will be collected when you have filled the sheet. Please study your candidates. There are links to their web sites at www.viennademocrats.orgSee you on Saturday. Thanks for helping Democrats.
Sue Langley
A Vienna Democrat
703-606-7175 or 703 403-0190
We are very willing, reliable (and mature) workers!
Carolyn Merck
cmerck@comcast.net
He was referring to Boy George's blatant, aggressive admission that he ignored the law and ordered warrantless searches of American citizens, adding that he would do it again. This despite the fact that the law permits him to order exactly such searches provided that within 72-hours he secures a warrant. In other words, the claim that he needed to act quickly and had no time to get a warrant is--- false. He could do so legally, but would have had to get such a warrant within 3 days. He gave the order but did not get the warrant. He defied the law deliberately and with malice aforethought. He is guilty.
Personally, I think he is guilty of treason as well, and this could be proven if the Republican Congress would investigate his Iraq actions and his energy policy tricks and turns with even a quarter of the zeal with which they investigated the stains on the blue dress.
They did not change their minds. There were a handful of precincts that had irregular results. Specifically, certain optical scan machines totally ignored many ballots. They weren't counted as undervotes, overvotes, or otherwise rejected -- they were simply lost in the system. In those precincts, and only those, the recount court ordered manual hand counting. Which is precisely in line with the excerpt from the Va Code that you cut & pasted:
"Only if the printout is not clear, or on the request of the court"
What's not to understand? If the recount officials found that the printout was unclear, then ballots would get rerun. Or, in the alternative, if the court requested it, they would get rerun. The court requested it in those instances where it was warranted. Good system, and it worked damn well.
Bush may have really gone too far this time. For the first time impeachment doesn't sound like such a cracked lefty fantasy. Mainstream folks are talking about the "i" word too. And if the impeachment were left until 2007 (after Democrats take control of the House) then there would very likely be two impeachments; one for Bush and one for Cheney. This would mean that the Democratic Speaker of the House would become President in 2007 unless . . .
unless Denny Hastert decides to seize his opportunity and lead a revolt from the right! That's right, if Hastert, the current Speaker of the House, decided to act, he could be President by July 1st. If he were to step up and do away with Bush, Cheney, and Rove the reward would be his own presidency. He would then have two years to rebuild the Republican Party for 2008.
A fascinating scenario, no?
By the way, on a completely different topic, since you're apparently an expert on space exploration, have you ever read the Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson? If so, what did you think of it?
"4. For optical scan tabulators, the recount officials shall first examine the printout to redetermine the vote. Only if the printout is not clear, or on the request of the court, the recount officials shall rerun all the ballots through a tabulator programmed to count only the votes for the office or issue in question in the recount and to set aside all ballots containing write-in votes, overvotes, and undervotes. The ballots that are set aside and any ballots not accepted by the tabulator shall be hand counted using the standards promulgated by the State Board pursuant to subsection A."
Because that's not what the law calls for. The three judges unanimously applied the law of Virginia concerning recounts. If you have a problem with the process, write your legislator and demand a change in the statute.
http://www.cantorforcongress.com/
Interesting color choice . . .
Anyway, I posted a little editorial on my website regarding Cantor and would love your feedback. Pay me a visit!
Thank you,
Chris
-- Conaway
I know what you're saying, but it's a bandaid for a bellywound. If somebody seriously wanted to address the need for IT and Nursing workers, they'd do as Warner/Kaine have done and support education and targeted education.
It's an American need that must be solved by American innovation and hard work.
When I call my insurance company I end up talking to some guy in India making $4/hour. That's the kind of cowardice that has decimated rural Virginia.
Invest now to succeed sooner.
You gotta know winner when you see one.
Let's let them both (assuming Webb wants to play) get up and tell us a little bit about themselves and then vote. It'll give them both some publicity and let us see how they work under pressure.
I hope they both run.
And as for the national party: if they don't want to help, we'll do it ourselves. After all, we have Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and Doug Wilder, and if they can be convinced to campaign on behalf of the winner of the Democratic primary, then Allen will have to run hard to keep his seat.
Being a programmer myself, i have a different perspective. Doing such a thing does the exact opposite, it helps protect American programmers. It does this by bringing Foreign programmers onto US soil which happens to be far more expensive than say China, India, Singapore, Philipines.
Programmers in the Philipines can do almost the exact same work as Americans. Since the cost of living there is terribly low they don't have to charge much. So while i may charge $90/hour here in America, an equivalent Philipino may only need to charge $15-20/hour. Bring that guy onto US soil and he'll have to increase his wage making ME much more competitive with him.
Plus bringing foreign tech workers over here means that America will continue it's hold on the technology industry.
The world is flattening out.
These guys, including Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, ought to be on the phone and visiting with James Webb and doing whatever it takes to convince him to get into this race. We don't need a punching bag for George Allen. Let's be serious about winning.
And, if Webb just won't do it, then, sure, Creigh Deeds is a good second choice. He's earned a shot. But, he was outspent by two to one in the Attorney-General's race. Would he be able to raise the money to compete with an incumbent senator?
Later tonight we will gather around the "testimony tree" to sing "indictment carols."
Yes, I'm talking about "Abramawanzaa," and you heard that here first.
Washington Post Staff Writer Susan Schmidt reports that former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, facing trial on fraud charges January 9, 2006 in Florida, is negotiating a deal with the Justice Department, in which he would testify in the wide-ranging political corruption investigation focused on his dealings with Republican members of Congress and Bush administration officials.
We're going to mop the floor with Allen.
In a free market system workers and employers meet in the middle. Importing foreign workers skews this as it gives employers an upper hand.
In our case, my entire department was ordered to train foreign workers on H-1b and L-1 visas.
Mgmt brought the Americans into a room and told them that they'd be laid off. They held out a carrot for the Americans. Stay on and train your replacments then we'll have this severance for you when you leave. Our replacements are Tata India employees, holders of congressional H-1b and L-1 visas.
These are cheap labor programs designed to reward corporations funding congressional campaigns.
Watch some videos on the use of Harris Miller's H-1b visas; Americans getting replaced by guestworkers on congressional visas.
http://www.hannatroup.com/video/0_WKMG_20030216.wmv
http://www.hannatroup.com/video/0_WKMG_20030217.wmv
http://www.hannatroup.com/video/Nightline_20040212.wmv
http://www.hannatroup.com/video/CNN_200309241.wmv
It goes as far back as 1995. CBS reported H-1b visa holdders replacing Americans at AIG Insurance. Watch the video.
http://www.hannatroup.com/video/1995CBS.wmv
Hmm, I'd say it's a little more complex than that -- it may well be part of a trend, but the trend could still not be far enough along to swing this election (though I hope it is.)
Warner really does look out for truth and fairness!
The above website will list all the union made and U.S. made vehicles. A car is a huge investment so one should research the matter considering all aspects of the purchase. The list is long and includes many models that achieve high gas mileage.
I've hiked hundreds of miles of the Appalachian trail in SC, NC and VA. So far I have found the VA trails to have the prettiest views.
As an avid hiker i've thought a lot about logging and I'm not totally against it. I've also done a lot of hiking up in Alaska and you may or may not know this but there has been a fire in Fairbanks Alaska that was raging for over a year. It may still be burning now, i'm not sure.
When i was hiking on some smokey days in AK back in 2004 I came to the realization that if sections of those Fairbanks forests had been logged, that fire wouldn't have burned so much of the forest down.
I love forests, but I'm no tree hugger. I can definitely see both sides of the logging argument. I don't honestly know what the right decision is.
P.S. I think Warner/Clark would be the ideal for 2008 - the Governor and the General would be a killer combo.
Nevertheless, I have prepared a draft, and I'll be posting it shortly, along with my other New Year's stuff.
Anyway they determined after 50 years of data (again dont quote me on the number) that for every dollar spent on preschool saves $17 in approximately 15 years on reduced crime and welfare. That's around 26% positive return on investment for the state year in and year out for 15 years. Ask a stock broker if he'll promise that type of return and he'll laugh you out of his office.
Public preschool is worth it.
I don't know why you guy's are making fun of Melanie Scarborough for. I believe the sun revolves around the earth. LOL
That's where just maybe Mark Warner can articulate a populist but business friendly vision for the future that the working middle class can buy into. But I hope he hurries up. Sometimes I wonder if maybe the blogosphere with all its varied florid prose isn't going to be the midwife for a new Democratic Party....?
1 - keep the heat on Virgil and expose his pitiful public record over and over and over again
2 - be known as something other than the "guy running against Virgil"
3 - do whatever Kaine did to win this district
4 - A popular Democrat runs a hell of a campaign against Allen
Much of what Weed says about global and national issues may appeal to Democrats. However, such issues have little or no bearing on daily life in the 5th District, especially with the voters who must be won over if Goode is to be ousted.
Democrats cannot simply rely on Goode's failures to win this seat. We need a candidate focused squarely on the 5th CD's economics and with a proven record of public service.
Common sense says that in the 5th District, against a damaged but still strong incumbent, a fresh face and fresh ideas will have far more traction with voters.
It seems to me that it's a flaw with the punishment. Most of us would agree that the US justice system is not perfect, but it's better than the alternative. In fact it is so imperfect that an appeals process is built in to try and cope with this fact.
But if someone is put to death they can no longer appeal their case. Kind of a conflict of rights. Does anyone know if someone can be executed without appealing to the supreme court?
However, after further research and personal visits to Grundy, I've concluded that guilt of Roger Coleman was properly determined through careful police work, a fair trial and thorough appeals.
At no point, have supporters of Coleman been able to present a credible argument that the wrong man was apprehended. I will review their claims issue by issue:
The Myth of the Neighbor Killer:
Appellate counsel that represented Mr. Coleman in the last years of his capital conviction appeals made public allegations that Donnie Ramey, a neighbor who lived in the house that overlooked that where Wanda McCoy was murdered, could have been the real culprit in the crime. However, this hypothesis of attorney Kathleen “Kitty†Behan of Arnold and Porter law firm ultimately would prove to be an erroneous and costly proclamation.
The admission that Mr. Ramey allegedly made about the killing of Wanda McCoy was heard by one Teresa Horn. Ms. Horn, who was largely crippled and homebound by a medical condition necessitating the consumption of numerous powerful painkillers, was visited on several occasions by Ms. Behan and Jim McCloskey of Centurion Ministries.
An affidavit from Linda Mullins, an acquaintance of Horn’s, shed light on the nature of these meetings. According to the affidavit, Ms. Behan told Ms. Horn that ‘[Coleman] could come into a lot of money if he came out of this thing and he may want to share it’.
(Source: ‘Coleman Did It, Town Says – In Grundy We Know the Real Story’ Paul Dellinger, Roanoke Times, May 15, 1992)
Soon afterwards, Ms. Horn came forward with the allegation that she had been threatened by Donnie Ramey, who threatened to ‘kill her like that girl up on Slate Creek (referring to Wanda McCoy)’. A day after this allegation was voiced to a Roanoke TV news program, Ms. Horn was found dead of an accidental overdose of pain medication.
With scrutiny intensifying on his whereabouts the night of the murder, Ramey bolstered his original alibi with evidence that stopped the defense allegations cold in their tracks. A pre-employment medical examination file showed that Ramey had a blood type which was different from that of the victim or killer at the scene of the crime.
Following Coleman’s 1992 execution, Ramey obtained the services of a respected civil case attorney in Roanoke and sued Kitty Behan, Jim McCloskey and Marie Deans for defamation. The case was ultimately settled out of court by all three in 1994. If they were still certain that Mr. Ramey was the ‘real killer’, I don’t think they would have so readily capitulated if they were so steadfastly certain of being able to prove his involvement in the murder of Wanda McCoy.
The DNA Test:
The defense received an unpleasant surprise from their own chosen genetic evidence analyst Dr. Edwin Blake. Blake analyzed the genetic evidence from the scene of the crime and found that when the spermatozoa recovered from the victim was cross-referenced against the blood found at the scene, both matched Roger Coleman. As a matter of fact, it was narrowed down to 2/10th of one percent of the population. Donnie Ramey, because of the aforementioned blood type inconsistency did not qualify to fit into that small group.
Having lost momentum with the factual setbacks with Ramey’s blood type and Dr. Blake’s unexpectedly unfavorable test results, the defense nonetheless flailed away with scenarios. They suggested that perhaps Wanda McCoy was attacked by someone who tricked their way into the house or attacked her as she took out the trash.
However, as her husband Brad would attest on numerous occasions, his wife was a very shy woman and would have only opened the door at night to only three people - he, her father and her then brother-in-law Roger Coleman. At the time of the killing Brad was at work at the coal mine and her father was at his home with his wife some distance away.
But where was Roger Coleman that evening?
He wasn’t at work, because his coal mining shift was laid off that night. As the prosecution would suggest, he was on the prowl for a victim. He first went to a trailer of a female acquaintance, Sharon Stiltner and upon the unexpected early return of her husband, Coleman then explained his visit that he was visiting to exchange an audio tape and soon departed. It seems strange that he’d come through a pouring rain storm at night to exchange a tape. Perhaps his original plans had been thwarted by the unexpected discovery of the husband’s presence. One can only guess.
Getting Across Slate Creek:
The prosecution said that Coleman drove through Grundy and over to the home of Wanda McCoy his sister in law. There wasn’t any particular timing inconsistency, because Grundy is not a particularly large or congested town, particularly late at night. The appellate defense tried to make much ado over the prosecution’s speculation at trial that Coleman had parked his vehicle on one side of Slate Creek, which was running at high levels that night and waded across to where Wanda McCoy’s house was located.
However, that was just a theory. Coleman did not have to exert superhuman strength to cross the creek. Why?
If the creek levels were running high, too high for Coleman to ‘ford’, how did Brad McCoy manage to come home from work shortly after the murder during the ‘flood’ and discover the body of his wife in a pool of blood?
Simple, he just drove across the small bridge that is just down the street from his house across Slate Creek.
It doesn’t seem so far fetched to not assume that Roger Coleman could very well have done the same thing.
Yet the defense stuck wholeheartedly to discrediting the prosecution’s musing at trial about the possibility of Coleman having to ‘ford’ the creek to avoid detection, a seemingly more noisy thing to do than just walking over the bridge and down the quiet dark street to McCoy’s hillside driveway.
Forced Entry:
As for the allegations of ‘pry marks’ on the front door frame of the McCoy residence, Virginia State Police case investigator Jack Davidson later elaborated that his reference did not mean that he believed the door had been forced open by an intruder.
Rather, he believed the indentations appeared to be the sort that occur when you move furniture and graze the door frame while trying to fit it through. Brad McCoy and Wanda McCoy had moved into that house not too long before the murder occurred and it would seem reasonable to expect that they probably caused those indentations at that time.
After hearing a defense case which had garnered media luster, but evidentially seemed to be mere bluster, Judge Glen Williams returned a 23 page decision on May 12, 1992 which rejected their claims.
"There is not a colorable shade of innocence", and "the evidence against Coleman is as strong now, if not stronger" than it was at trial," Williams concluded.
The judge's decision continued,
"All of Coleman's evidence, which he claims is new and shows his actual innocence, does nothing more than attack the credibility of witnesses and evidence at the original trial."
I would concede that conducting Coleman’s lie detector test on the day of his execution was not a good idea and should have been held earlier.
Yet the polygraph was not something which had been denied to Coleman since the discovery of Wanda McCoy’s body in March 1981. Around the time of his arrest, authorities in Grundy did offer to hook him up to the polygraph machine. Coleman declined, claiming that medical conditions would prevent him from doing so.
However, ten years later, the state presented affidavits from two physicians (Dr. J.P. Sutherland Sr. and S.M. Zamzam) who were responsible for the defendant’s care at the time of his arrest. Both declared that they did not know of nor did they find any such ‘condition’ that Coleman claimed.
Coleman’s prior criminal behavior:
Did you know that prior to the murder of Wanda McCoy, Roger Coleman served time in prison for a brutal attack?
This is something which Coleman supporters try to downplay as much as possible. However, it shows that Coleman was capable of sexual violence – the sort that led to Wanda McCoy’s death.
On April 7th, 1977, Coleman attempted to rape elementary school teacher Barbara Ratliff just a short distance away from where he would later murder Wanda McCoy. Coleman accosted Ratliff in her home at gunpoint that day, marching her and her then 6 year old daughter Megan to an upstairs bedroom, where he ripped at her clothing and forced himself on top of her, after binding her daughter’s arms to a chair.
Thankfully, Barbara was observant that her attacker had momentarily put down his firearm while preparing for a likely sexual assault. At this point, Ratliff screamed to her daughter to run – then guided the terrified girl out the door ahead of Coleman. She quickly identified Coleman, who was arrested and charged with the crime.
While awaiting trial, Coleman followed Ratliff and her daughter on occasion around town, in an attempt to menace them. He was ultimately convicted of the crime and served eighteen months of a three year sentence in state prison.
Then there was the indecent exposure incident in the Buchanan County Library in Grundy in January, 1981. Librarian Pat Hatfield and visitor Jean Gilbert both observed Coleman performing a lude act in front of them just before closing, then dashed out of the library. Both identified Coleman as the perpetrator in separate police interviews and stood by their identifications even after Coleman stated years later that another man must have been involved.
They were both familiar with the individual whom Coleman named and indicated to the media that the two were quite different in appearance. When asked by the media about whether she was involved in a conspiracy to frame Roger Coleman, Hatfield put it simply, “if people take the time to get to know all of us, they know that we’re truthful people, we’re honest people, and we don’t have any reason to lie.â€
Indeed that seems a fitting note to end this summary of the Coleman case. The people of Grundy were not out to ‘get’ Roger Coleman like a farmer seeking to rid the litter of a runt. It was Roger Coleman who demonstrated sexual perversion in combination with varying degrees of violence against at least two women.
When that happened during the 2003-4 Democratic primary campaign, the donors were made public within a week or so of the IRS filing. Who is following that trail? The DPVA should be, at a minimum, but also any Virginia political reporter worth his or her salt.
Didn't George Allen do exactly that?
Under our current system, unless Democrats here seriously raise the issue of McDonnell's ties to Abramoff, the issue would die away.
According to NLS, Jan Bowling basically brought this one home for Dan in the 97th.
Mr. Bowling will do great things in Richmond.
Now it's time to get to work for John Montgomery.
;-)
To get that applause in a room OBVIOUSLY packed with Moveon.org and other "progressive" defeat America types is really something.
We did lose a trolley line, incidentally, from Herndon/Leesburg in to Arlington through Falls Church when they took up the rails and made that long stringbean of a jogging path-park... just before Western Fairfax began developing, darn it. I'll let you, Dan, go about re-laying those rail tracks over the joggers. Believe it or not, automobiles were hailed as reducing pollution when the horseless carriage began to replace horses (which have a nasty habit of leaving long trails of disease-inducing droppings on the streets-- I remember chickadees picking at the droppings. Ugh!tetanus galore, among other things)
If roads produce traffic, then why are there so many gorgeous, wide roads downstate that look emnpty, like private roads (they were probably built with NoVa tax dollars)-- here's another case where Supply Side economics doesn't work: they got the road supply but did not get the jobs, so no people, no traffic. NoVa got the jobs, then the people, and then the traffic, and earlier slow-growth, no-roads, no-tax politicos up here took previously planned roads off the drawing board, condemning all those new people to try to get to their jobs over the existing inadequate, accident-inducing roads. We MUST start from where we are, and help ameliorate existing gridlock, even as we take control of land use and zoning for the future.
When I was a child the entire country had a population around 130 million; it is now two and a half times that. These people have to live somewhere; they have to work somewhere, so they commute; and, they buy groceries, go to school, go to the doctor etc in different directions. We do not have one central job center any more: not everyone goes into D.C. or the Pentagon (in fact most people now work in various suburban centers), so there is no rational commuting pattern to enable our laying out a pattern of logical rail lines. And I am NOT going to ride a bicycle to show property to buyers from McLean to Centreville, thank you. Argggh!
We do need to "think outside the box," but some answers in all practicality have to address conditions as they are today. Americans are not yet ready to give up their cars: they want to go when they want to go, go directly to where they want to go, and not wait around to do so. And they don't want to be told they have to live in an apartment over their office... yet.
Actually, I suspect the Republican-dominated Justice Department has cut such a deal with Abramoff that the topmost level of Republicans will NOT be exposed, and it's been arranged for lower levels to take the fall, just like the torture scandals and everything else in this "no accountability" administration.
Or, I could be mistaken. Maybe it's so big and there are so many leaks that the G-men really will have to be straight arrows. Here's hoping.
in a word:
SMACKDOWN!!!!
That's the best thing I've seen on video since March of the Penguins.
An oh lookie here -- the board members of the outfit that snatched the contract have only made campaign contributions to GOP candidates.
Things that make you go Hmmmmm....
I want a candidate I know will be part of the solution not the problem. So far Miller isn't reassuring.
Miller testified before the Senate on behalf of the ITAA numerous times. Some of his initiatives gained broad bi-partizan support.
Let's leave the McCarthyism to the rightwingers.
Look, I'm a geek and I sympathize with fellow geeks who feel screwed by workers willing to work for less. My first choice is seeing American programmers organize and bargain collectively. However, I also want to see software and technology companies stay in the country. Let's work on making both of those things true.
And until there is another choice for Democrats, how 'bout holding your fire?
Luckily, with James Webb, I have no hesitation whatsoever, since I have found someone who I can support 110%. Why do I say this? First and foremost, it's about character. Read about this man's life and you'll see what I mean, from his service in Vietnam, to his truth-seeking journalism, to his defense of Chuck Robb against Oliver North's scurrilous attacks. As to Webb's positions on the issues, some of this information is public, particularly his opposition to the Iraq War. The rest will have to come out if/when Webb declares for Senate. I have met with him and discussed several important issues with him, but the meeting was "off the record" so I am not at liberty to reveal what transpired. However, I can say that I am VERY comfortable with Webb, find him to be a brilliant and charismatic man, and just hope you have a chance to meet him as well. As former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE) said, "[Webb] is a unique and powerful voice which could change the course of our nation's future."
I hope this helps.
Here's where I am coming from. I worked 50-70 hours a week (all volunteer) toward the 2004 pres. primary. And it was not for John Kerry. Still, despite some pretty unforgivable things that happened in the NH, Iowa and SC primaries, I dug deep and volunteered (more than I should have) for Kerry. Kerry tried as hard as he could to run on little substance and instead tried on the mantle of "leadership." His early ads were all about heroism. The only thing is he didn't ad enough other biographical material, or positions on issues. And he left himself wide open because he had only vague, easily manipulated impressions (of constructs) backing him up. Only trouble is, without the issues (which he had but wouldn't talk about, unless you caught him on C-Span or went to a rally of the already-converted), he couldn't win big enough to overcome the skullduggery of Ohio (and Florida, again). Had Kerry fought hard on the issues and immediately defended himself against the lies of the so-called Swift Boat Veterans for "Truth," things would be a great deal better now. I may be one of the only ones who actually read Kerry's issue book (on his website back then). And it was pretty darn excellent. But despite having issues most American agree with, he couldn't translate them into victory. Toward the end, Kerry gave a good fight. But had he come out of the box strong, things might have been otherwise.
If Webb really wants to run, he should be out there expressing why--and talkling issues. It's not like I think you at RK should do any more work. You do an incredible job (and I don't know how you have time). But if you have more reasons (re. issues) about Webb, please share them. I guess what I am asking is why ask for us to take your word for it. Previous good articles notwithstanding, please give us more detail. Issue by issue. I know its our responsibility to read as well. And I'll do that. And, if Webb reads your blog, I'd like to say, "Time's a wasting. Please, please, give us the reasons why we should support you." There are Democrats all over the state who want to route George Allen from office. There are thousands of Dems waiting for a candidate. Please, let's begin. (And ditto to Harris Miller.)
Adam: I personally have mixed feelings about this issue, but then again, I'm not a programmer whose job might be on the line. Not sure what you mean about "holding your fire" - everything that's been said about Harris Miller is findable in 10 minutes of Googling...just the facts here.
Kathy: This whole "Republican" meme about Webb is really not accurate. I have written about this numerous times already, but I'll reiterate: Webb was a lifelong Democrat until the 1970s, at which point he sort of drifted politically until he landed - as a Reagan Democrat more than anything - in the Secretary of the Navy slot. Since then, he's basically been very independent, which is one of his strong points in my opinion (he can appeal to Democrats, Indpendents, and moderate Republicans). Also, I would point out that Webb defended Chuck Robb against Oliver North and also John Kerry against the "Swift Boaters." Finally, I would just counsel a bit of patience: Webb hasn't even entered the race yet, so why should he be talking about his views in public? (Miller has actually ENTERED the race and we still don't know the first thing about his views on the issues!) I would add, however, that several Democrats (myself included) have met with Webb, and have come away extremely impressed.
Democrats and others have a lot of legitimate questions. I'm prepared to support him, but I say ask your questions. Thats what it's all about. Thats true democracy, where we have an open process and everyone gets to hear all sides and make up their own mind about who will be the best candidate.
Corey Anderson, American Idle
Oh, yes, this being Virginia, all but four Democrats (all from NoVa) joined the unanimous Republicans in moving the amendment forward.
What's unquestionably "Republican" about this can be seen by comparing Virginia to other state legislatures with one or both houses controlled by Democrats (e.g., North Carolina). In those states, marriage amendments almost always fail to get out of committee. Why? Because Democrats with legislative clout are not about to give Republicans their best Red State get-out-the-vote gambit since the GOP invented its racist "Southern Strategy" in the 1960s.
(Alas, timid Democrats generally go along, and Virginia this fall may very well join other states that have deprived a minority of constitutional equality.)
For more information on the full implication of this procedural change, see http://www.raisingkaine.com/1530
Also, I LOVE your suggestion to make Klingon the official language of the United States. Definitely not Vulcan - too logical. But Klingon, with its warlike and violent connotations, somehow seems perfect for Right Wing Republican America. Bob Marshall definitely needs to introduce legislation on this right away! Let's all e-mail that petaQ and tell him: No More Spanish or Chinese, Everyone Should Speak One Language - Klingon!
Dan: That's hilarious! :)
Now, here's another one. Ken Cuccinelli has introduced a bill pertaining to voter registration and citizenship status. The bill "Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to furnish monthly lists to the State Board of Elections of license applicants who indicate a non-citizen status on their applications, and directs the State Board to forward the information to the general registrars. Non-citizen status constitutes grounds for cancelling a person's voter registration." Now, I don't know about you, but I had never heard of this being a major problem. Thousands of illegal immigrants rushing to the polling booths? Yeah, that's definitely one of the top burning issues in Virginia these days. So what's this all about? Hmmmm...
I personally contacted my REPUBLICAN Delegate, and he voted NAY! I appears as though we have so very much work to do here in our own Party.
I am glad David Englin has a backbone and refuses to discriminate against Virginians.
I thought i'd try to put my positive reaction to it into deeds, so I hunted down a place where I could make a contribution to David's campaign coffers.
According to the e-mailed acknowledgement I just received, delegate Englin is currently carrying $35,000 in campaign debt from his 2005 victory.
Help him pay it via a small donation care of DemBench's page at
A follow-up e-mail advised that while the Assembly is in session, campaign contributions cannot be accepted. (Probably a wise law, which they do not happen to have in my jurisdiction.)
Do bear this moment in mind, however, the next time fund-raising resumes. He's earned some support.
I don't think the comments I'll make will placate your concerns. In some ways we may be talking past each other. Simplistically I could narrow the argument over candidates thus: Webb vs. Allen .....who would you vote for? Miller vs Allen? Miller vs Webb? .... and is there any one else out there that you would want to vote for .... that can beat Allen. The point being that many on this page have a gut feeling that Allen could be defeated by Webb. Mind you statistics say incumbants win over 90% of the time! Think about that Stat .... is something wrong with our election process???
On women in the military. First you're looking at arguments that were made over 20 years ago. And while I hate to date myself .... I lived through the women integration in military thing. As a USMC officer my Basic School Class was one of the first to have women within the platoon ..... which was different than having all women platoons. We were fully integrated. It didn't bother me much because a) I grew up with sisters and b) I went to a NE college where in one dorm evn the bathrooms were CO -ED. Yea!!! c) I was engaged with my sweetheart near by.
But I would be lying if I told you that nothing sexual was going on amongst the ranks .... because it was. And it only was a real problem (to my way of thinking) when superior officers were on the make. Is that fair?? (No) Is it disruptive to good order and discipline?? (yes). Is it progress?? Progressive?? That depends on the "product" you are after?? And ultimately the arguments that I think Mr. Webb rightly made .... regarding Institutions and the products of those institutions were well focused to that end ..... That these Institutions were formulated to manufacture Warriors ..... and through outside interference / mandates ... were forced to change and accomodate women. What was diminineshed was the harsh Spartan Atmosphere that prevailed before this social experiment.
This may be a very worthy social goal .... I know my niece has a great shot at some better colleges because she's an excellent hockey player ..... but of coarse she plays against other women .... and I just don't see her in 5 years ..... commanding a Marine Rifle Platoon outside of Fahlujah.
The other side of this argument comes from the mother of a son .... who is under the order of an Academy / Military officer .... what those mothers want to know is simple .... was my son (or daughter) led by the best this country could provide??? No room for Political Correctness here. It's a yes or no answer. Mr. Webb has postulated in the past - within this very focused issue - we could do better if it were left in the hands of the military professional.
As a matter of policy, when he was in a position of authority .... he did what needed to be done in support of the policy. Please don't confuse arguments with policy implementation.
Segregating Blacks out of leadership positions is largely BUNK!!! From first hand experience I'll tell (at least in my Marine Corps) that success is base on military virtue ... period. The nice thing about the USMC (which you don't find in very many other places) is that it provides a ready yardstick by which you continuely measure performance (military virtues). Consequently it's the most affirmative action place in the world.
So a bit long winded again .... sorry for that. If you've got another potential candidate to look at .... that's considering to run for the senate. Fill us in. If you want to read a fascinating historical piece on old white guys .... I suggest reading "A Nightingales Song" ..... very well done investigative reporting. The thing about JHWebb is that he comes pre-vetted as a candidate. It's all in his writings.
Cheers Mary,
Tony
I have reasons for thinking what I think. And they are not soley time related.
Personally, I do not know enough about either candidate to be partial. I just have made some observations. We shall see.
Additionally, if Webb is going to run I agree, he MUST go to local committee meetings - ASAP.
And at this stage, you/he's almsot convinced me...
He would have declared by now.
Harris Miller is out of the gate (www.miller2006.org).
Lee, the subject of this thread, started by Lowell, is Webb's attitudes on women in the military. There are other important issues all of us should consider before forming assumptions about his potential candidacy, but the President's constitutional crisis really has nothing to do with Webb's statements on women.
when I was Secretary of the Navy, we had a lot of pressure from DOD about how females would be used, and this sort of thing. And so what I did was I got together 28 top ("top" meaning really operationally tested and respected) men and women: Navy captains and petty officers, the top rung without getting into the admirals. I put together a 28-person commission. I sent them around the world to look at all these different things. I had them report back. Instead of making this a political decision ( go out and bring this back to me), I made them report back through the service-- the specialty chiefs (the submarine, air, and surface chiefs) with their results and their recommendations. I made those chiefs then talk to the CNO, Chief of Naval Operations. They reported to me what their recommendations were. And in some cases they surprised me, particularly on surface. Surface side, they surprised me.I believed that was the best way to do it, because it did two things. One is, you let the uniformed people decide and recommend the best structure in which they were going to assimilate females. And also, they're coming up with the recommendations, so they're going to be on board. When the result was reported out, the chief of the surface side came in with this thing, and he was saying, "Well, we're going to put women on this and this." And he didn't look terribly happy about it. I said, "Do you support this or not?" And he goes, " yeah, I support it." I said, "Good. You got an interview with the Navy Times, and you're going to articulate this to the Navy Times." And we opened up more billets than had ever been opened up to women. But in my view, we did it in the way that honors the system and gets the right people to participate. And so I backed it 100 percent.
Webb's views on women in the military is a legitimate issue, but lets not allow an issue that has largely receded to overshadow pressing concerns we face now.
As women issues seem important to you regarding Mr. Webb you should consider the context of the debate both in content and period. Women in the military as a practical matter can be viewed as one of in support of operations or direct combat ..... What Webb argued (from experience) is that women would be disruptive in an Infantry unit .... he gave clear (very personal) examples why. In practice .... as it became national policy ... when he was SECNAV... he asked his Admirals and Generals to evaluate where woman should serve and then implemented their recommendations. Those are the facts.
What he is sensative to .... is the social engineering of institutions (by elitist outsiders) that are best structured to deliver a result .... namely to .... "Defend against all enemies foriegn and domestic" ie: the military.
To be politically incorrect .... why hasn't the National Football League been "forced" to put women on the playing field?? Certainly their presence would make a difference in the outcome of the game. The policy question is .... would it be a positive outcome? Would it be better for the game and the league??
That's the kind and type of debate that went on .... publically and privately ... maybe it's still going on.
There's a think tank which recommended fighting the terrorist / insurgents war with ... totally agressive young men 18 to 21 who aren't allowed to be married (as many in the military are today). Kind of like a foriegn legion ... only built into the USMC & ARMY elite units. If it sounds neanderthal ... it is in fact a throw back to the U.S. military organizations of the 1950's. It's been given serious consideration .... because it seriously works.
All things considered ... and I've read about every published piece Mr. Webb has on his website .... along with frontline interviews ... You couldn't find a better man for the job. Tremendous INTEGRITY and he yes he speaks his mind.
I've (and others) mention reading Nightingales Song (have you found a copy) because it provides a third person's perspective (with institutional & generational insight) on the life stories of comtemporary political figures. You're not going to find a better vetting source .... Webb is an honorable gentleman and intellectually honest. I'm sure there are some issues he and I would see differently (or emphasize more or less) .... as our life experiences are seperated by a more then a decade.
Regardless .... I support the guy 100%.
As for the rest of the argument for defending the inequities of military organizations to women, the rationale is identical to the rhetoric used to segregate African Americans out of leadership positions. And, like that argument, reform is necessary--and as Tailhook clearly demonstrated, reform requires input from neutral outside sources (mind you, I do not implicate Webb in this scandal).
By definition, my analysis of Webb's written record is not an attack. It's a logical critique of information publically available on Webb's opinion of the participation of women in the military. Webb said these things, they are in the public record and nobody put them in his mouth.
You are also incorrect with your presumtuous statement that I do not "like" either Webb (or for that matter, Miller). I have given no evidence of my opinion either way. I have found no reasonable basis for forming a complete opinion on Webb. I find available information inadequate, so I withhold judgement. I am ready to consider him, should he come forward in a reasonable time and explain his policies.
That said, I do find several issues troubling. I believe these are points worth consideration. However, do bear in mind, responding to my concerns with the lack of respect and diversions demonstrated so far hardly represents Webb favorably. It comes across as ad hominem.
Finally, the reference to Kerrey's opinion statement (by definition, an opinion statement is not a interlocution, fwiw) is entirely irrellevant to my point that Webb has to speak for himself, not through unofficial spokespersons.
My only advocacy here is that people make a more considered opinion of both Webb and Miller. Any good candidate should invite that.
By the way, it was former Senator Bob Kerrey who said about Webb, "He is a unique and powerful voice which could change the course of our nation's future." Ahhhh...but I guess in your eyes Kerrey is merely a "supposed interlocutor."
I've read the Frontline comments Webb made (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/navy/ails/webb3.html). These are distinctly troubling. Granted, Webb did not completely oppose women in the military, but the Frontline interview shows that his record on women’s equality is hardly forthright. To dismiss concern over this as "ridiculous" without reference to content is disrespectful of some pretty important concerns that really do warrant consideration. After all, Webb made these remarks entirely of his own volition.
Webb’s dual claims that coeducation caused reduced class performance—and that the presence of women in the military caused declining enlistments—are two disturbingly parallel reductionist statements. There were many other factors at play in both of these issues that Webb chooses to ignore. Additionally, his decision to leave the policies of integrating women entirely up to male officers is highly disturbing, as well.
However, given the mixed signals Webb has sent over the participation of women in the military, the defense really has to come from Webb himself, not from supposed interlocutors. Jingoistic rallying cries over “bravery†from supporters aren’t going to resolve this. Webb really has to come public and face his critics directly—or the questions will continue to grow about his commitment to women, to the issues, to Democrats and to take on this candidacy.
That's a fair question. While NO ONE speaks for James Webb (but himself) .... perhaps this quote mentioned to me (and anybody else who might have asked) .... over a year ago (and more recently) will shed some light. " I don't wake up every morning wishing I were in the Senate ... but I do wake up worrying about the direction this country is headed."
More over if you read the many different passages in Nightingale's Song, you'll discover clues to the man's character and personality. A couple things emerge - keen intellect (self driven) and very deliberate in action (thought trees - thinking things through).... and extraordinarily fair and thoughtful in his dealings with people. Driven by principal .... tremendous INTEGRITY.
So he's created a predicament for himself (and us Webb watchers). He loves his country but he equally loves his work - Damn good at both. What would you do at the age of 60? Work on what you love (leaving a legacy in print & film) or take on the burden of government? What could he achieve as a Senator (beyond beating boy George and sending a rightous message to Bush co.) that he couldn't achieve as an independent film maker. Which has more personal impact?? The movies we watch or the politicians we elect?
The Democratic party has been factional / divided for some time now ... no clear leadership (though Al Gore did pretty good job of tying it all together yesterday) .... lots of jockeying for position.
James Webb is clearly a leader people (across party lines) can respond to .... and should he run, it will be purposeful and very exciting to people like me .... who'll do whatever we can to get the guy elected. So sit tight ... stayed tuned .... come what may Webb will make the right decision ... and whatever it is .... I would support it.
"It's like the old Irish saying: How do you get over a wall you can't climb? Just throw your hat on the other side."
The question is, which wall?
First: I have a cultural bias as a former Marine Officer. It's easy to relate to Mr. Webb's life story /career. It's why I keep using the word INTEGRITY... it's key word in the USMC lexicon.
Second: I can easily relate to his "generation" as I have siblings in his age group - even though I'm 12 years junior. In case you missed it .... there were big changes in the late 60's.
Third: While reading "The Nightingale's Song" is good ... better still read "Fields of Fire" and between the lines you'll see the author's heart / soul emerge. Within his very public writings you get glimpse of that as well.
Fourth: As a public figure I can only respect how he's handled fame and success. He's a stand up guy (as you read yesterday - Purple Heartbreakers - vintage Webb) and very principaled in his dealings with people.
And finally .... a question for you .... if you're a father of two contempory grown women... does that qualify a male as being "sensative" to women issues??
Are there any other fish (or critters) to pull out of the democratic party pool?? .... who can go after Mr. Allen & company. Heh you FIN Heads out there .... Anybody?? Any Takers??
So, in short, a third person puff piece is NOT a good vetting source.
Maybe some of Gore's problems stemmed from 1) being weighed down by the anchor of Clinton and 2) the dumbass campaign staff, some of whom he changed midstream (always a bad sign). Can we believe he'd have better help today, knowing now what kind of campaign the Republicans would be running? After all, most of us were stunned by the Republican shenanigans back then. Bastards.
Having served as a member of the Scott County Electoral Board, I can tell you that it really would be nice to have a law that prohibited Registrars from serving in that capacity if a relative was on the ballot. Or to reverse it that prohibited children, siblings, spouses, parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles from running for office during the registrar's tenure.
Does anybody know a legislator who would introduce such a bill or amend this bill?
Much as I would be interested in Leslie running against Tom Davis, having a relative on the electoral board doesn't seem to be as much an advantage as having Mama as the Registrar. If Leslie is truly interested in running, couldn't herhusband resign and get another democrat appointed in his place.
The registrar appears to have more control over the actual vote than the electoral board. But maybe my view is jaded by the scott county (gate city election) absentee voting experience. In scott county the tail (Willie Mae wags the dog(electoral board). The electoral board can't do anything without getting her OK first.
But that said, it's easy to speak the truth unequivocably when you're not running for elective office.
I see no hard evidence that Gore, should he decide to enter the '08 race, would be any more courageous or confrontational in 2008 than he was in 2000.
I still recall that before the term "swiftboating" entered the political lexicon, we talked about candidates being "Gored." There was a reason for that. Gore let the Repubs run all over him and never fought back, or even stood up for himself. Such passivity in the face of the Rightwing Noise Machine just doesn't cut it anymore in American politics.
Hey, maybe I'm wrong; maybe he has changed. If Gore launches a presidential campaign, I'll listen. But he has a lot to prove before I jump on his bandwagon.
On Moran's bill, that's a good question...maybe Brian reads this blog sometimes and can respond?
And please, don't go over the DARK SIDE! :)
Lowell
Socialism doesn't work.
Last year Local Democratic Rep. Jim Moran was one of 15 Dems who voted for CAFTA, one of 32 who voted for Class Action reform and one of 73 who voted for Bankruptcy Reform.
David Sirota wrote that there were only nine Dems who voted for all three pieces of legislation, and blamed them for the inability of the Dems to put forward a clear economic agenda. Why vote Democratic when the Dems tolerate incumbents who support the Republican economic program.
It's not just the Republican economy. It's the Jim Moran/New Dems/DLC economy. It's the Mame Reiley and Harris Miller economy. It's coming to get you.
Will you just stand there and refuse to recognize it? Will you insist that Republicans and only Republicans are to blame?
What about Jim Moran and Harris Miller? These DINOs (Democrats in name only) are to blame also.
Add them all up, and today's 6.4 percent official unemployment rate approaches 1982's 10.8 percent record, at least for men. There's one last way to confirm this. Back in 1982, the percent of total working age men not employed for whatever reason -- discouraged, disabled, jailed, retired early, or officially out of work -- was 17.3 percent. But as of last month, that total was even higher: 17.8 percent not employed, which make the current job bust, at least for men, look far deeper than the official unemployment rate suggests.
52% to 43% say Bush should be impeached if he acted illegally.
Sorry.
Ha, now THERE'S a thought!! :)
It's been wonderful that ML has been able to play as long as he has, given his bout with cancer.
Here's the joke that was told, back in the day, that said everything about how good Bobby Orr was:
Two guys were watching an old man, with long white hair and a flowing white beard skating with a hockey stick in hand. Over his long white robes, he wore a black and gold Bruins jersey with the number 4 on the back.
"Who's that?" asked the first observer.
"Oh, that's God. He thinks he's Bobby Orr."
And, then there was the bumper sticker:
Jesus Saves... and Orr scores on the rebound!
To read that he introduced this bill even though he didn't support it himself was really a surprise and disappointment. I mean, I'm all about giving citizens a voice -- but legislators don't just put forth bills as a courtesy to any crackpot who walks in the door with an idea! And then the article said that the guy didn't even live in our district! Why would he introduce a bill that he doesn't even agree with as a courtesy for someone who doesn't even live in his district? That would be like me calling up Bob Marshall and asking him to introduce a bill guaranteeing access to contraception. As if!
It's strange indeed.
Adam: Thanks, dude! Ha.
Jonathan: Since Jesus was a Jew, does that mean he both saved AND invested? :) And yes, it was wonderful that we got to enjoy Super Mario as long as we did. Now THAT was a gift from God.
Yikes, gotta start proofreading!
When Democrats are on top of the national security issue, they win. Whey they aren't, they lose.
In the absence of a true worker-focused platform, the Democrats' domestic agenda will get no play with 52% of the American population until they learn how to talk military power.
It's true that the majority of people support increasing the minimum wage, national single-payer health care, and repealing the Bush tax cuts. Democrats OWE IT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE to learn the wise implementation of military might, if for no other reason than to win elections and promote America's true economic agenda.
One thing in particular that has drawn my interest concerning Iran is that the United States appears to have, for the most part, backed down and let Europe take most of the responsibility for dealing with Iran. We see some in Europe now (particularly Jacques Chirac of France) getting frustrated in their dealings and seem to be taking a stronger stance against Iran. I wonder how these events will shape the left, both in Europe and here in the United States.
CR UVa: See, I'm on the "left" on some issues, in the "center" on many others, and probably on the "right" on a couple. In other words, I'm human, which means I can't be so easily pigeonholed. Overall, I consider myself a Teddy Roosevelt/Harry Truman/JFK Progressive and a "Fighting Dem." I believe in running a tight ship in terms of government expenditures, minimal regulation of peoples' private lives, and robust internationalist foreign policy. So what does that make me, besides a "throwback?" :)
Bush's attack of a sovereign nation under the most dishonest and specious arguement, can't help but but make more than a few countries in the Middle East wonder if they'll be next.
Yes, I agree that Iran should not be allowed to have nuclear capability. But neither should Korea, yet they do.
And you can't say it's all Iran's fault. Bush had a hand in this as well. The sower has reaped what he sowed.
Basically hat tip to you guys for putting the Warner/Kaine thing together. I say Kaine is no Mark Warner although once again its still too early to make and conclusions
...a bipartisan group of senators led by Sens. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, and Republican Norm Coleman has introduced a resolution that condemns Iran's nuclear program, demanding immediate suspension of uranium enrichment activities and endorsing a referral of Iran to the Security Council.
At the same time, Sen. Evan Bayh, a Democrat, is pushing his own resolution that in part accuses Bush of ignoring Iran's threat for years.
You've done a great job of showing how your party can attack national security. That kind of level-headed thinking, clear articulation of goals, and strategies/tactics from which to operate is needed. In the absense of a unified message from Inside the Beltway, bloggers like you will have to pick up the slack because it never bodes well for the country when one party (GOP) can beat the war drums all they want, and the other (Democratic) looks so very weak on national security.
Now, if the Democrats can come up with a coherent, unified plan and message for what to do in Iraq - Obama seems onto something with his statements this past weekend - that is not simply a "bring'em home ASAP" option, the country will be better for it.
Ben: Yeah, a lot of Dems voted for that steaming mound of horse manure as well...
let me know when you find that party because I don't see either side having it yet.
Maybe we could get some Republicans from Arlington and Alexandria with some Democrats from rural parts of the state to govern from the sensible center. At the very least more competitive districts would help.
If he had run against let's say, Mary Sue Terry, I would've voted for Potts.
The idea that only your view is 'serious' is macho arrogance. I'm sorry to ruin the frame you hope to run with by refusing to overlook inconvenient facts. But it's my party too, and you're not going to drive me out of it by disowning me.
To think that military action equals seriousness about national security is to buy into the worst Rovean spin. It betrays a deep ignorance.
"Robust internationalist", eh? That's one way of putting it.
The idea of further U.S. aggression in the Middle East is bad enough on the merits, but to advocate it for reasons of political posturing ... well, I don't have words enough to express my dismay.
To think that military action equals seriousness about national security with military action is to buy into the worst Rovean spin. It betrays a deep ignorance.
Sanctions, like threats of bombing, will drive the Iranian population into enthusiastic support of the mullahs and Ahmedinijad, just as threats and attacks on this country did for Bush.
Also, I'd LOVE to hear your argument about how the world is better off with more nuclear weapons' states, and how the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty has outlived its usefulness. Also, please explain to me how the Democratic Party benefits from being seen as weak on defending US national interests, including the WILLINGNESS (emphasis - this does NOT mean "EAGERNESS") to use force. Serious geopolitical, and political, analysis please. Thank you.
Russ Feingold - Iran has a leader who is "one of the scariest persons in the world" and that the United States needs to be "as forceful as is necessary" in dealing with Iranian nuclear ambitions.
John Edwards - "...it's important for America to confront the situation in Iran, because Iran is an enormous threat to Israel and to the Israeli people....The reality is that Iran has moved forward with their nuclear weapons program on their watch. They ceded responsibility to dealing with it to the Europeans. We need to strengthen the sanctions on Iran, including closing the loophole that allows companies to do business with Iran."
Barack Obama - "[L]aunching some missile strikes into Iran is not the optimal position for us to be in given the ongoing war in Iraq. On the other hand, having a radical Muslim theocracy in possession of nuclear weapons is worse."
Howard Dean - "The United States has to ... take a much harder line on Iran and Saudi Arabia because they're funding terrorism."
John Kerry - "Iran has made a dangerous and silly decision of confronting not just the U.S. government but the entire international community. If all diplomatic channels fail, we have no choice but to take the issue before the international body"
Joseph Biden - "To have a despotic theocracy in the possession of a nuclear weapon … creates a much greater danger than having a democratically elected government in control of a nuclear weapon. They are much, much more likely to use it — or threaten to use it — or attempt to use it, for blackmail."
Chris Dodd - "Another issue that cannot be ignored is that of Iran. It is obviously in our best interest, as well as in the interest of regional Middle East security, to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. To that end, the US must do two things. First, I believe we must work more closely with the Euro-3 - Britain, France, and Germany - to put together a comprehensive strategy for dealing with Iran's nuclear program that includes both credible carrots and credible sticks. And second, we must reassure our allies in the region that our twin commitments to development and security - especially in the event that Iran achieves nuclear capability - extend beyond Iraq. "
Ted Kennedy - While the Administration has focused its attention on Iraq, a country without nuclear weapons, North Korea and Iran have continued their pursuit of these weapons...Iran has long-standing ties to terrorist groups....let's join other nations in a major initiative to halt and reverse the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran....We should go further by calling for a global statement, signed by each and every member in good standing of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, condemning North Korea and Iran for their nuclear recklessness. Nations with nuclear ambitions must realize that they seek these weapons at the peril of isolation from every responsible member of the international community.
Bill Nelson - "...credible estimates, including those of the International Atomic Energy Agency, indicate Iran is alarmingly close to acquiring nuclear weapons. A government that openly calls for the annihilation of one of its neighbors cannot be allowed to possess the most deadly weapon of mass destruction.... the U.S. needs to press for stiff multilateral sanctions aimed at stopping Iran's nuclear program. The U.N. Security Council is the first choice, but if Russian and Chinese opposition makes that untenable, the U.S. should tell the EU-3 (Britain, France and Germany) that the time has come for them to join us in imposing economic pain on Iran. Trade sanctions, freezing assets and an embargo on refined petroleum, which Iran imports, would get the Iranians' attention."
Dianne Feinstein - "The time has come for the international community to speak with one voice and urge Iran to abandon its attempts to acquire nuclear weapons. With the fall of the Hussein regime in Iraq, attention has turned to the threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and the recent revelations about its nuclear program. I am increasingly concerned that Tehran is determined to develop nuclear weapons and substantially alter the balance of power in the Middle East."
Harry Reid - While Iran has the highest percentage of young people in the Middle East, many who
undoubtedly are seeking greater freedom and openness, the unfortunate reality is that Iran is run by hard-lined and corrupt mullahs who seek to acquire a nuclear weapon. The world community, led by the United States, must take a stand against a nuclear Iran and never allow it the capability to develop a nuclear weapon. This will require direct and tough talk by US leaders. We cannot afford to farm this out to Europeans any longer.
Ignoring Iran will not make its nuclear ambitious disappear. No other country in the world has the leadership capabilities or the force of persuasion of the United States. It’s time we got to work and follow through on the security objective that we all share with Israel. No nuclear weapons for Iran."
The thing about the amendment is that we know already that a majority (59%) of Virginians support civil unions, not to mention domestic partnerships and other forms of recognition for same sex couples. Throw on top of that the impact on heterosexual unmarried couples (good call on the AARP, Pete), and the percentage of voters who would oppose this ludicrous amendment is huge.
The anti-gayers got a little hysterical and carried away with this. They could have just stopped at prohibiting same sex marriage, which would have been almost assured of passage. Now they've taken a swing at a hornets' nest. They are in the weak position of having to conceal the language in the amendment in order to fool people into voting for it, which makes them look not only bigoted but dishonest.
I am positive that we can defeat this and make Virginia the place where this crap stops. They have handed us the tools to do it with.
Homophobia: The term homophobia literally means an "irrational fear of or contempt for homosexuality or homosexuals". It is derivable from the words homosexual and phobia (meaning "fear" or "panic" in Greek). The term itself is however often broadened to encompass other feelings such as aversion to, disparagement of, or discrimination against gay people, their lifestyle, or culture [1] and is generally used to assert bigotry.
Homophobic: Prejudiced against homosexual people
Homophobe: a person who hates or fears homosexual people
Homophobia: Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men; Behavior based on such a feeling.
By the way, if someone opposes racism against black people, does that make them black? If someone opposes anti-Semitism, does that make them Semitic? If someone opposes immigrant bashing, does that make them an immigrant? In other words, what on earth are YOU talking about with YOUR sophomoric rantings, veiled accusations that I'm secretly gay (ask my wife of 10 years how "gay" I am!), and silly little word games? Puh-leeze!
Mencken was right -- Puritans are people who are afraid others are having a good time. Whenever I see the antigays speak (like the Falwells, the Robertsons, and various local Va. characters) I can also see the tight facial muscles and body language that betray their miserable inner selves.
Just remember, the root of homophobics' religious authority, the Old Testament, was written by a bunch of old rich guys who thought it was okay to sell your own daughter into slavery. And have multiple wives. And buy and sell slaves. And kill children for minor offenses like cursing at their parents. The religious right should actually read Exodus and Leviticus (especially chapter 18-20) and see the appalling laws prescribed in the name of God. The anti-gay references are of the same ilk.
Interesting that Christ never spoke out against gays. Hmmmm.
I'm sorry, but people who espouse anti-gay positions are both sick and evil. People filled with fear who think it necessary to try and control others.
I'm tired of being polite to anti-gays, many of whom are nothing more than the old hate crowd that opposed integration.
I was personally insulted, after contacting my Republican Delegate and making all efforts I could to influence a Republican - thinking I was helping the Democrats get another vote - Only to find that my Delegate voted against the Amendment and so many Democrats (many I made calls for over the past year) voted for it. I felt like I had been slapped in the face...
I feel personal relief that Kaine has publically said the Amendment is "flawed."
Lowell - Do not stop! You are doing great work. The Dems are not perfect, and we have work to do, but we need people like you to move our party forward! We need to question, but we can never quit!
I think this can be turned into a win-win situation for progressive Democrats in Virginia. The youth can be turned out in droves to vote against this disgusting amendment. Instead of an election that doesn't seem to have any relevence, we will have an election in November that is about something salient and inspiring - justice and moral values. Let's get to it.
I'm glad my delegate, Chuck Caputo, had the guts to oppose it. And its no coincidence that he isn't a lifetime politician.
Smart growth in this area will mean high-density nodes or clusters on transit corridors, or high-density "town centers" where people can live, work, shop, etc. without having to get into a car.
Marshall's bill sounds to me like it could allow localities to stop that kind of development for no good reason.
And don't think they aren't factoring politics into it either. Republicans know that the kind of neo-urban living that smart growth provides, like in Merrifield around Dunn Loring station, attracts Democratic voters. And Tom Davis, who was upset his once-upon-a-time reliably Republican Merrifield precinct is now solidly Democratic, opposes Vienna West Metro not because he lives so close, but because he fear the thousands of political opponents it would bring into his district.
Yeah, that's good law alright.
http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/doh/2006/01/if_you_are_gay_.html
As a gay person who wants nothing more than to live his life with equal opportunities for the "pursuit of happiness", I appreciate it.
We should never forget the facts either. And the fact is according to recent polls, 59% of Virginians believe that gays and lesbians deserve equal treatment under the law. It's when you throw the "m-word" into the equation that they back down.
Off to my Puller-Amundson town meeting to thank them for sticking up for the right thing.
Governor Kaine is truly AMAZING! He so rocks!
For example, did you know:
1. Metro
The Vienna/Fairfax station is the terminus of the Orange Line. There are currently no plans to extend it at any time in the future. For the indefinite future, anyone who wants to use the Orange Line from Fairfax, Oakton, Centreville, Reston and all outlying areas will have to drive to the Vienna/Fairfax terminus station and compete for parking.
Currently Metro has 500 “temporary†parking spaces on land that will be sold to the MetroWest developer. These will not be replaced. Metro does not have any land for more parking spaces. Metro has no plans or funding for any kind of parking structure. The developer will not provide any additional parking for Metro commuters. Thus, the permanent parking spaces currently provided at the Vienna/Fairfax station appear to be all there will ever be, at least for the foreseeable future.
Parking is ALREADY a huge problem. See: http://www.dcexaminer.com/articles/2005/11/02/news/d_c_news/00newsdc02metro.txt
In addition, while Metro currently plans to extend its trains to eight cars to absorb the extra ridership it expects as a result of the new development, the frequency of Orange Line trains will be cut 10% once the Silver Line to Tysons is operational. Both the Orange Line and the Silver Line will use the same tunnel at Rosslyn to get into D.C.
Congestion in the tunnel is already a HUGE problem: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/15/AR2005121501815.html
Will the net effect of the MetroWest development be that Fairfax residents must
escalate their already fierce competition for parking spaces, jockey for space with ever more riders (even as seats are removed from the train cars), and wait even longer in the dark waiting for a turn to go through the Rosslyn tunnel?
2. Parks and sports facilities
The proposed development will bring over 5,000 residents and somewhere betweeen 236 and 648 school-age children, nearly ALL of whom will play one or more sports.
Not once, but twice, Fairfax County Park Authority warned that the available parkland and recreational facilities near the proposed MetroWest development were inadequate for current needs, much less for a new high density development. In a July 19, 2004 memo to county planners, FCPA staff declared that thousands of new residents in the area would “further exacerbate the service level deficiencies at existing park facilities.â€
On February 9, 2005, the Park Authority stated that: “The development needs to provide significant park and recreational opportunities on site for the residents. The 5,227 residents generated by the development result in the need for tens of acres of active recreation and passive area parkland as well as numerous facilities. The development should be redesigned to accommodate sufficient park and recreational areas and facilities….The applicant should provide $1,385,155 … to the Park Authority for recreational facility development at one or more of our sites located within the service area of this development.â€
At various points during the process, numerous residents and citizen groups voiced concerns about inadequate park facilities in the area. Despite these concerns and the warnings of the Park Authority, the developer, Pulte Homes, is offering limited onsite, often seasonal, recreational facilities for residents plus one indoor basketball court that will be open to residents and the public. There are no private yards in the entire development, not one!
Thousands of new MetroWest residents will be competing with current park users for trails, ball fields and other public outdoor recreational facilities. In an area where outdoor recreational facilities are already overcrowded, the developer is proposing to proffer just over an acre of tree save area to the Park Authority at East Blake Lane Park, adjacent to the development, and No Parkland nor funding for facility development OffSite. Moreover, new residents will have to drive to reach offsite facilities if they are not within walking distance, adding to local traffic jams. And if MetroWest students are housed in modular classrooms, even more recreational land at school sites will be lost.
3. Phasing
I went to a meeting with the developers last week and learned that 200 residences can be built in each of the first two or three years. Meanwhile, the commercial/residential towers will take 18 months each, and the one that will house the grocery store is unlikely to be built first. So for the first 36 months, all the new residents are going to have to DRIVE out of the compound to buy food and all the rest of the amenities of daily life. In addition, if the developers can't find tenants for the commercial and retail space, which given the empty office building sitting for years now at Dunn Loring is a distinct possibility, then the "mixed use" aspect of this development will never materialize.
In sum, whatever is done to develop the land at the Vienna/Fairfax station,
it won’t be “smart growth†unless all these concerns are addressed. Unfortunately, they are not being addressed.
And THIS is why we need more local land-use controls that allow massive density increases to be managed in light of infrastructure constraints.
Go to http://www.FairGrowthNetwork.org and http://www.FairGrowth.org for more information.
It isn't radical, it is mainstream. Each time you say the words, "radical homosexual agenda," it is obvious you are only trying to convince yourself of that fact.
Society is changing fpm Young. It's a pity you will be left behind.
Dan: Yeah, that's what I hoped you meant! Thanks.
He's such an idiot, but he really believes these things. Our country is pathetic to have allowed him to get into office.
David, I don't think ignoring someone will help, not many people can stand those kind of comments for a long time.
J.C.: We should talk sometime about this...
Incidentally, I believe Webb has until April 15th or thereabouts; I think that's the last day to file. I hope he doesn't wait that long though.
As for the Senate, only one man can take down Cowboy George. For the love of God, James, run!
P.S.: Lowell, Democrats can't thank you enough for all that you've done recently. I've really come to admire ya, especially with the Draft Webb movement. Keep up the good work, and we'll prove that Virginia isn't as solid Red as the GOP thinks.
Are we going to have a primary/convention or not? :)
Draft Creigh Deeds!!!
I'd prefer him anyway. (Although Webb is far better than Harris.)
Keep Deeds in mind. After a short rest he could be ready, and should be convinced to run. Email him at his website:
http://sov.state.va.us/SenatorDB.nsf/0/e51dc0c59c09cfcc85256b37004e2c7b?OpenDocument
I'm fired up. I sure hope I don't end up disappointed on Tuesday night!
Get ready for some serious ass-kicking on Tuesday!
Lowell Weld for Senate!
Turn the Blue Ridge Blue!
Throw your hat in the ring and see what happens!
Maybe Miller will surprise us.
Harris Miller for Senate!
You hate George Allen, I feel it. Give into your feelings.
Give into the dark side.
Don't make me spend the $5.95 and purchase runlowellrun.com. I'll do it!
The US Senate should have more than a bunch of rich corrupt white guys. It needs at least one poor white guy with a brain!
Run Lowell Run!
Hey, am I starting to sound like Ralph Nader or what? Well, let's see, Ralph and I are both from Connecticut and we both have absolutely no chance of ever being elected to anything. Heh.
OK, so here's my plan: Bruuuuuuuce 2006!!! Or, Leslie Byrne, who might not DEFEAT Allen but could rip him a new one, so to speak. Or, if neither of those two will agree, here are some other possibilities, in no particular order:
David Ashe, a great fighting Dem
Chap Petersen, if for no other reason than a Petersen run would make Sam Penney extremely happy
Claudia Kennedy, because she's amazing
Phil Puckett, if for no other reason than it will make my friend Brian super happy! :)
David Englin (yeah, I know he's still a freshman delegate and all...)
Greg Werkheiser, channeling JFK/RFK
Jay Fisette, because who better to fight this obnoxious anti-gay Hate Amendment than the first openly gay elected official in Virginia?
John Montgomery, another excellent "fighting Dem."
Eric Ferguson, a top-notch Progressive.
Brian Patton, a young, Democratic attorney from SWVA who gets along with everyone - even ME!!! :)
Anyone else? Hey Waldo, c'mon!!! J.C.? Great initials! Ha ha.
Heck yeah!!!
Although I could also support a Feld candidacy.
There are some republicans that are fighting to take my party to the right while I am fighting to keep it where it is or nudge it towards the center.
Where is Reid? Where is the DSCC? Why haven't Obama? Hillary? Feingold? Kerry? Kennedy? And so on made the trip across the Potomac to urge Webb to run?
I do not want to disparage Miller ... I just do not think the lightening bolt will strike to put him over the top past Allen. Either W (Mark Warner or James Webb) would have put Allen into early retirement ...
Now, I think that Gov Warner is doing himself, the Commonwealth, and the nation a disservice by not running and putting Allen out to pasture. Personally, due to the Senate balance, I would welcome Warner beating Allen and then, sometime in 2007, resigning out of the Senate stating that he is seeking higher office -- let Kaine appoint another D to the office (and, in my mind, this is the only way Miller ends up in the Senate ...).
Now, we need to assure that we field candidates in every district ... serious candidates I hope. Hopefully, there will be a serious candidate against Wolf -- I will focus my attention there rather than on a forlorn Senate race if we can't get a better candidate to the table ...
Yes. Get over it. I worked my ass off for Kerry after Dean dropped out of the race, even though I didn't love him, and I work every day to make the DPV more progressive.
I'm sorry your anointed savior didn't decide to get into the race. If you don't believe in Miller, go work on other races, or work on promoting progressive causes in other arenas, but don't hang around trashing our candidates because they're not good enough for you. I think Nader showed pretty clearly where that leads.
Miller alredy sold out this country by lobbying for the touch screen voting machines that have NO PAPER TRAIL. Why no paper, that way nobody can prove that the Republicans are stealing elections! We can't win without Ohio in 2008... and this moron Miller has already undermined any chance we got with his championing of Diebold machines.
I live in VA and I'm a registered Dem... and Harris Miller is NOT A DEMOCRAT. I will not be voting for him, nor any of my friends who always listen to me. C'mon DNC, get us a candidate that has a chance to win here.
I say, vote 3rd party until the Dems get the message. No more Republicans in Democrat clothing.
I don't think that kind of thing's gonna work with Mr. Webb. Just a hunch.
Imagine a Webb/Miller primary. What if Miller had won? Would you throw the same tantrum? Refuse to work in the general?
What if Puckett's supporters, Baskerville's supporters and Petersen's supporters had refused to rally behind Leslie Byrne? One, we would have been stupid. Two, there's no way she would have come within 40,000 votes.
So you don't like Miller. Suck it up. Yeah, he ain't my first choice (M. Warner was). Guess who my last choice is? George Allen.
Here's my prescription: Go to bed repeating "President George Allen" until you fall asleep - if you fall asleep - for a whole week.
Check back with me if you still think we shouldn't support someone like Miller who could put a stop to all that foolishness. I think there's room at Western State ...
What do the R's in have abundance that we don't yet? BENCH! How do we get bench? Contest every race. Get candidates that are better and better. Build some juice at the local level and keep the vision.
I beleive that one of the things that has recently kept D's from voting has been a 'bad attitude' - "the R's will win, why should I show up?" My philosophy is that half of life is showing up. Let's show up.
Even Tim has some "non-progressive" perspectives, but we went to the mat for him. I think that's something we can really build on.
Waldo's got this one right. Let's build the party. That vote on the Constitutional Amendment shows us that we got some work to do. Let's build on the "Progressive 20" and go forward. The "Old Dems" in Virginia are fading. As Jesse Jackson said once, "the old wine skins must make way for the new wine." That's not Whine, it's wine.
Platitude time - "...the longest journey starts with one step", and my favorite "...to eat an elephant, it's one bite at a time."
Ready for a feast??? Or at least a nosh???
b
Come on man! This could be the most stressful and exciting year of your life. Run against Miller in a primary so he's forced to stand for something. Even if you lose the primary you'll make Miller a stronger candidate. If you win the primary, well then... hmmmm... i'm not sure!
Run Lowell Run!
Of course, I'd really like to nominate Kenton Ngo, but he's too young.
Stupid Constitution.
"Feld for U.S. Senate: there's no W"
When he sees how different the political landscape is in Virginia, hopefully he'll have a change of heart.
And if not, well Warner is high on Miller.
Same as those all those "wienie" complained about Kaine when it was announced he was going to give the Democratic SOTU response 'cause they didn't know crap, well...maybe the same applies to me as well as few others.
I think "Run Lowell Run" is truly hysterical! It reminds me of the German movie Run Lola Run. I hope Lowell can ask his Dad for enough money and run back to the restaurant in time to stop Harris Miller from blowing the race up!
Run Lowell Run!!
That means all those little committees out there need to get to work. We can't be the party of NoVA and couples other towns and cities. That ain't gonna fly. Contest everything.
I think your campaign song should be The Replacements' "Bastards of Young"
It's got great Gen X street cred.
I am opposed to telling people not to vote for Miller. I do feel that I have a perfect right to criticize the politics behind this whole thing. That interests me more than Miller's positions on the issues. The Democrats do have a lot of process issues, as Kathryn in Blacksburg has pointed out.
For Mr. Webb should he every read this ... you should be very flattered that so many people took to the vision of you as a Senatorial leader. The odds of winning an election against an incumbant are very long. Instinctively a large collective of people "new" to your potential candidacy and historical views rallied behind you in a big way. It's more than a special circumstance of the politics of our times .... it's a breath taking political / leadership feat ... a true indication of the potential you show as a leader in office. Let's hope this keeps you motivated to stay involved and on point for the issues of the day.
So for all concerned ... for me ... THANKS for EVERYTHING. Semper Fidelis - TMski
On the other hand, if you want to win, and be proud of our junior Senator when he stands up for the values of truth, accountability, and fundamental fairness, then do all you can to help Jim Webb secure the nomination. It is not in Webb’s character to go jousting at windmills; if he is in, he intends on winning. Our state and our nation will be so much richer for it! Get on board the Webb ticket and get the word out; with James Webb as our nominee, we have a winner on our ticket, not a placeholder.
It seems to me that he is going to pass this on to the next POTUS, instead of facing the issue head on.
At his Town Meeting in Lorton, lots of people were asking him why the government keeps cutting taxes for the rich, and cutting for the poor, and his response was something about "I don't believe in redistributing wealth.." Well, his audience in Lorton will detest this vote.
He is misreading the tolerances of his district for this kind of idiocy.
No it is redistribution of wealth. Robin hood in reverse. Stealing from the poor to give to the rich. Making those who can't afford to pay more for their health care pay their grocery money for meds and premiums or do without -- thereby worsening health outcomes and undermining public health. Also undermining the EPSDT program so that young kids with disabilities don't get early intervention, have worse outcomes and may not be able to contribute tax dollars to the economy. Sounds like just swell policy.
Just as raising interest rates and cutting student loans is poor policy because it reduces opportunity and misses the opportunity to produce more tax payers.
James, you should be ashamed of yourself. As should Tom Davis, Frank Wolf, Thelma Drake, JoAnn Davis and all those other moralizing members of Congress who forget to treat the poor as they'd wish to be treated if the shoe was on the other foot.
Of course there is the dark side of blogging as well trying to egg on the more extreme/passionate people on both sides to scare away moderate lurkers into your side.
Harris Miller does nothing for me, and I don't think has a chance of winning. I hope I'm wrong about the last, but I won't work to make it happen.
For Webb, I will work.
I have a feeling George Allen will be having a few sleepless nights between now and Webbs annoucement time.
Democrat with Democratic support: NoVA
Military Experience (and lots of it): Hampton Roads
Used to be a Republican: Western VA
NoVA, Hampton Roads, and Western VA! That's the holy trinity, baby. As Kaine proved, you need two of them to win. Webb could win all three.
(I am guessing he probably didn't vote for Bush.)
I love debate! This is why I am so interested in Webb as candidate. Let us have debate and choice. Debate is the food of liberty and enlightenment.
By the way, during the Clark campaign, there were numerous people who never got over the fact that Clark "used to be a Republican" and had good things to say about George W. Bush. There wasn't much we could do about that, except to point out that we should be WELCOMING Reagan Democrats and disillusioned former Republicans into the Democratic Party. Also, that people make mistakes and should be applauded when they recognize them and make corrections.
As far as Webb's positions on the issues are concerned, the reason you haven't heard more is that Webb has not declared, and everything I know comes from talking to him "off the record." Of course, I won't betray Webb's confidence. All I'll say for now is that I personally, as a moderate/Progressive Democrat, am perfectly comfortable with him - far more so than I am with Harris Miller, actually (I really wish Miller would explain his positions on Iraq, the Bush tax cuts, personal privacy issues, capital punishment, and many others).
Thanks for this dialogue, which I believe is valuable. No need to attack each other, let's just debate the issues and figure out who would be a stronger candidate against Allen, who we all badly want to defeat this November.
You can do the same. James Webb has a websight with an icon for contacting him. I used it. It works. He responded....Twice.
I wish everyone who wanted him in the primaries would write him.
------------------------------------
***I still stand by my thoughts that Lowell has quoted (above)and I'll add:
This guy is being asked by a bunch of people, mostly strangers, to give up his current life, become a very public figure in an often ugly business, and, should he win, he is expected to give at least 6 years of his life in a job where, even when doing well, there are always people who don't like you.... Of course that life of privacy and relative comfort he knew before ...It's Gone Forever!!
What would you say to such a prospect?......Would you decide quickly?... over a weekend? Or would you perhaps do a lot of soul searching and deliberating????
I know my answer, I would choose the latter.
What we're looking at here is a Democratic version of John Warner. Yes, a maverik who doesn't always "go with the flow." I doubt you'd find Webb siding with the most liberal of liberals on certain issues simply because Teddy Kennedy says so. And I suspect he will, admittedly, be fighting more on Foreign Policy battles more than Domestic. But if you doubt him on his Democratic values on Domestic beliefs, just listen to what Michael Schiavo said on the Draft Web site:
Michael Schiavo Michael@TerriPAC.com FL N 0 719
Comments:
As you know better than most, courage is often its own reward. But today we need leaders who will use their courage to speak clearly and honestly about what’s happening to the country we love. I hope you will step up again, raise political arms in defense of our country and add your candor and character to the national debate. If you show the courage to lead again, I know others will be there with you. Because the fight ahead is too important for anyone to stand on the sidelines.
I am a centrist Democrat, Kirk, and trust me when I say we can smell our own. James Webb is a true Democrat, one that I am tremendously proud of, and one I would be even more proud to have serve for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the US Senate.
As for everybody else, NLS's blog on this has been attacking Raising Kaine and our very own Lowell Feld for supporting Webb. This injustice can't stand. Go there and defend Lowell from vicious blogger attacks.
http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/doh/2006/02/senate_race.html
No need to be rude, mind you. But we need to point out that what they're doing is detrimental to the party and our effort to take down Allen. Regardless of who you support, they are going about this the wrong way.
"When I was secretary of the Navy, I opened up more billets to women than any secretary of the Navy in history. But we did it the right way. I got my warfare chiefs, the three warfare chiefs, to go down and examine inside their own specialties where women should be absorbed. I had them then report to the chief of naval operations. And then the chief of naval operations reported to me. I had the uniform side make the decisions, the recommendations, and then bring them to me. This wasn't me standing up there pontificating because I was a civilian official. So when this has been done in a rational way where it works, I fully support it. When it's an intrusion from the outside, I think that not only I but other people should have questions. So where it is now? I think that from what I can see from a distance it's working well."
P.S. The draft Webb site shows the petition number, and it's been soaring ever since he got back in. It may jump over 1000 by the end of the day. If you support Webb and haven't signed it, go on a do that!
All in all I've had a TREMEDOUS weekend. Started a new job this week ... and what could have been new days of numbing trepidation ... was fun and empowering. Hustled off to Washington, DC to hear BONO give a one hour talk / speech .... consistent with his Prayer Breakfast - Lobby the Hill week ... ON AFRICA and WORLD POVERTY. That was GREAT!!
Get a phone call on the way into DC that the Webbster is reconsidering ... look for an announcement ... AWESOME!!!
An the VERY BEST PART is after the BONO gig .... I had dinner with three lovely women .... all to myself!! As you can imagine .... I just had to pick up the bill for the whole affair.
And tomorrow .... Why it's SUPER BOWL weekend. With the ROLLING STONES!! I don't care who wins .... it'll all be PERFECT!!
Thank you all .... may you have weekend like mine sometime!!!
Tony
If a negative word on Harris Miller has ever left my keyboard it'll be a surprise to me.
I have said that Webb will be able to compete for votes in areas of Virginia where people simply will not listen to Harris Miller.
I disagree with Harris Miller's positions on H1B Visas, and I violently disagree with his opposition to verified voting, but all I've said about Harris is that he's a good Democrat with 30 years experience working hard for the party. On top of that I most often say that Harris Miller may surprise us. He's certainly smart enough to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
James Webb, however will be able to fight the good fight in areas that have only seen ugly bloodshed in politics for decades. James Webb will project a passionate, positive, progressive intelligence into the national political scene. James Webb will ably challenge the unrestrained power of the "unilatteral executive" and stand as a champion of honor and wisdom in an age of broken politics and corruption.
Attack me all you like, but a Webb v. Miller primary will serve to heal the rifts in our state party that *ahem* is more than evident in the above commentary. A Webb v. Allen race will stand to show that traditional Democratic values are the traditional American values to which we must return: honesty, fairness, honor, courage.
It's an honor to have my name mentioned in a paragraph with that of James Webb, but this isn't about me. I'm just some guy. If James Webb isn't a great American, there are no great Americans.
Some of us are unhappy with Miller and the way he got into the race. Lets go forward. As long as there is mutual respect, we should be able to have a dialogue.
Tony
RTodd: Excellent!
Lowell, I'll do whatever I can to help with the Webb movement. E-mail address is dkgeroe@vt.edu
Anything I can do, let me know.
Almost brought a tear to my eye, man. I agree 100%.
We have a Senator who can bring home the butter and that's wonderful but we need someone in the second seat who can dissect the direction of this nation and provide compentent analysis the average person can understand.
Mr Webb's resume speaks volumes and I believe he understands what happened in Vietnam better than Senator Kerry, and as well as Senator Bob Kerrey. I do not think Senator Kerry ever reconciled his faith or war experience with himself because he muddled both during his campaign. Governor Kaine not only reconciled his faith but made it an asset.
I believe Mr Webb in competent hands will not only reconcile his Reagan adminstration experience with the Virginia Democrats but his Vietnam tour of duty, hooked with his Veteran Affairs experience will make him a beacon of light in this fog for us "nobodys" who are lost in the economic despair of poverty as our government forgets us in the pursuit of some Pax Americanus through war in DC.
Doug, I know plenty of Vietnam Vets who voted for Bush simply because they never forgave Kerry. You may believe the war was a mistake, but just remember there are just as many who would fight it again.
I agree with you on not voting simply for the anti-Allen. Harris Miller is the anti-Allen, James Webb is his own candidate. That's just my opinion, anyways. Harris Miller is the "we can't run Warner, so lets run this guy who's kind of like him." James Webb...well, like Bob Kerrey says, is unique.
Let's make Allen a former Senator!!! (sorry for typos.)
At any rate, I am not too crazy about either one of these guys so far, but I do agree that on the surface Webb sounds like he may have more potential to motivate the grassroots.
I need to do research on both these guys myself before I'd decide who to support. Now is the perfect time for people who support each guy to make their case.
I just hope we are all able to inspire people to vote FOR our guy in the end, and not just be the Anti-Allen party, because that is doomed to fail.
This debate about women in combat (you do not want people in confidential relationships in a foxhole but a woman can fly an F-18 as well as a man because of the nature of the job)is silly. His Vietnam service allows him to understand nuances about the military, especially combat, that a non-vetern will never understand. Mr Webb's experience on Capital Hill with veterns and in the DOD will give him a realistic view of our world socially and politically.
I do not know who Mr Miller is but I do not like what I hear about his machines. If these things he created can undermine our Democracy or hinder my party in the long run, I need to know. I will discover this before the primary election.
I do not get a repulsion about policy decision by Webb about very a narrow subject. If Mr Webb runs I will find out enough about him to decide if I vote for him or Mr Miller.
If I can help defeat Allen I will but I want to know I am being led by someone who I can trust. I never trusted Kerry, but he received my vote against Bush. Whoever is our choice, he will receive my vote. Kerry never received the enthusiasm that I gave easily to Senator Deeds and Governor Kaine, and will be given to Governor Warner in 2 years.
I beg both people to let the primary begin because at the end the winner will be steeled by it if we keep it civil. Mr Webb has a responsibilty to run to ensure we know who everyone is, and this applies to Mr Miller too.
I do not know who Lowell is but I congradulate him for trying to give us a clear choice. I pledge support to Webb to ensure he enters the race. I do not know if I will vote him in a primary, but I want that choice.
Webb served in Vietnam. He is proud of his service, and said in many articles he would do it again. He felt that he (along with many other veterans) had been insulted. Remember, before the Kerry campaign was attacked by the Swifites, Kerry did not tout his opposition to Nam. Instead, he touted his service. You don't go very far in politics by fighting 30-year-old wars. Even still, he gave substantial money to the Kerry campaign, and claimed the Swift Boat Veterans who attacked his records were wrong. He and Kerry may have disagreed on Vietnam, but he knew that Kerry was better for the country than Bush.
As for women, Webb may well have been personally opposed to it (I don't know, I'm not James Webb), but he knew what was right and the number of combat jobs for women increased three-fold under his command. No matter what else you say, that can't be denied. He offered more women jobs. Plain and simple. I personally oppose abortion, but that doesn't mean I'm going to step on the choice to privacy which I believe is provided in the constitution. It's a great man that can decifer from what he wants and what is right.
Let's defeat George (shove their teeth down their whiney throat) Allen. :-)
And is it true that Kaine's bill for teachers pay to national average failed?
Don't get excited.
I hope the adult, taxpaying voters rise up and march behind these true patriots and throw the scurvy bastards out who have done their best to destroy everything America has stood for, for which our ancestors fought, all the while mouthing catch phrases and bumper sticker platitudes claiming they are protecting us (right out of our constitutional liberties), leading us astray and plundering the very substance of America. Tear the wool from the eyes of the few sheep who still trot along, baaahing behind the mis-leaders. There, I feel better already.
Anyway, what do you think about Allen? Can he be beaten or not? I say yes!
At least, I hope he does.
Bush & GOP are not doing so well in the press. Lots of trials are upcoming against GOP guys. Allen has done little good in congress. He is tows the BUsh line, and he has done little productive in his term.
**Stay tuned for Gay marriage, National security, and FEAR to be on the the GOP agenda.**
After the 5 years this budget takes into account, the deficit grows without bound.
Say goodbye to the Republic, America is now owned by a very unforgiving Chinese and Saudi conglomerate.
Best be brushin' up on your cantonese.
Reduce crime by not paying liveable wages to law enforcement.
Reduce crime by paying $25 to an ME for a cause of death.
Reduce crime by having Sheriffs accountable to
no one.
Reduce Crime by keeping Circuit Court judges on the bench who get DUI while in possession of concealed weapons.
Reduce crime by appointing judges and not letting the people have any say.
Reduce crime by keeping closed judge disiplinary actions.
Also, despite what Republicans will tell you, Allen doesn't wear well. He gloats and struts to beat the band, and actually taunted the Democrats when he was inaugurated to try and stop him.
Plus, he's a total nobody in the Senate. Possibly the biggest nobody Virginia's had since Scott was our senator.
-stop gays from existing by outlawing contracts between unmarried individuals
-protect their marriage by throwing rocks at gays
-stopping abortions by bombing abortion clinics
-stopping abortions by killing government aid for young mothers...huh??
"Hans(Hans Mast - 4/4/2006 11:32:13 PM)
"Hans: C’mon now, you’re a smart guy and can do a lot better than insulting someone’s spelling skills. Great way to change the subject, though, and distract from the fact that you have no rational arguments on this subject."
You're pretty smart yourself and I'm sure you realize that it was Adam that started out by insulting me as a "nut" with not a single shred of logic backing it up. I simply expressed my amusement at being insulted by someone who couldn't spell right, couldn't find a permalink and furthermore insulted me without an iota of reasoning behind the vitriol.
You say that I don't have any rational arguments on the subject, and indeed I have not broached the issues at hand on RK because no logical arguments either way have been presented. It was easier to dismiss me as a nut than actually engage in the issue at hand, apparently. I do welcome the comments on my blog and am preparing to respond to them now.
What horrible spelling reaveals about the poster is an utter lack of education or desire to do things right.
Of course, what can you expect from someone who thinks a movie about a couple of gay sheepherders is a good thing?
Most people, though they might not be ready to accept full marriage equality, aren't motivated by the same animus as the amendment's authors. They don't want to punish gay people, and certainly won't appreciate being tricked into doing so.
That link doesn't seem to work, try this one:
http://hansmast.com/index.php?title=gay_marriage_amendment&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments
Iy mey note spill goud boutt Iy cann tink logicy enouf tu sea dat da Bible IS NOT A THREAT WRITTEN BY GODS HAND, it is a human written guide (written over 300 years A.D. I might add) to Christianity. It sounds like you are reading the Bible Literally witch is false. The problem with Christian denominations today is that the Bibles Human written words are held above Love and devotion to work in the name of Christ. That’s why I am nondenominational. Narrow minded Pride in ones interpretation hurts all Christian denominations.
The above misspilling es ironee. :)
This is kinda like NLS and TMU the other day on NLS' web site!
Good idea coming home last night. Our lights have been out since 4am and they just came back up.
We can't think of a president who has gone to the American people more often than George W. Bush has to ask them to forget about things like democracy, judicial process and the balance of powers — and just trust him. We also can't think of a president who has deserved that trust less.
It gets better from there.
I only hope we can rebuild the country after these rats are done eating it's heart out.
Morse rocks!
-Alec
Overall, a very interesting and tiring night. But fun.
Too bad it's the right hand, which is used for
meet and greet!
It would be a real blunder for Allen to sign Howell. I've lived in Texas and Howell's methods are perfect for Texas. They won't play here in Virginia where most voters, Left and Right, are a bit more intelligent in the way they analyze commercials. Remember what Howell's Hitler ads did to Jerry Kilgore? Howell doesn't understand how to defend: he only knows attack, and when Howell has Allen attack for no apparent reason there will be a strong backlash from fair-minded Virginians.
I say let Howell come to Virginia: he'll be an albatross around Allen's neck, just like he was for Kilgore.
Be careful, don't get to caught up in your favoritism and forget there will be a primary. Unless I haven't heard something....like maybe that Harris Miller has dropped out...
I sure hope you meant to say 2000 people. 200 people wouldn't be very loud. Davis can get 200 people to attend an event featuring a very loud sneeze.
Take care
Kip
We'll also be debuting our new website on Thursday. I think you'll like it.
I think many people remember the Civil War and how there were white Democrats that killed black Republicans.. but there's no denying that parties change.
While you may be quick to pull out your histoy book on Lowell, let's also look at the facts.
Strom Thurmond was a strict segregationist until he joined the GOP... but that wasn't till 1964. But didn't he have a multi-racial child? And wasn't she born sometime around 1927? So segregation was necessary, unless we're talking about sex? I wonder how well that would have been accepted by his constituents had they known of his activities.
So, using history, Strom would have been a very strong segregationist even as he was busy having relations with other races.
The point here is two fold. One, that hypocrisy will always have followers as long as humans walk this earth. Two, no history is complete without common sense entering the picture.
Strom Thurmond was a racist. You may not be proud of that fact, but I don't think any Democrat, including Robert Byrd, is proud of his time in the Klan. You may want to try and smudge the presentation of Thurmond as a racist by excusing him as turning away from those "racist Democrats"... but look who kept company with him as he left. Jesse Helms, also a very well known racist, left the Democratic party in 1960.
There were others, but I think that should suffice as evidence that those who harbor senseless hate in their heart left the Democratic party for the "big tent" of the Republican party.
This was further evidenced by Lowell when he referenced Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. There's no denying that the party that once stood for a smaller, less intrusive government and individual liberties has changed to a party that has no problems harboring people with divisive and offensive principles.
Lowell's, "racist smear" as you call it, isn't a smear. He's simply calling it like it was. Now if you don't particularly care for how he describes some members of your party, then perhaps the "big tent" should be a tad more selective with the members they allow in the door.
And don't pretend you are ignorant of where the white southern racist vote went. Once Carter was gone, all those Dixiecrats became diehard GOP followers.
Plus, the ridiculous smear of "racist Democrat" begs the question: why are the vast majority of blacks Democrats today? Could it be that it's because all those segregationist Democrats (or at least the vast bulk of them) became Republicans? Sure, some of them kept voting Democrat locally, but look what kind of Democrats they elected: Larry McDonald, former president of the far-right John Birch Society.
I welcome former Republicans as voters and candidates. Operatives need a much closer look; they're in it for the money.
Not exactly correct. In 1968, George Wallace left the Democratic Party to run for President as the nominee of the American Independent Party. He did, however, return to the fold, when we was elected as Governor of Alabama in 1974 and 1982.
Chuck Schumer represents everything that is wrong with the Democratic party. He should be ashamed of himself for what he did to to Paul Hackett. Hackett showed his character by sticking by the assurances he gave other candidates that he wouldn't go after the House seat.
I don't know who the best Democratic candidate would have been for the Ohio Senate seat, but it's a shame that the voters of Ohio won't be permitted to make that decision.
Chuck Schumer represents everything that is wrong with the Democratic party. He should be ashamed of himself for what he did to to Paul Hackett. Hackett showed his character by sticking by the assurances he gave other candidates that he wouldn't go after the House seat.
I don't know who the best Democratic candidate would have been for the Ohio Senate seat, but it's a shame that the voters of Ohio won't be permitted to make that decision.
I have to say that some of our friends are not doing the best state by state analysis. I strongly support Band of Brothers. I gave them a contribution. I also think Sherrod is the best candidate for Ohio.
Isee the handwiriting on the wall already. Once more we'll find the Republicans recouping and running all over the feckless Dems.
Free association... the first thing that came to mind... "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS!"
Greg
I listened to the Hackett interview on Ed Schultz today. Paul was trying to put the best face on citing money as a primary reason. I have little faith in Sherrod Brown, I don't think he can even get anyone in the rural parts to listen to him, people that could have listened to Hackett, maybe even voted for him.
Hopefully, the next election won't hinge on Ohio.
That being said, I have to say that I was leaning towards Brown anyway. I'm a Moderate, Pro-Military Democrat, but some of the stuff Hackett has said doesn't make me comfortable. I respect that the guy speaks his mind, but I wasn't sure I wanted him to be the poster boy for Pro-military Dems. I'd rather have somebody like...say...James Webb fill that position.
I still think that Schumer is scum for going about this the way he did.
JOB LOSS - HE - LL - O
JOB LOSS JOB LOSS
And, unfortunately, they'll get away with it, unless some Democrats find the backbone to stand up against them, and unless voters stop letting bigots run the state.
Virginia has shamed itself with cultural backwardness in the past, and the GOP is hell-bent on doing it again. So here's my prediction: Whenever gays and lesbians achieve full equality in this country (yes, that will come), Virginia will once again have to be brought kicking and screaming into modernity.
line struck me odd...
"The bill, which failed last year, would give boards of education the authority to block clubs that “promote sexual activity by unmarried minor students.â€"
Does this mean that a Married Nempho's Club is allowed in High School. Clubs shouldn't be allowed to promote sexual activity of any kind. Advocating Safty is not Promotint sexual activity; it helps people understand the risks of their own decisions.
And Holy crap Oral Sex is a Felony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is our democracy when even our side steals it from us?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20060215/cm_thenation/1559896
Hackett was LOSING to Brown. It's that simple. I don't know why he went out the way he did, but it seems to me that there's a lot of ego at play here.
Public service isn't a "me" proposition it's about ALL OF US.
Let's keep our heads in the game here folks and kick some ass on the bad guys.
And Summer... Hell yes, Campaign Finance Reform... I'm all for it!
I'm a little concerned about the party pushing the vets (our best chances to win...credibly) aside for good ole boys...Regular folks can get tired of the good ole boys.
I do see some similarities between Kellam and Ashe, but it's not the same.
1) Ashe was WAY behind Kellam in money and support. Ashe would've caused an expensive primary or a divisive convention. Neither was acceptable, not if we wanted to beat Thelma in the conservative second district.
2) 10 points was too much. Everybody knew it down at the Beach. Democrats tried to make it seem like he got close, but when has 45-55 ever been close? That's a beating.
3) Nobody cut off Ashe's funds. He just couldn't raise any money.
4) Ashe has been offered a job so that he can build up enough reputation to run for State office someday.
Nobody would deny that the Party Leadership seemed to prefer Kellam. Nobody will deny that they talked Ashe out of running. But they did it by the books; they didn't pull any sneaky tricks, they just politely asked him to drop out and offered him a job if he would. What's wrong with that?
Hackett had me at hello, but ballin' like a baby ain't the way we build this party.
Come loaded for bear and fight the good fight, today, tomorrow, next year. Nobody gets a free ride into office and nobody gets a free ride to the US Senate.
Linclon lost a dozen races before he got elected to anything. Clinton lost his first congressional run.
Guys like Bruce Roemmelt will be the real leaders of this party, because they'll be back every day fighting for what's right regardless of whether the opposition is within the party or outside.
Schumer comes out of this with yet another black eye, but Hackett needs to quit being a thumbsucker.
Hackett's comments seemed quite "me" and "I" focused, as if he was the only hope for Democrats to retain that seat. Also, from the articles, Rahm Emmanuel was salivating to run him for the House, which is a good starting ground for an unproven, untested commodity. But, I understand your frustrations at seemingly being thwarted by the "establishment."
One thing that is disturbing is the undercurrent of some of these Iraqi Vet candidacies that those who serve in the military are more qualified than those who chose not to, for whatever reason. Having heard 3 Iraq War vets on Hardball yesterday (2 GOP, 1 Dem) basically make that case, I don't like where that leads.
David Ashe was 10% behind Thelma Drake last year while spending a lot less money. He just bowed out of the race because of the pressure that the Democrats in this state were putting on him.
I'm not saying that Phil Kellam isn't a good candidate, because he is. It's just that we shouldn't be paying so much attention to Ohio if the same thing is going on in our own state.
Frankly, despite my disagreement with the way this was handled, I think that some people are over playing Hackett's virtues at Brown's expense. Sherrod Brown is a better candidate.
Sherrod Brown is more progressive than Paul Hackett. There is a bit of people cutting off the nose to spite the face here. There is too much passionate ownership of the Hackett phenom among some of the netroots. People should take a close look at Sherrod Brown's career, his votes in Congress, etc.
Sorry everybody, I know I'm probably in the minority, but I don't see what the big deal is. I don't think Hackett should have dropped out, but now the he has, we have to get behind Brown.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid19385.asp
Study: Masculinity linked to homophobia
A new study by researchers at Cornell University has found that men whose masculinity is threatened respond by adopting more macho attitudes, including increased homophobia. Cornell researcher Robb Willer put to the test the theory that men insecure about their masculinity overcompensate with macho attitudes.
Willer gave more than a hundred Cornell undergraduate students a gender identity survey and then randomly told them their responses indicated they had a masculine or feminine identity. Then the subjects were interviewed about political opinions, car preferences, and feelings toward gay people. Willer says men who were told they were feminine gave much more homophobic responses. They were also more likely to support the war in Iraq and to be interested in buying an SUV. Women's responses were unchanged by the masculine-feminine rating. Willer will present his findings at the American Sociological Association's 100th annual meeting later this month. (Sirius/OutQ)
There's more than a little truth in that study. For a current, probably accurate though unscientific version, consider all the American males out there who are "too manly" to see Brokeback Mountain!
Seriously, the problem in Virginia (and elsewhere) isn't just the religious "true believers." The bigger problem, for the future of this country, is the cynical Republicans (mostly) who are exploiting homophobia and other fears to get votes, and the timid Democrats (mostly) who won't stand up and say "enough."
If this person knows these details, why doesn't he report this knowledge to officials?
Kilgore attaacked Kaine on an issue like the death penalty that was calculated to split Virginians into warring camps. Kaine stuck to issues like education and transportation that bring Virginians together.
Kaine won.
I still resent Mark's national plunge. But, that said, I wish him well.
I will be cheered if both Webb and Miller stick to Allen and instead of attacking each other show mutual respect and support.
Allen is the target and part of the larger problems with gov't. after all.
It is not that I don't respect right-wing Christian's beliefs. It's that the attempt at implementation of their beliefs through the government is wrong, particularly when it prevents other good people from living the lives God gave them (thinking same-sex marriage here), and particularly when it would use taxpayer monies to support and endorse their radical religious views (thinking school vouchers going to schools that teach religious bigotry and hate).
These are core fundamental tenets not just of the Democratic Party, but of American democracy...remember that line in the Bill of Rights (well at least we can call it that....for now) about "make no law respecting religion or the establishment thereof"?
Come on Harris, you're definitely losing me there. I understand you want to be moderate and appeal to business and you don't always agree with all Democrats---that's totally fine because neither do I, but let's not denigrate the base you are asking to support you either.
Question is, is Webb any better?
Damn, I'd hate to not have a worthy candidate to support in the Senate race.
I am really excited about this vote in November...we Dems have a real chance to take back Virginia. At this point, though, I think Webb is still our best bet to do that. I look forward to hearing more from both candidates.
my 2 cents
-Alec
By the way, can you clarify Miller's position on making the Bush tax cuts permanent? Like many Democrats, I'm strongly against that, since those tax cuts wildly favored the richest Americans and since they ran up the deficits BIG TIME - a "tax increase" on the next generation(s), as Miller correctly pointed out.
Oh, and Harris did not "duck" questions on James Webb--Harris took the responsible position by deferring any questions about James Webb to James Webb himself. At the age of 60, James Webb just became a 'democrat'--lots of questions there, and better left for Webb to answer them for himself. Harris Miller has been in the democratic party for almost 40 years, including chair of the Fairfax County Democratic Party for six years.
Again, Harris had a really good interview and we were really proud of him! And we looking forward to the early March event with Harris Miller and Mark Warner!
Harris never said such a thing on WTOP, and I just listened to it again (WTOP has it on realplayer) to make sure.
Easy, Nell. Don't forget, Harris grew up in a real destitute area of in western PA (near where I grew up). Harris has not forgot his roots. Heck, he worked for the Carter administration for God's sake.
If you go to WTOP youself and listen to the interview, you hear that Harris is mad as hell about the $350B of taxes not collected last year. AND WE KNOW WHO DOES NOT PAY THEIR TAXES AND HAVE LAWYERS AT HAND TO FIGHT THE IRS. The rich, of course.
So relax, Nell! Harris may be the real deal.
Harris never said such a thing on WTOP, and I just listened to it again (WTOP has it on realplayer) to make sure.
Easy, Nell. Don't forget, Harris grew up in a real destitute area of in western PA (near where I grew up). Harris has not forgot his roots. Heck, he worked for the Carter administration for God's sake.
If you go to WTOP youself and listen to the interview, you hear that Harris is mad as hell about the $350B of taxes not collected last year. AND WE KNOW WHO DOES NOT PAY THEIR TAXES AND HAVE LAWYERS AT HAND TO FIGHT THE IRS. The rich, of course.
So relax, Nell! Harris may be the real deal.
That being said, I really like Harris Miller. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I'm leaning his way.
Frankly, we have to get over this Hackett thing or we'll be stuck with DeWine for another 6 years. Is that what you want?
A few comments from Ohio newspapers about Hackett:
"Former Hackett aides say the biggest problem facing his campaign at the end was insufficient money. Hackett cited the problem himself in an interview with The Plain Dealer earlier this week. Despite his initial rant on party leaders, he said, the overriding reason for his exit was a realization that he couldn't raise the $3 million he thought he needed to win the primary...One of [the Hackett campaign's] biggest obstacles to banking that money, they said, was that Hackett hated fund raising. While most candidates share that feeling, people familiar with Hackett's campaign say he was especially resistant to efforts by aides to get him to use one of the most efficient but unpleasant fund raising techniques: sitting at the phone for hours, calling friends, relatives, and strangers to ask for money. Tension over the problem led in January to the departure of his finance director...Hackett, who prized his independent streak and proudly called it a family trait - he voted twice for Ross Perot for president and championed gun rights as well as gay rights - also chafed at having his schedule set by aides. On the weekend before he bowed out, aides say, he stunned his staff by refusing at the last minute to attend certain events - including appearances at several black churches - that had apparently been put on his schedule over his objections."
Here's another:
"Paul Hackett, the rookie Democratic politician from Cincinnati who dropped out of the U.S. Senate race earlier this week, would do well to read the works of Irish-American journalist Finley Peter Dunne. If he did, perhaps Hackett would stop sounding like a whiner. In 1895, Chicago pub owner Martin Dooley, one of Dunne's literary creations, said, 'Polytics ain't bean bag. 'Tis a man's game; and women an' childer, and prohybitionists'd do well to stay out iv it.'...It came as no surprise to anyone paying attention to politics that support for Brown among party leaders would far outweigh support for Hackett. Brown is considered much more electable. Period. That's the goal of politics -- winning. When Hackett dropped from the race he complained with some immature bitterness that the pressure from party leaders had injured his fund-raising efforts and forced him out. But Hackett's own polls showed him trailing Brown by almost a 2-to-1 margin among Ohio Democrats. It should have been clear even to him that the party to which he often voices his loyalty is better served with Brown on the ballot...Now is the time for Hackett to stop complaining, throw his support to Brown and do all he can to help the Democrats defeat DeWine in November. Along the way, Hackett should look for new political opportunities of his own...And when he does, he would be well served to remember Dunne's words. Politics ain't bean bag. It's a contact sport that can only be played successfully one way - to win."
More here
Hackett got forced out, and it's time people stopped trying to rationalize how Hackett 'quit' and all that nonsense.
I'm tired. Good night folks.
This guy oozes with personality and let's face it, if Sherod Brown was such a great candidate, what the hell has he been waiting for to run all these years? I mean he's been in the House for a very, very long time (okay, I don't have the exact number of years and am too lazy to look it up, but you get the idea).
It's true, Hackett is a bit unconventional and not as seasoned. But come on, if one of the stupidest persons on earth can get himself elected as president, Hackett's handlers could've guided him and kept him out of trouble.
I gotta admit, Hackett was really, really green. On the day of election, he came to one of his campaign offices, where I was busy calling local radio stations and giving shout-outs to canvassers just to get free air time. Kinna like a free ad.
Anyhow...to make a long story short, the county executive was in there making calls with a media circus following Hackett. And the county executive turns to Hackett and says, "If the early polls come in, and Schmidt is only ahead by a few points, you've got a shot."
Hackett was attentively listening to the more "seasoned" pol, even though he was a mere lowly county commissioner.
"Really, you think?" he asked in awe.
I love retelling my Hackett stories 'cause it was just so exciting; the energy was incredible. Folks from as far as Texas were coming in daily; and the locals were putting everyone up, gratis.
My point is that Hackett was the best candidate; and he would have beaten Brown and then gone on to beat DeWine. If he could almost win in a district that was overwhelmingly red (like Southwest Virginia), Hackett was a winner.
Now, unfortunately, polls show DeWine kicking Brown's ass, which of course is par for the course.
Just read the post from Buckeye Senate Blog, "Rasmussen Poll - Brown Is Toast," at http://www.buckeyesenateblog.com/2006/02/brown_is_toast.html.
And indeed, Brown appears to be "toast."
By your reasoning, every Republican in Virginia should have voted for Jerry Kilgore, but we know that didn't happen.
By the way, not to brag, but I have scored a major coup . . .
We MUST get public financing, no contributions from groups or from outside the subject district, and so on. Otherwise other people who would make outstanding elected officials will not consider running... too much awful grubbing for money.
I totally agree with you! The DSCC is not nearly as all powerful as some people here seem to believe. If Hackett wanted to stay in the race- he should have, end of story.
Instead, he's responsible for sowing as much discontent in the Democratic as the DSCC by making the story about himself, instead of about why DeWine needs to lose his job. They messed up to draw Hackett in and then try to push him out, especially if it was done behind his back- no denying that.
But just for a thought experiment, if Mark Warner announced for VA Senate tomorrow, how many people here would still be handing around petitions for James Webb?
The purpose of most political blogs is to bring like-minded individuals together to advance a left-wing or right-wing agenda. Sometimes this feels like a majority position when in reality you are reaching the 5% on either side of the political spectrum who ARE ALREADY VOTING/AGREE with whatever you are talking about
If bloggers really wanted to make a difference they would post more about why their ideas are good and less about bashing whoever is on the opposite side. If you read most of the comments they either basically agree with the post or completely slam it.
P.S. like it or not the DNC/RNC control the money and the power. People aren't going to get anywhere without their support
P.P.S. you could always try the republicans if the democratic party structure is making you upset :)
WE know that Lieberman is too cozy with GOP, but how many "regular" Democrats know that? Supporting Alito, supporting the war, having a permanent invition to Fox News, and basically being W's biggest cheerleader does NOT endear him to us but we are the only ones really paying attention.
The vast majority of Republicans in the Federal government are inept, corrupt, greedy, and ruthless. They now control ALL THREE BRANCHES of government, so I think we have every right to demand a left-wing counterbalance. Give Joe the boot and lets see what Lamont can do.
/rant
-Alec
As for the disconnect between blogosphere and Joe L and the Dem Party, I find the same phoenomenem on the right side, too, so maybe blogs also perform the function of keeping the alternate views up-to-date and current, acting as a seedbed or source for ideas and change when the idea's time comes--- somewhat in the manner of third parties in America, where ideas germinate, grow, are honed, then become ready for prime time and are (sometimes reluctantly) absorbed into the mainstream.
Also, the blogs could be considered a steam vent on the pressure cooker of politics; if the pressure becomes too great and a racket ensues rather than shoot each other the lumpkin of the traditional parties suddenly notice, and maybe some little thing gets done as a result, and down the pressure goes. At times of ferment and crisis as the need for change builds to explosive levels, the blogs have perhaps more effect. So, don't be downhearted, we really ARE performing a vital function and we may well have a decisive influence on the future because now is what I call a Hinge-Time when things can (and must) change perhaps overnight... there are too many things building to a perfect storm in too many fields from economics to monetary to social to religion to foreign policy, and so on.
disapprove 25 21 30 27
Isn't something a bit odd if Lieberman's approval rating among Republicans is higher and his disproval rating lower than among Democrats in the state? Looking at several of the other polls done, I can't find any others where the Democrat is rated higher by Republicans.
Also, in primaries, especially closed ones like in Connecticut, the voters tend to be a lot more liberal than the representative populations (or more conservative for Repub primaries). The liberals that are most disgusted by him are more likely to turn out and vote for Lamont in the primary while the moderate voters who support Lieberman over Lamont are less likely to vote in the primary.
How to fix things? 1, get more people blogging. 2, less rants and more sharing of information and creating a community. 3, interview fellow off-line Democrats and then be introspective about why there are disagreements.
Now I'll go try to follow my own advice.
Lieberman has not been a 'moderate'; he's been a FoxNews Democrat, actively promoting Republican talking points and hurting the party. Lieberman's position on the war on Iraq is completely out of step with national polls, much less Connecticut voters' views. Time to offer Nutmeg State voters a chance to choose someone who more closely represents them, and a Democrat who will help Democrats nationally as well as locally.
By the way, I am well aware that Howard Dean governed Vermont as a moderate. The 2003/2004 "Dean Activists," however, were much more liberal - as shown by the Pew poll and tremendous anecdotal/empirical evidence - than "All Democrats." And the hotbed for these people was, in many ways, the liberal blogosphere, particularly DailyKos.
Eric: You may be onto something in pointing out a potential disconnect between primary voters and bloggers. However, I don't really know what that disconnect might be. Here in Virginia, the Democratic bloggers I know don't seem too much different than regular Democratic primary voters - a mix of left-wing, centrist, etc. Certainly, the political bloggers are more knowledgeable about the details of state politics, but I'm not sure that leads to a disconnect when it comes to voting propensity or patterns. For instance, I know Virginia Dem. bloggers who voted for Leslie Byrne, Chap Petersen, and Phil Puckett (not sure about Viola Baskerville, which is an interesting issue in and of itself - almost all political bloggers are white, and overwhelmingly male).
It does make me wonder about the correlation between the bloggers and primary voters - are they the same block of passionate partisans or has the blogoshpere created a new breed of political junky?
Dean's rather weak showing in early 2004 primaries despite his strong blog backing would seem to indicate that they are different groups. But the early presidential primary battles in Iowa and NH may be different than most primaries, so perhaps the similarities don't apply in this case.
As an independent living in Virginia for the the past 6 years, Jim is exactly correct - they (those in control of the republican party and their media bootlickers) will do the same thing to Mark Warner if he makes it very far into the primary season at all.
But that's our brilliant political media. Don't buy into the spin. As for Kos, et. al., same thing - he happens to be a screechy partisan right now, but he's a moderate on most issues and downright conservative on some.
Partisanship is not ideology, just as politics is not policy, and tone is not substance. To confuse these things is exactly what the anti-intellectual cowards leading the 'modern Republican party' would like us to do. It allows them to paint principled outrage at their gutting of the Constitution (for example) as "playing politics." Don't let them.
But smoking is something else again. It's just so far beyond "well, if he wants to smoke, that's his business" libertarian philosophy. No, it's not. Secondhand smoke affects everyone subjected to it -- so why is Virginia involved in perpetuating unhealthy conditions for all Virginians?
(Of course, I also have problems with the libertarian argument -- "smokers have the right to kill themselves smoking if they want to" -- given that the medical costs of smoking increase insurance rates, Medicaid and Medicare costs, and so on for everyone. This may not be fatal, but it's another "secondhand" cost of smoking.)
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Americans_for_Tax_Reform#Funding
If you look at Parrish's and Lingamfelter's 2005 contributions, you'll see plenty from in-state and out-of-state "sin" companies. Clearly these two legislators have gotten the message that some of their heavy contributors do not want to see any taxes being raised. They also got money from various convenience store companies and PACs. These stores make lots of money selling beer and cigarettes.
If you step back from the vote, you can see that other than this explanation, Lingamfelter and Parrish should support Metro. (And remember whis is a chance to get "free" money from the feds -- which might be thrown away.) Why? Even if not many people ride Metro from their areas, they sure don't want to see Metro closed down. You know what it would be like commuting from Prince William and Manassas if Metro didn't run?
By the way, something similar happened in Texas during their past budget cycle. Norquist, Gov. Perry and a Texas beer baron went on a cruise together before the budget was being voted on. Because Texas had been underfunding education and a court order had put pressure on the legislature to raise money, some taxes had to be raised. Did they tax beer? No siree. They went after bottled water (which we know is what liberals drink).
Adam wasn't saying that all Webb fans are Deaniacs and you know that. He was simply saying that many of you act like those supporters of Dean from the 04 election, also drawing a connection from the Warner "endorsement" of Miller. You could debate him on those terms, not just saying that, "Adam Sharp, who apparently thinks Webb supporters-myself included, presumably-are all 'Deaniacs." In his response to "Warner always does the right thing" he said (im paraphrasing here) that you guys remind him of those Deaniacs. On his blog, he said you guys act like Deaniacs. Did you bother to read either? If you did, why try to mislead people?
There is a big difference from being something and reminding/acting like something. He seems like a good, democratic worker just like everyone else in these rooms (which is also bothersome with these places, you seemingly have to have had worked on a campaign just to post in here with any cred). Why try to twist his words?
Personally, I loved the scream--I was there in Iowa. It was great. I loved it because it showed Howard's enthusiasm in what he believed, and that people believed in him enough to allow that kind of unrestrained political presence. It just seemed he was willing to be real.
It's clear that the body politic's impressions of Howard Dean and why his campaign faltered are not based in the truth, but on media-perpetuated inaccuracies of what happened. Alas, it's history now, and we have a Senate race to run.
As far as the issue at hand, Sean raises some very good points above, which I believe Webb supporters would do very well to take note of. For first time, I will say publicly that I am leaning (ever so slightly) to Webb at this point, because I believe he has the potential to be an incredibly unifying candidate for Senate, and to credibly challenge Allen (not that Miller couldn't, but I think he wouldn't). I am very, very wary of Miller after his "Old Testament Kind of Guy" thing and his inferrence that Democrats critical of the right wing are "disrespecting" their religious beliefs. Hogwash, it's not disrespecting their beliefs to object to them trying to enforce their beliefs through government in a pluralistic society onto everyone else.
Webb and Miller together, by virtue of this primary process, have an incredible opportunity to serve this Commonwealth and country with an issue-oriented primary campaign that keeps the guns focused on George Allen, not each other. The people of Virginia will make the right choice. Of that I am sure. We definitely need the candidates and their supporters to behave civilly in the meantime.
Indeed, there is a better way, and we need to be the way.
Yeah...
I think it was Oklahoma in which Clark was the winner of the Democratic primary.
Yeah... Oklahoma.
It was the only one he won, but he did certainly win in Oklahoma.
ok
"where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain
And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet
When the wind comes right behind the rain."
:)
Adam has made some really astute points. As a fellow Dean supporter here in Virginia, I have great respect for his ability to look back on lessons learned from his work for Dean back in '03/04. You may find the comparisons to be uncomfortable, but as someone who is watching the growing support for Webb in the VA blogosphere from a distance, I think Adam is raising some really useful points -- points that you can make use of while there is still time to adjust your approach to the primary.
Doug in Mount Vernon, thanks for always being the voice of reason! :-)
Lowell, there have been a few incredibly disappointing moments in my life: October 23, 1993, January 19, 2004, and November 2, 2004. In all three cases, people for which I thought I had placed nearly all my earthly hopes lost. I vicariously lost as well.
I look back on my time as a Deaniac understanding what I did wrong and what others did wrong. People more willing to send an e-mail to someone in New Hampshire than talk to their neighbor. People more willing to blog with people they would never meet than come to a local Democratic party gathering. People willing to completely forsake a process simply because they lost.
I'm just trying to offer a light for people I see in a similar place. I don't want you to storm off in a mix of disappointment and anger if Webb loses; I want you to increase the firepower on Allen. You know that if Miller loses I will try to be the loudest voice in favor of Webb (instead of 2004, when I sat grousing about Kerry's triumph until the Swift Boat hacks kicked my rage into overdrive).
It boils down to sportsmanship: give everything on the field and take no prisoners, then shake hands afterwards and vow that next time will be different. After a primary, you have to join the winning team to fight the real bad guys. We'll need everyone to beat Allen, especially you. I want to make sure you're still on the field June 14th no matter what happens.
Lowell
PS Ditto to Maura, one of the smartest, most astute people around, on or off the blosophere!
Adam, I miss being around the VA blogosphere, believe me! And I miss being in VA, too. I've been up in CT taking care of my elderly dad. Originally it was supposed to be in lieu of home hospice care, but the good news is that he's "graduated" from hospice...that is, he's outlived everyone's predictions. I guess I know who my stubborn streak comes from! ;-)
I still have my place in VA (I really need to break down and rent it out, but I hate to entirely surrender my VA home!) but I'm working up in CT now. Unfortunately, working as a teacher and taking care of my dad has left me no time for blogging. I still try to read all of you every couple of days or so, but I rarely have time to even jump in and comment.
Someday my life will go back to "normal" and I'll be back in VA and blogging, but I can't wish for that, of course, since that will mean my dad won't be around. Until then, though, I'm SO excited to see how the VA Democratic blogosphere has grown. You and Lowell are my heroes! Keep up the great work!
Lowell, if George Allen styles himself a quarterback, are you calling for an all-out blitz? I'll all in favor ...
...acting an awful lot like Dean's...
There is some real truth to what Adam has observed while reading Raising Kaine. To me, Lowell's "Tongue and cheeck" response reads more sarcastic than dry humor; more of 'who does this Adam guy think he is anyway.'
My perception is that the principle bloggers on Raising Kaine more often jump the gun on emotional issues that bring defensive reactions, particularly when it comes to James Webb, and especially when there is any adverse opinion over the content and quality on Raising Kaine.
The same thing happened on other blogs in 2003 and early 2004. Even the die-hard Clark supporters started to follow that strategy.
And it has started again with the Webb fanatics: Intense uncritical devotion and excessive enthusiasm.
Such behavior toward any candidate may be understandable the week before a November election, but before a candidate has even made his first public appearance?
Wait one second: Isn't Miller 100% pro-choice?
What is the big deal, then?
Just curious.
Jim: Who?
John: It's a big deal because this is a critical issue for many Democrats. Also, my understanding is that the "Old Testament kind of guy" (Miller) favors parental notification...not sure how "pro-choice" he is overall.
Thank you, Lowell. You just made my day!
I would love to know when he will be out campaigning. Any word yet on when he will have a schedule of events up?
But you do not know who Cahill is? Sorry, but not a bright moment on your part?
(Kerry/Edwards 2004 Campaign Manager)
Let me get this straight.
No one posted on raising kaine or any other blog that they were responsible for draftjameswebb.com until AFTER Webb talked with the media earlier this month. Then all of a sudden, Lowell and Josh came running out of the woods to claim, "Look at me, look what I did!!" Ballsy, but not.
Dannyboy (whoever you are) is either Lowell's side-kick stooge or Lowell himself (you never know, especially when you do not use your real name). Again, Ballsy, but not.
You guys are so in love with Webb, and the other bloggers on this site are so captivated by the "legened" or "myth" or whatever of Webb, that you all simply dismiss the obvious.
Again, where is Lowell's proof on #3 and #4?Don't tell me: Ballsy, but not really.
You discredit yourselves by the oddball fanaticism for a man that hated Democrats for 30-40 years, now is a Democrat (as of what, last month?), and now wants to run as a Democrat to defeat a Senator that he endorsed during the last election. Oh, and Webb has not even made a campaign appearance (yet)!
I think it is official: Lowell and company have went so far out on a limb on this one that desire has turned to obsession.
Who will suffer for it in the end? Not Miller, and not Webb (he'll probably find a way to wiggle out of this one). The Virginia Democratic Party will suffer.
Have you ever heard of Dean, or Clark, or Hackett? Of course you have, you are products or lovers of those campaigns. Nice. Webb is off to a good start!
Oh, and before you type: I am a Democrat, and proud of it! I do not work for Miller, I do not even know him. No conspiracy theory here, just a sound opinion from a REAL Democrat.
Read his book "Born Fighting."
Semi-official Webb-approved baby names:
William
Wallace
Robert
Bruce
Andrew
Jackson
Thomas
Stonewall
Jackson
George
Patton
Just kidding!!!
1) Webb's mystery campaign manager is none other than Bill Clinton;
2) Webb's campaign will be accompanied at all times by a bluegrass band and a team of Highland Scots bearing an ornately carved wooden box containing the bones of William Wallace (aka "Braveheart");
3) George Allen will reveal his new campaign song this weekend; it will consist of conservative evangelical Christian lyrics sung to the music of "It's Raining Men"; and
4) "Ask again later."
And Lowell: Duh. I realized that when you said "authorized to say."
Dude, that was completely ridiculous! This site happens to be where the Draft James Webb movement originated! The Draft Webb Movement is practically an off-shoot of Raising Kaine. The RNC? Why would they be paying anybody to HELP get Webb nominated when they're already terrified that he could beat George "The Golden Child" Allen? They didn't flinch when Miller announced, but you could hear them Whimper all over the nation when Webb got in. Cranwell and Warner are going neutral because it's the right thing for the party. They're both master politicians, and they know that endorsing a candidate in a primary would be too divisive.
You challenge somebody's loyalty to the party, call unwarranted-smear more often than Bill O'Reilly, and consider a dedicated activist a joke. If there's one thing I CAN'T STAND it's the lack of civility in the blogosphere these days. How about next time you think before you say anything?
Regarding your #3 and #4 comments.
Some good Democrat you are. Are you that in love with Webb to go and smear Miller? Nice work, pal!
It is obvious that you were part of the draft Webb movement on draftjameswebb.com while you were pumping us all up about how great Webb is on this site. Does that make you a good Democrat? Questionable, at best.
What are you, a paid campaign staffer for Webb? or the RNC?
Another thing: Where is your proof that Cranwell went to neutral (as if he already was there because of two candidates) and that prominent democrats are telling Miller to pull the plug? Where are the links?
Christ, this site is becoming like Faux News. Your fanaticism with Webb is just too weird.
If Webb falls on is face, you are going to be a real joke. I hope for your sake that he won't.
Eileen et al: If true, I would strongly support David Ashe's appointment by Tim Kaine to the position you mention. Why would House Republicans oppose him? Whoops, I almost forgot who we're dealing with here...
That being said, I wouldn't go throwing that link around too much, man. Frankly, I think it's a little embarresing. Grassroots rebellion? Not supporting the Democratic Party of Virginia? Not supporting Harris Miller? Does that mean you guys won't support him if he wins the primary? Is it Webb or nothing with you guys?
And don't tell me that you were joking with that post. You seemed pretty damn pissed off for that.
As Teddy Roosevelt said, "It's not the critic who counts".
If you think there's a better way, then get up off your reality TV butt and do something.
We were proud of the Draft James Webb effort even when we thought it had failed. viz http://www.raisingkaine.com/1738.
Before you go off half-cocked, let's take stock of where the Democratic party currently stands in American: the Minority.
If you want to stay embedded in the minority for the remainder of the 21st century while the Republicans drive the nation to religious fanaticism, economic bankrupcy, international ricicule and moral decay, then just keep on keeping on with the Democratic party as it is.
This isn't about who's a better guy, or what's smart politically. This is about the future of our Nation. If the Democratic party is going to earn the right to represent Americans, the Democratic party must fight for and represent Americans. We owe it to our party, Virginia, the Nation and the World to take a good look at ourselves and fight for something we believe in.
Feel free to level your ignorant attacks at Lowell and myself. You are merely proving the point that this circular firing squad has to point its guns at the real enemy and rededicate itself to fighting for the American people.
Have some pride for goodness sakes.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lowell Feld
To: webmaster@jameswebb.com
Sent: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 17:57:19 -0500
Subject: jameswebb.comMr. Webb: I am the publisher of Raising Kaine, Virginia's leading Democratic political blog. I would be very interested in interviewing you about Virginia politics, and specifically about the possibility that you might take on George Allen in 2006. By the way, I strongly hope that you DO take on George Allen in 2006! Thanks.
Lowell Feld
Raising KainePS Did you see the article I wrote on you a couple of weeks ago? (http://www.raisingkaine.com/1125). It got a lot of comments...
Now, here's my first e-mail about "Drafting James Webb." It was sent to my Raising Kaine colleagues on December 13, 2005.
From: "Lowell Feld"
Date: Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:49 am
Subject: Draft James Webb!
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
Remove Author | Ban AuthorHere's a thought: how about we do a "draft James Webb" petition on Raising Kaine? Basically, the goal would be to collect names electronically, maybe a few thousand if we're lucky, then present them to James Webb. Also, we could ask people if they'd be willing to volunteer/give money/etc. Any thoughts? Can someone put the page together?
Let me know.
Thanks!
Lowell
We then started the Draft Webb petition effort, and three of us met with Mr. Webb on December 22, 2005. Needless to say, the three of us were VERY impressed. Webb is a warm, smart, fascinating human being who I hope you all get a chance to meet in person soon. Anyway, after that, it was off to the races, and here we are...
Eileen..Yes, that has been something that I keep on telling them they need to do. It should be up any day now.
I mean, a lot of people liked David Ashe, but many of them thought that Kellam was the better candidate. Plus, Kellam presents the closest threat to taking a seat from an R this year in Congress. Kellam will get all the support in the world.
J.C.:
You're right, let's all cool down. Thanks dude, the 8-ball thing was funny. Bill Clinton...in my wildest dreams, perhaps. Oh, and admire all those dudes you mentioned in that list. Cool guys. Kaplar!
Sean:
There HAVE been some unwarranted attacks from a few Webb supporters on Miller. If it means anything to you, I'm sorry if we offended anybody. Everybody tends to get a little excited about their candidate. It may not mean much coming from me, but speaking on behalf of Webb supporters everywhere, we're sorry if we offended you. I guarantee that was by no means our intention. We all respect Harris Miller and hope he stays around in politics. We just believe that Webb is something special, and this chance to take out Allen now is invaluable.
Brandon:
I assure you that I am NOT Lowell. I simply happen to be someone who believes in the term "Southern Gentlemen" and somebody who believes that you defend your pals. Plus, I KNOW you don't work for Miller. Miller's a good guy, and he wouldn't pay somebody to insult someone else like that.
Phew. Now that I've got that out of my system, who's ready to kick Allen's ass?
We definitely need to support Ashe. If we can pull of Kellam and Webb, we will have SERIOUS influence in the area. Enough to some day get Ashe into the GA, and Hampton Roads can finally get a major Democrat in the State Government.
"1738" is a sore spot in my mind, one of several posts that lead me to perceive you guys as "pro-Democrat, but only on our terms."
I never had a problem when I realized that you were responsible for the draftwebb site. However, I thought it was wrong to bash Miller (or at least throw out perception issues on Miller) without disclosure. You both came off as hacks, and unfortunately, that impression of of you (Lowell and Josh) remains.
Josh--You fired back at Brandon, "Have some pride for goodness sakes." I find little validity in that since you were also unkind to Miller without disclosure. And your 'Is Warner anti-Vet' post: Again, foolish. Yes, have some pride...
Lowell--You remarked to me in early February that you would not support Harris Miller if he wins the primary. But this morning you explained to Adam Sharpe that "I will certainly work hard for the democratic nominee against George Allen, don't worry about that!"
Well, what is it: Will you support Harris Miller if he defeats Webb in the primary? I've already stated that I will remain a strong, supportive Democrat to any nominee. You?
You guys may call yourselves Democrats, but you've been reckless when bashing Miller.
And Lowell, you have not answered Brandon's question about your #3 & #4 comments? What gives? Again, an issue of selective answers to valid questions.
I really applauded you for the hard work during the Kaine campaign. But it seems very odd that your judgement is unconditional toward Mr. Webb.
At best, Mr. Webb is a pseudo-democrat that is unproven in campaigning, and untested within Democratic circles. Being wary of our new 'Democrat' is not only appropriate, but is necessary. Especially when we are talking about the Senate.
If anything, many of your comments make me a stronger Democrat, and therefore a stronger supporter of Harris Miller.
Too Conservative: I've never been a big fan of Jackson and Sharpton, but I don't believe they are racists the same way "American Renaissance" is. Now Louis Farrakhan, on the other hand, is an out-and-out racist and anti-Semite.
-Yea..so they are racist
After going to their website..
I might agree they seem a little extreme.
While I understand they have free speech, they do seem teetering on the brink of all out hatred.
While I am STRONGLY, STRONGLY against affirmative action, illegal immigrants, and have a deep faith in my southern and german roots...
These people do seem like haters.
this is one of my pet peeves against liberals..
you all like al sharpton, and jesse jackson...
but then label these people a hate group.
Come on..look at Robert Byrd
Lowell, you're correct that the Latino immigrants coming to our country are part of Western civilization. However, these people are also the descendents of the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, in addition to being descendents of the Spanish, Portuguese, French, English, Italian, etc. The mixing of races in South and Central America in colonial times was quite prevalent.
Just a little fact for consideration. I know a bit about since my partner is one of them, and he is descended from both Europeans and either Mayan or Incan peoples.
Protests against the American Renaissance Have Begun!
The weekend long series of Actions by the DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) began yesterday when four members of DAWN went on an information blitz to inform guests of the Dulles Hyatt Hotel just who their money was supporting.
Four members of DAWN went to the Hyatt Dulles Hotel around 3:45 PM Thursday. This weekend, the Hyatt Dulles Hotel is the host of the 2006 American Renaissance Conference. They have hosted the conference a number of times in the past, including the last one in 2004. As has been discussed in previous posts, the American Renaissance is a White Power organization with ties to the KKK and other racist organizations.
When we arrived, a group of six or so of the speakers, who we recognized from the conference website, were sitting in the lobby. Pictures and information about each speaker can be found at www.amren.com/conference/conference06.htm. The speakers are world renowned White Power Activists. Among the ones sitting in the lobby this afternoon were Andrew Fraser, who publicly opposes non-white immigration in Australia, and Dan Roodt, who is one of the leaders of the Pro-Afrikaans Action Group (PRAAG) which publicly denounced the end of Apartheid in South Africa.
After sitting on a sofa in the lounge for a few minutes, fliers were slipped under the doors of all the rooms on the first floor as well as distributed to all the folks in the lobby. Two DAWN activists at this point moved outside to leave flyers on car windshields, while the other two roamed through the lobby and spoke with patrons. Many of the guests we spoke to were horrified at the fact that such a racist conference was being supported by the Hyatt hotel, and said they planned on switching hotels immediately. Once we got flyers to everyone in the lobby, we moved outside and gave flyers to the guests getting on and off of an airport shuttle, as well as to the bus driver and the gentleman who was unloading baggage. Everyone seemed very interested, surprised, and outraged by such behavior by the Hyatt. We are encouraging everyone to contact the local Dulles Hyatt as well as the Corporate Headquarters in Chicago (contact information below) to demand that they never again host this racist, White Power conference.
At this point the first pair of DAWN activists were approached by a number of security guards and informed we were on private property and soliciting was illegal and we had to leave immediately or they would call the police. Not wanting to be banned from the property as we plan on returning tomorrow, we slowly began walking towards the road, while trying to talk to them about White Power and asking them how they felt protecting a White Power organization. The guards collected fliers off of car windshields as they walked by, not knowing at the time that the other two DAWN activists were still out in the back parking lot distributing them there as well.
We gave fliers and had discussions with the drivers of cars coming onto and off of the property for a while before our fellow flyer distributers were discovered and escorted off the property as well. We stopped all cars coming in and out for a while longer until we decided to call it an afternoon and save the rest of our flyers for tomorrow.
DAWN, as well as a number of other groups and individuals, plan to have a large and noisy presence out in front of the Dulles Hyatt Hotel throughout the weekend long conference. The next action begins as conference registration begins, at 5 pm tonight. There will also be a presence throughout the day on Saturday and hopefully on Sunday as well. The Hyatt Dulles Hotel should be embarrassed.
If you can't make it to the Hyatt Dulles Hotel in person, please call the local hotel as well as the corporate offices to tell them that hosting a racist conference is unacceptible and that you will never stay at a Hyatt Hotel (again), unless they agree to stop hosting the American Renaissance Conference.
Hyatt Dulles Hotel Local Number: 703-713-1234.
Hyatt Dulles Hotel Fax Number: 703-713-3410
Hyatt Corporate Headquarters: 312-750-1234 (in Chicago)
As for #3 and #4, this is simply reporting - I don't make this stuff up, after all - and I'm certainly not going to reveal my sources. Let's just say that I hear from all kinds of people across Virginia...
Finally, how about we declare a truce: I won't "bash" Miller for his flaws if you don't "bash" Webb for his. Instead, let's launch an all-out war on George Allen and turn this Senate seat BLUE in 06! Deal?
You guys may call yourselves Democrats, but you’ve been reckless when bashing Miller.
Show me where I have "bashed" Harris Miller.
I've been extremely pointed in my declarations of support for Mr. Miller. I consistently repeat the following:
I respect and admire Harris Miller. He's a smart guy and a good Democrat. He's been supporting Democrats for 30 years in Virginia and my hat goes off to him.
I believe that in Virginia James Webb has a much better chance against George Allen. If he's nominated, Harris Miller may surprise us. He's got a lot going for him, and if he wins the nomination I'll be there supporting him.
I have NEVER bashed him.
As far as the issues upon which I disagree with Mr. Miller: his H1B visa position, death penalty, the Iraq War and his recently reversed position against voter verified voting, we all need to consider these things when we consider his candidacy.
Bill Wrote:
lead me to perceive you guys as “pro-Democrat, but only on our terms.â€
Bill, I've been active in the Democratic party, through thick and think for longer than I can remember. When my grandcestors got off at Ellis Island, the first thing they did was get union cards and the second thing was to join the Democratic party.
That said, this party needs to change. We have forgotten the interests of lower-income, less-ecucated, white voters, and we can't afford to have them support Republicans over Democrats 2 to 1 anymore.
We need to consider what kind of candidate James Webb will be and what kind of Senator he will be.
I'm not about to hide the fact that I'm a booster for Mr. Webb. I was one of his leading proponents in this race, long before he was a candidate. There something extremely powerful in this candidacy. He brings something to the table that the Democratic party needs, that Virginia needs, and that the nation needs: the ability to re-connect with True American Greatness.
This election, this time, is where Democrats can really change the direction of things in America; where we can bring the power of American Greatness back in to the Democratic party by reaffirming the greatness of true Democratic Values. We believe in responsible government, checks and balances, universal opportunity, strong communities, healthy families, fair competition, and leading the world by example.
James Webb can provide a powerful voice that will be heard nationwide and in every corner of the Commonwealth.
Y'all don't be afraid to question things, candidates, positions, what have you, but take a look and give yourselves a reality check.
This is an important election and it's important we send the best man to Southwest VA, Tidewater, and Richmond to carry the standard.
Is it James Webb? Is it Harris Miller? We don't know, but that's why we're here... to hash it out.
Josh Chernila
P.S. - Doug, I agree Judy Feder really is Dynamite!
I agree with Denise, Judy FEDER iS DYNAMITE!! Wow, she really bowled me over. That woman can WIN.
We do miss you up here, Eileen, so happy I can still read your work down in VB. Rollie Winter would be so proud of you in his old stomping ground!
Miller really pissed me off last night with his ignorant comments about the marriage amendment. I can't believe he tied his SUPPORT of it to Mark Warner and Tim Kaine's "support". For the record, Tim has now said he opposes the amendment because it's not just about defining marriage, but goes dangerously further into the private right to contract between ANY two unmarried individuals. Miller didn't even know that Kaine has said he opposes it, but instead commented that "if Mark Warner and Tim Kaine support it, he'll support it".
WTF? The Old Testament Guy is looking worse and worse to me, and Webb is looking better. I like the fact that he's pro-choice. I do want to know where he'll stand on the marriage amendment. You can believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman and still have plenty of latitude to oppose this amendment, as Tim Kaine, Shannon Valentine, and many others had demonstrated the courage to do.
Will Webb?
"And Lowell, you have not answered Brandon’s question about your #3 & #4 comments? What gives? Again, an issue of selective answers to valid questions." It was told to him in confidence by somebody. He's not allowed to say who. Cut the guy some slack, okay?
Bill:
We will ALL support Miller is he gets the nomination. Why? Because he's not George Allen. Will we be as enthused? Probably not. Will we campaign for Miller. Probably.
Don't question our loyalty as Democrats. In create an EVEN wider rift between Webb and Miller supporters. We should be firing at Allen, not each other. Miller supporters have been JUST as guilty as Webb supporters. Miller supporters are always calling Webb on "not being a Democrat." Then you get mad when we point out faults in Miller?
How about we all stop this "Webb's not a Democrat" and "Miller is a wanna-be Warner" and start focusing on this issues? Regardless of what anybody here has said, we are ALL Democrats, and we shouldn't act like this.
And Jackson, yeah he's an opportunist. But as a fellow oppressed angry soul, I understand their rage, even if I know how to control mine better (well, little better!).
Quail is awesome eating, eileen. If you ever get the chance, go for it. Just make sure you're actually eating quail, and not Harry Whittington, because (according to the VP) they're pretty easy to confuse.
Any Miller fans out there up to the challenge?
Six months early? I'm not too sure.
Bush is going to make Nixon look like a high-flier!
my bet... 28%.
;)
What the situation really does is offer the public still more evidence that EVERYthing this Administration does is intended to enhance the bottom line of global big businesses, not "protect" America or fight the oddly named War on Terror. Is there some way to document the close ties of House Bush to the entire Arab petrobusiness... I mean, the really gross connections, not the obvious one of "Bandar Bush?" Maybe Robert Parry will re-issue his exposes going back to Iran Contra.
This blog reached a new level last week when ‘Is Warner anti-Vet’ was posted after Gov. Warner publicly committed to holding a fundraiser for Harris Miller. And the fanaticism for Mr. Webb has made it all the easier for bloggers and guests at this site to easily dismiss Harris Miller’s candidacy.
You wonder why no Harris Miller supporters have come forward? I can only speak for myself, but I have had to tune you out. I only felt the need to post a comment here because I have been critical of this issue, and (at the very least) you deserve a reply.
Not that I do not appreciate the work that was done throughout the 2005 campaigns, and not that I won’t follow this blog with interest after the 2006 primary election. Right now, I am too disappointed and too wary to expend any more effort.
During future commonwealth Democratic primaries, I hope that the principals at Raising Kaine take proactive steps, such as 1) disclosing campaigning and/or draft campaigning for a specific candidate; 2) keep one of the principals in a neutral position to keep a balance by not condoning information that is unverifiable, distorts, and/or outright smears; and 3) keep, maintain, and nurture an open line of communications between ALL Democratic primary candidates. Disclose, verify, and communicate. How hard can that be?
Best of luck with your campaigning this spring.
But this does very little for a real, coherent, multi-modal (wonk jargon for more than one method of transportation, like rail or subway as well as roads) transportation planning. Given the Republican tilt toward their big campaign contributors, it is likely the proposal would end up being a give-away and a ripoff of taxpayer dollars, all simply to add to big business' bottom line... think Halliburton and Iraq or Katrina. The plan would have to be very, very carefully worded and audited with transparency and controls. And where does this leave, say, Metro and commuter rail?
Cheers.
I hate to have to break this to you, but without the principles of the Constitution, there would be no foundation for emancipation, nor any rights for any Americans, black, white, yellow, red... whatsoever.
It's a shame you feel the need to throw out the baby with the bathwater like that.
Again, principles are greater than individual men. Jackson's representation of the common man is greater than whatever failings he might have had. Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Ghandi, you name a powerful, transformational leader, then look in to their personal lives and see what you find.
The principle is greater than the individual. Which is why centering your life on principles is of such critical importance. Even when we die, the principles we represent and strive to embody may live on.
I know this time waiting has been rough, but it's been well spent.
The Webb campaign will have lots to say.
Any chance you can be in Alexandria on Saturday?
Although it's difficult, viewing history through the lenses of our 21st centry belifs, I believe it is fair to say much the same of Jefferson.
I'm the last one you'll ever hear speak badly of Martin Luther King, he's a personal hero of mine. His legacy transcends race and belongs to all Americans of good conscience who choose to embody it. Dr. King does have his critics, who I don't respect well enough to repeat their arguments, but their arguments don't diminish the man or his legacy for me in the least.
Nothing anyone can say about this great man could in any way turn me against the powerful principles and accomplishments of one of the greatest American heroes of the 20th century.
Jefferson's contradiction:
It's my understanding that Mr. Jefferson worked very hard to emancipate the slaves as part of the Constitutional writing process, but in order to make sure that the southern states were included in the union, he was forced to compromise. Would it have been better for the nation to be founded separately as two countries, one with slaves and one without? I don't know. I do know that the principle of universal sufferage, equality, and liberty lives on and transcends both Jefferson's life and time.
Jefferson freed two slaves in his lifetime and five in his will and chose not to pursue two others who ran away. Still, I continue to wrestle with the contradiction you point out. As one writer put it:
How could a man responsible for writing the sacred words "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal" have been a slave owner? He never resolved his internal conflict on this issue.
I've wrestled with these issues for a long time. All I've been able to determine is that these are certainly different eras.
There was a time in Europe when anyone who didn't comply with the letter of the catholic cannon could be burned as a heretic. In the old testament there were no end to the offenses for which one could be stoned to death.
Jefferson sewed the seeds of the Enlightenment for America, ensuring that our nation would not be buried in backward theocracy, but rather a rule of law. It took generations for those seeds to yeild the flowers of liberty and equality that we see today. It will take many more generations for them to truly be fulfilled.
The rule of law is Jefferson's true legacy. That law has evolved over time and come to regard the words "ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL" to include men of all races and women too. It took hundreds of years and countless deaths for that transformation to take place.
You want to take it for granted that Jefferson shouldn't have held slaves, and you criticize Jefferson for living as a slaveholder. Moreover you criticize Jefferson as somehow betraying his principles.
I'd say that his principles were the pinnacle of principle available to him at the time. Jefferson did stand by his principles standing up for the equality of "All Men" in the terms which he inherited and which were embodied culturally at the time.
I think that it takes time for these things to work themselves through a national culture and holding the likes of Jefferson to 21st century ideals of racial equality is like faulting medieval mathematicians for not understanding calculus.
The immutable laws were present, but not understood at the time.
Look at our divided nation today. We've still got a long way to go.
And someone please tell us, when is this campaign going to start in the first place? It is a genuine question, and I hate it when this question is brushed off.
As far as the personal life thing goes. I dont think its fair to compare the affairs of Martin Luther King to owning slaves as Jefferson did. As I said I appreciate the principles Jefferson spoke about but I totally disprespect the life he led. In other words, Jefferson talked the talk but didn't walk the walk. It's not like Martin Luther King was speaking of racial equality and then going home and living his life completely different from what he spoke about. Did Martin forbid whites from entering his home? Did he refuse to make personal friendships with whites? Did he refuse to eat at a resteraunt that whites were in? No he said what he felt and led his life accordingly. His affairs had nothing to do with his crusade for racial equality. On the otherhand, Jefferson said one thing and did another... He spoke of liberty and justice for all yet went home and worked his slaves. Like I said I don't think you can compare the two and such comparisons will continue to erode the base of the Democratic Party which is 25% black.
So get a grip, and learn to deal with historical allusions: there are going to be a lot of these this year.
Josh as a black from Charlottesville, VA my answer to your question is not only yes but hell yes. Jefferson was the biggest hypocrit the country has known. This man sat atop his moutain in his mansion built by slaves and had the nerve to talk about freedom and inalienable rights all while forcing people to work in the hot Virginia sun for no payment or the fundamental human inalienable right of being treated like a human. He represents an older Democratic party that we should move away from. A Democratic Party that was racist and was the worst thing for Blacks until the modern Republican Party. Just because Jefferson was a founding father doesn't make him a God or even a good person at that.
This all might sound strange from not only a UVA student but a Charlottesville resident at that, but I suppose my race gives me a different outlook on Jefferson than the average American.
Jake:
We're not saying the Webb is Jackson reincarnate. Webb is not racist is the slightest bit. We are saying that he has the same principle: "Every man is equal in the eyes of God and the government." Again, he was a product of his time. When the founding fathers wrote "All men are created equal", they meant all white, land-owning males are equal. Many of our founding fathers were slave owners. Should we call George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, too? Washington slaughtered thousands of Native Americans during the French-Indian war. What of James K. Polk? He was the man responsible for pushing the Native-Americans off of their lands.
Native Americans have had a horrible plight, and America knows this. But to consider Jackson to Hitler? Well....that's a bit extreme. Hitler intentionally killed 6 million Jews. Jackson unintentionally killed 4,000 Cherokee. Still horrible, don't get me wrong, but the intentions were different. Jackson wanted the Cherokee moved to a reservation. It wasn't his intent to kill any of them. Jackson may have been a racist, like many men of his time, but he was definitely NOT a perpetrator of genocide. As for the Seminoles, he was a soldier sent into war by James Monroe. He had no choice in the matter one way or another. Monroe suspected the Seminoles of being aided by the British and Spanish, and sent Jackson in to do his duty. To learn more of Jackson on these issues, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson . I urge you to take look at his record with an open mind.
Like it or not, Jackson is one of the two fathers of our party. Jefferson created the Democratic-Republicans, then Jackson refined it into the Democratic Party. That's why Democrats have Jefferson-Jackson dinners.
For goodness sakes, people: THIS IS AMERICA.
What's next, Franklin = Pol pot? Washington = himler? Adams = baelzabub?
fer cryin' out loud. If Democrats want to represent America we must earn the right and can't turn our backs on the greatest traditions of our party. Do we turn our backs on Roosevelt because of Japanese internment?
Whitewashing American history would leave nobody but Betsy Ross in the history books. How about we just rename the place Betserica and try to forget that anything ever happened in American history more violent than a sewing bee.
Have some pride!
Working men and women made America great and built the Democratic party. Sure we all want to scrub the marble pillars and worship at the idol of Jeffersonian infallibility, but don't forget that for every plantation owner it takes hundreds or thousands of hands to make
things work.
When the Democratic party reclaims its rightful position as the powerful voice of the common men and women of this nation; of the common good, it will again earn its rightful position as the enduring majority party of the USA.
When I lived with the Colorado Navajo, I learned to love the land, to love the differences between peoples, and that there are no more devoted Americans than Native Americans. We don't solve our current racial problems by hiding from them or by trying to hide from our history. When the wounds of the past heal they bring all Americans together. The Republican party will never and can never carry that standard of universal national unity. Only the Democratic party can do that, if we are only brave enough to embrace our full heritage.
For goodness sakes, people: THIS IS AMERICA.
What's next, Franklin = Pol pot? Washington = himler? Adams = baelzabub?
fer cryin' out loud. If Democrats want to represent America we must earn the right and can't turn our backs on the greatest traditions of our party. Do we turn our backs on Roosevelt because of Japanese internment?
Whitewashing American history would leave nobody but Betsy Ross in the history books. How about we just rename the place Betserica and try to forget that anything ever happened in American history more violent than a sewing bee.
Have some pride!
Working men and women made America great and built the Democratic party. Sure we all want to scrub the marble pillars and worship at the idol of Jeffersonian infallibility, but don't forget that for every plantation owner it takes hundreds or thousands of hands to make
things work.
When the Democratic party reclaims its rightful position as the powerful voice of the common men and women of this nation; of the common good, it will again earn its rightful position as the enduring majority party of the USA.
When I lived with the Colorado Navajo, I learned to love the land, to love the differences between peoples, and that there are no more devoted Americans than Native Americans. We don't solve our current racial problems by hiding from them or by trying to hide from our history. When the wounds of the past heal they bring all Americans together. The Republican party will never and can never carry that standard of universal national unity. Only the Democratic party can do that, if we are only brave enough to embrace our full heritage.
How many Sudanese have been murdered by militia under George Bush’s watch?
Just askin’.
Meanwhile, Jefferson was a slaveholder and apparently sired children with a slave. Should we discredit the Jeffersonian legacy?
Show me where James Webb supports geoncide. He doesn’t. He has, however fought for the rights of Vietnamese refugees and Vets wherever possible, never taken a single dollar of lobbyist $ and may be able to reinvigorate the Democratic party by making it again a true party of the people.
Has George Allen, or George Bush for that matter, ever offered a single idea on how to address the racial issues that plague this nation?
Allegations have arisen to impugn both Ghandi and Martin Luther King, should those discredit their legacies or greatness? Harry Truman dropped the Bomb for crying out loud.
Show me a single military leader without blood on their hands.
History is an ugly business, obviously not for the timid. Still humanity persists and we turn our back on the great legacies of our American founding fathers at our dreadful peril.
Who will speak for the common man and the common good? George Bush? Ha!
Can we not even get a press release or something?.....
This party needs to reinvigorate its roots and get back to the principles upon which it was founded. We've gotten so enthused by the gentleman farmer of Charlottesville, that we've forgotten the hardworking frontier spirit that built this nation.
This is the party of Jefferson, true. But it's also the party of Jackson, and it's time for Democrats to reclaim our full heritage.
The best candidate with the best team with proven performance!
U.S. Senate candidate Harris Miller today announced that he has filled his campaign’s senior staff and consultant positions with an impressive team of Virginia political veterans. Largely composed of former campaign aides to Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, the Miller team boasts a thorough understanding of Virginia issues and experience bringing Democratic victories to the Commonwealth.
“As a businessman, I know how important experience is to any team,†Miller said. “I am pleased to say that my campaign has attracted some of the best talent and experience this state has to offer.
“The campaigns of Governor Warner and Governor Kaine have shown us that Democrats win in Virginia when we bring a business-like, results-oriented approach to the real issues that families face every day. With this team in place, I am confident that I can bring my message to Virginia voters and start cleaning up the mess in Washington.â€
The Miller for Senate Campaign Leadership Team
Campaign Manager – Andrew Resnick. Andrew Resnick brings a winning streak and a wealth of experience to the Miller campaign, particularly in the key exurb of Loudoun County. In 2005, Resnick led the underdog campaign of Virginia Delegate David Poisson to a six-point margin of victory, unseating eight-year incumbent Dick Black in the eastern Loudoun County district. Three months later, under Resnick’s management, Virginia Senator Mark Herring charged to a 62%-38% special election victory, defeating his Republican opponent in every precinct in a district including parts of Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. He is also a veteran of several other state and federal races.
Finance Director – Adam Goers. Adam Goers comes to the Miller campaign after serving as Deputy Finance Director for the 2005 campaign of Governor Tim Kaine. The Kaine campaign raised $20 million, including $5 million from Central Virginia, the region for which Goers was responsible. In 2004, Goers was Finance Director for the Washington State Attorney General campaign of Deborah Senn.
Communications Director – Taylor West. A native of Altavista, Virginia, Taylor West was Deputy Research Director for the 2005 campaign of Governor Tim Kaine. She previously worked as Deputy Communications Director for the Democratic Party of Georgia and Research Analyst on the 2004 U.S. Senate campaign of Denise Majette in Georgia.
Press Secretary – Brian Cook. Brian Cook joins the Miller team after serving in the Administration of former Governor Mark Warner as a press aide and speechwriter. Cook is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was Executive Editor of the Cavalier Daily newspaper.
General Consultant – Mo Elleithee, Hilltop Public Solutions. Mo Elleithee is a true Virginia campaign authority. In 2005, Elleithee served as Communications Director for the campaign of Governor Tim Kaine. Four years earlier, he was Press Secretary and chief spokesperson for Mark Warner’s gubernatorial campaign. In 2000, Elleithee served as Communications Director for Chuck Robb’s U.S. Senate campaign against George Allen. Elleithee has worked on numerous other state, federal, and presidential campaigns across the country. He is a founding partner of Hilltop Public Solutions.
Pollster – Geoffrey Garin, Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group. Geoffrey Garin is the president of Garin-Hart-Yang, one of the nation's most respected and successful political polling firms. Garin has a long record of experience on Virginia campaigns, including serving as the pollster on Governor Mark Warner’s 2001 campaign. He has directed the polling and created winning campaign strategies for twelve of the Democrats now serving in the U.S. Senate.
Media Consultant – Jim Mulhall, Squier Knapp Dunn Communications. Jim Mulhall is a Senior Vice President of Squier Knapp Dunn Communications, one of the nation’s premier communications strategy firms. In 2000, he was Campaign Manager for Chuck Robb’s U.S. Senate campaign against George Allen. Mulhall has two decades of experience in politics, governing and strategic communication, including campaigns in Texas, Iowa, Nevada, California, and Alaska.
Direct Mail Consultants – Jim Crounse and Alan Moore, Mack/Crounse Group. Jim Crounse, a partner of the Mack/Crounse Group, is one of the pre-eminent direct mail consultants in the Democratic Party. In 2005, the Mack/Crounse Group provided direct mail for the Virginia Coordinated Campaign. During his 26-year political career serving on Capitol Hill and as an operative, Crounse has helped elect many high-profile Democrats, including Senators Evan Bayh, Max Baucus, Byron Dorgan, and Kent Conrad, and Governor Bill Richardson.
Alan Moore is a Vice President at the Mack/Crounse Group. In 2005, Moore directed the Virginia Coordinated Campaign, where he contributed to the historic victory of Governor Tim Kaine and oversaw a comprehensive voter contact program which culminated in historic wins in solid Republican counties. In 2001, he served as executive director of the Democratic Party of Virginia and became one of the youngest serving directors of a state party in the country. Moore also managed the successful 1999 Virginia House campaign of Delegate Albert Pollard.
Internet Operations - John Rohrbach, Bullseye Interactive Media. John Rohrbach has worked as an internet strategist and content provider for a number of Democratic candidates and recently served as Internet Campaign Director for the successful 2005 campaign of Governor Tim Kaine. Also a photographer and videographer, Rohrbach's work has appeared in political TV ads, print and interactive news media in Virginia and Washington, DC.
Thank you for driving the Draft Webb bandwagon. I'm with you...
Webb decries social injustice to every race (Black, White, Native American, etc.) throughout the book and suggests that realigning racial justice policies into social justice policies would lead to a long term and sustainable realignment of the entire U.S. political landscape for generations.
Please read the book, it is an enjoyable read and while I don't agree 100% with his views (his post Vietnam/Law School experience has made him very bitter to the far left intelligencia) he presents reasoned arguements and interesting points that I, as a lifelong liberal Democrat, had not fully considered.
He also makes a great case for driving our government from the bottom up (which is why the draft Webb effort probably had a great effect on him).
I believe that Webb deserves to be elected to the Senate on his own merit (independent of getting rid of do-nothing wannabe "Cowboy George", that is a bonus). He has my vote and I will work to get him elected to the Senate.
...the greatest realignment in modern politics would take place rather quickly if the right national leader found a way to bring the Scots-Irish and African Americans to the same table, and so to redefine a formula that has consciously set them apart for the past two centuries.
Like I said, Blacks generally dont like anyone before Lincoln and those who have studied history typically aren't too fond of Lincoln either (same is true for Clinton I might add). I think part of living in the US as a black person means something different. It means that the founding fathers who everyone loves and praises would call you a nigger and think you are less than human if they were here today, it means that the Constitution that everyone glorifies wasnt truly meant to cover you, it means that the two party system has put you in between a rock (Republicans) and a hard place (Democrats - granted Democrats are a lot "softer" of a place than Republicans), it means that an entire region of the country tried to keep you in an enslaved position and succeded legally until the 1960s socially until today and then has the nerve to call you lazy and wonder why your race is disproportionately poorer and less educated, it means that NO president(with the exception of maybe Jimmy Carter) has ever really come to office caring about your rights and the ones that finally did initialy saw you as a nuisance when they were trying to win office, it means the struggles of your family were used as a campaign strategy to capitalize on racial resentment in the south during the Nixon, Reagan, and Bush campaigns, and finally it means that people, even those who try the hardest to understand can and will never get a true grasp on your prespective and with that last statement I will stop dwelling on this subject, it's time for us to kick George "I wish I were a cowboy but I am really just a carpetbagger from California" Allen out of office... oh and he can take Virgil "MZM Bribes" Goode with him
Webb also repeatedly revisits the fact that Jackson never lost sight of the plight of the common man. He quotes Jackson (paperback edition pg. 290) "Equality of talents, of education or of wealth can not be produced by human institutions....Every man is equally entitled to protection by law; but when the laws undertake to add to these natural and just advantages artificial distinctions, to grant titles, gratuities, and exclusive privileges, to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful, the humble members of our society - the farmer, mechanics and laborers - who have neither the time nor the means of securing favors to themselves, have the right to complain of the injustice of their Government."
Personally, I'd like our leaders to take on the hegemonic institutions of today (Energy, Big Pharma, Banking, etc.) in the same manner as Jackson took on the National Bank.
By the way, I would point out that Truman (#7) was a racist and anti-Semite who dropped two atomic bombs on civilians. On the other hand, Truman recognized the State of Israel and was a fantastic "give 'em hell" leader who pushed ahead strongly on civil rights (at great political risk), advocated universal health insurance, fought for a "Fair Deal," and pulled off one of the most amazing political comebacks in American history with his defeat of Thomas Dewey in 1948.
Woodrow Wilson (#6) was a big time racist who actually instituted segregation in the federal government for the first time since 1863. On the other hand, Wilson was an excellent wartime leader, supported womens' suffrage, pushed the Clayton Antitrust Act through Congress, created the Federal Reserve, etc., etc.
The point is, these great leaders were extremely complex characters. Hell, even FDR (#2) ordered Japanese-Americans into internment camps and tried to pack the Supreme Court. Lincoln (#1) suspended the writ of Habeus Corpus and did NOT free slaves in Union areas. Lincoln also said the following:
My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union.
In other words, life is complicated. To me, the Trail of Tears is a disgrace, but then again, so is our entire history with the Indians. I was out in the Desert Southwest a couple years ago and was horrified at the poverty on the reservations, and in general what this country did to those people. But was Andrew Jackson, who adopted a Creek Indian orphan - Lyncoya - and cared for him until he died of tuberculosis at age 16 - any worse than any other President of this time period? Sad to say, I don't think so...
Personally, I believe Andrew Jackson was a great President who lived in a time of great injuustice. I wonder what future generations will say when they look back at our current leaders, on such issues as gay rights for instance, or war, or global warming. Now THAT should be interesting!
But hey, let's ignore the whole genocide thing. Lots of people have committed genocide. How many people have SINGLE-HANDEDLY CAUSED AN ECONOMIC DEPRESSION? Andrew Jackson's policies toward the National Bank, specifically appointing crony and future Supreme Court Justice (who wrote the Dred Scott Decision and caused the Civil War) Roger Taney to run the National Bank. Taney promptly withdraw all the funds, put them in pet banks, and caused a collapse of the economic system. For more details, see the wikipedia article on the Panic of 1837:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1837
Finally, Andrew Jackson was a tyrant, openly defying a co-equal branch of government, the Supreme Court. "John Marshall has made his decision, now let's see him enforce it," quipped Jackson when the Supreme Court had the gall to say that the Cherokee Tribe had a contractual right to its lands.
Thinking this over, Jackson reminds me a lot of... PRESIDENT BUSH. A genocide (take your pick, let's go with Sudan), uninformed economic policies that appeal to a narrow base, and blatant disregard for the constitution and other branches of government.
Perhaps Mr. Webb should find a new political hero.
How about when you get back? The petition drive in the 5th is really taking off, I can hook you up.
Read "Born Fighting" (pgs. 321-327). Webb has much to say on the subject (much of it nuanced) and I don't want to put words in his mouth out of context. I am sure he will have much more to say in his campaign.
By the way, on a semi-related note, I was saddened to hear news that Octavia Butler, the great African American science fiction writer, died the other day. Butler wrote an amazing novel - Kindred - that deals with the African American experience, and slavery in particular. I strongly recommned it.
Do you know that is is March!
Get with it guys. Webb is nice to fantasize about, but what is he doing, when is he going to do it, and what organization is going to get him there?
An engine is no good without the wheels.
These Republicans are imploding big fucking time, and we need someone who can hit them NOW!
Not in July.
How many Sudanese have been murdered by militia under George Bush's watch?
Just askin'.
Meanwhile, Jefferson was a slaveholder and apparently sired children with a slave. Should we discredit the Jeffersonian legacy?
Show me where James Webb supports geoncide. He doesn't. He has, however fought for the rights of Vietnamese refugees and Vets wherever possible, never taken a single dollar of lobbyist $ and may be able to reinvigorate the Democratic party by making it again a true party of the people.
Has George Allen, or George Bush for that matter, ever offered a single idea on how to address the racial issues that plague this nation?
Allegations have arisen to impugn both Ghandi and Martin Luther King, should those discredit their legacies or greatness? Harry Truman dropped the Bomb for crying out loud.
Show me a single military leader without blood on their hands.
History is an ugly business, obviously not for the timid. Still humanity persists and we turn our back on the great legacies of our American founding fathers at our dreadful peril.
Who will speak for the common man and the common good? George Bush? Ha!
All I can say is when you get on a rollercoaster you want to be damned sure the ballbearings are oiled, the wheels are set and the track is clear.
Get onboard, this is going to be a hell of a ride!
Oh, the waiting is the hardest part.
And that part is over.
That would rule!
Don't you mean, 'Old Testament Time'?
KING: Who do you see on the Democratic side of the ledger forging forth?
STEWART: I like this guy John Kennedy, since him not so much. No, there's not, I mean I don't really see anybody forging forth from there. I don't.
KING: Hillary?
STEWART: Well, certainly she's -- people recognize her name and go "Hey, that's that lady that was married to the president. Let's vote her in." You know, I don't see anybody out there who has inspired.
You know, everybody thought Barack Obama was going to be when he came into Washington but, you know, the Senate seems like the place where smart people go to die like it does and you never hear from them again. So, you know, I'm not exactly sure. Do you have a favorite on the Democratic side? Do you have -- I'm not even sure...
KING: Well, the former governor of Virginia, Mr. Warner, seems very impressive.
STEWART: Oh, is that so?
KING: You don't know him?
STEWART: No, I don't know anyone.
KING: Mark Warner, he's very...
STEWART: Mark Warner, OK, I'll vote for him then.
KING: You don't have to vote for him.
STEWART: No, I'm fine. If you say it, if you're vouching, I'll vote. Is that a vouch?
KING: I'm not vouching. He's an impressive guy.
STEWART: You gave him a vouch. Don't back off of the vouch. That's a vouch.
KING: I'm backing off of the vouch.
STEWART: I'm voting for Warner.
You're exactly right! Tar Heels rule! Our freshmen beat Dook and our Lady Heels took the ACC. Hark the Sound!
Go now. Please. It's great.
www.philkellam.com
I firmly believe that Phil Kellam has more people on his side right now. What we need, however, is for more people to donate their hard earned money to his campaign. Democrats need to understand that the 2nd is winnable. Kellam just needs the cash to do it.
Gotta start raising money.
"There you go again, Jerry," Kaine responded, "making stuff up. You're not fit to be governor if you make stuff up on this stage."
Ben was right to report what was said, but he was DEAD WRONG to characterize it the way he did. I know bloggers like to praise their own, but shouldn't people who don't get it right be held to account as well as our elected officials and newspapers?
That said, I just love your take on this. The cryin' baby button cracked me up.
This type of House of Delegates legislation reminds me of a recent Missouri legislative action involving parental notification . . . for a bikini waxing. True:
http://www.riverfronttimes.com/Issues/2005-06-29/news/news2_print.html
But let's recall that Frederick isn't just some harmless jerk, he's also a member of the Council for National Policy (CNP), a shadowy far-right extremist group whose goals are “to propagate the idea of transforming the United States back to it’s ‘godly’ heritage… [plus] a raw capitalist and expansionist policy coupled with an aggressive authoritarian approach to governance.†Lovely.
By the way, besides Frederick, CNP members include Christian Coalition founder Pat “Ariel Sharon Brought the Stroke on Himself†Robertson, Iran-Contra convicted felon Oliver North, anti-feminist and anti-gay right-wing activist Phyllis Schlafly, “cult of†Amway founder Richard DeVos, Chuck Missler (an anti-Muslim bigot and “Idaho radio host who has predicted an imminent invasion of Jerusalem by forces guided by the Antichristâ€), anti-Catholic Bob Jones University President Bob Jones III, John Ankerberg (â€who believes that biblical prophecies were literal promises and are coming trueâ€), Rutherford Institute founder John W. Whitehead, Rev. Jerry “Tinky Winky is Homosexual†Falwell, Tom DeLay, and the Rev. Sun Myung Moon. This is the group that Jeff Frederick proudly belongs to. Nice, huh?
What an asshole.
I agree with you totally. Frederick has shown himself as a jerk.
We still only have one side of the story, but I don't think TC would lie. Credibility and all.
Here you have a guy sitting on over $6 Million, and you have Harris Miller who could possibly chunk in $1 Million. Nonetheless, Allen is still able to communicate his "underdog" status and giving his "friends" a chance to show their $$love$$. Brilliant!
I think stylistically the new site is an improvement (good job Corey), but I hope this doesn't look like he's embarrassed to be a Democratic candidate.
I noticed that they had an option on the pull-down menu under "comments" to request a bumper sticker.
One of my all time favorite stories.
Lowell, Good work. I think there is little doubt they want the wealthy Miller facing them in November not the formidable Webb. It could not be more clear based on Mrs. Allen's comments.
looks like a great team.
good things are about to start happening.
Onward to Victory
Do you have a military fixation, Lowell, or couldn't you find any better pictures?
Where do I read about his stand on issues? A couple of weeks ago I wrote down a number of questions I would ask if I had the chance. Some of them might not be covered in position papers. (Or does he have any position papers yet?)
Fwiw, Lee Diamond knows who I am. We have exchanged email and talked on the phone.
Charles - M Howe -- Charlie, 703-212-4812, Alexandsria
She organized Clark's campaign in Oklahoma, which is the only state that he won. So (for her part) she was very successful. Hope that helps, dude!
P.S. New website looks great.
That's funny. I know she was in OK, so don't jump on me, but that's still funny. I would never say that Governor Howard Dean's 2004 campaign was successful.
Your picture is out of date, Lowell: http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper332/stills/48mxkx8s.jpg).
He's a pawn for the left and has never given his listeners one single once of insightful commentary. He's a fat idiot with a feeble mind.
On CAFTA, I have mixed feelings, but generally I believe our trade agreements should have strong planks for labor rights, human rights, and environmental protection. I'm not sure CAFTA qualifies.
I was impressed and swayed by his answer on the Bankruptcy bill. He made a compelling argument and I will have to take another look at both sides of it. I still see it as a general knee-bend to the credit card companies at the expense of regular folks. Nevertheless, if what he says is true, there were some good things that may emerge from it.
I didn't ask Mr. Moran about CAFTA which was a huge error on my part. Hopefully, we'll get another chance to sit down and talk things out with him sometime this year and I'll be sure not to make that mistake again.
MEMO TO THE DEMS: Why are we even considering Harris Miller?
Plotkin's answer seems to be consistent with what I have been hearing on Air America (in love with Paul Hackett) and johnkerry.com (raised a lot of money on behalf of three vets). If this logic holds true, then we should nominate Webb.
If you don't 100% believe that George W. Bush is the lord God's personal spokesman and primary actor here on earth, you are a LIBERAL, and therefore the spawn and minion of satan.
See, it's easy if you understand what the language acutally means.
Maybe the Kilgore campaign has some of those decoder rings left over that we can use this time around.
Kaine should appoint HER as Secretary of the Commonwealth. rofl
Not every 'scary liberal' shot from the Allen campaign is about Webb and him being able to unseat Allen. The more I read about Webb (mainly from RK), the more I like him. Reminds me of Wesley Clark. But you guys don't put up a lot of stuff about Miller, so I can't really say how I feel about him outside of a quick impression as a less charismatic and appealing Mark Warner. Personally, I don't have a dog in this hunt; I'm just looking forward to the general election when we can spoil mini-me's attempt at the Presidency.
p.s. Did you find anyone to write in support of Miller? I think it would help provide a bit more objectivism and less 'rah rah' to the primary race coverage.
On a slightly more serious note, it's clear Allen will be playing by the book and paint any competition as liberal. Raising Kaine has done an excellent job of presenting Webb as the Progessive Democrat he is, and not the standard issue Wealthy Northeast Liberal Allen wants him to be. But when is the Webb team going to start pushing that message heavily?
It's very early in the campaign (Webb just officially announced this week), but if Allen gets the first crack at defining Webb, then it'll be a major uphill battle to change that public perception. If the first words a conservative voter reads (or hears) are "Webb is another liberal", Webb has proably lost that vote forever.
IMHO, the Webb team needs define him as the progressive democrat he really is as quickly, loudly, and publicly as possible. There will be plenty of time to fight about the issues and details later.
First,Lowell, quit referring to and quoting from Timberg's Nightingale's Song like it is the friggin' gospel. Nobody gives a rat's ass about what happened at the Naval Academy in 1968.
Second, let's start talking about real issues as the appeal to real voters.
1. Partial birth abortion -- If Mr. Webb supports a constitutional ban on partial birth abortion, let's move to bring evangelicals into our camp.
2. Opposition to gay marriage -- let's get this position out.
3. Opposition to gays openly serving in the military. Again, we need to make this perfectly clear to evangelicals.
4. Strong support of the military and an increase in military funding. Again, this have broad appeal in Tidewater.
5. Private property rights -- Opposition to the Kelo decision.
We need to stop talking about George Allen, cowboy boots, and snuff....and start talking issues.
John:
I think it'd be pretty hard to find a Miller supporter on the blogosphere besides Alice Marshall right about now (and she already had two blogs of her own to take care of). Most experienced bloggers are getting behind Webb, especially after the Press Conference.
Allen's people are proving how spoiled they truly are. What a buncha crybabies. Heaven forbid they should actually have to face a real challenge to their unbridled, overreaching power.
Mr. Webb(Josh - 4/4/2006 11:33:30 PM)
Mr. Webb, we already know the answers. We already have a game plan.
Wow! Looks like we finally got a Miller supporter on the blog. It's about time.
We posted our ad weeks ago.
You claim to be a Republican, but if Webb were so inherently weak a candidate, wouldn't you hope that he would get nominated, and then go on the attack afterwards?
Your logic doesn't make any sense. The 'netroots' isn't as stupid as PR-consultant-blog-trolls think it is...
Miller has a lot of negative baggage from his lobbying days, as I've outlined here:
http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/12/21/214039/12
and here:
http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2006/1/6/23532/17147
I didn't really intend to go looking for more material on Miller at this point, but he really outght to think about his own well-documented (ITAA press releases, Hill testimony, etc) baggage before throwing mud at Webb.
By the way, how come Miller doesn't have any issue positions listed on his website, over 2 months since he declared? Webb has a whole page of them. Weird.
Here's a request: will somebody puh-LEEZE ask Miller directly, "Did you or did you not support the U.S> invasion of Iraq?" Also ask him if he thought that Saddam Hussein posed a threat to the United States. If he tries to dodge the question(s), remind him that's not how an "Old Testament kind of guy" should behave! Heh.
As far as Webb's record vis-a-vis women in the military is concerend, I'd make two points. First, Webb is the only candidate running for Senate this year who actually was IN the military. Second, as Sec. Navy, Webb opened more billets to women than any other Sec. Navy before or since. What was Harris Miller doing for women in the military, lobbying to conduct data mining on them or to outsource their jobs? Just askin'.
George W. Bush Greatest President Ever
or
George W. Bush THE Greatest President Ever?
I'm just askin'.
Dan LeBlanc's public persona includes military service and a boundless zeal for looking out for the working man. He was a wise choice by Governor Kaine to serve as the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Is it really a surprise that he would be "Swift-Boated" by those who cow-tow to their corporate and other special-interest handlers? This GOP misadventure in rejecting LeBlanc's appointment smells of post-Kilgore sour grapes. It will not be forgotten.
James Young: what you can't stand is that Democrats, instead of rolling over and putting their paws in the air, sometimes do employ hard discipline, a la Repubs. The Republicans have consistently depended on Democrats to continue to follow the rules: we win, we run things, you win, you run things, and change and change about. The Repubs refuse to play by the time-honored custom (which is the essence of democracy), must have their way, are acting like whiney, surly teen-agers with an attitude. This has applied to Repubs at the national level and now it seems the Virginia House Repubs decided to do the same.
Those House Repub dogs need to be house broken. Trained. Or sent to the pound. Good for Kaine.
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
2007 is looking better and better. They really think they're doing something good for them, but they totally picked the wrong thing to fight on.
Evidently he thinks Virgil is just great, and beyond criticism, and goes as far as to question the motives of his opposition in attacking him for his do-nothing take-the-money-and-run brand of politics.
It's on my site, if you cafre to look at what he said, and what I said back to him.
http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/richmondreport/2006/03/miller_v_webb_r.html
There he was claiming to be a former navy guy, while here his comment that "This is not childs play. We are not going to give up this seat" implies he's some sort of Republican operative.
Putting all of this together, it's beginning to seem like a well-organized effort to smear Webb.
Since this is an open thread, I'll plug a PAC that is relatively newly formed and still getting on its feet in Virginia: the Democratic Service Coalition (DSC): http://www.demdays.org/. We are dedicated to helping Democrats reach out into the community and help those that are less fortunate. This year we will facilitate and sponsor community services projects around the Commonwealth. Our goal is highlight all the good work Democrats of all stripes do around the community. Many Democrats around the Commonwealth are dedicated to community service and helping the community in which they live, and we think it's about time that they recieve some publicity and credit for their good work in helping our communities. If you have any questions, I'm the treasurer of the Virginia PAC, and if I can't answer any of your questions I will pass them on to those who can.
Webb looked good and was really quick and sharp. It is too bad it wasn't two hours long.
“In accordance with Chapter 655 of the Acts of Assembly of 2005, the Commonwealth
Transportation Board is authorized to provide funding for state road improvements for the State Fair
of Virginia to address costs beyond the funding capability of existing programs and private
contributions.â€.
He spoke no different than Tom Davis, or Sean Connaughton in my party.
Now can anyone give me an answer? How bout it J. Sarge?
http://carolinejustice.blogspot.com/2005/12/still-no-answer-even-from-top-dog.html
http://carolinejustice.blogspot.com/2006/03/more-bs-from-local-vdot.html
http://carolinejustice.blogspot.com/2006/03/what-is-he-talking-about.html
He's SO conservatiev
http://notlarrysabato.typepad.com/doh/2006/03/military_for_mi.html#comments
Has anyone actually vetted Miller or Webb. We seem to know a lot more about Webb (hell, you can even research the Green case he worked on).
If we're going to fight the Republican "only we can protect you from the evil monkey in your close" position, I'll take the Navy Cross, a silver star, and 2 bronse starsany day.
And compared next to each other physically, anyone else think it looks like the movie "Twins"?
Have you joined the yahoo group?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/webb2006
or the Draft site?
http://carolinejustice.blogspot.com/2006/03/route-30-state-fair-money-trail.html
http://www.raisingkaine.com/1584
Who thinks we should do regular open threads on RK?
just drop a quick comment
As far as Webb is concerned, he is married and has two children as far as I am aware. I expect we'll be seeing some nice pics of him and his family at some point (although personally I think that just because you're a politician doesn't mean you give up all rights to privacy!). Sure, Webb's been divorced (twice, I believe), but if that's a disqualification for office then you've just ruled out nearly half the population, including John McCain, John Kerry, John Warner (what is it with all these "Johns" anyway???), Ronald Reagan, Rudolph Giuliani, Russ Feingold, Bob Dole, Newt Gingrich, and of course George Allen.
1. This open thread was a REALLY GOOD IDEA.
2. I must be the only one who didn't get to watch Webb on Colbert... I gotta get cable.
Oh, and "John" (if that's a real name for a troll), if all you have to ask about is someone's religion, marriages and divorces, you ain't got much do you? By the way, since you're so fascinated with peoples' personal lives, why don't you get to work on George Allen's divorce? Reportedly, the records are sealed but maybe you can just ask Allen directly. C'mon now, don't "hide under your desk"!! Heh.
Both of us watch very little TV (though most of what I do watch is Comedy Central, through downloads).
As it is, Miller is a good Democrat with a long history of helping Democrats get elected. This just disappoints me. I was hoping we'd all keep our guns focused on the do-nothing, rubber stamp, empty suit who now calls himself the Junior Senator from Virginia, not that you could tell by his constituent services.
Disappointing.
The fact that Mr. Miller did not exhibit the courage do this himself, letting a surrogate do his "work" for him, while he stood directly beside her, speaks volumes. Yes, of course that is how the game is played, but usually the surrogate and the principal are not standing side by side. This is ancient history. I suspect if this stuff continues or escalates the response will be swift and strong. At this point, a response does not seem necessary.
That said, let's all quit the crap; both candidates, and the Party, clearly have the same common objective, beat "Urban Cowboy" Allen. When we get “down in the weeds†we only serve Allen’s ends. Enough is enough!
Mr. Miller deserves all of our thanks for his long time commitment to the Party. He has mine for that service. Let's see if we can "play nice" with each other and let the voters decide on the competing substantive messages and backgrounds of the respective candidates.
Oh, come on, Josh, that's how the game is played.
Lowell, please correct your Taylor Marsh error in the post itself.
I still think it's pretty sad that Harris Miller needs to have others make his attacks.
I say we have Webb, Miller, and Allen settle this race in a round robin boxing tourney... Winner take all.
rofl
Good piece, Lowell. I still think that Gen. Kennedy addressed a legitimate point, but I like the tone you adopted in this piece. This is the type of respectful discourse that should be seen in the primary.
Miller made his fortune lobbying between 1995 and 2005: the heyday of Tom DeLay and the K Street project. What does that say about a "Democrat" that has that kind of access on Tom DeLay's Capitol Hill?
Holy shit, the last thing we want is disgruntled workers storming out of the office/store/factory and getting a gun from the car/pickup/SUV. At least make them go home and come back before going postal!
And who's been launching all the attacks against Miller about him being a lobbyist? James Webb? C'mon, guys, don't be hypocrites!
“Is Harris Miller Desperate?â€
Because he attacked? What have some members of this blog and others in the "Webb blog alliance" been doing for months? Attacking Miller! Must be desperate ...
The number on this post is 1984 ... geez, this freaks me out.
If you look at rural issues, one of the major ones is property rights. Generally, those who live in rural areas have a very strong belief in their own property rights. In fact, it is one of the difficulties run into with the regulation of pollution and environmental distruction in rural areas (coal mining, logging, etc).
Kudos to the GA for going the correct way on this one and not making us the NRA Commonwealth.
But I'm sure the criticism from Kennedy will have some effect, and I expect more of its kind. Webb is a general-election kind of candidate, unknown to the party's base, and it's going to take a lot of outreach to match the organizing power of 'regular Dems' between now and June.
Posts like this one are a big help in doing that outreach. So, Lowell, thanks, and I hope you can keep it up.
When I chided Josh, I didn't realize Kennedy's remarks were made with Miller standing right beside her. That does reduce the 'surrogate' value to just about zero.
Interesting times ahead.
I've never seen Colbert admit he was bested when trying to "nail" a guest.
Colbert tossing out the "I understand that he is dumb as a post" line about George Allen was priceless!!!
Webb was outstanding and will easily be able to get more national exposure.
I think the RPV is trying to show the fighting within the Dem Party to fire up a base.
The only person who is in shame in this advertisement is Miller. By going negative, he is providing fuel for Allen and the GOP. He should be ashamed of himself for that one, and (in my opinion) so should General Kennedy. Should Webb get the nomination, Allen will be able to jump all over how Women in the Military, even Democrats, can't trust him. Shame on both of them. What the hell happened to a positive campaign? Miller could've used an endorsement to make himself look better, instead he found an endorsement that makes Webb look worse. It shows a lack of character.
1) Highlighting Democratic infighting
2) Specifically emphasizing the Miller/Kennedy attacks on Webb for his supposed "issues" with women
3) Trying to damage Webb, who is "George Allen's worst nightmare."
btw, Judy Feder was there too and she is AWESOME!!!. We HAVE to get rid of Frank (Sheep in) Wolf(s clothing).
That having been said, I think that if Webb runs a well-organized primary campaign, he'll have an easy time winning. I mean he has the Hampton Roads area and the 9th District sewn up already, and in a race between Former Navy Secretary and Former Lobbyist, I'd bet the average Virginian leans toward the former. Especially this year, lobbyists being the "new lawyers" in terms of high-paying job the public hates.
LeftyBlogs briefly included GoodbyeJim in its list of Virginia blogs, renaming it "Goodbye Jim Moran."
Thus you could see for a day GoodbyeJim articles scrolling down the left side of Raising Kaine.
However, LeftyBlogs dropped GoodbyeJim within a day. RK didn't boot GoodbyeJim off of its page, LeftyBlogs booted us.
Where the f have you been? Webb is off and running and in the spotlight.
Moran has to do what he has to do, still, reading this made me thing immediately of a recent Onion article. I posted this to another thread:
I think this is great! Even with Bush's approval ratings under any president in history except Nixon during watergate, even with Iraq in Civil War, Lobbyists taking down corrupt congressmen left and right, even with New Orleans drowned, Unconstitutional Surveillance... Democrats will still find a way to make sure the Republicans keep their majority.
Friggin awesome!
Dateline The Onion: Democrats Vow Not to Give Up Hopelessness
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/45793
I guess that is what I'm saying. Granted I don't have a lot to go on, but if I had to guess, I'd say yes, Webb would be ahead.
Likewise, VA House Republicans rode into power on Allen's coattails. As the tide of Bushism retreats so must the influence of George Allen and his ALEC-driven cabal.
It's important for people to understand that before Bush and the neocons could take over the conservative movement they waged a war against the more traditional conservatives (who were critical of globalisation, foreign military interventions, and alert to intrusions on civil liberties).
Don't be so sure that some people whom the press want to paint with the broad brush of "conservative" is not a democratic populist -- a person opposed to huge increases in government power, opposed to unnecessary foreign military interventions, a belief that the broad good of the American people is distinctly different than the good of "big business" and insider lobbyist "slicky-boys".
Gosh! Can anyone think of a democratic populist who might be running for office now? hehe.
BTW I read Bartlett's recent article about his job loss at a Texas "public policy foundation" due to criticism of Bush. It's in the 13 March issue of The American Conservative magazine. I wasn't impressed. I wrote a critique of Bartlett's article if anyone's interested...
America is regarded by Bush as his personal fiefdom; the "theory" of unitary executive is so admired by Alito and Scalia that we can expect the Supreme Court to support the debasement of Congress (and itself) in honor of the executive powers of the President. And we have the excuse of the Forever War ginned up by Bush-Cheney as the rationale. Bah!
Paul Hackett in OH did this and got a great response.
Take advantage early on of the "Network Effect".
Nick
As to Mr. Webb's promotion, get a buzz going in local party HQ. Start at the precinct level, and then plan a door-to-door strategy. I know here in Burke that was very helpful to the Marsden and Kaine campaigns.
Saturday, March 11, 2006 3:00-6:00pm
Frank O'Leary's St. Patrick's Day Party
Molly Malone’s
3207 Washington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
Arlington County Treasurer Frank O'Leary hosts his 24th annual St. Patrick's Day Party to benefit ACDC-The Roosevelt Society. A minimum contribution of $35 per person includes food, drink, and live entertainment.
Loudoun Co. Dem: Don't wait on anyone else. This is an effort of many individuals working for the same purpose. Go start collecting signatures if that's what you want. I got the forms from the Webb Campaign and can forward them to you if you want.
"YOU GO GURRRRL!"
But you guys--to continue the sexist theme here, grow a pair:
This is called politics. Its rough stuff, get some perspective: did all of you think Alito's membership(when he was like 12 years old) in CAP, did you think that was important? Hell yes, you did, and so did I. So why isn't an article that Webb wrote 20 years ago a valid line of questioning?
Its not going to hurt Webb with the generally conservative to moderate VA electorate (it might actually help), it is going to only hurt him with the Party activists: and this is something they have every right to know about.
But what is going to hurt the VA Dem party is this damn post being on the front page of
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/,
Making your attack on Hillary and Miller look like a little crybaby fit.
I wonder if Warner himself has given any money to the Clinton's various PAC's or if Billy's fundraiser in VA helped Kaine out at all?
Good job, guys, well done.
Still, we need to hear more from both. And we must remember George Allen stinks. Webb or Miller would be better than him any day... ..so far I think Webb has come out better and with better odds of winning.
I will not disparage Miller or Webb unjustly, but they should be given equal treatment in my view and be held to account and explain their views, goals and their pasts. We have plenty of time. June is a ways a way yet.
After that these guys and their allies must rally together if there is any chance to send Allen back home to California.
Dannyboy: this isn't as big of a cheap shot as say Miller's delegated attack on Webb's women in the military stance but, it does question Miller's financial ties and his loyalties to Mark Warner. Discredit the attack but take the moral high ground by not attacking him back.
Josh: Moran isn't running for anything so why would this be going after him? And you're right Webb has not attacked Miller; Lowell who has been a huge driving force behind Webb's entering this race did. Moran's endorsement was based on past involvement but, then so is just about every endorsement. It is not all that inconceivable that someone who gave support in the past would receive support from that person. A lot of people including myself came to support Webb through Lowell's enthusiastic support and drive to have the best candidate. I would just like to see our side of the fence stay positive at the very least towards other Democrats such as Miller. Just because he goes negative doesn't mean we have to follow suit. And the most important question on the table has nothing to do with Miller. It's how do we beat Allen? That can't be done by going after each other.
The issue regarding Miller's donations is that one of the main attack lines on Webb is that he's "not a real Democrat." Well, then what was Miller doing giving money to people I would never EVER give money to, heinous right-wingers like Spencer Abraham and Dennis Hastert? Yeah, yeah, I know that lobbyists give to everybody, but still...it pisses me off when I think of the damage the Hasterts and Abrahams of the world do to our environment, our economy, our country.
FYI - you might want to reconsider attacking Miller for his donations to Republicans. Webb doesn't have a lot of wiggle room on that front considering his past support for...oh yeah, George Allen.
Come on man, we don't need the support garnered by these petty attacks. If Miller wants to take a few cheap shots, let him. If Miller wins the primary and needs our support, then what. Are you just gotta say "we didn't mean that a whole questioning your financial ties and loyalties thing, we were on your side all along." You were already doing a great job with Webb's campaign without attacking our fellow Democrat. Please, do not forget the mistakes of the Republicans. Negative campaigns bring losses and that is the fact. If you'd like to attack credibility compare Webb to Alan. That would be a good (and easy) way to present Webb as the best alternative to George Bush's puppet without attacking Miller.
The only way forward is on the basis of recognizing what we have in common with people elsewhere. Tom Fox and his fellow members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams inspire us to keep our minds and hearts open to that recognition. As scrapiron so vividly shows, the alternative is mass annihilation.
Moran's endorsement was so wimpy and largely based on past involvement, which does bear some scrutiny.
While I think it's easy to overstate this, Harris Miller certainly took off the gloves and unfortunately, I think most valid questions are now on the table; including all interpretations of the term "lobbyist".
Gools: For Miller's views, you might want to check out his WTOP interview. I have a summary of it here.
Adam: No Miller supporters have stepped up to the plate. It's been almost a month now...not that I'm keeping track. Perhaps they don't WANT to talk abou this positions on the Iraq War (he supported it strongly, as far as I know), the death penalty ("I'd throw the switch myself"), voter verified audit trails (opposed them for years until about a month ago, when he switched positions), outsourcing of jobs (supports expanded H1 B visas), national health care (opposes), repealing Bush's tax cuts (opposes), PATRIOT Act (supports), etc.
First, his willingness, and I dare say eagerness; to take questions from the audience shows the nature of his belief that his constituents, those who will send him to office and all of the people he will represent, are what this race is all about. As a candidate, it shows that he will not engage in a "Bush-Rove" strategy of carefully venting his audience, assuring he will only be thrown easily hittable "batting practice pitches" from those in attendance. Rather, he will face the tough questions that address the real issues of importance in this race and that face this nation, head on with courage and conviction. I don't know if his primary opponent, Harris Miller, has engaged similar audiences, but this was clearly not a "black tie" affair.
Second, on the Iraq issue, it shows a deep understanding of the underlying problems that come with playing the role of an "occupying power" in a volatile region, where our intervention was unnecessary in the particular country, Iraq. This is all the more important where we have now come to understand that the factual assumptions that our intervention was based upon, were, expressed in the most charitable way, badly mistaken. It also puts to rest, once and for all, this administration's implied assertion that Iraq and 9-11 were connected, which many Americans were led to believe and some still do to this day, served to justify our initial intervention in that country. As he pointed out in his official "kickoff" press conference, our continued presence raises the troubling question of why the administration refuses to step up and simply say, "We have no long term designs on Iraq". While he and Jack Murtha may differ on the details of an exit strategy, they clearly agree on one thing; the military has accomplished the mission they were sent to achieve, our continued presence only serves to further destabilize the region and it's time to go before more American blood is spilled and treasure spent.
Third, is the core belief in the concept of "fairness" which underlies his approach to domestic policy issues and lies at the heart of the basic tenets upon which the Democratic Party was founded. His insistence on that bedrock principle of true "Jacksonian Democracy" as the starting place for all approaches to domestic policy is both refreshing and necessary if we are to avoid the continued and deepening divisions that have plagued our nation, particularly in the past five years.
It is obvious that nether a “career politician†nor a lobbyist seem well suited to address the challenges that our great nation faces now and in the coming years. Clearly, new blood and new approaches to our country’s problems are demanded in these perilous times, both at home and abroad. James Webb seems just the man at the right place and in the right time, in our history, to begin the healing at home and the restoration of the respect our nation deserves in the rest of the world. The ideals of democracy that we so cherish are best promoted when we lead by example. Jim Webb clearly understands this and his lifetime of accomplishments and service embody the best of what America has to offer the world. He will be a great Senator and will truly make our state and nation proud.
Ken C.
Sorry everyone, I won't be so nervous at my next event (this was my first). This was my first one.
http://gotv.blogspot.com/
http://fcdc.blogspot.com/
http://action.miller2006.net/miller2006/homepage.html
This is the real deal.
I liked that he made the distinction that Marriage is a religious issue while civil unions are um... civil.
So far I have heard Webb's views starting to emerge publicly....and I like what I hear, but I must hear Miller's to make a well reasoned choice of who will be my candidate.
This line hits the nail right on the head. Racism will be a factor many years to come however, it's going to become more of a combat of people's personal prejudices then institutional racism. Social issues are a problem that spans racial divides. There are poor and disadvantaged people in every race and making sure that every person has their fair shot at the American dream, what ever theirs might be, will be the number one issue facing us in the future.
PS. Has there been any luck finding a Miller supporter to post here? I too would like to know more about his positions.
I believe that it is likely that people will vote for an OUTSIDER, this year as well as in '08... or for some one who can portray him/herself as an outsider, not part of the traditional establishment. Certainly McCain has that aura about himself as the maverick; even Bush himself tried to run (pretty successfully) as "outsider" even for his second term, unbelievably, you know, the anti-government guy.
Therefore, being an "outsider" may well be one of Warner's gretest strengths. Also, the same goes for James Webb as against Allen. And maybe for either Andy Hurst or Ken Longmyer against Tom Davis. This Outsider, Time for a Change, New Blood theme should be developed a little more.
Also, to see this problem from an interesting angle, I encourage everyone to go read:
Remapping The Culture Debate
by Graance Franke-Ruta
http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=10844
I think that this is going to be VERY important article and new line of thinking.
McCain was able to build up a ton of support outside of the usual GOP grassroots, people where registering as Republicans just to vote for McCain.
In a way it would be a "take the man on" campaign, with a little twist:
The anti-partisan, practical, I get things done, the "man" doesn't, campaign:
"Washington is a mess because the partisans have been fighting each other and letting things go to shit, this is how a real man gets things done."
The great wide middle look towards DC and sees a smoking partisan battle field, that seems to be getting worse everyday. My bet is that they are looking for someone to rise about it all.
The Kosser's and Deaniacs want to win more than anything, and they are looking for any reason to turn on Hillary.
If they could be convinced that this is strategy to win, then its all over but the crying.
In other words, here is another session in which the House Republicans performed in an absolutely assinine way. That's twice in a row. First, no budget, and now an utterly irresponsible, excessively partisan gridlock crap. We'll lose millions in federal funding thanks to the Delegates: they deny Virginia a continual stream of bondable funding, they persist in their fantasy that there is "fat" in the budget that can be transferred temporarily to transportation (the "fat" is funding for schools and health care, always objects of scorn by Republicans). Their smug no-tax mantra was turned down by the voters of Virginia in the gubernatorial election. Remember, all but one of the no-tax candidates were defeated. But the House Repubs refuse to accept the fact, and are willing to create a train wreck and destroy Virginia's future through exercising Communist-style strict party discipline and enforce no-tax. It hurts Northern Virginia and Tidewater most, but also impacts the rest of Virginia adversely as well. They even pretend that their constituents bombard them with "no tax" increses phone calls.
Give these assinine delegates another song: write letters to the editor, bombard their offices with phone calls and e-mails, attend any constituent meetings they may have. Make so much noise even the deliberately deaf politicans will hear it. And then, throw the jerks out of office first chance we get.
Well, we can always hope. The next thing to do is to work to make it happen.
I wonder if Webb's issue of Fairness can be expressed as a value answering the peculiar resentment of the economically challenged who nevertheless reward their oppressors and exploiters by voting for them? And the place the immigration question has in the culture wars?
WHATTHEFUCK!@!@@)(@
As Jefferson's co-religionist, I can say that, if T Jefferson were alive today, not only would he ABJURE, DENY and FORESWEAR George Allen and his politics of hate and fear, he would shoot him down like a dog.
That's the closest you can get. Politicians like Allen operate in code - dog whistle politics - where they say things that sound quite moderate (like his harping on parental notification - which is beside the point of Russert's question) even though he supports a far right position.
Which of the two is the Miller campaign trying to model itself on; the winner or the loser?
Your point being?
One little thing though :)
Here is the 2005 voting record for Mr. McCain from the very respected National Journal for your enjoyment
http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/states/index.htm?state=az#vr
You will notice he is almost exactly moderate on Economic and Foreign Issues and is more conservative on Social issues
For now I am having fun watching the 2006 miller vs webb contest
However, potable water is increasingly rare in the world, and so is irrigation water for farming. It has been said that the wars of the 21st century will not be so much about energy (oil) as about water. Read Jared Diamond's book "Collapse," and you will see how crucial loss of water combined with environmental degradation can trigger the failure of entire societies and civilizations.
We worry about Iraq, and yet we may be totally blind sided and sucker punched by Mother Nature on something like water.
everybody knows to make it through the primaries he has to cut to the right
I strongly disagree that he is the 3rd most conservative member. People can design those voter ranking surveys to say whatever they want.
your man Warner needs to cut to the left if he has any chance and also figure out a way to make a dent in the Hillary fundraising lead.
Warner vs McCain in 2008 fresh ideas for real solutions
Still gonna support McCain?
but then one of your "leaders" says something "too far to the left" and bounces them back to us and then of course we say something extreme right back which leads to most voters saying the dems and repubs are the same and that both are messed up or even worse people stop caring or voting.
Middle_man - my issue isn't that he cut right in order to get the nomination. My issue is that he has made a fortune of political capital by serving the right, rightwing of the Republican party while claiming to be a moderate and independent thinker. My issue is that he has sold out those things that he once thought were important. My issue is that he has morphed from independent Republican to the second coming of Bill 'trust me, I'm a doctor' Frist. McCain has earned less that the loss of my repect. He has earned my contempt.
We welcome them with open arms and moderate positions.
While I like Webb and intend to vote for him, this straw poll doesn't mean squat.
I heard a rumor that Webb grew up in Gate City. If this is true, he should know that Southwest Virginians want a candidate to look them in the eye and ask for their vote. Without a chance to meet the candidates, primary turnout will be dismal and the Republicans will cross over and chose our candidate.
To the campaigns: Please contact us.
Announcing the DFA-Fairfax/NVPJ Film Series
I'm pleased to announce the DFA Fairfax and Northern Virginians for Peace and Justice are teaming up to co-sponsor a films series in the area.
The films will be on progressive topics which reflect the values of both groups. There will be one public showing a month, but I hope to organize house parties around the showing of some of the films in peoples' homes. The first film in the series will be the blockbuster BBC documentary "The Power of Nightmares: The Rise of the Politics of Fear". It will be shown at the GMU Arlington Campus on March 26. I invite the Arlington and Falls Church DFA groups to come and distribute literature at a table which will be available. For more details please go to the DFA Fairfax calendar. And please invite your friends, even Republicans!
See details at:
www.dfa-fairfax.com...
Rebecca Williams
Chairperson, DFA Fairfax
It's also a pre-ordained victory for Harris Miller in the straw poll. Miller will win this straw poll at least 60-40 if not 66-34. The voters in this straw poll are no more representative of Virginia Democrats statewide than were the strawpoll Republican voters who overwhelmingly picked Frist and Mitt Romney over John McCain representative of Tenessee Republicans, national Republicans, or national voters.
The event will be fun, but don't expect to read too many tea leaves based on the results of this straw poll.
This is a pre-ordained victory for Miller among his long time best friends. Not that we should begrudge him his kudos. He's earned them.
A national popular vote wouldnt' mean candidates and campaigns ignore non-urban areas. Every vote is equal wherever it is cast -- everyone matters the same. Ignoring potential supporters would be foolhardy.
Remember the fickle and usually bored-to-tears voters? In truth, a good number of them don't know who Chap Peterson is, and they don't care.
While an early knockout might seem like just the ticket for Webb, in the long run it will probably do him more good to build some support on the back of his own ability to connect with people whose names aren't well known. He needs to do some public speaking, and a few tough interviews; he needs the seasoning.
Maybe you Raising Kaine cats would prefer Harris Miller recognize that he can't win and just quit the race tomorrow. That would work, yes, but I'd still rather see it happen in two months. The longer this primary is seen as a horserace, the more publicity Webb will get from the media for free. George Allen will have a huge war chest.
In my book, for now, Webb needs Miller.
I already gave him $100, how about you?
And, by the way, I agree with F.T. Rea when he says you guys are putting a whole lot of stock in endorsements. Endorsements are nice and make you feel all warm and fuzzy if you get them but ultimately its the canidiates themselves who have got to make the case to the voters.
And just to make sure we are talking about the same person, Russ-Impeach Bill Clinton-Feingold? Oh, how quickly past sins are forgiven.
Also, Feingold left all the other Dems in the dark and made them look stupid, on purpose (what would you say if a reporter asked you about some piece of legislation that you had never heard of?)
He knew exactly what he was doing, if he really cared about getting this through he would have built up support in the caucus.
Give it a break guys, don't you think Dems in the Senate want to take Bush out? They are not being cowards, they are being smart.
Prioritize, keep your powder dry.
What does attempted censuring achieve at this point? The Republicans kill it and turn the debate into a debate about censure, and how Dems think Bush is the enemy so on and so on. Do not let them change the conversation from how much they are fucking things up!
Censure is only polling about 50/50, wiretapping is only polling about 50/50! Keep the focus where the overwhelming poll numbers are. The narrative was going along just fine with out this distraction.
And now we have this crazy DeWine bill, excusing warrant-less wire tapping, and all the political capital has been spent on censure
"Jim Web(Josh - 4/4/2006 11:33:50 PM)
"Jim Webb is a straight-talking Marine with an unmatched record of service to his country,†said Petersen. “Jim is willing to take on the establishment and to fight for ordinary men and women who have been left behind by the policies of the Bush administration. I know he is the leader that we need to speak for us on Capitol Hill. I am pleased to endorse Jim Webb as Virginia's Democratic candidate for the United States Senate."
You know, I've been trying to say just this for the last 3 months. Chap is too damned talented...
Anyway, Jim Webb is walking in to the lion's den on Friday at this Connolly event. Miller will win by a 2 to 1 margin at least more like 3 to 1. These people have been in politics with Harris Miller for decades and Democrats are loyal. As I've said elsewhere, Webb isn't counting on the well-heeled core of Fairfax Democrats to beat George Allen. Virginians of all stripes, colors, creeds, classes and ages will support James Webb.
Miller will easily and handily win this poll and no self-respecting Webb supporter should begrudge him his well-earned kudos.
Nonetheless, anyone and everyone who can make it to the Connolly event should by all means show up to support James Webb.
How's he going to hold it together against Allen?
I mean, if this kind of thing happens when Miller's talking to one of Webb's Senior Advisors, what's going to happen in the debates against Webb? How's he going to handle the pressure if he goes up against Allen.
I've never had call to say anything bad about Harris Miller until now.
He's a good democrat, he's done yoeman's work for the party. I've never seen how he could possibly beat Allen southside, but thought him capable of great things and possible surprises. This kind of thing was not the surprise I was hoping for.
I used to watch this show until they started preaching left-wing tripe like this!!
By the way Paul, you may may want to go back and read some of the "left wing tripe" of the great GOP president Lincoln, or the Democratic Republican Thomas Jefferson..and others...or perhaps not...after all they tend to sound "un-American" too.
By the way I did hear a great speech like this one a few months ago. It was on the floor of the Senate (on C-span) during the Filibuster debates. It went un-noticed by the press. (It didn't break cleanly into sound-bites I guess.)
Please make sure I get the info on the Feder interview. I would like to post it at www.dfa-fairfax.com. BTW, I have a commentary on the role of progressives in the future on the site today if you care to take a look.
I'm trying to get an interview with Hurst and also want to get one with Longmyer and anyone else in the race against Davis. I plan to post their views at the site.
The 10th District has become a bit more Blue since then. Plus, Harris will have some more name recognition after this primary. I still think that job would be perfect for Harris Miller. Harris doesn't seem like a Senator to me. Nor does he seem like an executive for the State. He seems like a Representative to me.
As for those districts, I don't think Webb will win those districts. But I think he'll get much closer than Miller. Allen beats Miller in the 9th 3 to 1. Allen beats Webb 5 to 3. Still a stomping, but it's a lot closer with Webb, maybe enough for NoVA to make up the difference.
Shoot, he may not win in the 4th.
Favored candidates aside, can anyone imagine one of Sen. Puckett or Chap's advisors telling Leslie Byrne she was "unelectable" in the 5th, 6th, or 9th last year? Can we recall how "out-of-line" that would have been?
If Webb wants to lob the charge of "unelectable" at Miller, let him do it himself. He doesn't need to delegate his dirty work.
Having said that, I agree with you that we need to focus on the "California Cowboy." That's why we need Webb, because he can beat Allen this November.
Thanks for your comment.
Lowell
As far as Webb having others do his "dirty work," a couple of points. #1, Mudcat does what he wants to do. #2, it's not "dirty work" to speak the truth. I bet if you asked Larry Sabato or any other political analyst, they'd say the same thing Mudcat did. Please tell me how Miller is even semi-competitive in the rural parts of Virginia...
Also hafta agree that it was divisive for him to pull the Kennedy thing. Reminds me of how Biden and Gore dug up the Willy Horton thing on Dukakis in the primaries, only to have the GOP use it in the general. Seriously, we need more civilized primaries. That kind of mud belongs in the general, if it belongs anywhere.
Now, someone put this together, so we can all get ready to rumble with the “Urban Cowboyâ€.
By contrast, Jim Webb can take the fight to Allen everywhere in the state. Besides being the personable guy he is and possessing the stellar character he does, Jim Webb is the only Democrat in the hunt who can beat Allen. If Miller is such a great Party guy, why doesn’t he realize the futility of his campaign and clear the way for a real run at Allen. If Miller hangs around and pulls more crap like propping up Gen. “what’s her name†in attacking Webb’s character while Miller stands sheepishly besides her, he runs the risk of burning his bridges with lots of folks and ruining a realistic opportunity to knock off Allen.
Besides the fact that there is NO grassroots support for Miller, NO Chance that a significant number of people who might normally vote for Allen would be willing to cross over to vote for the other guy (WEBB NOT Miller), there is the one label hanging out there like a scarlet letter, LOBBYIST!
Now, please explain how we are going to win by running a lobbyist, whose only support appears to be with a few higher ups in the party, and some (apparently a lot less than expected) of the Fairfax Democratic Committee, who has little personal appeal as a candidate, and was evidently protesting the Nam war while Jim was putting his ass on the line! (It's fine to protest but don't wear it proudly when taking on a guy who clanks when he walks!)
I’ll take “Mudcat†and give 5 to 1. Over in 30 seconds!!
With all due respect, Miller seems like a lobbyist to me.
In contrast, Miller could probably hold his own in NOVA and do fine with African Americans, but he'd get swamped in SWVA and Hampton Roads. Net result: Miller would lose to Allen by about 60%-40%.
That's my opinion, for what it's worth.
Could Webb win those areas? No. Could he get CLOSER THAN MILLER? Absolutely. This is what we need. Somebody who can keep it close enough in those areas that a big win in NoVA could give us the enough.
Boom, he just lost the 5th, 6th and 9th.
I'm not saying Miller would win those; he won't. But for Mudcat to go on like that is out-of-line. Webb won't win those districts either.
Can anyone show me research that shows Scots-Irish voters are more likely to vote for someone because he/she is Scots-Irish? This smacks of the Kennedy-Catholic argument in 1960. Ideology has trumped race.
Now then, I expect the usual "oh, look, republicans rooting for Miller" banter to follow in its usual whiny pitch...
He is, and that's why he can't run for Senate or Executive. However, a Congressional seat for the house is smaller and more direct. If he wants to run for office, a seat in the House is about the best he can hope for.
UVA08:
You make a good point.
Roy Mitchell and VT Butt are roommates and have a long-known dislike for their neighbor Dave Saunders.
In fact, Mitchell and Butt and have cost more Deomcratic votes with their hand painted messages posted in their front yeard than any other single force in Roanoke County.
So, consider the source (since 1971)...
Adam: I try :)
Sorry but I can't support a pro death penalty pro parental notification "Old Testament Democrat" who launches attacks and does Allen's work for him. Now that's divisive!!
Miller and Mudcat were our guests. THIS WAS NOT A DEBATE. Harris Miller was invited to represent himself, of course, along with his daughter. Mudcat was invited to represent Webb. Mudcat was asked ahead of time to present Webb since Webb could'nt be there. Mudcat was also asked not to "attack"...he agreed not to attack Miller but to share Webb's vision.
Miller spoke first telling us about himself and what he wanted to do...never one time did he mention Webb. He was very positive.
Then came Mudcat. Almost from the beginning he was rude and condescending. Instead of focusing on Webb as he had promised he had to attack and insult Miller. Not only did he insult Miller but, as our guest, he insulted us as well. He was no Southern Gentleman...he was an ass.
Someone mentioned earlier that Miller should'nt be so sensitive. If you had been there you would have seen Miller responding in a strong and decisive manner. Three women told me that after seeing Miller's "strength" that they would vote for Miller.
I went to the gathering strongly leaning towards Webb because I believe him to be the strongest candidate and we agree on many issues. My position has not changed. Webb, however, should be careful who he allows to represent him at gatherings. Mudcat did him no favors last Sunday.
Also folks, please remember that when the dust settles after the primary we need everyone on board if we are to take out Allen. Be careful what you say...it may come back to haunt you. We ca'nt be burning bridges along the primary trail.
Regards from a Democratic activist (since 1960)...
Sorry, I didn't see your post. I haven't got those numbers from anybody whose official. I've just compared campaigns from different candidates (Allen vs. Robb, Warner vs. Earley, Kaine vs. Kilgore) and come to what I think looks pretty logical. Of course, the situation is very different now from 2000 or 2001. Maybe both could do better or worse.
Mudcat's in the wrong year and potentially running the wrong race. The Warner strategy will work well against the other Warner in '08.
Luckily for Miller, he hired people who ran campaigns similar to Kaine's.
Kaine may be pro-choice, UVA08, or maybe he's not. What I remember him saying when he came to the Valley was that he would defend a woman's right to choose, but religiously he thought abortion was wrong. (Similar to his death penalty stance). Webb hasn't sounded like that. Kaine established his religious credentials early, and that helped him blunt Kilgore's advantage in rural districts. Sadly, neither Miller nor Webb have such a compelling story as Kaine.
And Webb supporters, answer this: how will Webb perform better among veterans in VA than John Kerry did in 2004? If Webb (rightly) refuses to grant a blank check to Bush to fight the war on terror as Allen has, he will receive the same treatment. Seems I've heard this argument (he's a veteran, he'll win veteran votes) before ... twice.
The issues this year will be centered around Iraq, courrption/lobbying (which Miller will be tied to), Iraq, the economy, Iraq, Bush's policy and preformance over the past 6 years, and did I mention Iraq? Webb will offer a legitimate challange to Allen and could have the upper hand because, well, he's actually served in the military. Miller will be seen like Allen, someone with no military credentials so they will be even on that front but Republicans generally get the edge when it comes to the military so Allen will beat him on the most important issue, Iraq.
You asked about John Kerry. The difference is one: Webb isn't as liberal as Kerry and doesn't come from Massachucetts, two: Bush's poll numbers aren't in the 50s three: Bush and the Republicans no longer holds the edge when it comes to dealing with Iraq, Four: the Bush administration and Republican leadership is seen as an utter disaster Five: Party ID has shifted in Virginia to the point where things are competitive and Dems actually hold a .4 lead (Gallup) six: Webb is a political outsider in a time when Congress earns a 29% approval rating
I live in Hampton Roads amongst these veterans you claim to know so much about. I wrote a Letter to the Editor about Webb a back in January or so, and you have no idea how many people have commented on it. Our brave men and women remember and respect Webb. Multiple life-long Republicans at my church have come up to me to thank me for writing that letter and letting them know Webb was running. "He's a good man, regardless of party. I'm voting for him." I think a lot of Republicans will see things this way.
Kerry "had" the military vote in Virginia early on, if you recall. He was only down by 4 at one point in the election. It was only after the swifties got him that the military left for Bush. We live in different times now, Adam. It's amazing how much can change in a year, but a LOT has. The War has gone sour, even amongst Military voters. Republicans aren't up to snuff on Foreign Policy.
I've spoken with the military voters, Adam, and the word on the street is that "Jim Webb is one of us."
But we'll see.
Dannyboy, you try so hard! It's so cute ...
And as for those veterans who automatically vote for their own? Yeah, it does happen, we saw it with Ashe in 04. However, don't expect everyone who has recieved a paycheck from the military to vote across party lines. A lot of people don't look at what a person has done, but what is next to their name.
Speaking of Hampton Roads, both campaigns have to make a showing down here sooner or later, right? Right guys?
Here are two events that Democrats in Hampton Roads would love to have some sightings of both the Senatorial candidates:
March 26: Phil Kellam fundraiser in Virginia Beach the Coyote Cafe.
May 3rd: Virginia Beach Democratic Committee is proud to announce that we will be having Tim Kaine as our special guest. I would think this would be exactly the kind of thing that someone running for office would be looking for to attend.
Can I expect to see both guys there with Tim Kaine on May 3rd? I hope so, cause nothing is more boring then a rep coming in their stead.
Remember, in 1984, Miller lost in a DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. Against John Flannery. Couldn't get enough DEMOCRATIC votes. Won the fundraising race, though....
But some of them, oddly are Democrats, including Tribbett. I think Tribbett's upset that Marsden prevented him for running for the 41st seat, but if that's the case he should seriously just swallow his pride and move on.
But Tribbett also hated Gerry Connally for reasons that seem quite personal. Don't know what the bad blood is between them, but Tribbett these days sounds a lot like Mychele Brickner mailings back when Connally ran. Of course, his anti-Marsden rantings sound a lot like Golden's fliers too.
I guess if you cross Tribbett, you're even worse in his eyes than a Republican.
This is a great article.
The trail to Mark Warner looks like it came throughTim Kaine's law firm. They handle a lot of the fairs affairs. There appears to be a donation made to Warner's PAC (political action committee). The fair has about $36 million to seek favors with.
The money from VDOT appears to have come from not doing maintenance on a lot of roads in Richmond and Fred. area. This is where a bulk of the cash was transferred from.
A word of caution about this maneuver. This occurred before Caroline Supv got involved. Not that it mattered a whole lot.
The whole process started in 1999 with Henrico County. Henrico realized that the fair was a tax exempt racket. They wanted the fair to pay some of the expense of moving to a new location and fair said no way. We don't pay taxes and taxpayers deserve to pay our expenses.
Supposedly, the fair then went looking at 20 or more locations. The only location they were interested in was to find a bunch of suckers on planning commission and Board of Supv. to give them tax money. They found it wrapped with roses and ribbons in Caroline County. Have you noticed that some members of the board of supervisors lied throughout the process. I give you three guesses.
When the vote for planning commission was held, only three members voted. Our Reedy Church rep was MIA. If you want to cry, I'll send you the proffersthat Acors said was the deciding factor for him. It's totally amazing.
The fair people are very good business people and must be laughing all the way to thebank on how they are getting a 17 million dollar driveway and county tax moneyto assist them with police and fire.
County tax payers are screaming about the rise in assessments. A lot of that money will go for the state fair. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
The arrangement with the state police still is a puzzle because the fair rents the cops but VA tax payers hire, train and pay retirement for the police.
According to the proffer statement, the fair people won't seek tax exempt status with county (just wait).
I'll send you my take on this because I broke down the list.
F,T,A should be run out of town for voting yes on this crap. They never broke down the numbers.
Peace.
Lowell
And if you had amusement because of it, so be it.
There is nothing in that kos interactive diary to suggest Webb will take concrete action, beyond nice sound bites, to restore constitutional balance to DC.
His every statement has many escape hatches. It's like reading John Kerry's speeches.
THIS IS NOT A DEMOCRAT VS REPUBLICAN ISSUE
the washington post had an excellent article ealier this year about the fight between slow and pro growth. The main indicator is the relationship of a represenative or senator with the building and realtor lobby NOT PARTY AFFLIATION. In fact, Republican NoVA delegates developed several bills to better link planning with growth and to give more localities power to curb growth.
If the slow growth guys are smart, they'll be attacking theirnatural enemies, the GOP, and help support more slow-growth candidates in the 2007 elections.
And if Kaine is smart (which I know he is), he'll be pushing this into the elction arena up in the congested areas of Northern Virginia.
Frankly, even just taking that stand took some balls, especially when you remember how powerful the housing lobby used to be (Jack Herrity anyone?).
What I can't judge from where I am is whether Kaine is fighting for the "concept" of local authority and planning for a sustainable future, even as he may pragmatically shelve some particular legislative requests. I'm not looking for a "moral victory" or a consolation prize, but a gubernatorially led program to overcome the homebuilders' lobby. Kaine has a responsibility to lead the local governments in their quest for clearer authority A little rhetoric and some coalition building would be reassuring.
Rich Collins
As for his deal with women: Webb has far more women on his team than Miller. Webb tripled the number of combat positions for Women while Secretary of the Navy, and has recieved the endorsement of one of Virginia's leading women's rights activists, Leslie Byrne.
HAHAHAHAH
Kellam is a great guy, and he knows his area better than any active Democrat I can think of. He's easily our best chance at a pick-up this year in the House. He's going to have to make any decision on support or endorsement himself. I would encourage him to do so ONLY IF it doesn't threaten his own campaign. If he feels it's too risky, he shouldn't. That simple.
James Webb touched on something that every American believes in but that has been obscured by ugly politics and right-wing propaganda: the true power of devoted service to country.
If Virginia ever needed a hero to rise, now is the time. We're very lucky to have James Webb in this race and we need to give him everything we have to make sure he can defeat George Allen.
However, I hope Alice has come to terms with the fact that a Webb candidacy is a very real possibility, and if the current momentum has anything to say about, a likely one at that.
I've been pretty quiet (I've also been putting my waking moments into the campaign), but personal attacks reflect back on the attacker. Jim Webb has done nothing to merit the sort of attack made in response to Lowell's post. Jim Webb is an honorable guy who throughout his life has responded to conditions in America as he has seen them. He is running for the Senate because the country is heading in the wrong direction, largely cause of the people running things in DC.
Lee Diamond
Webb for Senate
However, saying that Webb is a Republican ... now that is LOW. Allen is president and founder of The National Association of Professional Asshats. Webb is a patriot in the truest sense of the word. Im born and raised Virginian, as progressive as they come, and I would be happy to have Webb as my Senator. So would many of us progressives... So are we all simply deluded fools, or do we recognize a fellow populist when we see one?
.....or maybe 58% just preferred Webb?
Are there any recordings of the speech?
If not I am going to have to start coming to these events with my digital recording equipment so everyone on earth can have access to the speeches....including those not in Northern VA.
anyhow, a former low lever staffer was quoted as saying something like "for someone who pretents to hate bureacracy, he (allen) surely has one major bureacracy"
I don't think he used the term "windfall tax" but that's what it sounded like to me.
WEBB FOR SENATE
In his own words:
IRAQ: "It was a big mistake putting the US in the middle of that region as an occupying power. We need to get out of there without further destabilizing the region, but as quickly as possible. We got in recklessly, we must get out carefully."
ECONOMIC FAIRNESS: "The people at the top are doing better than they ever have, but the middle class has stagnated, and the por are falling behind".
CHOICE: "I support Roe v. Wade."
TRADE:"Free trade isn't fair trade."
HEALTH CARE: "Access to affordable health care is a right all Virginians should have, but the Republicans in Washington are beholden to big insurance compaies and pharmaceutical companies; this is wrong."
ENERGY: "Big oil companies are making money hand over fist while we pay more and more for a gallon of gas and their production costs generally don't change. These corporations need to be held accountable; it's hurting the people of our state."
WEBB FOR SENATE
It is why we need to talk about the good things that we can be doing for people, and how we can set things straight, and make Washington not such a strange place anymore. It's only screwed up because the GOP are running things.
yeah he can cuss, but he can also hold his own in the deep end of any think tank!
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/19/opinion/19eaton.html
The subhead is "Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is not competent to lead our armed forces." The author makes a compelling case.
Harkov: Allen may be too clueless ("dumber than a post") to be scared of Webb. I hope so.
Harkov: Yeah, yesterday when I was gathering petition signatures someone called Webb a "communist." People are weird.
angry_engineer: Just curious, have you read Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat?" If so, what did you think about it?
Joe: I've only known Mudcat for a few weeks, but I agree that he's one of the best people around. Same with Steve Jarding, by the way. What's the expression, "your friends say a lot about you?" Well, Webb has some amazing friends, like these two guys, Bob Kerrey, Max Cleland, and many others.
This is definitely something that would resonate with a lot of people in Virginia who don't really follow issues. Tell 'em he's not on the job -- that they could comprehend!
Did Moran swear you to secrecy or what? Big deal. Moran lies. Why shouldn't you lie to him right back?
What did Jim Moran say in response to the point that you made?
RK still hasn't gotten around to asking Moran about Moran's support for CAFTA. Josh said that he forgot to do so.
I guess I should have expected as much. They've already picked their man (Feingold).
But to actually comment on the sibject at hand, if Allen isn't scared of Webb, he should be. Which is why I hope he never gets scared of him. Saunders and Jarding aren't fooling around, they're in this contest to win, and if Allen thinks they can't win it, he's just fooling himself.
A lot of the DKos crowd are calling Warner "pro-war" despite the fact that he hasn't really said anything that I'd construe as being such.
Yet they insist he's some kind of Lieberman-esque "hawk." How can I convince them otherwise?
-Alec
Just wondering -- why is "peace vigil" in quotes?
That's a great thing and it makes me very proud to be a Democrat.
Did you ask him why lobbyist Harris Miller and his college-age daughter have given Moran $11,500 over the years? Was this pay to play?
Fundimentalism is fundimentalism whether it's vanilla (secular fundimentalism - ie China), chocolate (Christian fundimentalism), or strawberry (Islamic fundimentalism). Oppressing other's religious views (or lack thereof) is wrong no matter who does it.
Freedom's on the march
Freedom's on the march
Freedom's on the march, etc.
Repeating until nausea sets in.
Oh Iowa, I wish I was born here. Oh you are much better than Virginia
Oh Iowa, I wish I was born here
Away, I’m bound away, until you elect me.
O Iowa I love your voters, you are much better than Virginia.
Oh Iowa I love your voters.
Away, I’m bound away, until you elect me.
For six long years I’ve been stuck in the Senate, oh you are much better than Virginia.
Six long years stuck in the Senate.
Away, I’m bound away, until you elect me.
Away, I’m bound away, until you elect me.
*************
Thanks very much folks… nice soft bills in the tip jar, always welcome.
What is the address that needs to go below Webb's name on the petitions? And is this the form in which Webb's name appears on the ballot:
James H. Webb, Jr?
PLEASE respond here or email nlancaster@rockbridge.net
Will this get me to sit down at the table with you or just think you're a bunch of puerile, self-intersted jerks -- the same people this so-called survey says I apparently distrusted and caused me to become a conservative in the first place?
rofl
Are there any people with more computer savy than I to help her?
She sounds like a good candidate and should have the help of those who can.
By the way her curriculum vitae (acedemic record/brag sheet)is online for all to see.
http://gppi.georgetown.edu/faculty/feder.html
How does Mr. Kaine who I voted for, because the other guy was obviously corrupt, explain a letter from his office saying he knew nothing about this?
No one will respond from his office or anywhere else in state government about this?
So, what's the deal?
Does anyone care that lives are lost due to delayed road maintenance? Not to mention it appears unethical at the least.Maybe illegal, since it appears the people of Caroline county and State of Virginia taxpayers had no say in all of this, as it appears to have been a done deal before the fair even purchased the land? State citizens are footing the bill at millions of dollars now and in the future for what: 11 days of State Fair, Celtic games, Steeple Chase races (Big Drunk).
Where is MSM and the outrage?
http://carolinejustice.blogspot.com/2006/03/state-fair-info-emailed-to-me-by.html
State Fair info emailed to me by a concerned citizen
Tom, I can fill in some of the blanks in the state fair's actions and actions of alot of the parties involved.
The trail to Mark Warner looks like it came throughTim Kaine's law firm. They handle a lot of the fairs affairs. There appears to be a donation made to Warner's PAC (political action committee). The fair has about $36 million to seek favors with.
The money from VDOT appears to have come from not doing maintenance on a lot of roads in Richmond and Fred. area. This is where a bulk of the cash was transferred from.
A word of caution about this maneuver. This occurred before Caroline Supv got involved. Not that it mattered a whole lot.
The whole process started in 1999 with Henrico County. Henrico realized that the fair was a tax exempt racket. They wanted the fair to pay some of the expense of moving to a new location and fair said no way. We don't pay taxes and taxpayers deserve to pay our expenses.
Supposedly, the fair then went looking at 20 or more locations. The only location they were interested in was to find a bunch of suckers on planning commission and Board of Supv. to give them tax money. They found it wrapped with roses and ribbons in Caroline County. Have you noticed that some members of the board of supervisors lied throughout the process. I give you three guesses.
When the vote for planning commission was held, only three members voted. Our Reedy Church rep was MIA. If you want to cry, I'll send you the proffersthat Acors said was the deciding factor for him. It's totally amazing.
The fair people are very good business people and must be laughing all the way to thebank on how they are getting a 17 million dollar driveway and county tax moneyto assist them with police and fire.
County tax payers are screaming about the rise in assessments. A lot of that money will go for the state fair. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
The arrangement with the state police still is a puzzle because the fair rents the cops but VA tax payers hire, train and pay retirement for the police.
According to the proffer statement, the fair people won't seek tax exempt status with county (just wait).
I'll send you my take on this because I broke down the list.
F,T,A should be run out of town for voting yes on this crap. They never broke down the numbers.
You know what that means: RK vs. anti-Webb Kate Hanley.
Mrs. Hanley was even at a fundraiser for Harris Miller. Therefore, her nomination must be stopped.
Get that goofy guy over at NLS to start the smear war. After all, if Hanley is for Morris and Byrne is for Webb, then Hanley hates Byrne!!
Come on, Lowell! You and your clone Dannyboy have already smeared Miller, Lt. Gen Kennedy, Warner (yea, that was bright), Connolly, and now....might as well go after Hanley.
PS There are lots of whiny kids on both sides of the political spectrum, I'm sure. Myself included! :)
PPS Just for the record, I was a teenage Republican first, then left the GOP when the "Moral Majority" and "supply siders" hijacked it.
Fisherman, Biologist, Democrat,
-Alec
Bloggers participating were Waldo Jaquith, JC Wilmore, Paul Anderson, Greg Priddy and myself. Also, there may have been one or two others who chimed in late, I'm not 100% sure. Several others were in school or at work and couldn't make it. How do you know the questions weren't softballs? I honestly have no idea. I thought people asked good, solid questions, just as we did when we interviewed Tim Kaine last year.
Which bloggers participated, and how do we know none of the questions were softballs?
If nobody made a recording from which an accurate transcript can be made, then somebody should suggest that Webb's campaign handle that in the future, lest an incorrect paraphrase by a blogger create troubles for Webb.
Jenny: No, that didn't come up in our conversation.
By the way, Lowell, I'm serious about that podcast over on my blog.
http://postanapology.blogspot.com/2006/03/blogging-to-democratic-victory.html
Any article about the blogosphere that doesn't describe me as the Democratic Party's answer to Dick Cheney is the product of hackery and incomplete research.
;-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hurst2006/113004205/in/set-72057594082915237/
As far as Webb is concerned, he served as Navy Secretary under Reagan and admired Reagan. I disagree with Webb on that one, but so what? I disagree with my father as well. Also, Webb has stated many times that he was never comfortable with the Republican social agenda, and he's also come out strongly for fiscal moderation and economic fairness. Does that sound like Reaganism to you? Me neither.
Politically speaking, I see the goal here as bringing back the "Reagan Democrats" to the Democratic Party, not to tell them they were wrong and push them away further Obviously, the "Reagan Democrats" were attracted to Reagan's outward "city on a hill" sunny optimism, and turned off by dour Democrats like Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale. In Webb's case, he was alienated in part by the hostility he felt towards Vietnam Vets (like himself) coming from the left wing of the Democratic Party. I'm not going to refight the Vietnam era, but let's just say I think this is an extremely complex, emotional issue with no black or white answer. I respect most of those who protested the war, and I respect most of those who fought in the war. Period.
With Webb, we Democrats have a chance to get back to being the Roosevelt/Truman/Kennedy "big tent" party in this country, hopefully a long-term majority like we used to be. People like Jim Webb are extremely important in this endeavour, and I can honestly say - as a Teddy Roosevelt Progressive and as a Democrat - that I'm very excited about Webb's candidacy. I hope you'll join us.
To be clear, I will support Webb and work hard to see that he is elected our next senator - He is no George Allen and in fact I think he is a good, progressive democrat. However his continued praise of Reagan raises a few questions and I think they should be addressed.
-Alec
I wonder what impression would be on your face, when Jim loses the primaries. Would it be one of these? (0_0) or (T.T) or (-_-)
I'm just teasing you, I'm with Webb too.
Clinton's job approval remained in the 50s and 60s during impeachment - the public just didnt care that he might be a bit immoral, they liked the job he was doing (hello economic good times). Add to that, his only 'crime' was lying under oath - which is a serious crime - but not a 'high crime'.
Not only is Bush's job approval circling the drain (30's), but his personal approval (historically his ace up his sleave) have fallen drastically to the point that people in polls have started labeling him 'incompetient' and 'liar'.
Impeach him? I'm kind of iffy. But censure him for breaking the damn law? Hell yes. Get up and fight. Close the Senate. Use any means to make the public hear your case because as the minority party, that's about all you've got.
The other theory is that members of Congress are being threatened (as in I breaka you legs). This would fit the theory that the Bush administration is actually a branch of a criminal syndicate.
Whatever the case I maintain that we should continue to speak out and keep speaking out. Its the best defense and the best offense. By speaking out I include blogging and setting up alternative news sources like http://www.dfa-fairfax.com.
But by the time I caught on it was nearly over.
The kid only lasted three and half days.
I hate to say it but sometimes I agree with those who say that both parties are a lot alike at the top levels.
There was no real time to catch onto this thing, Lowell. He started blogging on the 20th or 21st, got caught for being a plagiarist on the 23rd, and resigned on the 24th. It went by WAY too fast.
The tracks will run through dream land and pass by lollypop lane.
Our Democratic leadership are the ones with NO backbone. The decision makers that make-up the party leadership needs a good house cleaning. The Southern Democratic party my grandfather raised me in of personal rights, property rights, worker rights, and oportunity for all has been taken over by a "soccer" mentality special interest elite. We were the party of the "working class". We need to get back to basics! You may have some fun with the following link describing a baby conservative.
whats that even mean?
Longmyer is wishy washy.
I agree with TC, he is too wishy washy. Give us some meat!
You guys keep it up, by all means. I am LOVING watching the Republican Party COMPLETELY alienate its only hope of remaining a long-term majority party in the United States. As it is, you're just accelerating your own political extinction.
"Pathologies" make people poor? Jesus would chase you out of his house with a pitchfork. Wait, no he wouldn't but I'd do it with his blessing, certainly.
...some Democrats are picking this issue up..so I think it's a balancing act.
So as to all those anti-gay anti-immigrant people out there: be careful.
Wow, let's build a 2000 mile long fence. That's just brilliant. And at night it'll be entirely floodlit, right? Maybe with motion sensor lights? And if the illegals start using boats we can build walls around the Atlantic and Pacific, too.
TC, your analysis is very primitive. For one thing, it does not include any benefits from immigration. (Under your one-sided type of analysis, having new babies should be outlawed because they impose costs on society.) Salaries for the feds? Salaries are only a portion of what manpower costs. (Of course the current GOP knows nothing about balancing budgets.)
Mr. Young, I knew a fair number of people in the Federalist Society when I practiced law. Let me paraphrase Ezekiel: Now this was the sin of the Federalist Society. She and her members were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. . .
Lowell, did you know that Nelson Rockefeller, a Republican, heavily funded the civil rights movement in this country? I wonder what happened to Republicans like him?
But no one who thinks entirely as I do could get elected to statewide office. Webb makes a damned sight more attractive a candidate than Miller against Allen. I care a lot more about the issues that will be voted on in the next Senate, like whether to make the Bush tax cuts permanent (can it really be true, as I've read, that Miller supports that), and Iraq, than a war that's almost over after thirty years (the Swift Boat crap shows it's not completely over).
We're in Iraq, Webb wants to get us out and was wise and brave enough to put some effort into publicly and repeatedly trying to stop us going in, so I am going to write his VN approach off as a blind spot.
My point is that it's so damned hard for a lifelong progressive to find anything really appealing in either Webb or Miller. Of course in November I'll vote for whichever once of them wins the primary -- hell, I'd vote for a garden slug against Allen, because it would do less harm to our state and country. But these are hard times for real progressives, and the Democratic Party in Virginia has to come up with better if we're ever going to turn this state blue.
I was very impressed by the full context of an issue that it seems Webb uses to examine issues and answer questions (e.g. he says the vote to censure Bush on NSA was only addressing one of a gamut of executive power-grabs). Very thoughtful.
I agree with K's theme however, that perhaps more details might be needed on some issues. Of particular interest to me is the claim that he supports civil unions, which to me, would represent progress and is most welcome. However, the question I would ask Webb if I were personally able to again talk with him in person (why didn't I think of this at the St. Patrick's Day Straw Poll!??) would be:
If you are elected to the U.S. Senate, will you support and actively seek to pass a law formalizing FEDERAL level civil unions that guarantee all 1,138 federal level rights, responsibilities, and benefits that marriage provides? If he answered affirmatively to that, I'd be one happy Webb campaigner!
Perhaps a blogosphere faux pas, but I just posted an update on yesterday’s Richmond incident in the appropriate blog (below, in 2086). Thought you’d welcome some good news.
I'll just say this: If we continue to fight on petty reasons of why one person is or is not a Democrat, we'll NEVER be able to build a large enough coalition to take back this country. Harris Miller is a Democrat because he says he is. James Webb is a Democrat because he says he is.
On another note, is anyone a Rasmussen member? Im trying to figure out what the latest Virginia Senate poll shows.
Re 1 -- "Jacksonian Democrat" is a 19th century concept that has damned little meaning today. "Reagan Democrat" was wrong in the 1980s and it's wrong today. "Democrats" are supposed to be for all people -- not just rich ones who don't want taxes, don't give a damn about the environment and so on and so forth. In many, many ways, "Reagan Democrats" and "Blue Dog Democrats" are as much to blame for the state of the country today as Republicans.
Re 2 - Actually, Webb has said marriage should be reserved for what happens in churches -- which is exactly the running of government by religion this country should avoid (and it's also the dodge too many Dems, alas, are willing to employ). In June, Allen will vote to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. How would Allen vote if he were there? And how does he intend to vote on Virginia's amendment in November? Again, his being "uncomfortable" sounds like fence-straddling -- "hey, homophobes, I'm with you but, hey gays, I'm not comfortable that a lot of Virginians want to drive you out of the state!" is what he seems to be saying.
Re 4 - The question isn't whether Webb was proud of his service in Vietnam. Lots of vets of my generation were (including friends of mine who were wounded there; I'm not sure what friends of mine who died there thought). My point is that, to this day, Webb seems to believe it was a good war, and that the U.S. was pursuing worthy goals. History most definitely disagrees with that -- and I have deep, deep reservations about the foreign policy views of anyone who still believes there was any merit in America's ventures in Southeast Asia.
Re 5 - Lots of people say they're "for" the abstraction of Roe v. Wade -- but that doesn't mean they truly support choice.
Re 6 - If he's "strongly for privacy," then he supports a woman's right (even a poor woman's right) to control her reproductive life. He opposes discrimination based on sexual orientation. He recognizes that in the main Americans have a right to go about their private lives as they choose. Does Webb fully support these positions?
Re 7 -- "Reagan Democrats" must either renege on their "Reaganism" or go along with W's tax cuts for the wealthy. There's no in between. (A "Jacksonian Democrat," on the other hand, would love redistributing the wealth in any way possible!)
I could say more, but my point is this: You are doing a noble job in trying to assemble and organize statements Webb has made. But thus far many of those statements are internally inconsistent (which, I suppose, indicates some political facility on Webb's part!). I just don't get a clear picture that convinces me Webb is as much a Democrat as he claims.
If Webb gets the nomination, of course I will vote for him in November -- but this doesn't change the fact that I'd very much rather see a true Democrat running in Virginia. Once upon a time the Democratic Party produced giants; now, it seems, a large proportion of our candidates nationwide are barely distinguishable from Republicans.
1) Yes, Webb has said he'll be a Democrat the rest of his life. Also, I'd point out he's been a Jacksonian Democrat or Reagan Democrat his whole life.
2) Webb is for civil unions and uncomfortable with the Virginia "marriage" amendment as currently worded (especially the last part of it).
3) Webb supports "don't ask, don't tell." That's one where I disagree with him.
4) Not sure what you mean by this question, exactly, but Webb is proud of his service in Vietnam.
5) He's for Roe v. Wade.
6) He's said he's strongly for personal privacy.
7) Not sure what you mean here exactly, but Webb is for fundamental fairness. I believe he has publicly stated his willingness to look at rolling back at least some of the Bush tax cuts for the richest Americans, given our huge deficits. I will ask him more about this, and encourage you to do the same.
8) Webb has said that the integration of women into the military "is working well."
I'll admit there's some substance in the repackaged answers to the 20 questions, and that's a good thing. But there are still a lot more questions.
And then, of course, there's that Scots-Irish business that to most Americans sounds oh-so racist ...
Webb is going by "Jim" these days...
Another thought - could this be made into a campaign pamphlet? I think its a short list of important questions with concise, well-thought-out opinions. It would be great to hand out when getting signatures or attending rallies.
-Alec
p.s. Does he prefer to be called Jim or James?
This map of 'key Senate and other races' in the Wash Post doesn't include Virginia. Is the Post assuming Allen's a lock for re-election and thus the race isn't 'key', or...?
Also found it interesting that Webb was the only candidate mentioned.
I'd like to see a similar set of opinions on Harris Miller, besides the fact that he supports the death penalty, supported the preemptive invasion of Iraq, and supports parental notification.
And who is the moral authority on who is a real Democrat? Not you, K.
I want to beat Allen with a REAL Democrat, that's why I and many others are voting for Webb.
The point is, sometimes "the law is an ass," and this is one of those cases. Our immigration laws are totally screwed up, and everyone knows it. That's why Bush, Tom Davis et al. talk of ways around those laws, because they know they're utterly screwed up and that powerful economic forces are at work.
By the way, what is your beef with people from El Salvador particularly? If they were from England or Canada, would you feel the same way?
My opinion is that Americans (native-born, I assume) might refuse these jobs at this time, but might be darned glad of them in a less vibrant economy, i.e., a recession. And, they might accept such jobs now if they paid a living wage and/or had benefits. The problem is the entrepreneurs don't want to pay a decent wage, and they don't have to so long as they can find an illegal to work for lower pay. The entrepreneur's excuse is he/she can't make any money if they have to pay the living wage. Circular reasoning, I'd say.
The current business model that overemphasizes profits (nothing wrong with profits, but sometimes the beancounters get carried away in grinding out that last penny of profit) is a business model beloved by the Republican party's theorists, and its overemphasis on bottom line brings us Enron accounting, pay to play lobbyists, and pharmaceutical companies with little or no social consciousness... and also the driving greed of the What's-in-it-for-me generation intent on getting theirs at the expense of everyone else (including their own children). I think all of this is rolled up in the so-called "immigration problem," and it shows a rotten underbelly to the American dream.
On the other hand, unassimilable immigrants, like some of the radical fundamentalist Muslims who refuse to integrate and want to have sharia apply to them in this country instead of our laws--- those we can do without, thank you.
laws need to be followed, and anyone who wishes to join our country should not enter illegally.
15% of all public school students in california are ILLEGAL immigrants.
This is costing us billions and billions of dollars, and bottom line is I don't want my money going to people who should still be in El Salvador..and not in my back yard.
god I hate people who boil this issue down to that simplistic statement...
If we did the right thing here, these people would NOT be costing billions and billions without having them also paying taxes.
New flash to you folks: ANYONE in this country in the working class, here legally or not, paying taxes or not, does not generate as much tax revenue as they and their children will cost the government in services in the forms of schools, infrastructure, health care, etc.
That is precisely why a progressive tax structure is so important, and the key to the successful delivery of services that the government provides. It's also why a flat tax would be immoral and ineffective.
So, what do we do about it? We legalize all immigrants here legally or not, and get them paying taxes so that IN FACT they join the social compacts of American society. There's simply no reason not to do it.
And while I don't buy the crap about "no Americans want those jobs", I also don't at all buy the idea that our economy does not need these workers, and that there's only a net 1% gain from them (whatever that means)? How do you quantify someone's work in an economy that doesn't have enough skilled or unskilled workers as it is?
This is crazy talk, folks. These are basics. Immigration has never, ever hurt this country, and has only ever enriched it and created more jobs.
And we have to. This is something that a lot of our voters have anxiety about, some of it rationally based and some not. Partly because I've always found nurses to be among the most politically sensible people around (strong combination of reality-based and compassionate), it was sobering to hear some faithfully Dem nurses from up the valley last fall very, very upset about the burden the big population of undocumented women has placed on ob-gyn wards there.
*"It's your money" (what the hell does THAT mean? Is "money" created in a vacuum?)
*"Culture of life" (what the hell does THAT mean? Making sure that no cures are found for my sister with Juvenile Diabetes while protecting blastocysts? Executing people? Launching wars of aggression?)
*"Family values" (like what, no education, health care, or good job opportunities?)
*"Government is the problem" (so much for Abraham Lincoln: "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
What a shock, and a good one at that. I will never again have to explain the location of where I went to graduate school...at least not to sports fans...GO MASON!
Does Webb support Kennedy's immigration bill (which includes legalizing immigrants now here)? Marc Cooper's posts for links to more detail and a progressive view of immigration politics.
I'm afraid this is an issue where the constituencies to which Webb is making explicit appeals -- African-Americans and rural whites -- are united on the nativist, easily demagogued, anti-immigrant side of things.
