Member Posts - July 2006
It's a pleasure to be here at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.
The work you do turning progressive ideas into policy reality is second to none. After years of falling behind the Right-Wing noise machine, we desperately needed an organization like yours.
Over the decades, the Right had succeeded in hijacking the values debate and laying claim to the moral high ground. Thanks to you, they can no longer make that claim. Read More »
The work you do turning progressive ideas into policy reality is second to none. After years of falling behind the Right-Wing noise machine, we desperately needed an organization like yours.
Over the decades, the Right had succeeded in hijacking the values debate and laying claim to the moral high ground. Thanks to you, they can no longer make that claim. Read More »
In my home state of Nevada, in Reno, families are paying $3.12 for the gas they need to drive to work - more than double the price they were paying in 2001. That means they have hundreds of dollars less each month to spend on food, medicine, and their other needs.
In Boulder City, there's a man in a wheelchair I know from church, whose hope has been crushed because President Bush catered to the radical right and vetoed stem cell research last week. Read More »
In Boulder City, there's a man in a wheelchair I know from church, whose hope has been crushed because President Bush catered to the radical right and vetoed stem cell research last week. Read More »
For months, Republicans held the retirement security of millions of workers hostage to their desire to provide hundreds of billions in estate tax giveaways to the privileged few. Now that the effort was rejected, Republicans are holding hostage needed tax relief for working Americans, businesses, and students in an effort to pass fiscally irresponsible estate tax breaks. We need a Congress that works for all Americans, not one that puts special interests first. The Senate rejected fiscally irresponsible estate tax giveaways twice this year and will reject them again. It is time to move in a new direction that puts average Americans before special interests
Okay. The information revoultion is definitely here. A day doesn't pass that I don't get at least one email from a Congresscritter of some sort, be it that buffoon Lamar Smith's (R-TX 21) monthly status report, a new form of campaigning that more closely resembles a game show from Barbara Boxer, or a "concerned letter" from a Senator highlighting today's most recent legislative non-crisis.
In general, I'm thankful for these missives. I do like to hear what is going on. I don't even mind the constant requests for money, typically without the essential voter-information that I find is missing from the emails. I do not expect every letter from a congresscritter to meet my high standards.
But when I originally signed up for this website, giveemhellharry.com, I did not expect my contact information to end up in the hands of others.
So what do I get in the inbox today? A letter from giveemhellharry.com, which I am usually quite interested in reading. But this one was from Senator Barack Obama. Excuse me? Did I sign up for that?
I know Obama is a popular figure in the Democratic party right now (for no good reason that I can tell), but he's not the party leadership and he's not a person I agree with on strategy. His opinion is not one that I signed up for when I joined the site. And it's not one I particularly care to read--not that there was anything substantive in his letter anyway. To be blunt, I do not want contact with Senator Barack Obama. If I did, I would send him an email.
Yet Harry Reid gave him access to my email information anyway.
Is that how my privacy is respected? Was the entire email list itself packaged up and handed off in this manner? Is the Senate Minority Leader actively engaging in spamming? And for what, to put more money in the hands of incumbents who have failed to do their part to keep America informed? Is that how my contributions are going to be spent?
This "shift to the center" strategy is exemplified by this action, you see. Republicans make heavy use of this strategy, and why not? One Republican is pretty much just like any other now days, given their near-dogmatic loyalty to party. So maybe their base doesn't care that their names, addresses, and email information is being haphazardly tossed around. But I do. This "shift to the center" is not good for Democratic politics. Let the Republicans readjust--Lord knows their party needs more centrists.
What we need is more information on the issues of the day. Not to be played like morons with one flashy smile or another.
Not that any of this will matter, because we still haven't bothered to protect our vote. Sure, the Voting Rights Act was renewed. But it needed to be updated to address the issues with the technology of the day.
Where's the news on what Harry Reid has been doing to address that issue? Nowhere. Instead, we get an appeal for money from Barack Obama.
I am not amused.
In general, I'm thankful for these missives. I do like to hear what is going on. I don't even mind the constant requests for money, typically without the essential voter-information that I find is missing from the emails. I do not expect every letter from a congresscritter to meet my high standards.
But when I originally signed up for this website, giveemhellharry.com, I did not expect my contact information to end up in the hands of others.
So what do I get in the inbox today? A letter from giveemhellharry.com, which I am usually quite interested in reading. But this one was from Senator Barack Obama. Excuse me? Did I sign up for that?
I know Obama is a popular figure in the Democratic party right now (for no good reason that I can tell), but he's not the party leadership and he's not a person I agree with on strategy. His opinion is not one that I signed up for when I joined the site. And it's not one I particularly care to read--not that there was anything substantive in his letter anyway. To be blunt, I do not want contact with Senator Barack Obama. If I did, I would send him an email.
Yet Harry Reid gave him access to my email information anyway.
Is that how my privacy is respected? Was the entire email list itself packaged up and handed off in this manner? Is the Senate Minority Leader actively engaging in spamming? And for what, to put more money in the hands of incumbents who have failed to do their part to keep America informed? Is that how my contributions are going to be spent?
This "shift to the center" strategy is exemplified by this action, you see. Republicans make heavy use of this strategy, and why not? One Republican is pretty much just like any other now days, given their near-dogmatic loyalty to party. So maybe their base doesn't care that their names, addresses, and email information is being haphazardly tossed around. But I do. This "shift to the center" is not good for Democratic politics. Let the Republicans readjust--Lord knows their party needs more centrists.
What we need is more information on the issues of the day. Not to be played like morons with one flashy smile or another.
Not that any of this will matter, because we still haven't bothered to protect our vote. Sure, the Voting Rights Act was renewed. But it needed to be updated to address the issues with the technology of the day.
Where's the news on what Harry Reid has been doing to address that issue? Nowhere. Instead, we get an appeal for money from Barack Obama.
I am not amused.
We're enduring record heat in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I live, and all over the country, even the local papers daily report news of the effects of global warming, individuals, cities and states are taking steps to reduce their CO2 emissions, yet no where on this website can I even find the phrase "global warming." Instead I find references to the need for lower gas prices! Okay, so there's also talk of energy independence and "fighting big oil" but why are Democrats so afraid of confronting this not just impending but actual ecological and eventually economic and social disaster head on, putting it at the top of the priority list and coming up with an all-fronts program to reduce the U.S.'s appalling effect on our global health, even if it means that we citizens have to "make sacrifices"--higher taxes, smaller cars, more industry regulation-- in the present to ensure the future for our descendents. The importance of other issues pales before this one; unless and until the Democratic Party initiates real leadership here, my enthusiasm for its other agendas will remain lukewarm!
One-month ago--on June 22nd--the Senate held a debate about the raging war in Iraq.
In that debate, Democrats--led by Senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed--gave voice to the concerns of the American people and advocated that the Bush administration change course in Iraq.
We argued that the administration follow the law and make 2006 the year of transition, with Iraqis taking charge of their own security and government, so that American forces can be redeployed by year's end. Read More »
In that debate, Democrats--led by Senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed--gave voice to the concerns of the American people and advocated that the Bush administration change course in Iraq.
We argued that the administration follow the law and make 2006 the year of transition, with Iraqis taking charge of their own security and government, so that American forces can be redeployed by year's end. Read More »
Challenged on a mailing list with the question "Why are you Left of Center", I reviewed my political philosophy, which I think has been fairly consistent throughout my life and linked to my faith and religious values, despite changing party affiliations over the years. The following is a summary of what I believe is possible, and where government's focus should be. Read More »
The President had an opportunity to change people's lives and yet he chose to dash the hopes of millions of Americans. Bush's veto of Stem Cell Research is yet one more misguided decision.
I look at my brother-in-law with Parkinson's, my clients with spinal cord injuries, my friends with MS and diabetes, and my parents' friends with Alzheimers and wonder why they are less important than a small group of unorganized cells that are going to be discarded. Which is a better fate for these cells? To be tossed in a dumpster or to be a source of new life and hope for those already born on this earth?
I look at my brother-in-law with Parkinson's, my clients with spinal cord injuries, my friends with MS and diabetes, and my parents' friends with Alzheimers and wonder why they are less important than a small group of unorganized cells that are going to be discarded. Which is a better fate for these cells? To be tossed in a dumpster or to be a source of new life and hope for those already born on this earth?
Mr. President, on March 15, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson came to the Capitol to address a joint session of the United States Congress. He spoke to a House, Senate and a nation that had been rocked by recent violence in Selma, Alabama.
President Johnson's purpose that night was to spur Congress to finally move forward on the Voting Rights Act, the legislation whose reauthorization we will consider today.
That Congress in 1965 -like this Congress in 2006 - was slow to pass voting rights legislation, so President Johnson came to the Hill to remind everyone what was at stake. Read More »
President Johnson's purpose that night was to spur Congress to finally move forward on the Voting Rights Act, the legislation whose reauthorization we will consider today.
That Congress in 1965 -like this Congress in 2006 - was slow to pass voting rights legislation, so President Johnson came to the Hill to remind everyone what was at stake. Read More »
REID: THE SENATE WILL REJECT ESTATE TAX GIVEAWAYS IN THE PENSIONS BILL
For over four months, American workers, retirees and businesses have been waiting patiently for the Republican Congress to deliver a pensions bill that will provide retirement security to millions of Americans. Now, instead of delivering those workers a clean bill, Republicans are desperately trying to satisfy a privileged few by providing them hundreds of billions in additional estate tax breaks. Fiscally irresponsible estate tax giveaways have been rejected by the Senate before and will be rejected again. We need a Congress that works for all Americans, not one that abuses the system to satisfy the special interests. I hope my Republican colleagues will move in a new direction by dropping the estate tax giveaway so we can quickly pass the pensions conference report. It is time to put American workers before special interests.
For over four months, American workers, retirees and businesses have been waiting patiently for the Republican Congress to deliver a pensions bill that will provide retirement security to millions of Americans. Now, instead of delivering those workers a clean bill, Republicans are desperately trying to satisfy a privileged few by providing them hundreds of billions in additional estate tax breaks. Fiscally irresponsible estate tax giveaways have been rejected by the Senate before and will be rejected again. We need a Congress that works for all Americans, not one that abuses the system to satisfy the special interests. I hope my Republican colleagues will move in a new direction by dropping the estate tax giveaway so we can quickly pass the pensions conference report. It is time to put American workers before special interests.
Hello! I am amazed what George Bush did. Veoted the Stem Cell Research for new drug developments. All of us have to resort to rely on natural remedies and hang in there until new cures are found. With the cost of drugs sprialling like crazy, it is clear that we have to take the ownership of our eathing habits, social habits (staying clear of smoke filled locations), financial habits. Retirement for the Middle Class is really not looking great. We have no choice but to look into network marketing with a excellent wellness company.
Link
Link
While I think Senator Reid has a good idea that we, the voters, should write letters to the media. I think he should spend his valuable time convincing the congress to override the veto. it's time the Congress did the work we voted them to do and not always asking the voter to do it for them.
The President who wouldn't veto budgets that cut from the neediest among us to pay for tax cuts for the rich, the President who wouldn't veto billion dollar handouts for Enron and Exxon, vetoed the next generation of medical breakthroughs and the hopes and dreams of men and women like Nancy Reagan and Michael J Fox. Democrats will not give up the fight for stem cell research. It is a fight America must win. We're going to press Republicans to override this veto--just as we pressed to get it to the Senate floor and just as we pressed to get this bill passed.
This should have been a day of hope for millions of Americans. Democrats listened to the American people, and through our persistence overcame Republican delays to pass critical stem cell legislation. Unfortunately, in less than 24 hours, President Bush defied the will of the American people and crushed the hopes of millions who suffer from serious and debilitating diseases like cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's and Parkinson's. The need for a new direction in America has never been clearer.
This should have been a day of hope for millions of Americans. Democrats listened to the American people, and through our persistence overcame Republican delays to pass critical stem cell legislation. Unfortunately, in less than 24 hours, President Bush defied the will of the American people and crushed the hopes of millions who suffer from serious and debilitating diseases like cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's and Parkinson's. The need for a new direction in America has never been clearer.
This afternoon, the Senate will vote on a measure - The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810) - that offers hope.
Hope to 17-year-old Molly Miller in Las Vegas, who has suffered from juvenile diabetes for much of her youth.
Hope to my friend in Boulder City from church. I've talked about him before. He has Parkinson's and is in a wheelchair, but stem cell offers hope that some day he could be cured. Read More »
Hope to 17-year-old Molly Miller in Las Vegas, who has suffered from juvenile diabetes for much of her youth.
Hope to my friend in Boulder City from church. I've talked about him before. He has Parkinson's and is in a wheelchair, but stem cell offers hope that some day he could be cured. Read More »
The lead story in Roll Call today has the headline "Senate Plans Earlier Recess." The article reports that the Majority Leader and the Majority Whip have:
"scrapped plans to keep the Senate in session through the beginning of October, and will instead look to wrap up work on as many appropriations bills and other must pass measures before September 27."
The new adjournment date means the Senate has only 8 more weeks in which it will be session.
Eight weeks is 40 business days. Read More »
"scrapped plans to keep the Senate in session through the beginning of October, and will instead look to wrap up work on as many appropriations bills and other must pass measures before September 27."
The new adjournment date means the Senate has only 8 more weeks in which it will be session.
Eight weeks is 40 business days. Read More »
I am being treated with a medicine for an unusual cancer. I just found out that my medicare D program will not pay for it! So I paid out of pocket for some being led to believe by Medicare that I could get reimbursement from them. But it turned out that they won't reimburse me. They said I have to go to a drugstore which can bill Medicare B for the drug - such drugstores are very few and far between! Why I can't go to my own drugstore is beyond me. So I asked my medigap insurance whether I could go back on their prescription drug plan as they used to pay for the drug. No, I can't go back on that prescription drug plan! Why not?? Just that's the rules.
Now I received a booklet from my medicare D provider. In order to have them pay for my drugs I have to go to in-network pharmacies which only exist in a few states?! And if I travel out of the country and I suddenly need something - then what?? I cannot figure out how much time I would have to spend to get them to pay for my drugs, should a need arise so-and-so many miles away from home. And what if I decide to move? The timing of my move would be dependent upon when I can enroll in a drug program in the new area.
With my old program - though it was more expensive - at least I was free. Now I can't go back to that, even though I am will to pay the increased amount.
How did we ever give the politicians the power to take away our freedoms? If I were really wealthy, I would just drop the whole damned thing and pay out of pocket for the benefit of having peace of mind.
Now I received a booklet from my medicare D provider. In order to have them pay for my drugs I have to go to in-network pharmacies which only exist in a few states?! And if I travel out of the country and I suddenly need something - then what?? I cannot figure out how much time I would have to spend to get them to pay for my drugs, should a need arise so-and-so many miles away from home. And what if I decide to move? The timing of my move would be dependent upon when I can enroll in a drug program in the new area.
With my old program - though it was more expensive - at least I was free. Now I can't go back to that, even though I am will to pay the increased amount.
How did we ever give the politicians the power to take away our freedoms? If I were really wealthy, I would just drop the whole damned thing and pay out of pocket for the benefit of having peace of mind.
It would be a gross irony for the Democratic party to, essentially, abandon its own democratic processes and machinery to support Joe Lieberman. After 15 years that have seen 2 semi-credible 3rd party candidates for president (Perot, Nader), it's become evident that progressives cannot afford the time/resources required to build a truly credible 3rd party--the opening created for conservatives will simply allow too much damage to be done. The upshot?: We _must_ build a strong and responsive Democratic party, one that is capable of gaining control of Congress and of using congressional power responsibly. There is no other practical choice, yes?
Failure of party leadership to support a successful grassroots campaign by Ned Lamont--whose positions across the board contrast with Lieberman's conservative creep--WILL result in a split within the party as injurious as the splits in 1968 and 1972. It is incumbent on Democratic leadership (Sen Reid, shall we say?) to ensure that the party responds appropriately to groundswell movements at the grassroots level IF the party is to have a chance at success in 2006, 2008 and on...
Mr. Reid,
Mr. Lieberman is not a democrat you should support. He is not an honorable man.
Electoral fraud governs my donations. I cannot in good conscience give money to any other cause. You have not done your part..in public, on the senate floor, press conferences, etc. We are still waiting for you to step into the leadership on this issue. There is no better function for your Leadership Fund.
Mr. Lieberman is not a democrat you should support. He is not an honorable man.
Electoral fraud governs my donations. I cannot in good conscience give money to any other cause. You have not done your part..in public, on the senate floor, press conferences, etc. We are still waiting for you to step into the leadership on this issue. There is no better function for your Leadership Fund.
An Open Letter to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid:
Please pledge to support to the winner of the Connecticut Democratic primary.
On August Eighth, Connecticut Democrats will choose their nominee for US Senate.
Harry Reid, the Democratic nominee deserves your support.
Please pledge your support, and the support of all Senate Democrats, to the primary victor.
Thank you for your service to the United States of America and to the Democratic Party.
Sincerely, Teddy San Fran
Please pledge to support to the winner of the Connecticut Democratic primary.
On August Eighth, Connecticut Democrats will choose their nominee for US Senate.
Harry Reid, the Democratic nominee deserves your support.
Please pledge your support, and the support of all Senate Democrats, to the primary victor.
Thank you for your service to the United States of America and to the Democratic Party.
Sincerely, Teddy San Fran
This morning, Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) announced that he has authorized petitions to be circulated in his name, making him an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination in Connecticut.
By this action, Lieberman has betrayed the Democratic Party. He is not willing to be bound by the rules by which the Party's nominees are selected. He has indicated that, if he should lose the Democratic primary, he will actively oppose the Democratic nominee in the general election. This act of disloyalty and unfair play should not be tolerated.
Sen. Minority Leader Harry Reid should immediately announce that he is suspending all forms of aid to Lieberman, and he should affirm that he will support the Democratic nominee after the primary. This would be an act of leadership which the Party sorely needs. Give 'em hell, Harry.
By this action, Lieberman has betrayed the Democratic Party. He is not willing to be bound by the rules by which the Party's nominees are selected. He has indicated that, if he should lose the Democratic primary, he will actively oppose the Democratic nominee in the general election. This act of disloyalty and unfair play should not be tolerated.
Sen. Minority Leader Harry Reid should immediately announce that he is suspending all forms of aid to Lieberman, and he should affirm that he will support the Democratic nominee after the primary. This would be an act of leadership which the Party sorely needs. Give 'em hell, Harry.
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