From The Hill:

"This is a civil war we have going on in Iraq," Reid said. "It's not right for us to be refereeing a civil war. It's very clear that's what it is. We never authorized fighting in a civil war."

Reid predicted that the Democrats would "continue to pick up Republicans" in their effort to stop a surge of U.S. combat troops in Iraq.

The majority leader said his party is finalizing its plans to accomplish its goal, but stressed that he would move forward only if Democrats stand shoulder-to-shoulder on strategy.

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There have been times in the last 6+ yrs that I have despaired of the Democratic party's being able to stand up to the Opposition, the "Republic" party.

I understand completely the desire to be polite and even-handed, but - when you are facing the Barbarians at the gate, you need a different tactic.

Slap them down hard and fast - and give no quarter. They would give you none, nor have they, these last several years.

ESEA - No Child Left Behind Legislation

If I were a businessman this legislation would mean . . .
 I would have no choice over which products to buy at wholesale prices
 I would have to receive broken, disadvantaged, less than perfect products each and everyday and still figure out a way to make a profit
 I would have to measure and re-measure my products to see if anything has changed
 I would have to read my measurements in the newspaper which will compared my products to the entire nation
 I would be in competition with other businessman who have zero problem products
 I would be in competition with other businessman who regularly receive more money from their communities to be able to improve their products and sale their products
 I would have to repair my own products even if they get re-broken each night
 I would be REQUIRED to sale each and every product or I would not be considered successful
 I would have to pay to take tests and go to college for a long time to be able to sale my products
 I would have to be highly qualified even though it's unclear exactly how I am supposed to do this
 I would be expected to work and work and work for less money than other people with my same level of skill and school degree

If I were a teacher this legislation would mean . . .
 I would have no choice over which students enter my room
 I would have to receive broken, disadvantaged, less than perfect students each and everyday and still figure out a way to make them learn
 I would have to measure and re-measure my students to see if anything has changed
 I would have to read my measurements in the newspaper which will compared my students, broken or not, to the entire nation
 I would be in competition with other teachers who have zero problem students
 I would be in competition with other teachers who regularly receive more money from their communities to be able to improve their schools and student achievement
 I would have to repair my students even if they get re-broken each night
 I would be REQUIRED to improve each and every student to grade level or I would not be considered successful
 I would have to pay to take tests and go to college for a long time to be able to teach my students
 I would have to be highly qualified even though it's unclear exactly how I am supposed to do this
 I would be expected to work and work and work for less money than other people with my same level of skill and school degree

Teachers should not be measured or made accountable to a business model legislation. In fact this legislation and it's business model measurements, do not even make sense when applied to business. Education is a basic human right and all students in our country deserve a free and quality public education. To continue to measure and publish inaccurate measurements, improves nothing. A businessman would never allow the government to dictate their business practices, why would a teacher?

ESEA - No Child Left Behind Legislation has left almost everyone behind. What is the purpose? Please support efforts to drastically change this legislation, adequately fund this legislation, and start making a real difference to every child, teacher, and family in this nation.

Senator Reid, please rethink your position on Fox having anything to do with the Democratic party in any way, including running an honest debate. Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes run a right-wing wind machine. They cannot be trusted to be "Fair and Balanced." FORGET FOX.

RENO, NEVADA AND NEW YORK - FOX News, the Nevada Democratic Party and the Western Majority Project have jointly announced that they will host a 2008 presidential debate, which is expected to attract the top Democratic contenders for President. The debate will be presented live on FOX News Channel (FNC) and FOX News Radio on August 14, 2007 in Reno.


In making the announcement, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said, "This is more great news for Nevada. I'm happy FOX News will be a partner for the August presidential debate. Western issues will be a major focus of this debate in particular. With FOX News as our partner, candidates will have an opportunity to not only speak to Nevada voters, but voters across the West who will be instrumental to electing a Democratic president in 2008."

My question is WHY FOX?   Read More »

I watched Sen. Kennedy's comments on cspan early this morning and was moved by his eloquence. I am very worried however that we dems are not viewed as being supportive of our armed forces and their families. While I was too young to be a draftee and am not a veteran, I have many friends who served in vietnam. They have a sense of betrayal that they cannot shake when they think back on that time. We must, must, must never again let those who serve feel that we do not care about them no matter how much we disagree with the missions they are sent on for us. While I understand that the senate republicans will not let the vote take place as we want, why not let them have their resolution debated as well. The debate can be open and we will keep our options open with regard to financial support for the escalation.

There are very few men and women in America who believe the Iraq war is not worthy of debate. They are the Republican Members of the United States Senate. Today, they did our country a grave disservice.

Republicans in the Senate voted to tie the hands of Congress and block a debate on the war in Iraq. By voting against a real debate on Iraq, Republicans voted in favor of the President's plan to escalate the war. Numerous Republican Senators are on the record opposing this escalation. Do these Republicans stand with the President or do they stand with the American people?

Help me send a message to Republicans in the Senate. Tell them:

Stop blocking debate on escalating the war in Iraq - let's have an up or down vote on the President's plan.

Senate Republicans are obstructing the very change Americans demanded last November. This was the first time they had the opportunity to debate this war, but it will not be the last. Democrats will not back down or let this issue fade away. The consequences of inaction are far too dire.

55,492 of you signed our "No Escalation - No Way" petition. I read through many of your comments. They were thoughtful and heartfelt, expressing concern for our troops and our nation. Especially touching were the pleas from the parents of soldiers currently serving in Iraq. One of them wrote: "My son is a Marine and has been in Iraq 11 months . . . Let him come home and out of harms way. Don't make him serve another term."

We need to respond with the same level of energy and commitment right now.

Please help tell Senate Republicans:

Stop blocking debate on escalating the war in Iraq - let's have an up or down vote on the President's plan.