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Lunch with Howard Dean in Georgia Today
Linked to groups: Macon - Bibb County DFA, Georgians for Clean Renewable Energy DFA, DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew
It was my good fortune to have lunch today with DFA founder Howard Dean. Chairman Dean was in town during Democratic Party Georgia (DPG) Committee meeting. The DPG was meeting to elect its members of the Democratic National Committee.
Barack Obama's successful foreign affairs trip was discussed around the lunch table. Chmn Dean expressed how significant it was that this candidate for the American Presidency could move thousands of Europeans to wave American flags. Obviously, neither G W Bush nor John McCain could inspire such a display.
Howard Dean appeared very fit and is very energetic in his mission. He admitted that he copied some well worn Republican National Committee tactics, such as purchasing and mining consumer data for targeting likely supporters. He said that he had not expected the DNC to have a decisive impact on federal elections before 2012 but credited the mostly twenty-something DNC staffers for sleeping at their desks and swinging some seats (House and Senate) to the Democrats in 2006.
It is significant that DPG and the DNC are together in Central Georgia for an official event. Chmn Dean recognized that the south and the Democratic party have changed a lot in the past 40 years. He recognized that the national party had "not been showing up here for 30 years."
As a native Georgian, I know that estrangement suited past state and local party officials just fine. But the DPG is at the bottom now, I hope that Dean's visit is a sign that current state leadership recognizes that America's national challenges are also our southern region's challenges as well. And, that unity with the DNC and productive influence upon DC Democrats represent the best route for rebuilding the state party and serving Georgia's citizenry.
Chmn Dean recognized there are some areas of disagreement between traditional Democratic platform positions and some traditional southern voters but that -
Treating People Fairly, Respecting Hard Work, and Believing Americans Can Best Make Decisions About Their Own Personal Lives Without Government Interference -
are values that the Democratic Party and the southern populace share.
While no one expects Democrats will win a majority of evangelical votes, Democrats, candidates and citizens, have to be engaged with the voters and ask for their votes. The national well being depends on The People recognizing our common humanity and Democrats need to actively define themselves rather than leaving it to Limbaughs, Hannitys and O'Reillys to define us. He cited poll results that people younger than 35 and identifying
themselves as evangelical Christians have priorities -
Poverty, Climate Change, and Darfur -
that are Democratic priorities.
In discussing tax policy, Gov Dean the candidate began to surface. There were some words of fire he had in mind for supply siders. But, he resisted the tenacity and calmly stated that everyone knows it (supply side, vodoo economics, Bush tax cuts, etc) didn't work, doesn't work. Politics is redistribution, to the top, to the bottom, and/or to the middle. Business and commerce must be conducted with referees. It is no coincidence that "our worst financial disasters have occurred under Republican administrations" because of their laissez faire theology.
Finally, the Chairman's presentation of what this national campaign is about and the core objectives of a Democratically administered Federal Government will be in 2009 was succinct and reassuring:
1. Tax Policy
2. Universal Health Care
3. Domestic Renewable Energy Production and Distribution
The order of objectives suggests (my observations) that the Bush tax cuts will be repealed immediately. Lower and middle income wage earners could see some reduction in taxes.
Democrats are raking in business interest money in support of universal health care policy. American companies cannot compete economically with those of other industrialized countries with federalized health coverage systems.
Chmn Dean loves to see advertisements of McCain shilling for drilling followed by T Boone Pickens telling America that "Folks, I'm an Oilman and I know we cannot drill our way to energy independence." We ought to be setting high standards for America's conversion to clean renewable energy as Al Gore has challenged us. This will establish good paying jobs that will not be outsourced.
Personally, it was my privilege and distinct honor to share a lunch table with Howard Dean in the course of his conduct of the serious business he is engaged in. He signed an essay of his, Reviving American Democracy, that was included in a collection published in the dark days of late autumn 2004 - What We Do Now.
Ronald Cloud
Macon, GA
July 26, 2008
Annilow,
Thanks for your comment.
Social Security and Medicare benefits depend on the general prosperity to finance them.
So, I must suggest that seniors with current levels of taxable income should consider the well being of our communities' young people before calling for tax free status for themselves. I am a bit surprised that Obama has pitched that. Although each example of his typical politics, in contrast to "change", makes such items less surprising.
I digress, imo politicians are allowed to be just what they are after all.
. . .
My bad in leaving out the main point that brought Howard Dean here on behalf of the DNC.
Local news station captured it as follows:
Dean said people want to change directions because of issues such as the poor economy, the war in Iraq, the lack of health insurance and soaring fuel costs. He said Obama is the person to address those issues. But more voters are needed to put Obama over the top.
"We need you to register people to vote. Our target for Georgia is a big one. We need half a million new people registered to vote. So nothing I can do and nothing Barack Obama can do can win us Georgia," Dean said. "It's what you can do to win us Georgia."
Howard Dean Brings Registration Drive to Macon | 13wmaz.com | 13WMAZ
http://www.13wmaz.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080726/NEWS01/80726007
Hi Ron, my thanks too for the report.
I hear you on seniors considering the well-being of their communities. For those on fixed incomes, with rising property taxes, increased Medicare expenses, and diminishing resources, I believe a tax free status under $40-$50K makes sense. My folks, and I imagine many other seniors find ways to support their communities youth - they always support school referenda and do what little thigs they can such as buy a little from Market Day or get the occsional raffle ticket. Doesn't sound like much, but it's tough out there!
"It's what you can do to win us Georgia."
:-) Deaning on, we have the power.
- I think a true universal healthcare plan (which Obama's is not) would solve this issue
By Cheryl on Jul 27, 2008 12:37 PM EDTDon't focus on just seniors and kids, include everyone. Besides, prevention is always the best route to real health care.
Ronald, the money is there. It is all about appropriations. Every time someone in Congress wants hundreds of billions for their buddies in subsidies, war contracts, a bridge to nowhere, etc. they get it. Pork aka earmarks. My Congresswoman had $230 million of her $270 million earmarks for more war toys and she is running on a environmental platform but only appropriated $5 million for that! But people fall for it because no one really checks the details.
Remember, this is OUR money. If we can afford to use it to go overseas and kill a bunch of innocent people, we certainly can afford to use it take care of our own. Do not ever buy that the money is not there in the richest country in the world while we are making 100 new billionaires a year. The money is being taken from the many, we the slave class, and being "appropriated" to the few, the elite class of corporate criminals who are controlling all three branches of our government.
And don't buy the argument that we have to raise taxes either. We need the money we are already overpaying in taxes to go to take care of us...again, appropriations. Those committees on the local, state and federal levels are what we really should be watching the most closely because much of the damage happens in committee before it even gets out for a full vote.
As someone who is without health insurance and cannot afford the MRI for the tumor I was supposed to be tested for 6 years ago already, I will say this is a HUGE issue for me. I have been forced to treat myself "underground" so to speak and get my meds in creative ways.
I also think politicians take the easy way out focusing on health care for kids and seniors but leaving out the mass population that needs it most...people from 21 to pre-retirement age. In most of my 20s, I had no coverage too. I think I only had coverage for 4 years of my adult life because in other jobs I couldn't afford my share of the coverage. Then there is the issue of having coverage but the poor care provided by doctors and medical establishments today. Part of this is the drug industry is funding the med schools and doctors are woefully ignorant on disorders and diseases that 50 years ago they actually did a better job of treating. This is a very common complaint on the medical boards I participate in, which have members numbering in the tens of thousands. I have gotten better medical direction from patients than my doctors ever gave me, even the good docs I have had. In fact, it was a patient who looked over my lab reports and figured out the big disease I am battling now. Half the time doctors can't even seem to understand their own lab reports! Mine showed issues over 10 years ago that each doctor missed.
In Arizona, our Governor boasts this "children and seniors" coverage, but our population is getting sicker and more disabled each year. It doesn't really make sense, for example, to have coverage for a child who...with good diet and prevention most don't need a lot of medical care except in accidents...while the parents raising them are sick, losing their jobs, losing their homes, etc. Sick parents can't raise healthy kids. If with all my issues I had to raise a family on top of it, I would not survive.
If you leave something out, you can go back and edit your own post. I highly recommend that with an "update" notification in the main diary.
It is good to hear a report from GA. I was wondering how it went after I heard about the PUMA incident in NC.
Thanks for the tip. Thankful! And, Ronald for your post. Insightful.
http://hypem.com/track/597673/Emiliana+Torrini-Nothing+Brings+Me+Down
- We in the north share the same values. Don't think us slackers or do-gooders. We want everyone to pull their wieght (or pull with intent) No free rides to skaters!
By Imn2Paine on Jul 26, 2008 11:18 PM EDTTreating People Fairly, Respecting Hard Work, and Believing Americans Can Best Make Decisions About Their Own Personal Lives Without Government Interference -
are values that the Democratic Party and the southern populace share.
The statement was just part of exploring how the Democratic Party can improve its prospects in the south. I wasn't implying that those values were exclusive to any region.
"While no one expects Democrats will win a majority of evangelical votes, Democrats, candidates and citizens"
Why would McCain win Evangelical Christian votes? Does cheating on both your wives and abusing your current wife (driving her to drug addiction) qualify for Christian values? Certainly for all Obama's flaws, he lives the Christian values much more so than McCain. Does stealing billions from taxpayers qualify as Christian values? How about running your own state into the ground so that is ranks worst in education, health care, child welfare, crime, border deaths, etc.?
If ECs are going to support McCain, than there is a HUGE disconnect with what ECs say they believe in and what they practice. Not that it is something new with religion, but this hypocrisy needs to be called out.
Finally, the Chairman's presentation of what this national campaign is about and the core objectives of a Democratically administered Federal Government will be in 2009 was succinct and reassuring:
1. Tax Policy
2. Universal Health Care
3. Domestic Renewable Energy Production and Distribution
Well, if that is really the agenda of the Democratic Congress and the candidates thus far, they are failing miserably. Universal Health Care isn't even part of anyone's platform save for a few progressives in state and Congressional races (not part of Obama's current plan). Tax policy...yet to hear real change from the Dems on that. Renewable they aren't pushing through in Congress like they should be or giving subsidies to the right places but Exxon Mobile and Raytheon are doing just fine. Plus of course, another big windfall for the war.
Talk is cheap. We need people to stop condescending to us and make some real changes.
I can't wait until Howard is done wiht his DNC job. I really hope he gets into something where we can see him in his best element again...the honesty and vigor we saw on the campaign trail and not silenced by the controllers in the Party.
Fair enough on your criticism of this Congress.
However,
it (The Dem led Congress) did pass SCHIP which was an evolutionary move toward federalizing health coverage for working age adults on par with children and seniors. Bush vetoed SCHIP and my DINO, and recently primary renominated, Congressman Jim Marshall voted to sustain the veto.
Renewable energy legislation has passed in part. CAFE standards are up, perhaps enough to save the American Auto industry from itself. Renewable Fuel Portfolio standards (RPS) mandating a minimum of 15 percent of electrical generation come from renewable sources nationwide passed the House and, I believe, had majority support in the Senate. It didn't land on Bush's desk, I think, because southern Senators in the deep pockets of the Southern Company filibustered.
Blue Dawg DEM paygo obsession has imperiled solar and wind tax credits which will otherwise expire this year. I agree that Bush Cheney GOP Oil Company tax gifts ought to be repealed to pay for renewable incentives. But Bush Cheney GOP ain't gonna go for it and it probably doesn't get to 60 votes in the Senate.
So, better to waive paygo and keep the renewable investments incentives going.
since the Governments failure to live within its means is central to the plummeting dollar which has caused worldwide inflation in food and fuel prices, paygo is a reasonable expectation, the unexpected side effect though of the worthless currency should be fast payback for investments in renewables
Republicans have screwed up so badly tilting towards oil they have unwittingly sowed the seeds of oils' demise
I suspect you've meant ANY Government...lol!?
I also suspect Democrats will screw up no less badly tilting towards, say, health care, or renewable energy, or any other manageability and regulations that they'll unwittingly sow the seeds of own demise...lol.
"to live within its means" is NOT within Governmental ability, Government CAN'T afford it, it is AGAINST the very logic of Governing top down. That principle, that way of life BELONGS only to People themselves not to Government.
Okay. I long for the days of the Clinton budget surplus. But time and again paygo is foregoed for priorities that are deemed essential - Iraq, Afghanistan, now Freddie and Fannie.
So with items such as SCHIP expansion and continuing the essential investment tax credits that are, admittedly, propping up a not yet competitive in the short term renewable energy industry, I say if the bill is on the table and the enactment is within reach grab it and finance it in 2009.
Written by: Ronald Cloud on Jul 26, 2008 5:55 PM
...Politics is redistribution, to the top, to the bottom, and/or to the middle. Business and commerce must be conducted with referees.
-----------------
Thanks to Ronald we now know what politics is all about...lol.
As for the referees, if true then Chm. Dean should correct himself now and declare that it is NOT "you" who have power but "referees"... double-lol!
Poor, poor and confused Democratic Party!
LMAO. pretty sure it's you who's confused fT.
But, he resisted the tenacity and calmly stated that everyone knows it (supply side, vodoo economics, Bush tax cuts, etc) didn't work, doesn't work. Politics is redistribution, to the top, to the bottom, and/or to the middle. Business and commerce must be conducted with referees. It is no coincidence that "our worst financial disasters have occurred under Republican administrations" because of their laissez faire theology.
LMAO. pretty sure it's you who's confused fT.
But, he resisted the tenacity and calmly stated that everyone knows it (supply side, vodoo economics, Bush tax cuts, etc) didn't work, doesn't work. Politics is redistribution, to the top, to the bottom, and/or to the middle. Business and commerce must be conducted with referees. It is no coincidence that "our worst financial disasters have occurred under Republican administrations" because of their laissez faire theology.
"The cost of our debt is one of the fastest growing expenses in the federal budget. This rising debt is a hidden domestic enemy, robbing our cities and states of critical investments in infrastructure like bridges, ports, and levees; robbing our families and our children of critical investments in education and health care reform; robbing our seniors of the retirement and health security they have counted on ... If Washington were serious about honest tax relief in this country, we'd see an effort to reduce our national debt by returning to responsible fiscal policies."
- Barack Obama, Speech in the U.S. Senate, March 13, 2006
"My Economic Advisors are never right, but they are always sure." Richard Nixon
And so it continues with Republicans who have put their brains in Park and followed their fearless, feckless, leaders to the brink of disaster.
So go on lemmings, just don't take America with you.
Competent, ethical, honest referees (I know that concept is anathema or, at best, incomprehensible to GOP acolytes loose in the federal bureacracy now) aren't employed to determine outcomes. They are there to enforce well defined rules.
Talent, planning, and performance are given a fair chance to win out over monopolistic oppressors.
Steinbriener's cash rich Yankees don't win every year.
Unfortunately that's incorrect: referees ARE EMPLOYED and that's the whole point!
As a rule there is no competency, ethic or honesty unless employed NOT by People's intermediary "representatives" but by People directly.
If you are a Rand disciple I'll just let you in on an objective truth - Selfishness is NOT a virtue.
Unfortunately that's incorrect: referees ARE EMPLOYED and that's the whole point!
As a rule there is no competency, ethic or honesty unless employed NOT by People's intermediary "representatives" but by People directly.
no voter registrations during todays local canvassing but 12 absentee ballot requests and only one #5 voter for Obama
no new registrations today sounds to me like you've covered that ground well already ;-) Iowa's in good hands. Georgia too, with people like Ron working towards the target.
The "we are different from Republicans in all respects" mantra Demos seems to pursue, is a very risky businesses. Sooner or later it'll inevitably fail. This last gossip might or might not be true, nevertheless the mantra is going to have short life.
----------------------------
http://www.nationalenquirer.com/update_john_edwards_affair_criminal_complaint_filed/celebrity/65209
UPDATE: John Edwards' secret meeting with his mistress at the Beverly Hilton hotel has now become part of a criminal complaint.
NATIONAL ENQUIRER reporters Alan Butterfield and Alexander Hitchen filed a criminal complaint with the Beverly Hills Police Department on Thursday, July 24, charging that hotel security acted unlawfully while the reporters were trying to question the former senator.
Edwards now could be contacted by police to give an eyewitness account of what occurred.
Hotel security tried to stop the reporters from questioning Edwards in the basement of the hotel at approximately 2:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 22 after Edwards came off an elevator and appeared to be attempting to leave the hotel unseen.
His secret mistress Rielle Hunter and her baby were upstairs, and Edwards had just spent hours with them in a secret rendezvous.
As Butterfield and Hitchen tried to question Edwards, he ran down a hallway and ducked into a men's public bathroom. The reporters attempted to follow him in and Edwards pushed the door shut from inside.
Hotel security showed up and intervened. The reporters charge that not only did one security guard threaten to break their camera but that security also violated several statutes of the California Penal Code, including false imprisonment and preventing a guest from entering land.
The ENQUIRER reporters were registered guests at the hotel, while Edwards was not.
Police recorded the criminal complaint and will turn it over to detectives.
former you are stooping to Republican levels bringing in trash from the National Enquirer
#1. It might be trash and it might be not, we'll see soon. And if it is not then just tell us as it is, don't lie that you are saint.
#2. I'm bringing in the point that "we are different" talk is cheap; actions that's what counts.
Back to the issue at hand... One of the things I most admire in Howard Dean is his looking for the common ground, the common values and priorities shared, from which to start a conversation. Another of course is his all-out continuing efforts to rebuild the Democratic party at all levels in all states, restore democracy, and take our country back.
Voter registration is a prioity action at hand in Georgia and all states.
Thanks for blogging with us Ron. Looking forward to seeing you again soon... when you're not out registering voters :-)
Re-registration of the victims of Republican purges is my priority, and they will be lifelong Democrats once they figure out that one party cares about them as fellow citizens, and the other party just wants them working slave labor jobs without benefits and no government safety nets and will pit them against the lowest paid workers of the world.
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By Annilow on Jul 26, 2008 7:41 PM EDTNice post Ronald. It's great to hear about Howard Dean who is always first here. I like that they target businesses with universal health insurance -- they are the people we have to sell and they are the people who would benefit the most actually, imo. Also, like the tax reform up top -- I am always warmed to hear Barack say no taxes for seniors under 50K b/c that is my category.