Obama's War

Afghanistan Body Count: 12/28/2010
Total Americans Killed: 1,442
Post Obama Inauguration: 812
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:



*Lance Cpl. Jose A. Hernandez, 19, of West Palm Beach, FL died Dec. 14 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Justin E. Schmalstieg, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA died Dec. 15 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Sean R. Cutsforth, 22, of Radford, VA died Dec. 15 at Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.

*Lance. Cpl. Jose L. Maldonado, 21, of Mathis, TX died Dec. 17 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Sean A. Osterman, 21, of Princeton, MN died Dec. 16 from wounds received Dec.14 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Eric M. Torbert Jr., 25, of Lancaster, PA died Dec. 18 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Conrado D. Javier Jr., 19, of Marina, CA died Dec. 19 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. William H. Crouse IV, 22, of Woodruff, SC died Dec. 21 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Kenneth A. Corzine, 23, of Bethalto, IL died Dec. 24 of wounds received Dec. 5 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Garrett A. Misener, 25, of Cordova, TN died Dec. 27 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

DADT - RIH (Rest in Hell)

Lest my critics believe I would never write anything good about President Obama and the Democrats; I am very happy to use this space to congratulate them for their long awaited repeal of Don't Ask - Don't Tell. I want to especially acknowledge Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, for finally being able to bring the entire Democratic caucus together on a single vote. I had serious doubts if it would ever happen again.

It is hard to imagine in this day and age that anyone who would profess to honor our Constitution and any form of religion that speaks of a "Golden Rule" would still be clinging to the notion that any class of law-abiding and patriotic people in this country should be treated as less than equal members of our society. And yet 31 Republicans in the US Senate believe that we are somehow better as a nation if we continue to ask gay Americans to lie about something as basic as who they are as a human being to be "entitled" to serve our country.

There are some who will say that Democrats showed great courage in this vote. For some, that may be true. However, I am proud to recognize the steadfast conviction to the basic principle of fairness that has defined the Democratic Party for so many years. That President Obama stood firm on his commitment to see this discriminatory law thrown out and used his bully pulpit to convince any wavering members of his party to do the same, speaks volumes about what can be done when the will is there. Will the Democrats gain much political advantage from this act? Probably not, but they certainly regained a certain amount of respect from me and, I'm sure, quite a few others who have been wondering, does this party stand for anything anymore.

Well done Mr. President and Congressional Democrats.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue 

John McCoy - The people are not the enemy

Rep. John McCoy (D - 38th LD)

State Rep. John McCoy, one of my two representatives in the Washington State House of Representatives from the 38th LD, penned a compelling op-ed [Recession is the problem, not the people of Washington] in yesterday’s Everett Herald about the current fiscal situation in our state and the efforts that will need to be undertaken in the upcoming legislative session to provide for our constitutionally desired balanced budget but reminds us that the impact will be felt most by real people in need. He is spot on and I highly recommend the read.


He begins by placing the focus on the current situation on the lingering effects of the Bush recession and goes on to talk about steps that have already been taken (and steps to be taken in the upcoming session) to provide relief.

“…In the upcoming 2011 legislative session, we’ll be planning a state budget to bring us through our sixth year since the recession began. Early on, we knew a downturn of this magnitude and reach was possible, but no one was counting on it.

The result is our current situation, where $1.1 billion will have to be cut from the state budget that ends in June, and we’ll need to continue not funding programs and make cuts of $5.7 billion in the next two-year budget….”

He then turns the argument back on those who see government budgets as strictly cold numbers that can be easily adjusted without concern for the real people who are impacted by even minor adjustments.

“…Our problem isn’t with government spending — it’s that our state’s vision for itself right now no longer matches its budget. While you personally may not believe in a program or several that you’ve heard of, we’re a state of 6.6 million people, with diverse needs that grow rather than shrink during hard times.

I believe our state of 6.6 million wants basic health for children and the working poor. I believe the people want protection and quality-of-life assistance for seniors. I believe our communities want small class sizes, so all children begin their educations on the path to opportunity….”

Finally he hits the main point of his piece.

“…It won’t be with ease or without pain that we make further cuts to the budget. Sick people getting better at their community health clinic aren’t my enemy, and it’s a cut none of us would have ever wanted to make.

It’s my belief that we can produce a budget that enables Washington to fight through these tough times. We will have to stretch our safety net, but we cannot let it break. In our fight against the recession, we are going to need all 6.6 million that make Washington strong. And in these hard times, we need to remember that the people who need good schools, services or other help are our neighbors, not our enemies.”

Amen John and, especially at this time of year, may I add, “May God Bless Us; Every One.”


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Left Shue PoP Quiz

[UPDATE: Here is the answer to the quiz. The first statement is from Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA02) and the 2nd statement comes from Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA01)]

Here is a bit of a quiz: Below are statements from two Democratic congressmen from adjoining congressional districts; both recently re-elected. One won his race handily while the other barely held on to his seat. The question: Which is which? Whose statement reflects values that were rewarded with great support and whose resulted in a jaw-clencher? Extra credit if you correctly name the congressman and district.


*Statement 1

“I am mad at the President. In fact his tax cut compromise has me livid. I am as mad as those who have called me in the last week arguing against the deal. They say the President has caved in, has given too much to the wealthiest, and has broken his promises. I couldn't agree more.

If this choice was about politics, my decision would be easy: take my anger out on the President, feel better and please the progressive base in the district. And if this was a decision between voting for the extension of middle class tax cuts and stopping the extension of the high end cuts, that would also be an easy decision. In fact, I have already taken that vote.

But the choice I have to make now is about the economy. I have to decide if there is enough in the proposed package to help grow our economy to outweigh the inclusion of tax cut extensions for the wealthiest Americans and impact this will have on the debt.

I have concluded that the needs of the unemployed and the potential for economic growth do outweigh the costs associated with the package. That is why I will vote to support this package.

The economy is still hurting. The hangover from the Bush recession has been long. The unemployment rate is 9.8 percent and the 2011 economy is expected to grow by inches, not by the feet needed to drop unemployment much lower.

No legitimate economic theory can argue that extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans will create jobs. I am not defending them. Remember that the Bush presidency created no new net jobs and left us with the Great Recession.

On the other hand, mainstream economists estimate that the job-stimulating parts of the package will add a half to a full percentage point to economic growth in the U.S.

The Center for American Progress estimates that those elements will create 2.2 million jobs on top of what the economy will produce in 2011.

The extension of unemployment benefits will help those hurting the most. Every dollar of unemployment benefit creates $1.61 in other economic activity. This is important for people in Snohomish County, which is suffering from the highest unemployment rate in my district.

A one-year, two percent cut in the payroll tax will create 720,000 jobs through 2012. This is important to families in Skagit County that work at small and medium sized manufacturers who, as a result, will be able to take more money home each time they get a paycheck.

The inclusion of tax credits for families paying for college is a step forward, especially if it is combined with the $5.7 billion investment in Pell Grants included in the 2011 budget. This will help thousands of students at Western Washington University and the community colleges in the area.

And the extension of a successful renewable energy tax credits is vital to creating thousands of good jobs in clean energy development and continuing the momentum to an economy based more on renewable energy.

I know many share my concerns about the impact this package has on the debt and deficits. I have consistently said the number one step to shrink the deficit and control the debt is to grow the economy. If our economy is growing, it increases our capability to shrink the deficit and control the debt.

So, looking past my anger with the President, there is a benefit to passing this package. It contains job generating elements that will boost the economy, reduce unemployment and build the foundation necessary to start shrinking the deficit and controlling debt growth in the long-term.

I don't like the tax cut extensions for high end earners or the estate tax compromise in this plan. But I will still support the bill for the greater good that it will do for our economy. And I welcome the fight that will take place when these issues resurface in 2012.

I believe the economy will be better and unemployment will be falling in 2012 and proponents for the rich will have to find other reasons to defend high end tax cuts. I am sure they will. And I will defend the middle class and small businesses in my district.

I was elected to look out for the middle class and help the economy grow and create jobs. This package has a lot to offer in that regard. So I am going to keep my commitment to growing the economy and the middle class in order to fight another day to get a more progressive tax structure.”

*Statement 2

“Last night, at around midnight, I voted "no."

I voted against adding $858 billion dollars to the debt in exchange for a bill that will do little to stimulate the economy. Against erecting a fiscal monument to George W. Bush by enshrining his failed trickle-down economic policies in stone. And against giving a tax bonus to multi-millionaires while passing on a huge debt to our grandchildren.

I really came to peace with the decision last weekend in a very non-political moment. It was last weekend and I was holding our two-year-old grandson checking out the Christmas tree and I became focused on the real question presented by this bill -- is it right to put $858 billion of debt on his shoulders?

We all crave bipartisanship, but bipartisanship that arrives at bad policy isn't something to celebrate. True bipartisanship will happen when both parties confront the reality of our fiscal condition.

This deal doesn't educate one kid, it doesn't hire one teacher, it doesn't build one bridge, and it doesn't build one new innovative company.

It doesn't build America, it just builds American debt.

And I can't support that.

I still believe we could have done better -- we could have held our ground and insisted that Republicans in the Senate join the House in passing middle class tax cuts and unemployment benefits we need, without the extra $700 billion deficit-busting tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans we don't.

But, in the end, the bill passed. We lost. But I'm proud of the 147 colleagues who stood with me. If we don't start demanding better now, we're never going to get it.”

Guesses are welcomed in the comments. The answer will be revealed next week.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Do the Democrats now own "Trickle Down"?

I have received a couple of interesting emails in recent days; as I’m sure many of you have. These “love notes from DC” were about the so-called Obama (Tax Cut) Compromise – I had to specify because there have been so many compromises. The first message came from Sen. Patty Murray who wrote in part:

“I am angry and frustrated that national Republicans, yet again, played political games and held the middle class hostage to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who need them the least. It is irresponsible, selfish, and wrong.

At the end of the day, I voted for this tax package to protect middle-class families from a tax hike while extending unemployment benefits for 13 months, continuing the sales tax deduction, cutting payroll taxes, and doing everything we can to create jobs.”

But it came at tremendous cost.

So I want you to join me in telling Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and their right-wing colleagues that we won’t forget how they put their wealthy special interest backers ahead of the national interest and ahead of hard-working families all across America -– and we’re going to hold them accountable.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now -– and join me in committing to repealing these wasteful tax cuts for the wealthy as soon as we can!”

And then there was this in a statement from Congressman, Rick Larsen:

“I am mad at the President. In fact his tax cut compromise has me livid. I am as mad as those who have called me in the last week arguing against the deal. They say the President has caved in, has given too much to the wealthiest, and has broken his promises. I couldn't agree more.

“If this choice was about politics, my decision would be easy: take my anger out on the President, feel better and please the progressive base in the district. And if this was a decision between voting for the extension of middle class tax cuts and stopping the extension of the high end cuts, that would also be an easy decision. In fact, I have already taken that vote.

“But the choice I have to make now is about the economy. I have to decide if there is enough in the proposed package to help grow our economy to outweigh the inclusion of tax cut extensions for the wealthiest Americans and impact this will have on the debt.

“I have concluded that the needs of the unemployed and the potential for economic growth do outweigh the costs associated with the package. That is why I will vote to support this package.”

 [Note: As of this writing, Rep. Larsen has kept him commitment to vote for the bill.]

First of all I find it amusing that Patty is pissed at the Republicans and Rick is “mad at the President.” (He sounds almost Progressive). But on a more serious note I am sorry that the once proud Democratic Party has been reduced to this. Since 2004, Democrats (including President O’Clinton and the two members mentioned in this post) have made “repealing the Bush Tax Cuts”, if not the centerpiece of every election campaign, at least a central theme. As a result they have managed to gain more seats in Congress as well as re-claim the Whitehouse. And yet, when the time came to act (with Democrats still “clinging” to majorities in both the House and Senate) they simply kicked the can down the road to 2012. And perhaps the most insulting part is this plea from Patty Murray - “…and join me in committing to repealing these wasteful tax cuts for the wealthy as soon as we can!” – Yeah, Patty, you have lots of credibility with that issue.

OK, I admit that I am in the extreme minority of people who really didn’t care if my taxes went back to the rates before George W Bush lowered them and now Barack O’Clinton has taken up the Republican “trickle down” philosophy. I was opposed to the cuts when they were first put in place and have not changed my position since. I believe that effective government should be paid for and that is what taxes are for. But really, does anyone believe that we will ever see the repeal of these tax cuts – for ANYONE? In two years, O’Clinton will be running for re-election and the Republicans will still have the same hostages in their grasp – or worse.

Worse? Well I would like to think that there will be some benefit to the economy from this deal (and let me say right here, I believe the unemployment insurance portion of this package should have been done separately) but I only see long term damage that will put the Republicans in an even stronger position in 2012. It’s true that the fewer of us who are working now than were working in 2001 when the Bush Tax cuts began will not have less money to deal with in January, but we will have no more money than we do today as a result of continuing the current rates. Someone please explain how not adding to my wallet does add to my spending? In the meantime, this deal has no Federal spending off-sets to stop the almost $1TRILLION hit to the deficit (you do remember the deficit, right?).

Enter the new Congress and new Speaker Boehner. “Folks, we MUST handle this deficit. That is what the voters sent us here to do. CUTS – We must have CUTS!” Transportation, Education, Food Safety, Environmental Protection,… who will defend these programs? And then there is Social Security – A “Payroll Tax Holiday”? We have spent the past decade or more hearing every day that Social Security is going broke. President O’Clinton and the Congressional Democrats just approved withholding even more money FROM Social Security (backed by a phony promise to replace that money from non-existent “General Fund” money). This will simply add fuel to the “Catfood Commission’s” call for “means testing” and increasing the retirement age.

Come 2012, the Republicans will have pleased their base (the ultra rich) and will be able to accuse Democrats of wanting to “raise taxes in a down economy”. The Democrats will have a lose-lose argument to overcome. IF the economy improves (as we all hope it will), the Republicans will say it is due to their economic policies that President O’Clinton advanced in 2010. If the economy stays weak (as I suspect it will short of Draconian cuts by a Republican House) the Republicans will say that it is due to an unwillingness of the Democrats to make “responsible cuts” to Big Government. By not fighting hard now to emphasize the negative impact of the Bush Tax Cuts on our economy (even if it means allowing them all to lapse) they will not be able to sell the point in 2012.

In my opinion we are seeing the effect of the continuing “center-right” drift of the Democratic Party championed by the first Clinton. I can only hope that there will be a Progressive champion who will stand up over the next months to challenge this drift and defend the Progressive values of effective government and fiscal responsibility in a nation that cares for all its people.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Re-Org: The update

Apologies are due for this tardy report on the re-organization of the 38th LD. Things have been moving rather quickly in my life since a handful of members came together to cast our votes for our leadership over the next two years. And so, with little fanfare (or snarky comment) the newly elected Executive Board of the 38th LD Democrats:

Chair:  Alexandria Hendrickson [ed. note: I apparently made an assumption (or believed I heard a 2nd hand reference) about Alex's name. I apologize for the error.]
Vice-Chair: James Trefry
Secretary: Meagan Dunn
Treasurer: Otto Chase
State Committeeman: Kelly Wright (Re-elected)
State Committee Woman: Rashida Harris (Re-elected)
County Rep (Male): Victor Harris (Moved from Treasurer)
County Rep (Female): Marian Harrison (Re-elected)

As I suggested in my initial post announcing the re-organization elections, I have been absent from the day to day, month to month dealings of my LD organization for the better part of the past two years; ttherefore I have little room to offer much of a critique of this group. I would be less than honest with my readers however if I did not say that I am a bit more than slightly concerned about the close connections between our new Chair (heretofore unknown to me and only slightly better know to even some who offered their endorsement of her for the position) and the OFA organization. Hendrickson came to politics via and lists her occupation as a field organizer for Organizing for America (necessarily morphed from Obama for America). As one who is fervently hoping for a real Progressive challenge to Barack O'Clinton in 2012, I am concerned about the extent to which OFA will now have a controlling interest in the 38th to the exclusion of all others. As of now, I am resigned to the back bench to observe and prepare for an always interesting ride with the 38th LD Democrats.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

Afghanistan Body Count: 12/15/2010
Total Americans Killed: 1,434
Post Obama Inauguration: 804
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:


*Lance Cpl. Michael E. Geary, 20, of Derry, NH died Dec. 8 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. James A. Ayube, II, 25, of Salem, MA died Dec. 8 in Balkh province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Kelly J. Mixon, 23, of Yulee, FL died Dec. 8 in Balkh province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Ethan L. Goncalo, 21, of Fall Rivers, MA died Dec. 11 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Stacy A. Green, 34, of Alexander City, AL died Dec. 10 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Sean M. Collins, 25, of Ewa Beach, HI died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Willie A. McLawhorn Jr., 23, of Conway, NC died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Patrick D. Deans, 22 of Orlando, FL died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Kenneth E. Necochea Jr., 21, of San Diego, CA died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Derek T. Simonetta, 21, of Redwood City, CA died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Jorge E. Villacis, 24, of Sunrise, FL died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

Afghanistan Body Count: 12/08/2010
Total Americans Killed: 1,423
Post Obama Inauguration: 793
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:


*Cpl. Chad S. Wade, 22, of Bentonville, AR died Dec. 1 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Matthew T. Abbate, 26, of Honolulu, HI died Dec. 2 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*SFC James E. Thode, 45, of Kirtland, NM died Dec. 2 at Sabari District, Khowst Province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Lucas C. Scott, 20, of Peebles, OH died Dec. 3 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Jason A. Reeves, 32, of Odessa, TX died December 5 in Paktia Province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Nicholas J. Aleman, 24, of Brooklyn, NY died Dec. 5 in Paktia province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Derek A. Wyatt, 25, of Akron, OH died Dec. 6 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Colton W. Rusk, 20, of Orange Grove, TX died Dec. 6 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Vincent W. Ashlock, 45, of Seaside, CA died Dec. 4 in Khost province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Jason D. Peto, 31, of Vancouver, WA (37th Washingtonian) died Dec. 7 from wounds received Nov. 24 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

2010 Re-org, Part I

In a couple of hours I hope to be attending the bi-annual re-org of the 38th LD. I say “hope” because I am currently sitting at my desk at work waiting for a “hot” project to be completed so that I can get it shipped out the door. Attending the re-org is important because, as an elected Precinct Committee Officer (PCO), voting in these elections is one of the specific functions of my position as prescribed by law. I have to admit that I have been less than attentive when it comes to the day to day functioning of the LD over the past two years and I am only aware of a couple of folks who are actively seeking positions on the Executive Board. I am choosing to use this circumstance as a “positive” in that I will be able to sit through the election pitches with an open mind; unbiased by personal attachments or quasi-cronyism. I will have and will use the opportunity to ask questions and weigh the answers (in some case against previous actions of incumbents seeking re-election). Having previously served on the Executive Board in the capacities of Vice-Chair and Representative to the County Executive Board, I am aware of the responsibilities assigned to each office. My greatest interest will be in the races for Chair and for the male and female representatives to the State Central Committee. While there are political races every year that have an impact and require input/output from our LD, the next two years will have us gearing up for another round of congressional races as well as a potential presidential caucus as President Obama’s first term comes to an end in 2012.


It will fall to the Chair of the organization to coordinate the efforts of running an organized and productive set of caucuses as well as ensure the LD plays its role in keeping those seats that are up for election in Democratic hands. (More on this in a future post) The representatives to the State Central Committee also have a vital role to play with regard to the rules and policies of the state party as well as the relationship between the state party and our LD. I will be looking for strong and pro-active individuals to fill these roles.

I will be sure to update this post as soon as I am able upon the conclusion of today’s activities.


Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Leadership?

Coming on the heels of the House Democrats voting to sustain the Bush tax cuts for annual incomes under $250,000, White House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, released the following statement on behalf of President Obama:

                                                                  The White House


                                                            Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release December 02, 2010 Statement by the Press Secretary on Middle Class Tax Cuts

“The President continues to believe that extending middle class tax cuts is the most important thing we can do for our economy right now and he applauds the House for passing a permanent extension. But, because Republicans have made it clear that they won’t pass a middle class extension without also extending tax cuts for the wealthy, the President has asked Director Lew and Secretary Geithner to work with Congress to find a way forward. Those discussions started just yesterday and are continuing this afternoon. The talks are ongoing and productive, but any reports that we are near a deal in the tax cuts negotiations are inaccurate and premature.”

**********************************************************************************

No, "Great work. I applaud your efforts and challenge the members of the senate to act in the best interest of middle class Americans and pass this legislation as quickly as possible." Nope, the first reaction of this president is to throw his hands up in surrender.

Maybe it's time for President Obama to realize that "bipartisanship" should include both parties.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

Afghanistan Body Count: 12/02/2010
Total Americans Killed: 1,413
Post Obama Inauguration: 783
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:



*Sgt. Jason T. Smith, 28, of Colorado Springs, CO died Nov. 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. David S. Robinson, 25, of Fort Smith, AR died Nov. 20 in Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery, 29, of Wyomissing, PA died Nov. 22 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. William K. Middleton, 26, of Norfolk, VA died Nov. 22 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Ardenjoseph A. Buenagua, 19, of San Jose, CA died Nov. 24 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, MS died Nov. 25 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Pvt. Devon J. Harris, 24, of Mesquite, TX died Nov. 27 in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

*Lt. Col. Gwendolyn A. Locht, 46, of Fort Walton Beach, FL died Nov. 16 in Houston, TX. She was medically evacuated from Kandahar, Afghanistan, on May 22.

*1st. Lt. Scott F. Milley, 23, of Sudbury, MA died Nov. 30 in Logar province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. 1st Class Barry E. Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, IN died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Oakes, 29, of Athens, OH died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Matthew W. Ramsey, 20, of Quartz Hill, CA died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Jacob A. Gassen, 21, of Beaver Dam, WI died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Austin G. Staggs, 19, of Senoia, GA died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

*Pvt. Buddy W. McLain, 24, of Mexico, ME died Nov. 29, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

 
Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

GUEST POST - Jackie Minchew

I am proud to publish the following from our great friend, Jackie Minchew:
*********************************************************

Today I received an email from Organizing for America with the following request:


“Please take our short survey now and share your ideas. We'll make sure the President sees what you have to say:

http://my.barackobama.com/YourThoughts

Together, we'll keep making lasting change that matters.”


SO, OKAY, I’LL DO YOUR FREAKIN’ SURVEY!
First of all, I don’t generally do surveys. Too many of the questions are so vaguely worded as to leave responses open to interpretation. Thus, when I say, for example, that Immigration Reform is a high priority, you may interpret that to mean a higher fence and more deportations, which would be far from what I would mean.

Secondly, when you say “[w]e've always known that big change doesn't begin with a top-down mandate -- it begins at the grassroots,” I say “Bullshit!” From the moment President Obama (hereafter referred to as “O”) chose Rahm as his Chief of Staff and froze Howard Dean out of the administration, I knew this would be a top down outfit. From the beginning, the grassroots were ignored, except when OFA wanted them to do something, call somebody, or give money.


(As an aside, “O” benefited greatly from Dean’s 50 state strategy, then quickly ended it when he took office. He unabashedly copied Dean in morphing “Obama for America” into “Organizing for America.” But the differences between the two, both of which are familiar to me, are dramatic. DFA is what a national grassroots movement should be, and without the kind of money the Koch brothers and others put into the so-called “Tea Party Movement.” I know Howard Dean. Barack Obama does not come close!)


From the beginning, the grassroots called out for prosecutions of Bush, Cheney and their criminal cohort! Ignored! We begged for single payer! Off the table! Close Gitmo! Stop torture! Roll back the egregious infringements on the personal liberty of American citizens! Nothing doing! Instead Gitmo is still open, we didn’t even get a public option (which should have been our fall-back negotiating position), but we did get assassination of US citizens abroad (and at home for all we know) and drone attacks inside Pakistan!

Troops out of Iraq? Yes, except for the 50,000 or so left behind. But they weren’t brought home. They were reallocated to Afghanistan. Two illegal wars that can be expected to continue indefinitely – perhaps for as long as the U.S. has a military!


Finally, and most importantly, we wanted him to take it to the Rs from the start. It was abundantly clear that their goal was to bring him down, even if it brought the country down too! If he had taken them on at every turn, forced them to actually carry out their filibusters (rather than simply say the word) and repeatedly called them out on their blatant obstructionism, the millions who voted for him would have roared with approval and stormed to cover his back! Instead, he played patty-cake, effectively pissing on the fiery passion that got him elected.


That said, I’ll do your freakin’ survey, but on my terms.


Name:  Jackie Minchew
Email:  JWMchew@aol.com
Address:  XXXXXXXX
City - State - Zip:  Everett, WA 98203
Sex:  Male

Party:  Democrat, but considering abandoning the party of “whatever you say, republicans.”

Background:  Environmentalist, Lifelong Student, Union Member, Senior enough (age 61),Educator and more!.


IMPORTANCE OF ISSUES?


Immigration – Least important. It is a losing issue for Ds, and a staple in the political diet of Rs. Any debate on this issue plays to their benefit.


Education Reform – Pretty important, but not the way “O” would do it. He agrees with Rs that charter schools, vouchers and linking teacher pay to test scores are the way to go.


Energy Reform/Climate Change – MOST IMPORTANT! I am not a particularly religious man, but I pray daily for real political leadership on these issues AT ANY LEVEL from the White House to City Hall. (Meanwhile, I am as active as I can be at the grassroots level.) The latter poses a potentially existential challenge to the human race, and the former poses a devastatingly serious social, political and economic challenge to every nation, each according to its own strengths and weaknesses.


Economic Growth & Job Creation – Two part answer here, both relating to the previous question: Job Creation is a very important issue, but it must be done more and more on a local basis, with energy as part of the equation. We must more broadly distribute our production so as to reduce the need for long distance transportation of as many things as possible. As for Economic Growth, I am a passionate blasphemer. The limits to growth were first delineated by Dennis and Donella Meadows and others in 1972. We are now hard up against those limits, and it behooves us to face facts and get about the business of deciding how to deal with this reality. To that end, I direct you to Julian Darley, Richard Heinberg and others at the Post Carbon Institute (http://www.postcarbon.org/), as well as to Rob Hopkins and many others in the global Transition Initiative Movement (http://www.transitiontowns.org/).

Changing Washington – You can’t be serious. “O” has either embraced or given in to Washington. (I assume you mean the one where there are more multi-millionaires per acre than anywhere else in the world, and not the one where the people are largely impoverished and bereft of representation in the halls of Congress.) Even if he wanted to make substantive change, which I seriously doubt, he would be in far more personal danger from the incredibly wealthy than he could ever be from the racist right.


POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT?

I voted for the first time in 1970, at age 21, and continue voting to the present. I volunteered for campaigns a few times in my youth and a little bit for Clinton in his re-election campaign, but never donated money until I got fully active with the Dean campaign in 2003. Since that time I have co-founded a progressive political action committee, served six years on the Executive Board of the 44th LD Democrats in Snohomish County, Washington, including 2 years as Chair, and run for City Council (unsuccessfully) three times. I may have “fanned” “O” during his campaign, but do not consider myself a fan at the present time. I do not tweet!

I was contacted via email about volunteering during the 2010 election season, and may have replied in the affirmative once or twice. But my volunteering was with the local party, the Sierra Club (where I am Political Chair of the local group), my union and for friends in several state legislative races.

ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

I have previously given my assessment of OFA above. I had very low expectations in this election and, I suppose, they were met. OFA was pretty effective at communicating the importance of the election, I think, but does not understand the two-way nature of true communication. Someone else will have to give you feedback on helpful resources.

I will “rate” the goals in turn. I am less than enthusiastic about helping the President pass half-hearted legislation. Training local organizers is important. Working on local issues is extremely important, and driving your activists to get involved in local elections is an important part of that. There will be an untold number of city, county and special district positions up for election this year. Getting deeply involved in one or more of those would be some of the best training available.

As you undoubtedly know, turning out voters for local races (which are not covered 24/7 on every network news program) is tough. In ’08 we had almost 38,000 ballots returned in the City of Everett. The next year, when I ran my third and final campaign for City Council, we had just over 20,000 ballots returned, leaving 17,600 ballots un-voted. I don’t know if I would have won if more of those ballots had come in, but I think the possibility exists.

Mind you, winning a seat on the Council was not the be-all, end-all for me. It was a means to an end. I continue to pursue that end via other means.

ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK?

I have two bits of additional feedback:

1) Make an effort to turn OFA into a true collaborative organization. Stop constantly telling us what to do (and why we really should be doing it) and develop real, believable modes of two-way communication. For openers, whoever reads this (assuming anyone does), drop me an email saying you read it and citing just one thing from these two pages to convince me that you did. (Thanks for your input won’t do it.) I will be posting this to several blogs with which I am affiliated. If I get the reply I’m asking for, I will make it known there as well.

2) Tell President Obama that we need him to stop being the Conciliator-in-Chief and start being the Leader of his Party, his Country and the Free World, which is what we hired him to do. Not all Republicans are evil, but the forces of greed, lust for power and other evil things have taken control of the Republican Party, and there is no compromise between good and evil. Fight the bastards, and we will fight alongside.

Jackie Minchew
Everett, WA
*************************************************

I applaud Jackie's activism and honesty. He is a true hero to me.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Stand and Deliver

From our friends at BoldProgressives.org:



This type of messaging must be promoted widely over the next two years.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Moving Forward

After such a long absence from these pages, let me first say how thankful I am that John (Freedom County) Koster and his personal ‘Cheney’, Larry Stickney have been kept away from the halls of Congress. I also wish to send my congratulations and encouragement to the strong Progressive Democrats in Snohomish County who proved that standing for your principles will be rewarded in the end – Hans Dunshee, Marilyn Chase, Mary Helen Roberts, Marko Liias, Mike Sells, amongst the incumbents and Luis Moscoso who, with the help of a very well organized GOTV effort by the Democratic Party (at every level) managed to pull away from one of the strongest Tea Party candidates in the county and will be sworn in in January as a freshman in the Washington State House of Representatives. These folks will face a difficult couple of sessions as they struggle with the fiscal realities of our out-dated and ineffective state budgeting scheme but I am confident that they will bring a set of Progressive values to bear on each issue they are confronted with.



Now on to what lies ahead for the Democratic Party and Progressives who are fighting for change within that party. As you might suspect, I totally reject the notion that the mid-term election was a referendum on a party that overreached and did too much. Rather, I believe that people were expressing their anger and disappointment that a Democratic president with historic congressional majorities failed to achieve their promise of bold and fundamental change. Far from universal and affordable healthcare for every American, we were delivered a patch-work program of “reforms” to be doled out over a four to five year period accompanied by a mandate for all working Americans to purchase coverage from their favorite for-profit insurance company. On the economic front; while rescuing the banks and the auto industry from collapse was a necessary evil in order to prevent the 2nd Great Depression, the so called Economic Stimulus Plan that was put forward by the Obama Administration (yes, some 1 to 2 million jobs were saved) was far too small to do the required job of putting Americans back to work. The investments for infrastructure and new Green Energy development were merely window dressing when they could (and should) have been a complete remodel of our economic future by putting millions of Americans to work almost immediately; certainly before the mid-term election. On foreign policy; the shell game of shifting resources from one bad situation (Iraq) to another (Afghanistan), failure to close GITMO (even though it was announced policy), defending Bush Administration court challenges against the Patriot Act and “Rendition”, and approving a policy allowing for the assassination of American citizens on foreign (possibly domestic) soil, has done nothing to strengthen this president’s support among the Progressive base who had truly hoped for a better adherence to the constitutional limits on war making as well as the Bill of Rights.


While there are those (including, apparently, President Obama) who believe the electorate was telling the Democrats to be more conciliatory and to compromise more, I believe the election was a volley across the bow to let Obama and the Dems know that they have two years to get their act together and start fighting for the working folks. The task will be harder now with the Republicans (and their Tea Party cohorts) in control of the House of Representatives but even fighting and losing a battle or two could win them the war. The fact that the Democrats retain control of the senate and President Obama controls the veto pen should be enough to stave off the worst case scenarios. They could start during the so called Lame Duck session by either forcing a separation of the vote on the continuation of the Bush tax cuts between the Middle Class and the wealthy or simply allow all the cuts to expire. (This is tough for some but, personally I would be good with giving up my tax cut if it meant more investment in infrastructure and Green Energy development). If the “conservatives” are so enthralled with deficit reduction, let them fight this battle amongst themselves. Obviously DADT and the DREAM Act are other battles that the Democrats should be able to win in the short time before the new guys move in. One thing that would make a tremendous difference in the ability of Democrats to succeed in the coming session of Congress would be for the remaining majority in the senate to change the filibuster rule to either move the number of votes required to defeat the move to a more responsible 55 or 54 rather than the current 60. They could do this (either as an immediate number or a sliding scale that starts at 60 and moves downward to 55 after three attempts) with a simple majority vote at the beginning of the session. Requiring 60 votes to even debate legislation does not “protect” the minority; it frankly hands them the keys to the castle. This was never the intent of a Constitution that provided for the will of the people to be expressed by the majority – not the super majority.


Finally as to what Progressives need to be doing over the next couple of years. Organize, organize, and organize. Progressives must act together; either from within the party or from without (via other established Progressive organizations) to hold President Obama and congressional Democrats accountable to the values of the Democratic Party. Vermont’s Independent senator, Bernie Sanders is calling for a Progressive “Tea Party” movement and I agree. Far too many Progressives in recent years have fallen victim to the “win at all cost” meme of the Bill Clinton DLC party. By and large the Democratic Party has abandoned the tried and true democratic notion of open and vigorous primaries to bring more people into the mix and allow more voices to be heard. Instead we get, “It is our job to support the incumbent” even before any other candidate or potential candidate has had an opportunity to address the faithful. Already I see it happening right here at home (more on this specifically later). Progressives must be about preserving the particular seat for the MOST Progressive candidate on the ballot – sometimes it WILL be the incumbent – but we must DEMAND our voices be heard before an anointment takes place. And yes, this includes President Obama.


Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue