On this anniversary of 9/11, let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that this is the last time that politicians have been able to feed on Americans’ fears to mislead our country so very, very badly.
It has been almost two months since I sent out a blast, and updated the blog (http://paulprogressive.blogspot.com/). This is not because there has been any material, but rather there has been so much, and I’ve felt worn down, disappointed that many Americans seem to be falling for this ‘success and victory’ garbage, and by the awful job that the mainstream media (ABC, NBC, CBS, and don’t get me started on FOX) has done with sensationalizing ‘news’. The complete abdication of their investigative responsibilities by the media is abhorrent. If I spend too much time dwelling on it, I just get pissed off.
I will try to post one rant a week on the blog, and then send out an email once a month of the recent rants and perhaps new material. I do this primarily as therapy for myself. Let me know if it helps you!
I submitted the following letter to the editor to the Wilmington News Journal on Monday the 10th, and they ran much of it today (the 11th), at http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070911/OPINION10/709110310/1111/OPINION . Given that they edited it heavily, I list the original submission, and note in blue the sections that the paper struck.
Do you understand President Bush, or the commercials pushing for continuing the occupation of
Iraqi citizens want to end the Occupation of Iraq. In this week’s ABC/BBC/NHK poll of Iraqi citizens, two-thirds say that political dialogue, security in surge areas, security in other areas, and reconstruction and economic development are worse due to the surge, yes WORSE. 100% of Iraqi citizens polled in
Let’s look at the numbers: 27,767
As the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman has suggested, you can’t want peace for someone more than they want it themselves. US citizens would welcome a solution which brings order to
More on War—If you live in Delaware, call Congressman
There is a march on
A wonderful movie on
LARRY CRAIG CONTROVERSY
Republican Senator from Idaho Larry Craig hit the headlines in August based on his actions in a
Guilt—He pleaded guilty to lewd behavior, a misdemeanor. He claims that he rashly chose to not consult an attorney. I find it extremely hard to believe that a
Consenting adults—Some have asked how the alleged crime is criminal. I agree that sexual activity between consenting adults should not be prohibited, however most states prohibit soliciting such activity to be conducted in public places, such as public restrooms. This prohibition certainly seems reasonable.
Innocence—Many of us are learning that there is an entire ‘language’ for soliciting sex in men’s restrooms, and this language appears to be developed such that there can be no innocent miscommunication (when is the last time you moved your foot under the wall and tapped the foot of the person in the next stall over?). I conclude that Senator Craig knew exactly what he was doing when the undercover police officer caught him.
Duplicity—Me thinks the man doth protest too much. Craig has a strong anti-gay voting record in Congress. This raises both anger and compassion. I am angry that our culture, and the Republican Party in particular, forces politicians to put on a false, anti-gay public front. I am sorry that Senator Craig apparently had to hide his orientation from his wife, his adopted children, his colleagues, and constituents. This, to me, is the larger crime.
So What—Senator Craig’s problems this year compel me to work harder to end discrimination based on sexual orientation. In
DEfog—DEfog stands for Delaware For Open Government. This is a new bipartisan, grass-roots group that is dedicated to open up state government to the people. FOIA is the Freedom of Information Act. When FOIA was passed by the state legislature, they conveniently made themselves exempt. Convenient, isn’t it? Senate Bill 4 is designed to have the General Assembly covered by FOIA.
Jack Markell quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a meeting last night. In his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, he distinguishes between just and injust laws. He states “An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself.” DEfog wants the General Assembly to follow FOIA itself. It is that simple. There is only one group that opposes this legislation—legislators. It is time to de-fog the
Like cockroaches, bad behavior and bad politics run from the light of day. Bring the light of day to
Delaware Governor Primary Race—I heard state treasurer Jack Markell speak last night. I really like this guy. Disappointingly, he and another very good Delaware Democrat, state lieutenant governor John Carney are both running for the same position. I would not hesitate to contribute to a campaign in which Jack Markell is running against a Republican (or a Democrat whom I don’t like). I plan to contribute to the campaign of whomever wins the September 2008 primary, and if the Republican challenger is strong, I will volunteer for him. But I simply refuse to contribute to a campaign that is against a good Democrat.
There is only one way that I will support Markell or Carney in the primary race—if the other candidate turns negative. If that happens, and the opponent keeps on the high road, I will jump in. Thus far, both candidates are keeping it clean and constructive, which we appreciate and expect.
Election Season—The Delaware Democratic Party (www.deldems.org) is beginning to gear up for the election season. They are looking for neighborhood captains, and to deepen their database of voters. The annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner will be on the riverfront on October 29th. It’s a great high-energy gathering of the faithful!
I will keep an eye out for areas of high need, house (or senate) election districts where we can grab a seat from a Republican, like we did in the 25th with
Paul S Baumbach
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