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6 of the 7 Democratic Candidates.
Linked to groups: California for Democracy
A narrative of a first time attendee and my impressions of 6 of the candidates that attended.
2007 Democratic state convention
My first attendance to California's state convention was VERY exciting. (I attended as a press/staff member of Speak Out California.org) When I first got there, like many other attendees new to this type of event, I didn't know where to go. As I walked through the many people ambling in every direction and in complete confusion, I ran into a familiar group, none other than the Campus Democrats of UC Santa Barbara! People walked around some in suits and ties, others in jeans. Although a bit disoriented, I was comfortable when I thought that all the people there were united by the fact that they cared about the future of our lives, state and nation. Even more comforting, was the thought that as democrats, we all have a basic set of values, that while we might disagree on the specifics, we have a similar understanding of the way that America's democracy ought to work, and which priorities ought to be pushed to the forefront of American politics... (read more by clicking title)
The various caucus meetings were held Friday night. I was able to attend the California Young Democrats caucus meeting that was replete, which made me excited and hopeful for the future since, I have often been concerned and disappointed by the large display of "Generation-Y's" apathy. However, to see a room full of young democrats, being so energetic about state politics really gave me a sense of contentment. Throughout the convention in fact I saw an amazing amount of young people, including delegates, volunteers, staff members, and bloggers which means that throughout our state there is so much involvement of young voters, that just needs to be rallied enough and listened to by elected members and they WILL have an impact in this upcoming election, because they have a vested interest in California, and in this nation's future.
I next attended the Chicano/Latino caucus, and although I was not able to speak about Speak Out California, I was also happy to see so many people in the meeting. I was amazed throughout the course of the convention to hear from such a diverse group of public officials. As a young woman having been born in Mexico City, and having grown up in California, I continue to be in touch with the specific needs and issues such as fair wages, affordable housing, and transportation for those that make up most of our service industry in California (and to be honest throughout all of the largest cities in the nation).
Lastly, I attended the most packed caucus meeting of all. The single group with the most members was the Women's Caucus. I was elated to see so many women stay after a long day, to be part of this. Surprisingly, the biggest words of support for presidential candidates from this group were not very loud and not all for Hillary Clinton. They mentioned John Edwards in passing, and Obama as well, but I was glad to see that their focus were the overarching issues of concern to all women, including Health Care, and Reproductive Rights. Assemblymember Julia Brownley spoke on behalf of Speak Out California, and I was pleased that she was able to get the word out to women of California, who are actively pursuing the best interest of our families, children, husbands. The rallying that took place at each of those caucuses really served its purpose in raising the energy level and excitement for the improvement of the current state of national politics.
Saturday was the first day of speakers and great speeches. After getting our table set up with our green California bear, Speak Out California banner, and the signs for our t-shirts, and straw poll vote, we were ready to hear what was to be said. Various California elected officials spoke including Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, State Controller, John Chiang, and Treasurer Bill Lockyer (whose name was most recognizable since it was on everybody's badge holder). Toward the later part of the morning, a crowd began to gather by the side door, awaiting the entrance of Senator Hillary Clinton.
Hillary Clinton gave a lengthy speech in which she briefly mentioned issues such as a woman's right to chose, equality, embracing diversity, and a comprehensive immigration reform. She outlined 4 goals that she would like to set for America. The first is achieving Universal Health Care, the second is achieving Energy independence, the third is education and fixing no child left behind and providing funding for pre-school and college. Lastly she set the goal of creating world alliances not alienation. She claimed that the first thing she would do if elected as President would be to end the war in Iraq, and she spoke directly and strongly about the fear mongering tactics of the current administration. Her most powerful statement was that if America is willing to change, she is willing to lead. It was a good speech although she portrayed a very low level of energy which I attribute that to her being ill, and having lost a lot of her voice prior to the convention. Her supporters were a decent amount, but not an overwhelming number turned out. In the press conference Senator Clinton was affable and was asked several questions from the media. In her introduction, she was undoubtedly the one candidate that had a lot of California legislator's support, including Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez's.
(I asked Hillary a Question, and our friends at www.couragecampaign.org posted it on youtube.)
After a pleasant lunch break in a touristy San Diego sandwich shop, I made my way back to the convention. After Nancy Pelosi's address, Barack Obama took the stage and the energy level reached its peak for the entire weekend. Obama walked into the room to a Motown rhythm of The Ojay's and a song titled, "Give the people what they want." Obama introduced himself and a little bit about his background. Next he began speaking like a true orator with his theme of "turning the page". He exclaimed that "It is time to turn the page" on Politics, Health Care, Unions, Education, Energy and lastly Iraq. He spoke to each of the themes with the goal of eradicating cynicism toward politics and all it encompasses. Most people criticize Obama for his inexperience, to that view he said, "I have been in Washington long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change." Although he didn't specify any policies, the overarching values he stated such as, "It's alright to compromise as long as you never compromise your principles" and "I stood up in 2002 (to the war in Iraq) when it wasn't popular to stand up" and that he believes that "our government is NOT for sale" really pumped up the crowd.
The next presidential candidate was Connecticut's Senator Christopher Dodd. He began by speaking Spanish briefly commenting that he is the only Spanish speaking senator. Like all other candidates, his enthusiasm came when he urged all democrats that change is long overdue. Dodd really sought the opportunity to be seen as a viable candidate with very large scope goals. The experience he is most proud of was his participation in the Peace Corps. Of the most common issues for this campaign, Dodd first addressed Education and the need for universal pre-school, and higher education. Secondly, he addressed the environmental issues, speaking about our need to be leaders of alternative energy and independence from fossil fuels. He briefly mentioned the need to address race relations in the nation. He emphasized the need for Democrats to choose a leader who will speak clearly and with conviction. His speech was the shortest and still nowhere near the ten minute limit that all candidates should have respected. It was surprising, that he didn't address a single unique issue, or any specific innovative initiative to the 'main' campaign issues.
Dennis Kucinch, made his entrance as the last presidential candidate after Dodd for the day. While Kucinich might be the most progressive candidate, his goals seem to be too broad too far reaching and almost unrealistic. While by no means have I become pessimistic about the ways of politics, I also have let go of the idea that the ways of the world can be changed in the way that Kucinich spoke of a spirit of change. He started out very strongly and mentioned the articles of impeachment of the vice-president that he had filed. He next listed his filing of the HR 676 a universal health care bill, and of HR 1234 to end the occupation of Iraq. Throughout his speech, Kucinich mentioned various clichés, and iconic figures such as Gahndi, Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Franklin Roosevelt and Christ. Among his hopes and enumerated imperatives of peace, global warming, human unity, and international law, Kucinich mentioned taking steps in directions that no other U.S. leader has taken, such as signing onto the Kyoto agreement, joining the U.N international criminal court, canceling NAFTA and withdrawing from the WTO. In my opinion the idea of extreme change could really frighten most people.
On Sunday, I was most enthusiastic about getting back the Staw Poll that we brought with us to be filled by convention attendees. The Poll included two tasks, the first was ranking various (listed) issues that ought to be prioritized in California and the second was to answer, "Given that ranking, which presidential candidate could best fulfill these goals?" I looked forward to hearing the speakers, primarily the last two presidential candidates that attended the convention.
Of the two, John Edwards spoke first. He immediately captured my attention. (When his speech began I decided to forego the coffee line and come to where I could see him clearly.) Edwards, one of the most progressive and viable candidates without a doubt spoke of a Living Wage for America. (Being from a city that fairly recently passed a Living Wage ordinance; I know it can be done). Edwards spoke about his support for labor unions. He demanded that we fix our now completely dysfunctional health care system, and proposed letting people shop for their preferred provider, if most people prefer one provider, it could de facto into a single payer system that he would pay for by 'rescinding the Bush tax cuts for the rich'. He spoke about cutting greenhouse gas emissions and requiring that America set an example for the rest of the world. He spoke of an affordable college education, and of the issues of race that continue to exist in America. He proposed "vouchers for housing the one million poorest Americans, so they don't need to stay segregated and concentrated in a few locations." The most powerful things that I heard throughout the convention were the words he spoke about our need to reaffirm to the world, REAL AMERICAN VALUES of compassion for others. When he painted a picture of the world that we live in and our continued preference for a $4 dollar coffee over ending poverty world wide, and he spoke of Guantanamo, he exclaimed that, "We can't have a 'can't do nothing about it attitude' we are BETTER THAN THAT!" Speaking to the American conscience I feel will really be key throughout Edwards' campaign.
After that exciting speech, I was not expecting to hear any more presidential candidates. I forgot about Bill Richardson, and he was to me a complete surprise. As New Mexico's Governor, former Congressmember and as one of our former ambassadors to the U.N. Richardson encompasses all the experience we could hope for in a commander in chief and leader. He opened his presentation with a little bit of humor, which was different than all other speakers. I liked Richardson because in addition to the fact that he is the first Latino (of Nicaraguan and Mexican background) to run for president, he was very personable. It felt as if he were talking with just one individual rather than an entire crowd. I was very impressed with his delivery and with his content. Bill Richardson laid out his first "five days in office". Day 1, He would announce a plan to get America out of Iraq. He took this opportunity to mention the negotiations he had participated in with Saddam Hussein in Iraq. He mentioned he just returned from continuing dialogue in North Korea, and most importantly he mentioned an anecdote of a woman that came up to him to tell him that her son died and she received a check for 11,000 for his life. Governor Richardson was outraged, and within one week in New Mexico, they passed legislation to provide all 4,200 member of the National Guard from New Mexico, currently in Iraq with a life insurance policy of 400,000 dollars. Richardson is undoubtedly a man of action. Day 2, Richardson promised to work on Energy Independence and on reducing U.S. greenhouse emissions and getting other nations through diplomacy to also reduce them. On day 3, Richardson would revitalize the American education system. He too mentioned universal pre-school and college funding, although he added an element of funding for vocational training. He outlined the need to improve teacher training and provide more resources for special needs programs. On Day 4, Universal Health Care would be his task. He would like to provide Americans the same health care plans as any congressmember or senator. He also stressed prevention, research and development of new cures. On Day 5, Richardson would reinforce America's commitment to civil rights, through addressing immigration, Gay rights, allowing civil unions and domestic partnerships, and respecting a woman's right to choose. After outlining his priorities (all of which, obviously would not be taken care of in a week), he closed with a little bit of humor again. Richardson also had a press conference, which had the least attendance, but the most amount of question. Most of his emphasis was on the fact that he is hopeful about this campaign, he urged American Democrats to vote for the most qualified, not the biggest rockstar (Clinton/ Obama), nor the one with the most money (Edwards?). Also, he reminded all who were present that it is still so early in the campaign.
Although I obviously didn't write as much on each of the candidates, it seems most exciting that we have such a great choice of candidates. We will change the way things have been in the nation under the current president and his administration. The options for better candidates exist. The panel of potential candidates is broad in terms of diversity, experience, and demonstrated commitment. The issues they will all campaign on are clear: Iraq, Health Care, Environmental Issues and Education. I only mentioned specific ideas, or those that brought up different issues because after all, that in it of itself demonstrates leadership. The most interesting thing about attending a State Convention as a young person for the first time was being with like minded individuals. This experience only reinforced my passion for the political world, and my hope that this will be much more than just a "horse race" election, but that people, Americans and those that we interact with internationally will benefit in the long run from all the changes and improvements we will make with our vote, and our elected government will make in representing our vote.
If you want to see any of the speeches, they are all at cadem.org
59.
Monica Smith
Wed, 05/09/07
4:24 pm
Considering an "inevitable outcome" is not the same as engineering an outcome.
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!!!
(Especially... because, you can't engineer outcome, OR outcome will engineer you..., lol)
The Borgen Project states that just $19 billion annually can end starvation and $23 billon annually can reverse the spread of Malaria and AIDS. With these issues being so easily addressed, it is no wonder that a war-touting political group that doesn't believe in humanitarianism isn't doing well in the polls or with the American people.
this a.m. on who in the hell we gonna put on replace imus show, the idiot joe scarface was talking to craig crawford.
so what important stuff did they discuss/ well edwards hair, his phoniness, how he got the mole taken off is mouth.
wow.we are at war and the hate speech continues.
off with their heads.
The partitioning of Iraq will not work by our demands because the Iraqis want us out now.
There have been many articles posted in the last few days that all state the locals want us out.
There is no way we can effect an outcome one way or another except add more dead bodies to the totals.
Even with the added 35k troop, the surge is doomed. No matter how many troops we stuff into Iraq, we can only make the outcome worse.
I don't know if the Bosnia example is valid.
1 - We didn't tortue folks or imprison them in degraded circumstances. We permanently lost the moral battle big time after abu Ghraib and Gitmo.
2 - I may be wrong but the tons of bombs we dropped went on military targets.
3 - We were perceived as the good guys because all the other players - Russia and Germany - were tainted by WWII activities.
4 - Melosovich was the evil one. We actually had the moral high-ground in this one; something we can never get in Iraq.
View videos from the 2007 CDP Convention HERE: http://link.brightcove.com/services/play...
Hmmm ... the latest on this particular conspiracy ... that had some far-flung consequences for a lot of people and that is probably just the tip of a nasty little iceberg.
Wonder whether Mann will come clean with a death sentence in the offing.
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Coup plotter faces extradition to Equatorial Guinea
Staff and agencies
Wednesday May 9, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
A former SAS officer should be extradited to Equatorial Guinea despite the prospect of a death sentence for plotting to overthrow the government, a Zimbabwean judge ruled today.
Simon Mann, 53, was jailed in September 2004 after being convicted in Zimbabwe of illegally trying to buy weapons. Serving a four-year sentence, the old Etonian had been due for release from prison this Friday on good behaviour.
But the magistrate, Omega Mugumbate, granted his extradition to Equatorial Guinea, which has the death penalty for serious crimes. Mann's lawyers are expected to launch an appeal.
Together with a group of 60 alleged mercenaries, he was arrested in March 2004 when their private plane landed at Harare airport.
They denied plotting to topple the government of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, a small west African country led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman could not confirm the development today but said: "We are looking into those reports and we are in contact with the Zimbabwean authorities."
The former prime minister Baroness Thatcher's son, Mark, became embroiled in the coup controversy when he was arrested in South Africa and accused of being involved.
He later pleaded guilty in a South African court to unwittingly funding the purchase of an aircraft that was allegedly to be used by the mercenaries, but denied any involvement in the plot. He was given a four-year suspended sentence and fined £265,000, after entering into a plea-bargain deal.
[...]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,,32982...
Thanks for the great reports, Olivia!
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Hill has bagged a big endorsement.
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Maryland Governor Endorses Clinton
Wednesday May 9, 2007 10:46 PM
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on Wednesday endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for president and was named state chairman for Clinton's campaign.
``No one is better equipped to repair America's alliances abroad and address the urgent needs of our communities at home,'' O'Malley said.
Clinton praised the governor for signing the nation's first statewide living wage law on Tuesday, a measure that requires state contractors to pay at least $8.50 to workers and $11.30 in parts of Maryland such as Baltimore and the Washington suburbs where it is more expensive to live.
Maryland is a strong Democratic state. Last year, O'Malley defeated Republican Robert Ehrlich, who was the first GOP governor of Maryland in 36 years. Clinton came to Maryland during that campaign to help raise money and build enthusiasm for O'Malley and other Maryland candidates.
[...]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/st...
I sincerely hope that this man is safe. He is a good reporter and truly attempted to provide a balanced view. There are too few like him, I'm afraid.
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BBC studying 'kidnapped reporter tape'
By Beverley Rouse, PA
Published: 09 May 2007
A tape purportedly from the kidnappers of journalist Alan Johnston has been sent to the al-Jazeera news channel.
The tape which appears to come from the kidnappers of the BBC's Gaza correspondent who has been missing for more than eight weeks.
The tape includes certain demands and shows pictures, including one apparently of Mr Johnston's BBC identity card.
It was delivered to al-Jazeera in Gaza and was made by a group calling itself Jaish-e-al-Islam (The Army of Islam).
The BBC said it is investigating the contents of the tape but would not comment further at this stage.
The 44-year-old journalist was seized at gunpoint on his way home in Gaza City on March 12.
If the tape is genuine, it will be the first time Mr Johnston's kidnappers have made their demands public or had any contact with the media.
[...]
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/midd...
The larger question is why have these individuals been held illegally for so long?
Definitely not a friendly act ... perhaps it was meant to be deliberately provocative. Thankfully, Iran did not take the bait.
=================
Iraqi minister says US may release Iranians
By Patrick Cockburn in Baghdad
Published: 09 May 2007
The five Iranian officials whose abduction in an a US helicopter raid in January led to a crisis in relations between the US and Iran could be released in June according to the Iraqi foreign minister.
In an interview in Baghdad, Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's foreign minister, said that legally the US can only hold the Iranians for six months. It must then charge them, hand them over to Iraq or release them.
The Iranians were captured when the US launched a surprise raid on a long-established Iranian office in Arbil, the Kurdish capital in northern Iraq, on 11 January. Mr Zebari confirmed that the real targets were two senior Iranian security officials, the deputy head of Iran's National Security Council and General Minojahar Farouzanda, the head of intelligence of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Both men were on an official visit to northern Iraq at the time of the US attack during which they had seen Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Kurdish President Massoud Barzani. Misled by the presence of their official car at the liaison office in Arbil - although they were in Mr Barzani's headquarters at Salahudin - US forces tried and failed to seize them.
Mr Zebari said there was "a possibility they will be released". This is because under an agreement governing such detentions the US "can detain them for 90 days and this can be renewed once. This is the military rule for holding such people: charge them, hand them over to the Iraqi authorities or release them. The time for their detention will expire in June when a decision will have to be made."
[...]
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/midd...
dog soldier
Wed, 05/09/07
6:49 pm
================
No analogy is perfect, but if we had a change in administration and followed the pattern of Bosnia, I think we could end the civil war there. The alternative in our immediate absence (if there were no exit plan and peace-keeper of any country) would most certainly be an expanded civil war, many times more bloodshed, and the real possibility of an expanded regional war.
You seem to entertain that possibility with deliberate blindness. Would you like to see that?
No country wants an occupier - no kidding, einstein. But If you are basing your positions ("they want us out") on polls, take a closer look at the poll you are basing it on. Look at the questions, look at the choices offered in each question, if it were a choice question. Look at who is polled, and who is conducting the polling.
The poll most often quoted was last September. It polled mostly Shiites, even though they are 22% of the country and perceived us, at the time, of helping the Shiites exterminate them.
There is no current poll I now of, that shows a majority want us our immediately. I hear tell only 1/4 do, in one poll. The reason is simple. There is more fear of the Iraqi [Shiite] police and their underground militias, than there is of Americans soldiers. If there is a poll, please give a link and let's look at the details of the questions, who conducted it and who they asked.
The push to get out of Iraq is a noble one. The desire to leave behind a train wreck that we caused is irresponsible, ruthless and colonial in nature.
Lots of right wing Shiites and Sunnis want us out - to annihilate the other group in a "long war". The Shiites think they can win because they have the number and Iranian help. The Sunnis think can, because they have the training and financial support of the Saudis, should they be threatened.
But those militia groups are the Iraqi equivalents of right-wingers here. Would you give them their due, and watch them kill millions of innocent people in the process?
Are you against all war, everywhere?
CORRECTION
The poll most often quoted was last September. It polled mostly Shiites, even though they are 22% of the country and perceived us, at the time, of helping the Shiites exterminate them
SHOULD BE "It polled mostly Sunnis"
Plus ca change ... in Iraq, to many Iraqis, life looked better under Saddam than it does now. In Afghanistan, some believe that it was better under the Taliban.
Failed wars are bad enough, but failed peaces are even worse.
Only putzfollies could succeed in making the horrible and awful look preferable.
===============
Bring back Taliban to end police corruption, say Afghan truckers
By Chris Sands in Kabul
Published: 10 May 2007
Abad Khan has spent much of his life on Afghanistan's roads, driving a truck through some of the most beautiful and hostile terrain in the world.
The work is hard but it gives the 30-year-old and his colleagues a view of this country rarely seen or heard about, and it is a view they are increasingly finding they do not like. Deteriorating security across Afghanistan means the country's roads are now rife with bandits, illegal checkpoints and corrupt officials.
"We pay all our bribes to criminals and they are criminals who wear police uniforms," Mr Khan said. "In the daytime they have very smart police uniforms, then in the night they become Taliban and chop drivers' noses and ears off. No real Taliban do this."
Truck drivers are an important barometer of the security situation in Afghanistan, as their work means they experience life across the country.
When the Taliban first rose to power in the mid-1990s, it was in part a response to the rampant lawlessness on Afghanistan's roads, which had been dominated by the illegal checkpoints of warlords. Travelling anywhere was a gamble, and leading figures in the transport industry supported Mullah Mohammed Omar's fundamentalists because they longed for security. According to today's truck drivers, history is in danger of repeating itself.
"The difference between when the Taliban were in government and now is the same as the difference between land and sky," 61-year-old Haji Mohammed Amin said. "Now we are sick of life and if we are sick of life, how can we enjoy it? What is the meaning of life for us? At that time it had meaning, now it is nothing."
[...]
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia...
Fred,
Not blind but I realize we can do nothing to change what happens.
Reread some of the articles that state that first the Iraqis want is us out.
But to be fair, how would you propose to get the Iraqis to execute Biden's plan?
While we are wondering around killing people, we should be actively courting the UN to help out. Also, the neighbors need to take over some of the heavy lifting.
To say one way leads to slaughter and the other way doesn't is wrong. All sides lead to blood and we can't do anything about it.
Oh, for God's sake ,,, we have just apologized for killing 19 civilians. How meaningful was that when we have just killed 21 more?
================
US air strikes kill 21 civilians in Afghanistan
By Kim Sengupta
Published: 10 May 2007
At least 21 civilians, including six children, have been killed in US air strikes in Afghanistan, leading to angry protests among locals.
The deaths brought the total of civilian deaths to almost 100 in the past two weeks and followed President Hamid Karzai's declaration that his people "can no longer accept casualties the way they occur".
The new round of "collateral damage" also came a day after the US military said it was "deeply ashamed" of the killings of 19 civilians by marines in early March.
In the latest incident American special forces called for air strikes in the village of Soro near Sangin in Helmand, after coming under attack from around 200 Taliban fighters.
A spokesman for the US forces, Major William Mitchell, declared that the troops had killed a "significant" number of insurgents in firefights and the subsequent bombing.
"We don't have any reports of civilian casualties" he said. " There are enemy casualties - I think the number is significant." However, this was immediately contradicted by the governor of Helmand, who said: "Nato forces carried out an operation in Sangin and as a result of the bombing 21 civilians, including women and children, were killed."
[...]
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia...
For KO fans ...
==============
OLBERMAN To Receive - First Annual MOLLY IVINS Award
Posted May 9, 2007
AAN Presents First Annual Molly Ivins Award to Keith Olbermann
New York, NY, May 9, 2007 -- The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies (AAN) announced today that MSNBC news anchor Keith Olbermann is the winner of its first annual Molly Ivins Award. Olbermann's achievement will be recognized in a ceremony to be held this afternoon in New York City.
The award was recently named in honor of Ms. Ivins, who served as co-editor of AAN member Texas Observer early in her muckraking career, and who died of breast cancer on January 31, at the age of 62. It is intended to recognize a journalist or media figure who's reporting or commentary has had a profound impact on the public's understanding of vital national issues, and who's work embodies the spirit of Ivins' courageous legacy.
"I'm utterly honored," said Olbermann, "largely because I'd still like to be Molly Ivins when I grow up."
more at: http://aan.org/alternative/Aan/ViewArtic...
**********
For the comments too, try DU.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/dis...
And unfortunately, the more we keep doing the same thing which is sweeps and shooting, the more death and destruction takes place regardless of when we leave.
An example that might prove benficial is the events that took place in Ireland.
1 - The British used no heavy tanks and attack planes.
2 - They reacted to attacks with restraint. In fact, British losses may have been higher then Irish where we have probably killed close to a million (extrapolating the Lancet report) in Iraq.
3 - The Brits were there a lot of years.
4 - Ireland is physically closer to Britain and there are no natural resources so the British can say they were not there for the oil.
As soon as the oil contracts are signed, we will probaly leave without any chance to prepare an exit plan involving the various factions, the neighbors and the UN.
All these fires. How do we know who really started them? Are we not being told something? If someone were wanting to damage this country, one of the things considered would be huge fires.....IMO
Courtesy of DU and YouTube, this is hilarious!
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Daily Show--Oliver's Trip to the Republican Debate
http://www.democraticunderground.com/dis...
here are a few poll results from Iraq
http://www.iraqanalysis.org/info/55
As yo can see, we are not very popular.
One more Iraq poll article. The Sunnis are starting to decide we should stay.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...
[snip]
Sitting in a neon-orange chair as he waited for a haircut, Firas Adnan, a 27-year-old music student, said: "I really don't know what I want. If the Americans leave right now, there is going to be a massacre in Iraq. But if they don't leave, there will be more problems. From my point of view, though, it would be better for them to go out today than tomorrow."
He paused for a moment, then said, "We just want to go back and live like we did before."
dog soldier
Wed, 05/09/07
7:20 pm
Reply to this
Fred,
Not blind but I realize we can do nothing to change what happens.
Reread some of the articles that state that first the Iraqis want is us out.
But to be fair, how would you propose to get the Iraqis to execute Biden's plan?
While we are wondering around killing people, we should be actively courting the UN to help out. Also, the neighbors need to take over some of the heavy lifting.
To say one way leads to slaughter and the other way doesn't is wrong. All sides lead to blood and we can't do anything about it.
==========================
I agree the Iraqis want us out - but many pundits and ideologues are oversimplifying how and when - they would like to see us leave. IMO most would rather see us change policy and change the politics before we leave.
I agree that if the Bush policy were to continue forever - it would be best to leave now and accept the consequences, whatever they be. However, there is more and more evidence than it would be a bloodbath, if it were to occur in the foreseeable future.
If we could de-escalate the Bush strategy and tactics until the Democrats get into real power, or even before that, it could avert that bloodbath.
Be wary of the mantra "It can't get any worse than it is now" It can get 100X worse.
I believe a political separation of states - formed by a federation with local provincial rule - may even be possible before Bush leaves. When the surge fails this fall, even those on the Republican right will be looking for alternatives, and there is much evidence that such a plan has the potential for support on both sides of the aisle.
It could be part of an exit strategy and has the potential for international support, both in Europe and the Middle East.
I don't know if it will be the Biden-Gelb plan. There have been many variations offered, but a sensible combination of ideas can be forged with the popular support of the Iraqis.
Reminiscent of the rewriting of history done by the Bolsheviks ...
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State Dept. erases all references to top official who quit over DC Madam list Michael Roston
Published: Wednesday May 9, 2007
The State Department and the US Agency for International Development have instructed employees to remove all references in publications and other materials to a top official who resigned after his name turned up as a former client of "DC Madam" Deborah Jean Palfrey. The news appears in Wednesday morning's edition of the "In The Loop" column at the Washington Post.
Randall Tobias, the USAID Administrator and a Deputy Secretary of State, quit suddenly on April 27 after being contacted by ABC News and admitting that he had "gals come over to the condo to give me a massage," which he compared to ordering a pizza.
Subsequently, Al Kamen writes, USAID ordered all references to Tobias purged.
"On April 30, a couple days after Tobias's stunning resignation, we got this e-mail from Steve Tupper, a senior official in AID's bureau of legislative and public affairs," Kamen notes.
"As you go about your daily activities on behalf of your Bureau or Office, please be alert to the need to remove all picture and statements from Ambassador Tobias in light of his resignation dated as of April 27, 2007," Tupper orders in the note. The instructions include deleting references to Tobias in "Websites, reception room walls, printed publications, brochures, PowerPoints, newsletters, etc."
[...]
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/State_Dept...
Great report! Just a note for DFAers and Deaniacs here -- I have created a website, Deaniacs for Edwards, to try to capture some of the reasons that so many progressive types (including long-time Deaniacs like myself) were absolutely WOWed by John Edwards at the convention. Check it out at http://DeaniacsForEdwards.com/ and if you have gotten on the Edwards bandwagon, please use the form to send us your story why....
dog soldier
Wed, 05/09/07
7:43 pm
========
Most Iraqis Favor Immediate U.S. Pullout, Polls ShowLeaders' Views Out of Step With PublicBy Amit R. PaleyWashington Post Staff WriterWednesday, September 27, 2006;===========got anything newer than this - a lot has happened in the civil war since
dog soldier
Wed, 05/09/07
7:38 pm
===========
Never said we should not leave - only suggest that we should leave the country responsibly.
Much of the polling dialog reveals the popular notion that American are promoting the civil war and everything else that is going wrong - inadvertantly we did, but not intentionally - like the misbegotten perception that many developing countries' peoples think all Americans are rich.
It would be tragic for them to find out how much worse a regional war would be. I don't think that is on most Iraqi radar screens - like Americans they are subject to propaganda and street myth - only much more so.
We need to have an international peace force take over to help us leave. Our credibility has been ruined - but we still need to proceed responsibly.
Interesting trend in the Feb-Mar 2007 poll - from your link above.
http://www.iraqanalysis.org/info/55
still majority (58%) support for "One unified Iraq with a central government in Baghdad", although declining since 2005 (70%) and 2004 (79%)
Good interview with Maryland Congressman Gilchrest(House-Republican!) from yesterday...
a portion.....
"Reason: In 2006 the GOP majority held a vote on Iraq withdrawal that you said was intended to embarrass the Democrats politically. And then the GOP lost the elections in part because Democrats hit them on the war. Why have your colleagues misread the popularity of the war?
Gilchrest: I can't psychoanalyze those guys. I think the GOP was dissolving. Now it's drying up and the wind's going to blow it away. I just don't think we have the depth of knowledge, intellect, and experience necessary for a viable political party any more."
He refers to the white house as absurd more than once.
http://www.reason.com/news/show/120067.h...
Great link, dog, thanks it had a link to the detailed poll - here is just a small part of it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6451841.stm
Since the end of the war in Iraq, thousands of civilians have died in violence on the streets. Support for the coalition forces based in Iraq is low - with 82% expressing a lack of confidence in them and 69% thinking they had made the security situation worse.
Those polled were split as to whether attacks on coalition forces were acceptable - but a majority still believe they should remain in the country until security is restored.
In ethnic terms, Sunnis were more eager for troops to leave - with 55% saying they should leave now compared to 28% of Shia respondents.
===============
Sunnis probably believe we are providing arms and training to Shiite militias (who join Iraqi police forces) that are killing Sunnis.
Only 2% of Sunnis questioned believed it was absolutely or somewhat right to have invaded, while 78% said it was absolutely wrong. By comparison, 70% of Shia respondents said the decision to invade Saddam Hussein's Iraq was absolutely or somewhat right.
Security remains a key concern. Asked whether they felt safe in their own neighbourhoods, 40% said yes in 2004, 63% in 2005 but only 26% in 2007.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6451841.stmSupport for the return of a strong leader to lead the country for life or the establishment of an Islamic state have grown marginally while most still pin their hopes to democracy.
A strong leader is more popular than democracy to 58% of the Sunni population, although most accept Iraq will be a democracy in five years' time. Shia respondents were split 41% to 40% in favour of democracy over an Islamic state, but 52% think Iraq will be a democracy in five years' time.
Iraq was divided into four regions for the poll:
North: made up of the districts of Dahuk, Irbil, Nineveh, Sulaimaniya, Tamim;
Central: Anbar, Babil, Diyala, Salahuddin;
Baghdad
South: Basra, Karbala, Misan, Najaf, Muthanna, Qadisiya, Dhiqar, Wasit.
The results show that people in the northern and southern districts think things are good in their lives.
The majority of people in the central regions and Baghdad say life is quite bad or very bad.
The poll of 2,212 people from across Iraq suggests an increasing pessimism and feeling of insecurity since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
from Olivia's account of the California Dem Convention:
"I made my way back to the convention. After Nancy Pelosi's address, Barack Obama took the stage and the energy level reached its peak for the entire weekend."
+++
Olivia -
Thanks for the observation.
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/05/09/grassley_criticizes_obama_for_war_remarks/
Published: May 9, 2007 at 4:21 PM | License
Grassley criticizes Obama for war remarksWASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said Wednesday Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's call on Iowans to lobby for an end to the Iraq war was "not senatorial."The Des Moines Register reported the Republican senator said his Democratic counterpart acted inappropriately when he recently called on Iowans to push Grassley toward voting to override a presidential veto of proposed troop withdrawals from Iraq.
"Let's say pretty much that it's not senatorial and if you can't be senatorial, how can you be presidential?" Grassley asked.
"You know what really makes it less presidential is, I'm not running for president," he added. "I'm not one of his opponents."
...
Most think the US currently runs things in Iraq while there most believe Syria and Iran are actively encouraging sectarian vioelnce in the country.
An opinion poll commissioned by the BBC and other major media groups has provided a revealing insight into the everyday lives, hopes and fears of people living in Iraq.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6451841.stm#map
31. Yep, all we need is a little more huffing and puffing.
btw - great firsties :-)
The majority of people in the central regions and Baghdad say life is quite bad or very bad.
Return to topHow do you rate conditions where you live? All North Central South Baghdad Shia Sunni Security situation % % % % % % % Very good 17 34 1 24 0 17 1 Quite good 30 28 20 45 20 45 6 Quite bad 21 16 26 19 23 24 23 Very bad 32 22 53 12 57 14 70 Availability of jobs Very good 3 13 0 0 0 0 0 Quite good 17 28 11 17 15 20 4 Quite bad 44 31 50 46 47 45 50 Very bad 35 28 38 37 38 35 46 Electricity supply Very good 2 3 0 2 0 1 0 Quite good 11 12 2 21 0 15 3 Quite bad 37 36 36 39 38 41 30 Very bad 51 49 61 37 62 42 66 Clean water supply Very good 9 22 1 8 0 6 2 Quite good 22 35 8 31 0 22 12 Quite bad 35 22 45 32 49 38 39 Very bad 34 21 46 29 51 33 47 Local government Very good 12 23 2 18 0 14 1 Quite good 31 32 27 34 38 45 8 Quite bad 31 25 35 30 31 27 41 Very bad 26 19 36 18 31 14 51 Freedom to live where choose Very good 8 15 0 13 0 9 0 Quite good 15 26 3 24 0 17 4 Quite bad 39 32 44 37 43 40 42 Very bad 38 27 53 25 57 33 54 Source: BBC/ABC poll
Return to topMethodology: The poll was conducted by D3 Systems for the BBC, ABC News, ARD German TV and USA Today. More than 2,000 people were questioned in more than 450 neighbourhoods and villages across all 18 provinces of Iraq between 25 February and 5 March 2007. The margin of error is + or - 2.5%.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6451841.stm#map
Fred
We couldn't effect the ultimate outcome there if we tried.
If they do it and succeed it will be worth a hundred imposed solutions.
How about we do the right thing and let them find their way?
from Drudge:
REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMEN TAKE IT TO BUSH
Wed May 09 2007 20:42:16 ET
TIM RUSSERT, NBC NIGHTLY NEWS: Brian, all eyes on the Republican party. How long will they support the president's position on the Iraq War? Yesterday may have been a defining, pivotal moment.
At two-thirty in the afternoon, in the private quarters of the White House, the Solarium Room, eleven Republican congressmen had a private meeting with the president, the secretary of defense, the secretary of state, the chief political advisor Karl Rove, and the White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, and others.
This delegation was headed by Mark Kirk of Illinois and Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania. It was, in the words of one of the participants, the most unvarnished conversation they've ever had with the president.
Another member has said he has met with three presidents and never been so candid. They told the president, and one said, quote, "My district is prepared for defeat. We need candor, we need honesty, Mr. President."
The president responded, "I don't want to pass this off to another president. I don't want to pass this off, particularly, to a democratic president," underscoring he understood how serious the situation was.
Brian, the Republican congressmen went on to say, "The word about the war and its progress cannot come from the White House or even you, Mr. President. There's no longer any credibility. It has to come from General Petraeus.
The meeting lasted an hour and fifteen minutes, and was, in the words of one, " remarkable for the bluntness, and no holds barred honesty and the message delivered by all these Republican congressmen.
BRIAN WILLIAMS: And Tim...how did the president react and how did this then affect the instructions for VP Cheney heading off to Iraq?
RUSSERT: One congressman said, "How can our daughters and sons spill their blood while the Iraqi parliament goes on vacation? The president responded, "The Vice President is over there to tell them, 'Do not go on vacation.'"
Developing...
rdorgan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Although he didn't specify any policies, the overarching values he stated such as, "It's alright to compromise as long as you never compromise your principles"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
still my basic Obama complaint
Olivia that was a very well written post. Thanks for sharing.
43.
Phil Specht
Wed, 05/09/07
9:32 pm
Reply to this
Fred
We couldn't effect the ultimate outcome there if we tried.
If they do it and succeed it will be worth a hundred imposed solutions.
How about we do the right thing and let them find their way?
==============
Totally understand - but we need the political solution - not the military solution - and we have to bring the rest of the world into the process.
It is a race against time and though I am all for what the Democratic Leaders are doing with the spending bill - BUT they are not doing enough of preparing to leave with the responsibility of doing the diplomatic and political groundwork for a responsible exit strategy.
And if there is a unexpectedly horrendous tradegy after we leave, we will share that responsibility with the Bushies. If we turn it around, Democrats will get the credit.
45. Thanks sea - Kirk is my rep and a protege of Rumsfeld (who was the rep for the district when I was a kid). Pretty bad when your own guys tell ya you have no credibility. Took 'em long enough to admit it.
More about Governor Dean at Dartmouth. Good picture, interesting comments. He must be one of the most common sense practical people around.
Nite and ♥'s to all
Kindness is free ;-)
48.
FRED from OR
Wed, 05/09/07
9:50 pm
Reply to this
43.
Phil Specht
Wed, 05/09/07
9:32 pm
Reply to this
Fred
We couldn't effect the ultimate outcome there if we tried.
If they do it and succeed it will be worth a hundred imposed solutions.
How about we do the right thing and let them find their way?
==============
...we need the political solution...
...we have to bring the rest of the world into the process.
...Democratic Leaders...are not doing enough of preparing...for a responsible exit strategy.
------------
It does not matter now what "we" (who "we", btw?) THINK "we need" and/or "we have to"..., it does not DEPEND on us any longer.
It depends on "them", on another side, on "insurgents", on "islamo-fascists", etc. (e.g. it depends on how fast they will be able to drive us out).
Democratic leaders are not in a driver seat...as well as Republicans aren't, in fact that seat got empty long ago.
Just sayin' goodnight -- thanks for all the warm thoughts -- no news on the fire or evacuations -- heard they were evacuating a nearby neighborhood -- I am ready to go except to unplug my Mac, grab the dog and the d*m cat, lock up. It is VERY SMOKY here.
I saw a great movie tonight from filmconnection.org which Phil I believe set me on to. The movie was Luna Papa, believe it was from Tajikastan (sp??). The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, the plot heartwarming, and some of the scenes almost as hilarious as Young Frankenstein. Of course, nothing is THAT funny.
Nite all.
yikes
model statistics show little rain on Annilow's fire from the tropical depression forecast, might help quite a bit in Georgia, widespread half inch
nice to see the multiple year drought broken in Arkansas
vibes your way Annilow, once a swamp catches fire it could burn for weeks with no way to fight it
52.
former
Wed, 05/09/07
10:47 pm
==============
well it sounds like a mantra and I'm not getting through
all I can say is that I hope see our party leaders eventually prove you to be out of touch
OR if that doesn't happen
I hope I don't have to say "I told you so" - that would require an Iraqi bloodbath that we would have had been able to prevent in hindsight.
Seems a shame that we wasted so many lives and money in Iraq doing the wrong thing - and will never do the right thing to help undo the worst of the damage.
nobody is "driving us out"
it would be very satisfying to some to the frustrated troops if they tried, all the inventory of 500# bombs has been refilled
there is a power struggle for a country going on around us and we are mostly spectators
we are often being counter-productive to a peaceful solution is the problem
We will have to wait and see what message Cheney gets from his Saudi masters.
new thread
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