Congress Threatened with Marshall Law...

Written by: David Reiter on Oct 6, 2008 7:04 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Netroots Activism!, Blog For America, DFA-Link Organizers, Empathy Cafe

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Speaks for itself...just 40 seconds:

Economic Solutions

Written by: David Reiter on Sep 27, 2008 12:22 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Florida DFA, Progressive Businesses and Professionals for America, Blog For America, DFA Blog Network

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

According to McCain last week, the economy is fundamentally strong.  Acording to McCain this week, the economy is in such terrible shape, he must suspend his campaign. 

George Bush surprised everyone with his Paulson-authored plan to socialize the banking and mortgage industry.  I think the Democrats are shocking us all for appearing to go along with it. 

Republicans appeared to support the bail-out plan, then reverted to the old mantra of 'let the market sort it out.' Now, both parties are debating how best to prop up our 'economy' by lending money or taking ownership (socializing) of domestic and foreign banks that have mismanaged their portfolio of risk.  Meanwhile, the parties are talking a good game about how they are ultimately protecting the taxpayer with these plans.  Oh...and hard-line Republicans are supporting the 'your on your own' policy of thinking the market will correct itself.

I put the word economy in quotes (above) because I think there is a clear disconnect between what the economy is and encompasses and what the offered solution addresses.  The economy encompasses many things: GDP, credit, productivity, value of currency, trade, wages, employment, taxes, markets, banking, industry, inflation, and much more. What is being discussed in Washington is myopic in nature because it is only addressing one or two small areas of the economy---and the proposed solutions come with a hefty price tag.

What this $700 Billion plan addresses is a small portion of what the economy is.  In addition, to put this amount in perspective, $700 Billion is what we have spent on a war that has driven us deeply into debt over the past 5 years.  $700 Billion given, loaned, or taken in shares of ownership...is a short-term solution that promises to put our economy in further trouble down the road.  This $700 Billion, in whatever form it leaves the Treasury, will decrease the value of the dollar, provide more credit liquidity for companies and people to get into deeper trouble with, increase inflation, and do absolutely nothing to help the average American in the long run.

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5 DFAM Members Running for Office...

Written by: David Reiter on Aug 6, 2008 12:22 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Florida DFA, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Blog For America, DFA-Link Organizers

FIVE DFAM MEMBERS RUNNING FOR OFFICE! These members have answered the challange to be the change they want to see in Tallahasse & Miami-Dade County.

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Stop FISA in its Tracks!

Written by: David Reiter on Jul 5, 2008 11:10 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Empathy Cafe, Florida DFA, Blog For America, DFA-Link Organizers

I ususally don't like reposting something I have posted in the past, but this issue keep rearing its ugly head, like a monstrous zit on the face of democracy.  As we join in with thousands of members and concerned citizens in writing, calling, and e-mailing our Senators ahead of this weeks vote for telecom immunity, I thought I would help arm us all with some vital information...again.

First, I'd like to thank Federal Judge, Vaughn Walker for correctly striking down Bush's claim of authority to spy on Americans.  I have not seen his official opinion, but it appears he has correctly cited a precedent set in 1972 (noted below).  Although this is a positive step in correcting illegal behavior by our Commander-In-Chief, it may protect those that abet him in this illegal activity--telephone companies.

The history behind citizen wiretapping is sickening. In the 1960’s and ‘70’s the FBI was wiretapping everyone from Martin Luther King, Jr. to New Left organizations that led to usurping the American peoples’ right to organize and redress the government of their grievances.

What is disturbing is to think that this right wing government is using the acquired information to further its political agenda and get the upper hand with its opponents.  As we know, the Nixon Administration severely abused his powers, and ultimately culminated in the Watergate break-into democratic headquarters (unrelated to his misuse of intelligence agencies). The President is pushing to make the Patriot Act permanent after he has already admitted to abusing its provisions by sidestepping the FISA court in order to direct the NSA to spy on citizens.  There is no doubt that Mr. Bush sees all those that are not for his policies must be against…and it is this philosophy that scares Americans most.  This philosophy generally lends one to believe that the 67% of Americans that are against his policies are subject to potential surveillance.  Common sense however, tells us otherwise.   

The President says he has the constitutional authority to conduct warrantless surveillance.  The Supreme Court, in the famous United States vs. United States District Court case of 1972, clearly stated that, “The President does not have the constitutional power to authorize warrantless electronic surveillance.”

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July 4th--What's Your Idea of Patriotism?

Written by: David Reiter on Jul 4, 2008 4:02 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-Link Organizers, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Florida DFA, Empathy Cafe, Blog For America

232 years ago, the founding fathers of our nation penned the Declaration of Independence, and 11 years later, the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  They clearly laid out what the definition of patriotsim is, and I believe Progressive values stand firm to these tenets.

To me, patriotsism is standing up for what we believe is best for our nation.  It is getting involved in our government however and at whatever level we can.  It is letting our representatives know how we feel about issues so they can best represent us in our government.  It is encouraging those that stand up for our rights and represent what is in our best interest.  It is telling those that are not representing our best interest how we feel, and what they can do to better represent us.  It is having open dialogue and a free exchange of ideas. It is respecting each others opinions no matter how much we may disagree, and having the right to try to change opinions.  It is believing in the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and standing against any attempt to dismantle or pervert them.  It is being a good citizen that cares about our communities and respect each others pursuits of happiness.  In wartime, it is supporting our troops, but speaking up to our leaders if we feel it is an unjust war.  It is respecting and acknowledging the brave men and women in the military that swear to protect our nation and what it stands for...the Constitution, and the rule of law that has emanated from it.

Many people seem to think patriotism is about flags, fireworks, parades, or blind faith in government.  It is not.  This is the definition of nationalism, not patriotism--rabid nationalism is the same ideology that led to fascism in Nazi Germany.  I'm not suggesting we are at this extreme here, but I get tired of people saying they are patriotic because they wave a flag.  Don't get me wrong--I love our flag, fireworks, and parades, but blind faith in government or our leaders is the furthest thing from patriotism an American can get. Oh--wearing a flagpin: nothing to do with patriotism.  It is what we stand for and do to make our nation better, not what we wear or display in order to get someone to think something about us. 

Some people on the other side of the aisle like to say, 'if you don't like our country, then leave.'  This kind of statement is the very essence of being 'unpatriotic'. Our Constitution clearly states that it is not only our right, but our duty to change government if we are not happy with it.  Those that make the above statement have absolutely no idea what our nation stands for, or even why they enjoy the right to make that statement.  I was in a conversation with a Republican friend of mine the other day, who made this statement in the middle of a conversation about how we can bring about Universal Health Care.  My knee-jerk response to him was, 'if you don't want to change your government for the better, then you should leave, because blind faith is not patriotism and is not what our nation stands for.'

Okay...so you found out what prompted me to write this article:-)  What does patriotism mean to you?

Come to DFA Training Academy in Miami July 12th

Written by: David Reiter on Jun 28, 2008 8:55 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Florida, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), DFA Tallahassee, Florida DFA

You know how important this November's election is going to be for Florida. We have opportunities up and down the state to pick up key seats in the Florida House and Senate as well as the U.S Congress. We have a hateful state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and all domestic partnerships to defeat and a Presidential election to decide. Florida matters more than ever this year and the DFA Campaign Academy has scheduled a campaign training in Florida this year to help you win these crucial elections.

              Miami - July 12th & 13th
              www.democracyforamerica.com/miami_training

              The DFA Campaign Academy brings together dozens of local activists and candidates for two days of intensive campaign training. Top campaign professionals give you a step-by-step guide to running a winning grassroots campaign. Sessions include: field planning and targeting, voter contact, fundraising, communications, volunteer recruitment and much more.  Space is limited and with so much at stake this year it will fill up fast. Save your seat by clicking below and signing up:

              Miami - July 12th & 13th
              www.democracyforamerica.com/miami_training

              General Tuition: $60 Advance or $70 @ Door

              Students & Low-Income: $30 Advance or @ Door


              To pay tuition or if you have specific questions, call the DFA Training Department hotline

              at 802-651-3200 Ext. 191.

              Hope to see you there.

Obama VS Hillary: The End

Written by: David Reiter on May 24, 2008 9:07 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Blog Network, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Blog For America, Florida DFA

This has been the longest primary campaign season in American history.  A year and a half ago, candidates began throwing their hats into the ring to run for the most powerful political office in the world.  When the season began, Hillary Clinton was the presumed Democratic nominee, and the media had all but crowned her all the way up to the beginning of the Primaries.  Obama had seemingly come out of nowhere to speak at the 2004 Democratic Convention, and continued his meteoric rise ever since.

I have supported Hillary Clinton ever since she pushed for Universal Health Care back in 1993.  I didn't really know much about Obama until he won Iowa, and I decided to look into his platform and background, comparing him to Clinton and hers.  I hadn't really paid much attention to either candidate until the Primaries began, but this has turned out to be the most grueling and telling election season  that I can remember.

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Is Sean Hannity a Blatant Racist?

Written by: David Reiter on Apr 28, 2008 7:06 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Blog For America, DFA-Link Organizers

I was listening to Sean Hannity on the way home form work today, who was working hard to link Reverend Wright to Senator Obama as one in the same. As usual, he played many selected sound bites, and tried to elicit as much negative reaction from the audience as possible. I would imagine that his core audience responds as desired, or he would not continue to repeat the strategy and linkage as much as possible.

What struck me most about what I heard today was Hannity's attempt to incite racial hatred. The underlying tone was not as much about the linkage to Obama as much as it was to divide blacks and whites. Whether this was his strategy, or a glimpse into his own fears and hatreds--I don't know.

I was trying to figure out if he was a moron, or just thinks his audience are morons, and I believe it was the latter. It was the way he paused after saying an inciting remark, no matter how ridiculous it was. I concluded 2 things: 1) Sean hannity is racist, and 2) he believes that his core audience is just as racist as he is. It was amazing to me how many times he could play a snippet of material from Reverend Wright, and link it to how somehow the black community are not Americans.

It was astonishing to see how many times he would repeat the general mantra of 'guilt by association.' The very things our Constitution guarantees in the Bill of Rights, he proclaims as unpatriotic: Freedom of expression, and no guilt by association. To totally elide over the fact that there is a general context and perspective to what the Reverend is saying, and sum up his comments as 'unpatriotic' shows just how out of touch he is. When Reverend Wright correctly points out that we sold Iraq chemical weapons that were used against his own people, Hannity proclaims it as an unpatriotic statement. When the Reverend points out the specific reasons why global public opinion of America has deteriorated over the last decade, Hannity almost calls it treason. When the Reverend points out the slavery and oppression he and his grandfathers experienced in this country, Hannity calls him ungrateful--as if the Reverend doesn't have the right to voice his opinion about the struggles he endured and witnessed in his lifetime.

Finally, Hannity attempts to link all of Reverend Wright's opinions to Obama's, as if they were one in the same. "If you are wondering where Barrack Obama stands on the issue," Hannity squeals, "just listen to Reverend Wright." As if people parrot whatever their religious leaders think and say...as if people don't have a mind of their own...as if political leaders don't associate with a wide array of personalities and opinions by the very nature of their representation of all people...they are one in the same. I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life.

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Fairness, Math, and Primary Realities

Written by: David Reiter on Apr 6, 2008 12:13 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Florida DFA

It is still possible for either Obama or Clinton to win the Democratic Primary. Here is what needs to happen for one or the other to win. The race is not over, and all voters need to make sure they continue the pattern of record turnouts and vote for their candidate.

First, the math:

Number of Delegates to win the nomination: 2,024 Remaining Delegates: 914

Current Delegates

Obama: 1,629; Needed to win: 395; % of remaing delegates needed to win: 43.2%

Clinton: 1,486; Needed to win: 538; % of remaining delegates needed to win: 58.8%

(Click Read More for the rest of this post) 

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Obama Gets Specific

Written by: David Reiter on Feb 14, 2008 12:28 AM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America

This year I am captivated by the Presidential Primaries more than I have ever been. It is evident that the American people are waking up from a seven year slumber from democracy. Democratic voters are outnumbering Republicans by nearly 2 to 1 in almost every state, and if the pattern continues, McCain is in for a slaughter this November in 'red' and 'blue' states, alike.

Democratic voters are clearly mobilized to effect change this year, and set our nation back on the Democratic path. If the difference in turnout continues, Democrats will finally have clear majorities in both houses of Congress, and have the opportunity to show the American people and the world why our nation is that 'shining city upon the hill.' No matter which Democratic candidate is nominated, it appears clear that that person will be elected.

Barack Obama took the delegate lead this week, and almost immediately McCain and Clinton turned their ire upon him. In true political fashion, they both chose the same tactic: making false statements, repeating them, and hoping that people are too ignorant to know the difference. CNN chose to highlight these tactics on today's on-line front page.

Both McCain and Clinton chose to attack Obama on the issues, saying, respectively, that he is "lacking in specifics," and, "I am in the solutions business. (Obama) is in the promises business..." Apparently, John McCain has failed to compare his website that is meager on specifics, and heavy on pointing to perceived problems, with that of Obama's that is full of very specific and exacting plans for the future. In addition, similar to her lack of ability to read legislation she votes on, Clinton makes the same claim. However, when you look at her website for how she stands on issues like Iraq, where she intends on relying solely on her advisers, one can see that Obama clearly has the most detailed plans for the future.

I am not saying that McCain and Clinton's strategies are bad...rather it is very clever. As the campaigning began months ago, I would have tended to ignorantly go along with their assertion. In fact, my thought was, "...Obama sure is an incredibly inspirational speaker, but I just don't know what he truly stands for and how he will get it done." After doing some simple research and finding out for myself how they each stood on the issues, and their specific plans to accomplish their goals, it was clear that Obama is very specific, detailed, and exacting. Clinton is fairly specific also, but not nearly as so as Obama...and forget about McCain, who just has no real plan to accomplish anything at all.

So I put the links to each of the candidate issue pages above, so you don't take my word for it, but see for yourself. Obama is probably the most inspirational political figure and orator that I have seen in my adult lifetime. He brings people together, reaches across party lines, and still sticks to his principles while doing it. He appears to be a great leader, and has somewhat Progressive goals, ideals, and specific plans to accomplish them.

Clinton has some good ideas, but her 'experience' has just led her to compromise away those ideals she once held so dear. Her Universal Health plan of the '90's was inspired and as Progressive as you could get. Her health plan today is, comparitively, legalized extortion to ensure insurance companies make more money on the backs of the American taxpayer...somewhere along the line, Hillary lost herself in the political game and compromised away what is good for the American people. I would have been a whole-hearted supporter of the 1990's Hillary, but the 2000's Hillary is just plain Republican-Lite. Again...don't take my word for it, take a look at her plans, yourself.

Forget about McCain...have fun trying discern any real plan from him other than to cut taxes and go bankrupt from military spending.

Soooooo...the next time you hear Clinton or McCain talking about Obama's 'lack of specifics,' go visit his website and get the truth. The next time you hear one of Obama's inspirational speeches, follow up by reading how he plans on accomplishing those 'lofty ideals...' you might find that his specifics are even more inspirational than his speeches!