We're entering the final week of the 2008 veep-stakes. The political talkers are all making their case for who's the right person to have a heartbeat away from the presidency. But our priority question for the Democrats (and the country) is not so much what person do we want in power these next few years -- but which policies?
GRITtv's going to Denver to cover the DNC. On Sunday, August 24, with the Media Consortium, we'll be kicking off Convention week with a televised town hall meeting: Live From Main Street. Hosted by yours truly, special guests will include Van Jones, Rep. Donna Edwards, David Sirota, Jim Hightower, Polly Baca (of LARASA, the Latin American Research and Service Agency,) as well as joksters from Laughing Liberally and more! The topic is "Change: Exploring the Conflicts and Opportunities Ahead"
With a week to go, now's your time to weigh in. So you say you want change. What change do you want? And what do you -- we -- need to change to get it? Andre Banks of Color of Change and I will be taking part in an hour-long chat, starting at Noon Pacific (3 pm Eastern) time today, Sunday, August 18th. And we want to hear from you! Tell us your priorities and we'll take them to Denver. Tell us your questions -- and I'll ask them of our panelists.
It's perfect that Andre's joining me on the chat, because his organization started in the wake of the Katrina disaster and I often think Katrina and Rita revealed just about everything we need to know about the state of this country.
Three years on, we all know what went wrong after those hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast. But what do we wish had been in place before they struck. What might have mitigated the disaster?
Apart from levees that worked and a president worthy of the office, what would have made a difference? Functioning public transport, reliable communications, community, not corporate-controlled media; freely available healthcare. For sure. We needed all that and more. And also less racism, less fear, and fewer National Guard deployed elsewhere.
The most obvious abuses of the Bush years are pretty clear. A new administration needs to outlaw torture, restore habeas corpus, and judicial independence. And we need to re-balance power in Congress and reaffirm the right to unionize. The USA needs a new energy policy and new immigration policies. But that's just a start. Sink-or-swim, dog eat dog individualism brought us this far (and on the Gulf Coast, people and a precious city sank.) What would a "we-driven" agenda look like?
All this week, in the run-up to the DNC, GRITtv will be doing special programming focusing on what Katrina/Rita revealed about us as a nation. Tune in for a truly extraordinary show with Katrina survivors and a documentary about Katrina's children, Monday. On Friday, we pack up our bags and head to Denver.
Chat us your questions and comments for the conventioneers today at noon pacific and we'll take them with us. And for more information about Live From Main Street, go to www.livefrommainstreet.org.
Single payer health care.
By syolles on August 17th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
HI folks — I’m actually blogging from the UK. Interestingly, today’s Sunday Times describes the US election system as “vulgar, sometimes, but maybe what real democracy looks like.” You think? I guess they haven’t heard about Fox News and our voting machines.
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I suspect single payer will come in high on our list today. So…. what must we change as progressive Americans to elect ourselves a nominee who actually has the guts to embrace such an idea?
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I’m reminded of the classic onion article at the beginning of Bush’s reign – time to start a war, any war and to end the peace and prosperity. I suppose at heart the change we want from Barack is to have peace and prosperity back. But what does that mean, other than not being Bush?
Color of Change has been strongly behind Barack Obama, so I’m curious what Andre thinks is the most important change that Obama will bring about once elected.
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Hey laura!
From that statement I’d say that Murdoch’s Times of London is being a bit disingeneous.
I’m not sure how I’d define “Change” for the future but it damn sure isn’t ignoring the liberal/left wing/Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party and pandering to the so-called Center just to give David Broder tingly feelings about things.
By dakine01 on August 17th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Andre?
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
what syolles said
and campaign finance reform
and rollbacks of corporate welfare (tax breaks)
oh – and a home for all wayward kitties.
a guy can dream, eh?
By DrBong on August 17th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Laura, just want to let you know that I catch your show on FSTV all the time! Great show.
I want all of these warmongering mornons the heck out of our government and our culture.
Healthcare for all…medical and dental.
Accountability.
Stop spying on us and stop torture…i.e., reverse Bushco.
Peace and civility.
Get out of Iraq.
Save the planet.
Accountability for depleted uranium, napalm, etc., used in Iraq.
Ban militias like Blackwater.
These are a few of my favorite things.
By LS on August 17th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I know what I expect to be the biggest change from Obama. Maybe it sounds small. But we’ve had a government filled to the gills with people who disdain government. They’ve either baited or bullied most of the good public servants out. It’s not just the Department of State that’s having a hard time filling positions. The biggest, most likely change I expect from an Obama presidency is that he would stand a chance of inspiring good people to go back into public service again. At least that’s a start.
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Yes! Single Payer!
We need to re-invigorate social insurance, especially health care. The Cato Institute recently stated in its mailing that it didn’t think that the United States should have goals–this position is ridiculous and would make it impossible for anyone to be “patriotic.”
Social insurance and solidarity (pooling risk and reward instead of just risk) are what it means to be patriotic. This is not a socialist idea, it is a patriotic idea.m
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
To be sure, Obama has a big job ahead of him. But I think his key challenge will be not only to give us “change” – which could be a simple switch in power from one side of the aisle to the other – but to actually give us progress that leaves no one behind. Right now, our political game is calculated for for people to be left on the sideline – and too often they’re Black people – in a sprawling prison system, behind broken levees and inside crumbling schools. I’m interested to see if Obama will embrace bold policies like eliminating the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine and pushing the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act – a federal plan to employ 100,000 residents and former residents of the Gulf in the work of rebuilding the region.
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Welcome, Andre, good to have you here.
Can you talk about the changes needed in our prison system in order to have a just society?
By Jane Hamsher on August 17th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
First, I want to compliment Color of Change for not taking a high profile stance on economic restitution for the descendants of U.S. slaves. I support restitution (in various forms, not necessarily cash), but I think it’s a loosing political issue, which only marginalizes Americans who had ancestors who were slaves.
I think the poise Color of Change has shown is a model for liberals. In order to get leverage in politics in the next two years, we’re going to have to make difficult choices.
I also want to compliment FDL for writing about Jena and Pvc Lavenna Johnson. I hope other liberal groups follow suit.
IMHO, universal health care (preferably single payer) is a good idea for all Americans.
Finally, I look forward to a time when we substitute the word “ethnicity” for race.
By BooRadley on August 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Some of the other guests at next week’s Live From Main Street will be:
Van Jones – Founder and President of Green for All
Rep. Donna Edwards – (MD-4th District)
David Sirota – Journalist and Bestselling Author of The Uprising
Polly Baca – former Colorado State Senator and President of the Latin American Research and Service Agency
Jim Hightower – National Radio Commentator, Public speaker and Author of Swim Against The Current
Faye Wattleton – Founder of the Center for the Advancement of Women
David Barsamian – Founder of Alternative Radio
I’m curious what folks would say to them…
By tfleisch on August 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Do you think Obama will do rigorous spring cleaning? A lot of the people in government now were deliberately brought in to either sabotage it or to drive it in specific directions (Department of Justice is the most obvious, but hardly alone). The old saw is “personnel is policy”. Yet, such spring cleaning will cause a lot of hard feelings.
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Thanks Jane. I’m glad to take that up. Right now, we have state governments being choked by an ever-expanding prison system sucking money away from public safety, public education and all types of other public services. But why? There’s a lot to say about how we created this national disaster: 1 in 15 Black adults in America are now behind bars.
It’s not because they commit more crime but largely because of unfair sentencing rules that treat 5 grams of crack cocaine, the kind found in poor Black communities, the same as 500 grams of powder cocaine2, the kind found in White and wealthier communities.
These sentencing laws are destroying communities across the country and have done almost nothing to reduce the level of drug use and crime.
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I think Andre brings up some really key points about how an Obama administration has the chance to change some serious structural problems.
By tfleisch on August 17th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Andre — where does OBama stand on the Gulf Coast Civil Works Act? The most I can find on his website is he supported federal support for an evacuation plan for people with special needs. That seems like pretty low-hanging fruit legislatively speaking.
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
i’m confused…where’s a link to the chat with laura and andre??
(thnaks for saying ’pacific’ time, this time, *g*)
By dmac on August 17th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
And that’s just focusing on the Republicans, Ian. What about all those Democrats in DC who were formerly in the Clinton administration. Interesting to see who will end up where – I think that will show a great deal about how much change we’ll actually see in Obama’s DC.
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I think we are “chatting”…right here…*g*
By LS on August 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Polly Baca: how do you think Obama should handle immigration and illegal immigration? What specific parts of Bush’s policies do you think Obama should change, and what policies do you think would be good policies?
Van Jones: Projections are coming out that indicate that we may be 2 or 3 years from runaway global warming and that if we wait longer, it will be too late. What plan do you think Obama should use to deal with this issue, or do you disagree with these projections?
David Sirota: You often push State level solutions. What things could Barack do to make such solutions easier for the States?
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
He hasn’t taken a stand, though it’s increasingly difficult for him to ignore. The entire CA delegation is supporting the bill in the House and many prominent Republicans and Democrats in Louisiana have signed on. There’s a push going on now to get GCCW on the 100 days agenda – ColorOfChange will have some of the key organizers on our panel at the Big Tent @ DNC on Monday at 11am…
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
We need to stop torture as the law policy and practice of the United States. We need to remove the Bush administration’s definition of torture from all laws and policies. We need to have independent, thorough and open investigations of those who created the new definitions of torture, those who aided and abetted putting them in place and those who carried out the torture.We need to support any charges that are recommended. We need to conduct an independent, thorough and open accoutnign of all those held in US custody and all those renditioned since January 21, 2001, and their treatment. We need to close Guantanamo and all the back sites around the world. We need to have speedy and fair trials for all those held uncharged.
We need to find safe places to hold those who are convicted and safe havens for those who are found innocent.
That’s a start.
Torture is ALWAYS wrong, no matter who is doing it to whom,
For Dan,
Heather
By Chacounne on August 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
There’s this comment chat dmac. Next week there will be a livestream of a chat of the entire panel.
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Thanks Andre.
Liberals imho, have not done an adequate job of explaining that incarceration costs the taxpayer around $40,000 per inmate annually. In addition to the more serious problems you mentioned in your comment, that Republican “lets-get-tough-on-crime” rhetoric simply foisted a huge burden on the taxpayers.
OT, imho a lot of those private prison companies in the US got their government contracts with donations to the GOP. IMHO, they’re just a domestic version of the Blackwater’s of the world.
By BooRadley on August 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
ignore my 19–was earlier and noone was here.went off to search links and came back and hit submit when i couldn’tfind anything–didn’t realize there were people here now.
By dmac on August 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
You’re absolutely right, Ian, about personnel=policy. The biggest power any incoming administration has is to people the bureaucracy… Frankly, I think we’d see a mass exodus with Bush. His appointees at every agency — from labor to voting rights to the environment — were put in place to do exactly the opposite of what their agency was supposed to do. Imagine Clarence Thomases at head of every Equal Opportunities Commission…. I can’t imagine the worst of them will choose to stay. They’ll shift to cushy jobs in think tanks across town. Any new team will have to do their work and defend themselves from the think-tankers’ assault, simultaneously.
One thing I’d like to see is stronger support from a new Democratic administration for progressive media and think tanks — like — talk to US! Regularly! In the way Cheney et al pump up Limbaugh and Heritage.
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
“we-driven” issues are understanding that “we” are all pooled together. Not just when “I” need the benefit of collective resources (like making a market for fighter jets or private security contractors that wouldn’t exist without the social need of national defense) but when “they” need the benefit of collective resources (like health care for sick or old people who could never afford market rates, or when a city is destroyed by a natural disaster and needs to be rebuilt).
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
1. The change I’d like to see? You mean aside from all the obvious/usual platform issues we talk about? How about: redefine the word “center” or quit going there. I want a government that bans not only lobbyists but “consultants” who get paid huge fees for NOT KNOWING anything, that gets its news from reports and documents and not Drudge or Charlie Gibson, that doesn’t listen to “insiders” for common sense and wisdom. Ban the DLC. Ok. I’m done ranting about that.
2. About Katrina, what we had in place was a great functioning program before it was purposely ruined by Bushco. The Katrina disaster was no accident.
3. What we have is a ruined government that needs to be rebuilt. I’d love to see them take this opportunity to clean it up and rebuild it with a vision for America that we’ve been too reluctant to try. Institutions, once created, are hard to dismantle and start over. The one good thing that came of this past seven/eight years is that we have an opportunity to do it better from here on. It’s time to be bold.
Thanks, Laura.
By Audrey on August 17th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Well said Boo. I recently saw a statistic that showed the cost of keeping a kid in juvenile prison was about the same as a year of tuition at Yale. Really gives you a sense of how far outside the realm of logic the prison system operates.
And I think you hit on a great point, re: “tough on crime”. I curious what folks think it will take to change the culture of fear that let’s us throw some people away without making reform on these issues a key priority. Even among Dems/liberals/progressives…
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
America has become one big “mall”…lots of little privately-owned companies, much of it foreign owned…even the roads..we are the United States of Amallica.
By LS on August 17th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
This point is excellent-
Almost more than anything, changing the guard at the administrative agencies (and increasing funding for regulatory bodies) will contribute to reversing the Bush years.
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I would like to see a statute to the effect that people hired in violation of the Hatch Act lose any civil service status, and can be fired with or without cause.
By masaccio on August 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I’d like Obama -
to support zero imperial wars, rather than one (Afghanistan)
to reject Bob Rubin and the Hamilton Society — the folks who pushed our economy off a cliff — rather than suck up to them
to offer progressive options, rather than Republican-light options
to vigourously support environmental justice, rather than put forth an energy policy (including out-year drilling) which is merely a slower route to sucide through global warming than that offered by McSame
to renounce his abandoment of LGBT folks, women seeking pregnancy termination for mental health reasons, and those who now face privation and starvation resulting from the Democrats’ welfare
reformdestructionto show he cares about something other than his ambition — by acting like it
And I’d like a pony. It must be there under all of Obama and the other Beltway Dems’ BS.
Somehow I think I’ll be seeing the pony first.
By Kirk James Murphy, M.D. on August 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Hamilton
SocietyProjectBy Kirk James Murphy, M.D. on August 17th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Thanks, BooRadley. I think that ethnicity is a GREAT sub for “race”. Especially since the American Anthropological Society takes the position that “race” does not exist biologically. It is merely a construct of social and cultural divisions.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Ian, I like your questions, but I think we as liberals (who are not strongly represented in Congress) will have more luck asking them of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. HRC hammered Obama on his “electability.” Not surprisingly, he’s moving to the middle. IMHO his first responsibility to Democrats, as a Presidential candidate, is to get elected.
By BooRadley on August 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
One change that I’d think we’re going to see is a government facing increasing interest and advocacy from everyday Americans. The Obama campaign has done a great job of bringing in many people formerly on the sidelines, but the question remains: how does that support remain critically engaged after election day? I have faith that we aren’t all going to sleep after election day (fingers crossed).
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Much appreciated.
By BooRadley on August 17th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Not an expert on any one thing but concerns in several areas.
I live on a reservation in northern Arizona(am not a tribal member) and the constant short end of the stick the Tribes get from the Feds is sad to behold. There are tribe that don’t have gaming as a revenue stream and are relying on the Feds to provide the support promised to them. What will Obama do? Is he ready for some serious conversations on the issues that are priorities to Native American?
Agriculture has gotten more screwed up under Bush and Clinton wasn’t that great neither. Jim Hightower is someone who I have always liked. Will he have any influence with an Obama Department of Agriculture?
Natural Resources. Hell, they want more uranium but having finished cleaning up the past messes that contaminated big parts of the West. Endangered species are being given the death sentence under Bush. Where will Obama be on these issues.
By AZ Matt on August 17th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
An item on MY wish list: Quit using the term “War on Terrorism”. I am tired of drummed up law suits on alleged terrorists. It’s a violation of our sacred concepts Equal Protection, as it creates classes of people (Muslims and miscellaneous brown people) who are singled out, and put on notice that they are the “enemy”. “War on” anything is rediculous anyway, as it’s not a real war.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Laura,
What institutions or methods do you think the Obama administration will use to listen to its supporters (see Andre 39)? Especially considering the prior use of Obama web infrastructure by his supporters to challenge him on voting for immunity for the telecoms.
Fireside chats? Live blogging from the White House?
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
The biggest change I’d like to see, frankly, is a change in us. Obama’s a politician and a Democrat to boot. He’ll represent more change than some because, frankly, it’ll signify a lot about this nation if enough of us can get comfortable enough with racial equality to elect a Black man. But the biggest change is with us:
Will we sit back as so many progressive organizations did in the Clinton years (not all, or all the time, but too many too much) or will we fight — against more war in Afghanistan, permanent bases in the Middle East, status quo vis a vis Israel and Palestine and — yes, the rule of Rubin? Will we?
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
In regard to 39 & 41: I participated in a novel concept: the Platform meeting where regular citizens could have input on what Obama’s platform should be. About 20 diverse people met. We all had our moment to present issues important to us and discuss with others.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
On domestic issues, Hilary was more to the left than Obama (she was to the right on foreign affairs). Her economic plan was more populist and so was her health care plan. He was more progressive on IP/internet issues. Not to rehash the primaries, but I took the time, at the time, to compare both carefully. Hilary’s attack line was the same as McCain is hammering – inexperience made him less electable than her.
Obama is moving center-ward because his campaign is run by the same consultant class that runs every Presidential election. The man’s main mentor is Daschle, after all. It was never about the insiders (Clinton) vs. the outsiders (Obama) it was always about insiders v. insiders.
All of that said, it’s Obama who’s up now. So what change is for him, and what change we can get from him is what matters. Clinton’s just a popular Senator again. But I do think it’s false to blame Clinton for Obama moving to the center.
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I’ll be continuing to do the latter — as I know you and I surmise many of those here have done. I’d sure like to see us have a hell of lot more company
By Kirk James Murphy, M.D. on August 17th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Other things I’d like to see:
Obama pass his own bill to criminalize deceptive election practices that lead votes not to be cast or counted.
Stand up to the oil industry and make green jobs the law
25 years ago, our financial aid system gave kids going to college 75% grants and 25% loans, today that’s reversed. We need a massive investment in the higher education act.
And to go along with what I already said, throwing out the drug war policies that have failed miserably will change our economy and the increasing militarization of our communities.
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
what andre sez!
By Kirk James Murphy, M.D. on August 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I don’t know that much about it, but here in the UK, I’ve been hearing some about online democracy circles. Politicians, mostly at the local level, are not just posting their city or district budgets and the details of proposed legislation online, but taking part in regular sessions with constituents. One person I know here says it’s resulted in nothing but hot air programmatically – but at the level of engaging people, I think there’s some potential there.
It’s web — 3. or is it 4.0 — not just to get people elected, but after they’re elected — keeping them honest. I think we’re not even close to figuring out how to do that yet…. Wihtout having an effective and threatening third party….
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I hope Bill Richardson gets a spot in Obama administration, as we have such challenging foreign policy issues. We need to quit Neo-Colonialistic ventures. I read some of his writings, and one in Foreign Policy publication stands out. This former UN Diplomat under the Clinton administration promotes diplomacy.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
WHY NOT A FELON-RE-ENFRANCHISEMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER?
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
The one thing which could save the US is publicly financed elections. To get corporate money out of government and to only allow lobbying in public, ie in front of Congress and, finally, to rescind the “personhood” of corporations and go back to the old formula that chartered such enterprises for a specific purpose deemed of benefit to the community and for a limited time.
By ballerina on August 17th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Do we really want all those Bushies voting again?
/s
By Kirk James Murphy, M.D. on August 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I totally disagree.
A strong candidate like Obama attracts supporters, and yes, consultants, who see something to believe in and work on. The dog is still wagging the tail in the Obama campaign.
Thankfully, Bob Shrum is nowhere in sight.
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
You can find a bit more here on Obama’s plan to take the White House to Web 2.0. If it actually becomes a priority, some of the stuff here is pretty innovative, for example:
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
absolutely!
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Obama has proposed a 4k tax credit for university. Sounds boring, but what’s interesting is that you get it from next year’s taxes and can apply during this year for it. So it’s essentially 4K upfront. I hate doing things as tax credits as a rule (too complicated), but its well done.
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
While health care and a more peaceful world are important to me I think that getting the clients of our federal agencies to be the people rather than the corporations should be a focus of both the campaign and the new administration. EPA is not interested in protecting the environment and health but the polluters and has functioned in an adversarial role to the states; FDA has countermanded the findings of its scientists to capitulate to Pharma etc.; FAA has allowed the airlines to circumvent safety inspections and is now allowing airlines to reduce their fuel loads in contradiction to safety regulations; the labor dept. is currently rewriting exposure requirements after having reduced OSHA inspections and who can forget the Mine disasters where the function of the mine safety division was to give the mine owners a platform to deflect and obscure safety violations and unsafe conditions. The list can go on ad infinitum and it all ties together all the way to the handling of the economy and the hands off refusal to oversee the mortgage and futures market. Now McSame wants to further expand the lack of oversight to banking as is witnessed by his economic brains Phil Graham and Carly Fiorina
By foothillsmike on August 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I think Hillary will be Obama’s VP choice.
By LS on August 17th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Foreign policy demands created by the Bushies have created/exacerbated domestic issues. Crackling infrastructure, national debt…….
They talk of building schools in Iraq. How about our schools/roads/healthcare here at home? We are most certainly not more safe from this phony war on terror. Some have chosen to stop wearing Islamic headscarves in order to be more safe, but other than that, Bush Admin ignores domestic safety/security. While gazillions are spent on the war overseas, our hospitals have little funding for disaster preparedness, which would ensure readiness in the event of another natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina. Joint COmmission, the governing body for hospital accreditation, makes these FEMA-cued demands on hospitals, but the money is not there to carry them out.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I want to see DADT and DOMA relegated to the bin where America tossed the Dred Scott decision. I want federal funds withheld from states that prohibit LGBT people from fostering and adopting children in need of loving homes. I want to see the full-faith-and-credit clause employed to honor marriages wherever they are performed. I want a fully inclusive ENDA.
This is the change I can believe in.
And I want to see the Lilly Ledbetter Five impeached, and the Supreme Court packed to eleven or thirteen members.
By Teddy Partridge on August 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ian, I have great respect for you, but on this we really disagree. Joe and Jane sixpack are not going to comb through your reports on the relative progressiveness of HRC vs BO.
We’re talking about healing the division within the Democratic party that Jesse Helms and Strom Thurmond started. They chose not to join George Wallace’s American Independent Party, but instead to labels themselves as “consservative” Democrats. It was their way of signifying their allegiance to segregation, while remaining inside the Democratic party.
Joe Lieberman kicked off the 21st centure round of this against Ned Lamont when his campaign asked “are you a Bill Clinton Democrat or a Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton Democrat.”
Joe Biden refined Lieberman’s approach with his compliment that Obama was so “clean and articulate.”
HRC resorted to this when she used her “hard working white people” comment.
Fortunately she figured out that a lot of semitic peoples in New York don’t feel included when they hear comments about “hard working white people.”
I know it won’t happen, but I still think HRC was BO’s best choice for VP wrt winning in November.
By BooRadley on August 17th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hospitals are closing all across the United States, and those that remain open are ceasing what used to be considered essential services. (emergency room for example). Another Katrina will be just as disastrous, because we are still not prepared.
But we are chasing terrorists! It’s so much more sexy than creating flow charts for dispensation of vaccines.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I agree that it’s a good thing that Bob Shrum is not in sight.
But Axelrod is emulating every Dem consultant since the McGovern years “We got the nomination without your help so go screw-off.”
The campaigns always think they can manage everything and do it alone until they discover, usually too late, that they can’t. And when they do discover they can’t do everything, there’s no reservoir of good will available to help them ride things out.
By dakine01 on August 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Full faith and credit clause applies to judgements; soooo while a LGBT divorce would be enforceable in another state, the marriage would not be (because there is no judgment). A person could try filing a suit for a declartory judgment of their legal status, and presuming it was entered, that judgment would be enforceable.
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Not to sound like a scratched record, but going back the personnel/policy question again — in the UK, the party out of power appoints “shadow” secretaries for all the offices. I think it’d be great for us to come up with a Shadow Cabinet…. Maybe we’ll start a competition on the GRITtv site.
Rather than waiting and being disappointed, let’s start accepting nominations for Labor, USDA, Interior, Energy etc. And not just the secretaries but the top level staff (who mostly don’t have to go through Congressional confirmation.)
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
We’ve clearly got some big problems, but if you look at how much has changed in 8 years of Bush, I have no doubt that we have the opportunity to see a turnaround on much of what folks have mentioned here. To glean some points I’ve heard people make, I think progressive change has to concentrate on leaving no one behind, be reflected in how we spend our tax dollars and protected by a real balance of power with citizens having a meaningful voice at every level of government.
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
The DNC and Obama’s campaign need a DNC. It’s long overdue to bring a true swing to people first, in lieu of money and power currently in vogue by the GOP and DNC/DLC. Obama has the best political team assembled by Dems in the last 17+ years. Why not use it to cause true change, from politics as usual, to foment how we as a nation think and deal with each other across the board. My cynical bet is the DNC and Obama will carry their political progeny to term and bear the same political fortunes as Carter and Clinton before him.
By Arbusto on August 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I agree, very good idea.
By Ian Welsh on August 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I think Sirota has already lobbied labor attorney and author Tom Geoghegan for Labor Secretary.
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I think that’s a great idea Laura. A great way to highlight the failures of the people in power and make clear the alternatives that exist.
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
As Diane said – Bill Richardson – Sec’y State
..and I can be the drug czar
;~P
By DrBong on August 17th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
If he is willing, it would be great to see a spot for Ab Mikva again.
There’s been a lot of Rubin bashing…any suggestions for Treasury Secretary?
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Actually Laura, I believe the Deputy and Under-Secretary levels and such, i.e., the high level staff at the agencies) DO require Senate approval. It’s just thaty they are usually pro-forma and approved mostly without comment.
By dakine01 on August 17th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I would love to see someone like a Romminger or Hightower in Agriculture.
By AZ Matt on August 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hey folks, I have to go join my family again… But don’t forget, if you’re in Denver, LIVE FROM MAIN STREET, Colorado, will take place Sunday, August 24th, at 4 pm at the BIG TENT — It’ll be the kick off event there for Convention Week.
Our topic will be “SO you Say You Want Change? The Challenges and Opportunities of Change…. “
Among our guests will be:
Van Jones – Founder and President of Green for All
Rep. Donna Edwards – (MD-4th District)
David Sirota – Journalist and Bestselling Author of The Uprising
Polly Baca – former Colorado State Senator and President of the Latin American Research and Service Agency
Jim Hightower – National Radio Commentator, Public speaker and Author of Swim Against The Current
Faye Wattleton – Founder of the Center for the Advancement of Women
David Barsamian – Founder of Alternative Radio — and expert on Afghanistan, Iraq and US foreign policy.
You’ve given us LOTS to think about — and you can continue to feed us questions by writing to me, at Laura@GRITtv.org.
And you can get more information at http://www.livefrommainstreet.org.
Don’t forget — GRIT on the GULF– a whole week of programming we start tomorrow on GRITtv focussing on what we’ve learned about this country from Katrina/Rita and the broken levees. We’ll be live, noon eastern, taking your calls on Wednesday…. August 20th. Call or write in!
And THANK YOU.
By Laura Flanders on August 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Anyone have any suggestions for women in the Cabinet? As awful as they were, Bush did a better than average job of pushing diversity, and it would be embarrassing to say the least to replace them with a bunch of OWM’s (Old White Men).
By olivercromwell on August 17th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Because my husband is an immigrant, and I am around so many people that came to the US from other countries, a unique perspective is conveyed to me. It’s a misterable situation when naturalized citizens are reconsidering the economic opportunities that the US holds for them–the entire they immigrated here in the first place. I know several who are exploring opportunities in what we in the US consider third-world or developing countries. I think that makes a strong comment of the fears present about our economy. This president and his people have not bee good stewards of our finances, and it’s going to be a large task to fix things.
A remedy I heard presented is the idea of a new Citizen Corp type program, where our infrastructure is rebuilt, but people without jobs can be employed to do this, rather than using the already rich cronies who have a monopoly on government contracts.
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Hightower—Heck yah!!
By DianeOraif on August 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I’ve got to run too. But thanks everyone! Many god ideas here I’ll be taking to Denver…
By andre4colorofchange on August 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Peterr has a new post up including a question for McBush for all that are interested.
By Ann in AZ on August 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I would like to see Elizabeth Edwards head a task force for health care reform.
By foothillsmike on August 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Single payor healthcare, out of Iraq now, WPA (as in Roosevelt’s time), support for education — and protection for those in the bottom 1/2 of the economic ladder.
By MSSS on August 17th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Don’t sell the bearskin until you’ve shot the bear. It’s too early to be fantasizing about what an Obama administration might or might not do. He’s not elected, and he might not be elected. We simply don’t know whether the American electorate are mature enough to elect a decent man to the White House. I’m coming to doubt it. I notice that Obama is chatting with T. Boone Pickens, which suggests that he feels he has to deal with the powers-that-be to get elected. I’m guessing he’s right. If the super-rich are against a candidate, he or she has no chance in this country.
By Knut on August 17th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
have elections with limited funds and limited time, same amount for everyone as the uk does. that cuts out a lot of corporate influence on who we get to represent US and HOW they represent us…and something i’ve wondered about–can corporations ’write off’ their lobbyists’ fees?
i use the plural here on purpose—
is already going on in ’plural’.
privitizations of prisons
privitizations of schools
privitizations of roads
privitizations of civil service jobs
privitizations of military jobs
quality legal representation for those who can’t afford legal advice.
sign an oath of integrity and code of conduct as i had to where i work.
make logging and mining companies pay a flat, higher fee for the rental permits/useage of OUR national parks natural resources with no ’gimmes’ and write-offs.
track who is getting nasa patents–one went to stephen payne’s company…
all for now —friend arrived.
bbl
By dmac on August 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Well, you asked so here goes: First I would like our form of government restored, reinforced with whatever laws are necessary to prevent such a power grab by any branch of government in the future, especially the Executive branch. I put this first because I’ve said so many times there is nothing more important than the balance of powers within our own government. Second, and while the first is being dealt with, I feel they must very seriously address the global warming/climate change situation lest we run headlong into a tipping point beyond which we cannot reverse course and save ourselves. We need a comprehensive program that bans offshore drilling, restores wetlands (would have helped if that was done prior to Katrina), encourages new forms of renewable energy, reconfigures the electrical grid to accommodate electric cars, etc., etc. etc. Third, a new healthcare plan, preferably a single payer plan or a plan that will lead to one eventually. Fourth, the budget, the budget, the budget. We need to deal with the huge debt the previous administration left behind, and also factor in some reasonable ways to pay for the new healthcare plan, the energy grid overhaul, and also deal with the deferred maintenance of our infrastructure. Some of these things will hopefully put some more people back to work and generate good things for our economy, hopefully, but whatever political capital may be left needs to be used to get elements of our economy that still need attention under control. That’s about all I can think of off the top of my head.
By Ann in AZ on August 17th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Oops, forgot the war! Can’t do that. Maybe make it part of the budget and see how that flies with those that want the war so badly but didn’t count on having to pay for it out of their own pockets. I would like to see us out of Iraq and doing much better dealing with Afghanistan and Pakistan. I would like to see us stop saber rattling and stomping our feet like children when dealing with Iran and other countries (like Georgia and Russia.)
By Ann in AZ on August 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
re addressing the prison system with justice in mind – i’d like the right to vote NOT be taken away if one goes to jail.
While getting out the vote for Ned Lamont, an entire neighborhood couldn’t vote because they were felons. Stupid me, i laughted when first told this because i couldn’t believe it.
By Kathryn in MA on August 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I want a return to Keynsian Economic policy and a real adult level, ongoing public discussion of whether we as a nation believe that Government exists for the benefit of individuals and not just corporate interests. And, for those who still believe that the private sector and not professional civil servants (overwhom there is oversight and accountability) are the answer to the need for services – what percentage of profit from our tax dollars shouldthey receive?
By laurastrand on August 17th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Just logged on without reading comments – apologies for repeating points already made; in that event, please ignore following…
And seeing now how long this comment was in its original form, I’ve broken it up into two parts.
Part 1 of 2:
Lobbying and cajoling Democratic office holders and party shakers-and-movers is important and necessary, but I am interested in what can be done regarding education and activation of the actual and potential voting populace. I liked the recent effort by Color of Change and Blue America to influence things by advertising in the WaPo, in the backyard of Steny Hoyer (MD-05). I think this approach can be approved not only by dissemination of information over the Internet, but by use of information now readily obtainable on the Web.
In the specific case of the effort with Hoyer, posts such as this over on a progressive Maryland politics site can be very useful, IMHO. I don’t live in Hoyer’s district – fortunately I’m now proudly in Donna Edwards’ neighboring MD-04 district – but I know a number of folks who do live in MD-05. The character of this district, like many others, is not geographically homogeneous, and it seems to me that it would be possible to more narrowly tailor a campaign accordingly.
For example, this could be done with road signs (more on that below) that are designed for specific local communities. In the case of MD-05, the southern part of the district is whiter, more conservative, and probably older than the northern part . [And from my nonscientific & informal observations, southern MD-05 may be more racist, unfortunately, in part maybe due to some bitter folk who felt they “had” to flee P.G. County when black folks from Washington DC moved there after Jim Crow laws were revoked.] A more social-libertarian approach might be more effective with south MD-05; whereas what you did in your WaPo ad, in appealing to the memory of illegal FBI behavior toward MLK and the 60’s/70’s civil rights movement would, on average, probably resonate better in northern MD-05.
(continued below…)
By LuuMarr on August 17th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Part 2 of 2:
There are a LOT of automobile commuters in this state, particularly around both Washington and Baltimore, and a lot of key intersections where traffic slows to a crawl many mornings. Even with rising gas prices, I don’t see indications this will change in a big way anytime soon. My former Congressman, “Corporate Al” Wynn, was very smart in getting his big campaign signs at well known morning traffic choke points in his district, and it seems to me the same thing could be done with progressive candidates and issues.
I’m thinking beyond Steny Hoyer, to our own Senator Barbara Mikulski, who is up for reelection in 2010. She is an otherwise socially progressive Democratic who – for reasons that have a lot of us scratching our heads in unhappy confusion – seems to vote with the big telecomms, and against the Bill of Rights, almost every chance she gets. There are no good alternatives to her that I can see on the horizon (from either party), so for now, about the only alternative I can see is to try to influence her via pressure from her constituents, via increasing awareness among the latter of issues where, IMO, she is violating her oath as a U.S. Senator.
Beyond local signs at intersections, billboards would help as well, along major highways. However, I don’t know enough about the logistics and costs of this to say anything beyond this. I seem to recall that Clear Channel or similar media monster owns a lot of the existing ones, and they have been known to refuse business when they don’t like the message the would-be customer intends to post. It is a topic I intend to research further.
Best wishes in these worthy endeavors, i.e., KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
By LuuMarr on August 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Correction to my “Part 1 of 2″ post – 1st paragraph, 3rd sentence:
I think this approach can be
approvedimprovedBy LuuMarr on August 17th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
forgot–my 86
privitizations destroy unions. another reason they’re doing it.
By dmac on August 17th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
my 86–mistyped—logging and mining co’s pay a PERCENTAGE OF profit AND a flat fee……and if they don’t use the land in 5 years they lose the permit.
By dmac on August 17th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I’d like to see the DNC reject Bush-lite corporation-hugging candidate and pick Hillary!
By AliceM on August 17th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
i would like all bills before Congress to be posted on line for 48 hours before any votes are taken. No surprise clauses, ever again.
By Kathryn in MA on August 17th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
You mean this non-corporate, champion-of-the-little-gal/guy, Hillary Clinton? Come on, you are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.
Neither Clinton nor Obama is free of corporate connections (the old school journalists over at Black Agenda Report have been vigorous critics of Obama; see here, for example). In a Corporatocracy like ours, in the here-and-now, I don’t see how any truly anti-corporate candidate could survive the the current political vetting process, since it is funded and run by a relatively small number of people with power and means.
The only two “major” candidates who could even come close to making such a claim with any legitimacy – Dennis Kucinich mostly, and to a lesser extent, the (apparently) now discredited John Edwards (more for his anti-poverty advocacy than a direct anti-corporation campaign) – were dealt with by the corporate media early on in the primary, through a combination of these two being ignored and ridiculed (short elf! $400 haircuts!).
By LuuMarr on August 17th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Global Warming. We need to deal aggressively with the problem now and we need to stop letting Big Oil dictate the terms. We need to shake off their anti-nuclear FUD and demand a full spectrum solution (nuclear, solar, wind and geothermal at the very least).
– MarkusQ
By MarkusQ on August 17th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Conservatives claim to be against ‘social engineering’, but according to criminologist Elliott Currie, mass imprisonment is the most thoroughly implemented social experiment in US history.
Let’s push Obama to bring our penal and sentencing policy back in line with the civilized world.
By Watson on August 17th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
There are many of the already well known desirable directions as health care, alternative energies.
There are some good suggestions already posted that I hope I don’t reiterate.
* I would like the popular vote over the electorial college for President.
Senators and Congressmen remain by district and state.
* I would like to see state public campaign funding for public office.
Then The Federal level as well.
* More disclosure and open Gov’t.
* Because of the Justice Depts partisan corruption. I want to see a
Independent prosecutor dept set up unpartisan (somehow) to watch dog
In times of corruption. They’ll need teeth!
* Because money is legal free speech and some have much more wealth than others. They have more free speech than others. I want a balance struck in monetary status = amount of free speech.
* Corporations are not people and should not have the rights as a person.
Wal Mart, Exon/mobil or Enron are not human beings.
* I want Easier and less cost to remove any elected official(s).
*I would like Congressional representatives to represent their district
and defend the constitution. Not lead me as “father knows best”.
*I want big lobbyist reforms. Foreign cash to lobbyist contibuting to
representatives campaigns or private pockets completely undermines the
the voice of those of the coters they were elected to represent.
* The right to assemble should include the right to unionize as the EFCA.
Business has Chamber of Commerce, business asso’s, Dept of Labor,
and so many other groups of associations to oppose workers yet deny
employees this?
* Church and state do not have to be enemies, but I do want The wall
between them to exist.
* I am not against capitalism, but I want Gov’t to regulate it that it
is stable and I have insurances of saftey in products of commerce.
Its a long list for all of us I’m sure. I’ll end it here…..
By Robt on August 18th, 2008 at 3:04 am