Camper

The United State of Texas?

It's been a while since I've posted on political goings-on.  My guy won, I've been pretty contented for the last couple of months.  But Governor Rick Perry's threat that Texas may one day secede from the Union is a comment I have to take a swing at.

Secession? Seriously? Seriously?  It's an absurd notion - though I have to admit my first thought was in line with Lincoln Mitchell, who wrote an excellent piece on HuffPo - Couldn't Texas have left before 2000 and saved us all a lot of misery?

But, since they didn't leave and take our ill-fated former President with them before he could muck up the entire country, we are left with what is nothing more than an absurdity. (One need look no further than Chuck Norris's aspirations of being the first President of Texas to see just how idiotic the idea is.) Texas isn't going to secede from the Union.  I didn't need to major in history to know we've been around this block before.  States have tried this stunt and it didn't end well for them or for the rest of the nation. And, as Mitchell pointed out, the issues at stake during the Civil War were far more incendiary and grave than those at stake today.

I get it, the political right doesn't like taxes. But nobody with any sense would honestly suggest seceding from the Union over a couple of precentage points of a tax increase for the wealthiest 1% of Americans! And in the end that increased federal money is being proposed to cover better funding our schools, improving our nation's infrastructure and exploring ways to insure that Americans don't die of mundane diseases needlessly or that children don't go to school hungry.  Really, Governor Perry? You want to leave America behind because President Obama wants your kids to be able to read and to discover the technologies of the future and to learn to do all that while they are healthy and nurished? Seriously? Seriously?

Conservatives have every right to oppose President Obama's policies. It's one of the beautiful freedoms we all enjoy but stop throwing out idiotic threats of secession.  It's insulting and all it does is prove how much control the fringe has gained in right wing politics.

One final observation - not only are the issues at stake not Civil War II worthy, but the idea that in today's world a United State of Texas could survive is ludicrous.  Texas may be our second largest state but its still the size of a European nation.  And, oh yeah, Europe's nations figured out several years ago that to compete globally they needed to band together, hence the EU. Left to compete on its own, Texas would become another second or third world country like its southern neighbors.

So, W, don't start revving that campaign machinery up just yet.  You'll never be President of any country again. (And for that the world is very thankful.)

Aren't All Americans Pro-America?

I'm a dork - a political junkie who loves to read all I can on politics and policy and talk and debate the issues all day long. And I enjoy a good discussion of why friends and family feel differently than I do an some issues.  To me it is the very ability for us to all come together around a table or over a cup of coffee and to voice two or three or more very different opinions that is the most beautiful thing about this country. So I have been deeply disturbed the last few days by the stories of this and that "leader" declaring that "Liberals hate America" or that Barack Obama and other Democrats have "anti-American views." 

Maybe I'm crazy but I have a hard time believing that there are many Americans out there that actually hate our country. Yes, there are some - there are always people on the fringe of every society.  But I feel like most Americans love this country, recognize how lucky we are to live here and are thankful for our freedoms and rights. I have an even harder time believing that anyone who would put themselves through what it takes, the sacrifices that are required to lead this country is secretly harboring hidden contempt for that same nation.

So it absolutely makes me sick to hear people declare that because I hold a different political view I must hate this country. And it is the bravado that allows such "leaders" to announce that liberals hate America which is at heart tearing this country apart. I am entitled to a different vision of where this country should go than that held by the conservative right. Holding on to those beliefs is one of my God given, American birth rights. By cherishing those beliefs and voicing them and fighting for the freedom to do so I am, in my estimate, exhibiting a great deal of patriotism and love for this country. It is high time that people on both sides of the aisle stop belittling those who disagree with them because that only diminishes our entire country.

Kennedy May be Down, but He's Not Out - Yet

It has been a busy week in politics.  Two more Democratic primaries were held.  Despite hours upon hours of prognostication by pundits nothing really has changed in the Democratic race for President. Yet, despite the fact that at this point all anyone is doing is jawing and speculating and gesticulating about what Hillary may or may not be thinking or who will or won't vote for Obama, it is no small testament to his stature that the news of Ted Kennedy's cancer diagnosis has eclipsed the bright lights shining on a primary season without end.

Ted Kennedy's grim diagnosis has truly shaken the American public. He is the last of those three beautiful, tanned, smiling faces, the images of whom dance across our collective memories. It is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I have found it personally hard to fathom.  As someone who has long been more than mildly interested in the Kennedy family, Ted is the only member of the political dynasty alive in my lifetime. And yet, I know the least about him. I have read countless books about John and Robert Kennedy. I wrote my undergraduate thesis on how the Bay of Pigs shaped JFK's world view in a way that allowed for a peaceful resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis. And yet, outside of collective histories of the Kennedy men, I have read nothing about Ted Kennedy. This week's news has moved me to change that.

Ted Kennedy has done immeasurable good for his country.  The length and breadth of his career make that hard to deny. Yet what has struck me most over the last few days is the ease with which we, as a nation, have already begun eulogizing a man that lives on.  Is it because eulogizing the Kennedys has become too familiar for us? Has the family's sad past left us in a state of uneasy anticipation of the next shoe dropping? Whatever the reason, I for one, think such a reaction is a disservice. If there is anyone that we should have learned never to count out it is Ted Kennedy. 

Many declared his career over in 1969 after Chappaquidick.  A decade later he made a failed but legitimate attempt at the presidential nomination. After losing to the unpopular Jimmy Carter in 1980, once again many declared the youngest Kennedy a reminder of ages past.  Yet he has continued to serve forcefully and gracefully for nearly three decades more. Given this history and given Ted Kennedy's "vigah" how can we begin saying goodbye already?

I will be more surprised if he doesn't return to the Senate and continue fighting for the underprivileged of this country.  I will be more surprised if we don't see him return to the campaign trail on behalf of Barack Obama.  It is too early to count out Ted Kennedy.  His career and life are not over. He has not finished building his legacy. Whatever the prognosis be it months or years, I don't think we have seen the last stand of this great statesman.

Tired of the Excess? Fund Public Elections

I, like so many others, am finishing up taxes. It's the fun time of the year when we all cross our fingers and hope to see a big refund in our future.  With the incredible fundraising and ad buy numbers coming out of this year's primary ($55M in one month for one candidate!), this is a good year to remember the link between taxes and politics.

If you think the amount of money spent on elections is out of control and would rather see elections not centered on fundraising but rather on issues and ability then don't forget to check the box to donate $3 for publicly funded elections.  The money won't come out of your pocket. The IRS will pay the $3 from the taxes they have already taken out of your paycheck. Any refund you receive will NOT be reduced. So, help move us one step closer to taking the money game out of politics.

In the Name of Security, Constitution Takes Another Hit

Ever since 9/11 the US has struggled with how to secure ourselves without forfeiting the very freedoms we hold dear.  This balance is being shifted in favor of security once again as Customs and Border Protection officials claim the right to search files on the computers, blackberries and other personal electronic devices of individuals entering the US.  A suit has been filed arguing that such searches violate the Constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizures.

The CBP claims it needs no reasonable cause to search someone's electronic files. How this doesn't defy the IV Amendment I don't know. Should potential terrorists on watch lists be required to allow such searches? Possibly. Should passengers or individuals at border crossings who exhibit clear warning signs or who say, draw the attention of drug sniffing dogs, be forced to acquiesce to such searches? Probably.  But surely we can agree that the random determination to search any old computer or blackberry for terrorist memos or child pornography violates our rights?

One of the beauties of living in America, of being an American is the idea that all humans are in possession of "certain inalienable rights" - that we are free to conduct ourselves as we see fit, free from government intervention or scrutiny up until the point where we are reasonably accused of having disrupted the peace.  Standing in line waiting to have your passport stamped is not the bases of reasonably accusing anyone of anything.

As with other security cases, the CBP claims that it does not engage in profiling behavors yet one of the suit's primary defendants is Amir Khan, a Pakistani-born American citizen who has been subjected to such privacy invading searches five different times! Are we really to believe that he was randomly selected five times in four years and his name, heritage or the color of his skin didn't factor into the equation?

Presumably people like Khan and his family come here from around the world to escape the kind of government control and Big Brothering that CBP is engaged in. To them being American means having government protected rights - the right to a fair trial, the right to protest, the freedom of speech and the right to maintain personal property free from the threat of unreasonable search and seizure.  That is what makes being American enviable.

This is yet another example of Americans being asked to sacrifice what it is to be free in order to feel more secure.  Yet, I wonder, at what point to we become "secure" and cease to be American?

Bush Attacks Obama

In yet another sign that Obama has the momentum and, at least for today, is being pegged as the narrow front-runner in the Democratic nomination battle, President Bush leveled a few ridiculous charges at Obama.  MSNBC's First Read blog sites comments Bush made yesterday regarding Obama's foreign policy. 

Bush vs. Obama: Perhaps lost in the news of Obama’s weekend victories and Solis Doyle stepping aside was President Bush’s broadside against Obama. “I certainly don't know what he believes in,” Bush told FOX’s Chris Wallace. “The only foreign policy thing I remember he said was he's going to attack Pakistan and embrace Ahmadinejad. I think I commented that in a press conference when I was asked about that.” Whoa, Nelly. Obama spokesman Bill Burton fired back with this statement: “Of course President Bush would attack the one candidate in this race who opposed his disastrous war in Iraq from the start. But Barack Obama doesn't need any foreign policy advice from the architect of the worst foreign policy decision in a generation.”

First of all, par for the course with Republicans and in particular Bush, this rash generalization is taken WAY out of context.  Obama never said his foreign policy would include attacking Pakistan as a matter of course.  He said, in response to a question about what he would do if intelligence showed Pakistan presented an immediate threat by harboring Bin Laden, that he would not hesitate to order targeted attacks in order to get Bin Laden.  His comments are a far cry more reserved than many Bush has made in the past regarding numerous nations, not just Pakistan.

But my favorite chuckle from this post comes from this line:

Talking to folks who know Bush well say he just doesn't believe Obama's earned it; that he's worthy. He has a lot more respect for Clinton and apparently would be more comfortable seeing her or McCain as his heir than Obama.

Say what? Arguably the worst president our country has ever had feels that he is in a position to judge whether anyone is "worthy" of the office? The man who assumed the presidency on a show of being "a good ol' boy" and with a resume littered with failures, dares question if Obama has earned the right to be President? If his policies weren't so dangerous and the level of damage to our country as a result of his leadership so devastating, W really would be laughable.

Obama Looks Presidential on 60 Minutes

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were featured on last night's 60 Minutes. Both did well. Adam and I agree that the one-on-one interview setting is when Hillary shines the most and looks the most human.  Of course it didn't hurt that Katie Couric threw her softball questions about taking vitamins and managing not to get sick (Is anyone else disappointed that CBS hasn't realized that the investment in Couric as serious news woman rather than morning talk show host was a bad one?).

Obama was leveled some serious questions about policies and experience and he handled them well.  He looked like a leader, sounded like a leader and, well, was the leader as his segment aired before Clinton's.  Yet another sign of the times.

Help Is On The Way? Congress Passes Stimulus

Yesterday Congress passed an economic stimulus package.  If you haven't heard the news then I'm not sure what rock you've been hiding under . . . but the average tax payer will get $600 each in the form of a rebate check.  While I wish I could splurge and spend the $1500 we should be getting on something fun like a beach vacation (Adam would vote for a TV), we unfortunately won't be doing much stimulating as we'll be paying off credit cards.

So, I'm curious - will any of you help pick up my slack? What are you doing with your rebate?

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

Obama's Message Crystallizes as Key Primaries Loom

Today's San Francisco Chronicle has a fabulous article following Obama's speeches in the area. The coverage gives an excellent view of the candidate's opinions on a variety of key issues including experience and foreign policy.  The passages included in the article are a fabulous look at the wit and sincerity that make Obama so likeable.  And the key - the article includes entire passages - not chopped up trunkated quotations made to fit the story.

The full article is linked next door.  Here are a couple of my favorite statements:

On his differences with the Clinton's on healthcare:

"I admire the fact that President Clinton and Sen. Clinton tried to reform health care (in the 1990s). But I believe they did it in the wrong way. It goes to the point of accountability. Their theory was you go behind closed doors, you come up with your theory with the help of your technical experts. You don't even invite members of Congress from your own party into the negotiations and discussion. And while they were behind closed doors, the insurance company was busy shaping public opinion as well as maneuvering Congress, and by the time they released it ... it was dead in the water. Now, I would do things differently. I would have a table, around which you'd have doctors, nurses, patient advocates. The insurance ...companies would get a seat at the table; they just would not get to buy every chair.

 "And I would put my plan forward ... and these negotiations would be on C-Span ... so the public would be part of the conversation and would see the choices being made. ... That builds in accountability in the system."

On how an Obama presidency could change the country:

"The day I'm elected and sworn in, not only does this country look at itself differently, but I think the world looks at itself differently. And that's not just symbolic. When I go to a poor country and talk to them about America's obligations, but also that poor country's obligations to help itself by dealing with corruption or to reduce ethnic tensions, I do with credibility as somebody with a grandmother who lives in a small village in Africa without running water. If I convene a meeting of Muslim leaders ... I do so with the credibility of somebody who lived in the most populous Muslim country on Earth for four years and has a sister who is half-Indonesian. ... That will allow me ... to be an effective spokesperson for a different version of American foreign policy."

On what makes his campaign different:

"I do think that I have tried to conduct my political career and my campaign in a way that is honest and candid and straightforward and minimizes spin.

"It doesn't mean that I have no political sense about me, and that I'm above modulating my tones or positions as I go through ... my career. But generally speaking, I tell the truth.

"And that's part of the reason why I think we have been getting people who are turned off to politics attracted to my campaign. ... They sense that I don't try to trim my sails.

"If I'm asked in a debate what my biggest weaknesses are, I don't answer by saying, 'I'm just too passionate about poor people' [laughs]. Or that I'm too impatient to solve the problems of America. I say, well, you know, my desk is messy - so I need somebody around me."

Asked what he meant when he said, "Generally speaking, I tell the truth," Obama said with a laugh, "What I meant was that I always tell the truth, but sometimes you avoid telling hard truths.

"And one of the things I've tried to in this campaign is to tell people what they need to hear, as opposed to just what they want to hear." He said observers have noted that "there is a core there. ... I think that core is something that I communicate."