MoveOn's dial test results from the President's State of the Union speech.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Message of Tuesday's election clear: Produce or go home
I don't think these elections are necessarily indicative of the future of the Democratic Party for 2010. I do think that the lesson it draws is that people need a reason to vote. One of the frustrating things about writing on the Internet is that if you read a lot on the Internet you can always find someone who can phrase things better than you.
I think that Chris Bowers and Markos from the Daily Kos summed it up best.
The Bowers take is that it's basically the economy, stupid. 10 percent unemployment won't cut it in 2010 or 2012.
If the unemployment rate was rapidly dropping, real income was increasing, and health care was more affordable, does anyone really think Democrats would be facing any electoral worries whatsoever? The biggest flaw in the post-election spin is the tendency of politicians and pundits to consider most swing voters ideologically-driven news junkies, instead of the results-oriented, low-information participants in the political process that they are...When most voters believe their lives are getting better, then the party in power will benefit politically. Ideological abstractions about the size of government or appealing to the base don't matter quite as much. It really is, as Mike argued yesterday, about delivering the goods. I happen believe that progressive-left policies are the best way to make most people's lives better. Even if you disagree with that assessment, the smart post-election political argument for a governing party should be about what policies they can pass that will improve people's lives, not about how to appeal to voters on a more abstract level.
Markos sums up the situation this way:
Motivate the base
by kos
Thu Nov 05, 2009 at 11:10:12 AM PST
If I sound like a broken record, it's because the obvious lesson from Tuesday's elections is being lost on way too many people:
If you want Democrats to turn out and vote for you next year, start delivering on the 2006 and 2008 campaign promises. If you don't, Democrats will stay home. It's that simple.
There are, at best, even in the most conservative districts, only a handful of Democrats in the House that can survive reelection without Democratic support. The lower the Democratic turnout, the more Democratic casualties we'll have next year, and those losses will be inordinately high among Blue Dog and New Democrats. So really, it's in their best interest to see the Democrats succeed in Congress. Sure, it might p__s off their corporate benefactors, but corporate benefactors don't vote.
Conservadem logic is actually kind of funny:
Do nothing this year, so they can get reelected
So they can do nothing again next cycle, so they can be reelected
So they can stick around to name post offices and issue "National Bratwurst Day" proclamations
Inspiring!
Luckily, there are Democrats who have figured out what really happened on Tuesday.
Blaming election setbacks on a drop in voter enthusiasm, Congressional Democrats said Wednesday that losses in governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey — and a striking House win in New York — should give new urgency to their legislative agenda, including a sweeping health care overhaul.
As they assessed the results, Democratic lawmakers and party strategists said their judgment was that voters remained very uneasy about the economy and did not see Democrats producing on the health, energy and national security changes they promised when voters swept them to power only a year ago.
"Most of us ran on that," said Representative Gerald E. Connolly, Democrat of Virginia and president of the party’s freshman class. "We must deliver. I need to give Democrats something to be excited about."
And while conservatives may not like it, the two races that centered on federal issues -- the two federal races -- were won by you-know-who.
While not discounting the Republican wins in Virginia and New Jersey, Democrats said the New York and California House races were the only contests that centered on Congressional issues and Democrats won both despite months of Republican attacks on the legislative priorities of President Obama and Congressional Democrats.
"The governors of Virginia and New Jersey don’t have a vote on the Obama agenda," said Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Again: give Democratic voters a reason to turn out, and they will. Abandon the Democratic agenda, and they won't. And if you lose because you quit on the party and the nation? We'll cheer.
I would only disagree with that last statement. I don't think the country can handle another four years of republican rule.
Can't access www.threeriversonline.com right now...
I'm having some trouble accessing my Three Rivers Online so I'll be posting here and in my Examiner site. My service provider has trouble with "migration" issues apparently.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Here's the Planned Parenthood voting guide that I will be following in today's voting.
Well, I'm off to vote. To be honest, I was kinda thinking of blowing off this election (I don't live in Pittsburgh or the mayor's race would have drawn some of my interest other than my endorsement of Franco Dok Harris...) but these judge's ads made my think I need to vote against Joan Orie and the other predictably evil republican nominees to the courts.
In fact, Planned Parenthood sent me a handy voter's guide which I intend to follow to the letter where I can. Here it is:
Justice of the Supreme Court
Democrat:
Jack Panella Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Republican:
Joan Orie Melvin endorsed by the PA Pro-Life Federation PAC & LIFEPAC
Judge of the Superior Court
(vote for four)
Democrats:
Robert J. Colville Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Kevin Francis McCarthy Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Anne E. Lazarus Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Teresa Sarmina Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Republicans:
Judy Olson endorsed by the PA Pro-Life Federation PAC & LIFEPAC
Sallie Mundie endorsed by the PA Pro-Life Federation PAC & LIFEPAC
Temp Smith endorsed by the PA Pro-Life Federation PAC & LIFEPAC
Paula Ott unknown
Help Us Continue to Elect Pro-Choice
Candidates in Pennsylvania!
Donate Today.
Judge of the Commonwealth Court
(vote for two)
Democrats:
Barbara Behrend Ernsberger Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Linda S. Judson Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PA PAC
Republicans:
Patricia A. McCullough endorsed by the PA Pro-Life Federation PAC & LIFEPAC
Kevin Brobson endorsed by the PA Pro-Life Federation PAC & LIFEPAC
Pittsburgh Mayor's Race
Mayor
Democrat:
Luke Ravenstahl endorsed by LIFEPAC
Independents:
Kevin Acklin unknown
Franco “Dok” Harris Pro-choice
If this isn't clear, then it should be noted that I won't be casting a vote for anyone endorsed by LIFEPAC. Related: Here are some endorsements by Agent Ska and Maria of 2 Political Junkies.
More About: pro life terrorism · pro choice · Planned Parenthood · Franco Dok Harris · Pittsburgh's mayor's race
Franco Dok Harris is the only logical choice for the next Mayor of Pittsburgh
I really don't think this is a tough call. If its a choice between the former republican and the machine hack, then Franco Dok Harris is clearly the best choice to be the mayor of Pittsburgh. He's also taller.
Luke Ravenstahl is an uninspiring hack although he has managed to stay out of jail on corruption charges, which has surprised me, he's at heart a machine guy with no real vision for the city. Kevin Acklin, whose personal story is interesting, just decided that he's no longer a republican and is now an independent? That's like deciding you're no longer fighting for the South a year before the Civil War ends. Your timing just seems suspicious. Acklin should have just said he couldn't win as a Republican in town. I will confess this though: Acklin would probably be a better mayor than Luke Ravenstahl. I hate admitting that because I truly hate the Republican Party and anybody involved with such a fascist party ("Oh, I resigned from the American Nazi Party and all their horrible Santorum-like party candidates I endorsed. All better now.") but Acklin is clearly better and smarter than Luke. But then again who isn't.
I think Franco Dok Harris is the ony reasonable choice. We need some new blood. I also think, on paper, that Dok Harris is the best qualified person to be the Mayor of Pittsburgh. You might argue that he's inexperienced but they're all young and inexperienced.
Dok Harris has also produced superior television ads. Here's a really hard hitting ad that he's produced. I don't know if he has enough money to put them on air anyplace. This ad also showcases a rare moment of anger from Presiden Barack Obama at the end. I guess I would like to know the context of that.
His video ads seem to be focusing on African Americans. I really think that he's got a good shot if he can get most of the black vote and a good percentage of the Italian vote. This ad where he interviews a distraught African American mother...well, just watch it.
Friday, October 23, 2009
I'm temporarily making Mirror Universe my Home Page for Three Rivers Online
I have to work under the hood over at Three Rivers Online. I'm not even sure if this redirect will work consistently but I'm going to be posting here for the next week or so. I actually haven't been posting much at Three Rivers because of space limitations and, probably, laziness.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Planned Parenthood will be holding a downtown event today at Mellon Square at 2 PM.
Planned Parenthood is holding a downtown event at Mellon Square this afternoon at 2 pm today. Their leadership is worried that abortion and contraception rights will be stripped out of health care reform. I think they're legitimately worried.
Here's the press release that I received:
Dear PHILIP,
It's easy to think of health care reform as something that's happening far away, as lawmakers in Washington hold hearings, schedule votes, and negotiate behind closed doors. But the fact is, the decisions being made now will have a profound impact on women, men and families here in western Pennsylvania — every person, every day, for a generation or more.
That means we can't afford to sit back and let the process unfold without us — we need to take action here to make sure that health care legislation protects and expands access to health care. If we don't, there's a very real chance that the women of western Pennsylvania will be worse off after health care reform than they are now.
Will you join us for a day of action on Tuesday, October 20 at Mellon Square (6th avenue and William Penn Place)? We'll be showing our support and mobile phone banking from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — and we need all the help we can get. Email Volunteer@PPWP.org to let us know you're coming, or just come on out when you can.
We're not going to have another chance to get this right. As I write this, anti-choice groups are increasing their efforts to hijack reform to undermine women's health. They're going to keep trying to pressure and persuade lawmakers from now until the last vote in Congress is cast — and that means we need to keep pushing for health care reform that protects all women.
Join fellow supporters of Planned Parenthood this Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Mellon Square. The negotiations may be happening on Capitol Hill, but this is our chance to make a difference here.
Thank you for everything you do for Planned Parenthood and the women, men, and families we serve.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Cavanaugh, JD
Vice President for Public Affairs
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Here's the press release that I received:
Dear PHILIP,
It's easy to think of health care reform as something that's happening far away, as lawmakers in Washington hold hearings, schedule votes, and negotiate behind closed doors. But the fact is, the decisions being made now will have a profound impact on women, men and fam
Publish Post
That means we can't afford to sit back and let the process unfold without us — we need to take action here to make sure that health care legislation protects and expands access to health care. If we don't, there's a very real chance that the women of western Pennsylvania will be worse off after health care reform than they are now.
Will you join us for a day of action on Tuesday, October 20 at Mellon Square (6th avenue and William Penn Place)? We'll be showing our support and mobile phone banking from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — and we need all the help we can get. Email Volunteer@PPWP.org to let us know you're coming, or just come on out when you can.
We're not going to have another chance to get this right. As I write this, anti-choice groups are increasing their efforts to hijack reform to undermine women's health. They're going to keep trying to pressure and persuade lawmakers from now until the last vote in Congress is cast — and that means we need to keep pushing for health care reform that protects all women.
Join fellow supporters of Planned Parenthood this Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Mellon Square. The negotiations may be happening on Capitol Hill, but this is our chance to make a difference here.
Thank you for everything you do for Planned Parenthood and the women, men, and families we serve.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Cavanaugh, JD
Vice President for Public Affairs
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
You Can Fight for the Public Option Three Ways Today in Pittsburgh
Public Option Action: Health Insurance Now Noon Bus Ride with US Rep. Mike Doyle
This can also be found at 2 Political Junkies. MoveOn informed me as well.
Flagstaff Hill Becomes Health Care Reform Hill
There's both a rally and a vigil tomorrow for health care reform tomorrow.
"Health Insurance Reform Now" Bus Tour Stop
Where: Schenley Park (Flagstaff Hill), 4532 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, Doors Open: 11:00 AM, Start Time: 12:00 PM
Speakers include Congressman Mike Doyle and Organizing for America Deputy Director Jeremy Bird -- and OfA will present thousands of Pennsylvanians' declarations of support for reform
I hope Obama understands that anything without the public option but with employee mandate--where you have to buy it or pay expensive fines, even jail time--is not reform that I want.
Public Option Action 2: We Can't Afford to Wait Vigil at 7:30 PM Today
If the noon event isn't enough, then there's also a vigil planned tonight at Flagstaff Hill, Schenley Park.
We Can't Afford to Wait Vigil
Where: Schenley Park (Flagstaff Hill), 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 7:30 PM
"We're organizing vigils across the country for everyone who is suffering under our broken health care system. We'll send our members of Congress back to Washington, D.C. with a somber reminder of what's at stake by reading the names and telling the stories of thousands of people who have been denied...(more) needed treatments, faced bankruptcy because of a sudden illness, and even died because they lacked coverage." RSVP here.
I hope these events are well attended.
Public Option Action 3: Yet Another Health Care Vigil Held Outside of Jason Altmire's Office
This is being held at 7:30 as well so you'll have to choose. By the way, I usually support, and support wholeheartedly, actions like this one. But I'm not sure how effective lobbying is on Jason Altmire, who made his living as an insurance lobbyist. I think he's a sincere no vote on any kind of insurance reform that would actually help the public. On the other hand, its nice to catalog these issues so that we know where we stand come the next election cycle. Anyone who doesn't support the public option deserves a primary run.
We Can't Afford to Wait Vigil (@ Atmire's Office)
Where: Outside of Rep. Altmire's Office, 2124 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 7:30 PM
"We will read the names and tell the stories of thousands of people who have been denied needed treatments, faced bankruptcy because of a sudden illness, and even died because they lacked coverage. Bring your own stories too - let's remember that the REAL death panels are corporate insurance panels!" RSVP here.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Support Open Left and Thank You Andy Stern
ITEM: If you just sign up to support the SEIU's effort at a public health care option, they will donate one dollar to Open Left. I signed up even though I already get the SEIU's mailings.
I also left this comment::
Thank You Andy Stern and the SEIU (4.00 / 1)
I know there are people who are upset with the SEIU ads that are running over at the Daily Kos but I think those people couldn't be more wrong. Look, we've had a business press and business press only for years now. If the SEIU wants to create a proxy labor press by investing in liberal blogs then let them do so. I suppose that might affect influence but you know what I agree with the SEIU on most issues anyway!
This would create the situation that they have in Europe where different factions have their own papers. That's a good thing. Right now, we have an allegedly "objective" business press that reflects wealth and power on all the important issues, and certainly never gets tired of their half hour infomercial documentaries or their GEICO ads--another reason you will never see real criticism of the insurance industry in the business press. We have a business press and, not surprisingly on a number of issues, one business party. Those facts are related. That has to change and creating a labor press is one way to do it.
What Andy Stern is doing is a good thing. I just wish the rest of the labor movement would wake up and realize that they need to support their liberal blogger friends as well!
Philip Shropshire
www.threeriversonline.com
PS: My site could use some ads too!
PPS: Labor needs its own party! You have the resources. You should run my old ACT co worker Tom Huffman or Braddock's John Fetterman or even Chris Bowers for that PA. Senate seat. If you want access, then elect one of your own...! You have the power to do it...!
PPPS: And start your own labor press...but it looks like you're already moving there. Hell, if you pay me one hundred bucks a week I'll write about labor issues fulltime here....!
by: Steelydan3 @ Fri May 29, 2009 at 15:23
[ Reply ]
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Cool Art and Smart Political Art
May 28 (originally published)
ITEM: Paul Pope's Adam Strange. I'm not sure if this is a new online comic or something that will appear on the stands. It looks great though. Related: Legendary 80s comic (Kaluta and Lee) Starstruck is also making a return. Below: Controversial Memorial Day toon by Mr. Fish.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Talented Pittsburgh Arts Festival Artists
June 14th PST
ITEM: I'll be featuring the best artists (IMHO) I saw at the Three Rivers Arts Festival all this week. This is Mr. Hooper. He's from Nashville. Looks like he's ready for the cover of Juxtapoz.
Friday, June 12, 2009
A Quick 8 Links O Science Around the Internets
A Quick 8 Links O Science Around the Internets
Kewl New Band Name: Radioactive Wasps
How To Build Your Own DIY UAVs. Not to be used by bad people, ever.
New and Free Video Capture Software
Something That Couldn't Possibly Go Wrong
Something That Couldn't Possibly Go Wrong Part II
Interesting Site Called Wise Geek
New Anonymous and Free Bittorrent Client...Which You Shouldn't Use!
15 Year Old Creates Algae Based Energy System
Saturday, June 06, 2009
List of Comics
Don Asmussen
Scott Bateman
Alison Bechdel
Jennifer Berman
Eric Bezdek
Ruben Bolling
The Boondocks
Bill
Bill Brown
Clay Butler
Max Cannon
Jack Chick Publications
Lloyd Dangle
Derf
Barry Deutsch
Doonesbury
Tim Eagan
Emily S. Flake
Marian Henley
Keith Knight
Tim Kreider
Peter Kuper
Aaron McGruder
Stephanie McMillan
Kevin Moore
Stephen Notley
Eric Orner
Greg Peters
David Rees
Mikhaela Blake Reid
Brian Sendelbach
Joe Sharpnack
Jim Siergey
Andy Singer
Jen Sorensen
Ward Sutton
Neil Swaab
Tom Tomorrow
Tak Toyoshima
Shannon Wheele
Matt Wuerkerr
Matt Wuerker
Jason Yungbluth
Zippy the Pinhead Brown
Clay Butler
Max Cannon
Jack Chick Publications
Lloyd Dangle
Derf
Barry Deutsch
Doonesbury
Tim Eagan
Emily S. Flake
Marian Henley
Keith Knight
Tim Kreider
Peter Kuper
Aaron McGruder
Stephanie McMillan
Kevin Moore
Stephen Notley
Eric Orner
Greg Peters
David Rees
Mikhaela Blake Reid
Brian Sendelbach
Joe Sharpnack
Jim Siergey
Andy Singer
Jen Sorensen
Ward Sutton
Neil Swaab
Tom Tomorrow
Tak Toyoshima
Shannon Wheele
Matt Wuerkerr
Matt Wuerker
Jason Yungbluth
Zippy the Pinhead
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