And now for something completely different
I have a new hobby. I really enjoy Skiing. The first time I went was about 3 years ago in the Adirondacks with (e:mmtornow) and her family, I caught on fast. I guess after skateboarding for most of my life balancing on skis is like second nature. My mother never skied so growing up we just went sledding at Chesnut Ridge. Snowboarding seems fun, but I feel like it's easier to control yourself on skis. But eventually I'll probably try snowboarding too. Anyway.
This past weekend (e:mmtornow) and I went to Kissing Bridge, it was my 5th time ever skiing, my third at Kissing Bridge, We've moved on to black diamond hills, jumps, and a really fun hill called "Moment of Truth", it consists of about 8 big quick jumps and then a steep dropoff. It was really fun. After a while I got pretty confident, decided I wanted to do some jumps and try sliding on a rail, the rail didn't work, but the jumps definitely did. They wear out your legs when you start really flying over them, but it's so fun. We Skied for about 7 hours. I'm looking forward to using my last pass of the season.
Me on the Hill at KB
Not Skiing, Cheap Plastic Snowboarding at the Cabin in the ADK's
Marvin the Mountain Dog.
The Fam at Oak Mountain in the ADK's
(e:mmtornow) on the slopes at Oak Mountain
Check out the View of Lake Pleasant from Oak Mountain, Larger at Flickr
Oak Mountain's only lift. Small but cheap and laid back place, they have these long chill trails that wander through the woods, after a while you just go full speed all the way down, they're not too steep.
On the Lift
Leaving Kissing Bridge
After Skiing, Pizza and a Beer, or Hot Chocolate, whatever you like.
Not Cooking tonight. Beer Pizza, Couch.
Dcoffee's Journal
My Podcast Link
03/04/2008 21:36 #43555
SkiingCategory: life
02/29/2008 11:44 #43506
Nader, Healthcare RevisitedCategory: politics
In my last entry I forgot to mention that Nader is running without the backing of a third party. Probably no third party wants to base its mission on pissing off Democrats, but agitating the political system is an honorable vocation, and shame on Nader for abandoning the Green Party.
To change the 2 party system we need a persistent threat of "spoiling" and "stolen votes" not an occasional surprise candidate. The two parties should expect a Green candidate and a Libertarian candidate who mess up their pretty little duopoly, not the current "aww crap, Nader's running again". The only way the system will change is if it's in the Democrats and Republicans self interest to change it. A determined third-party can accomplish this, an individual can not.
So even though I may defend Nader's candidacy, he is a jerk for failing to inspire a third party to agitate the system in the long run. The Greens should run a candidate every year, and embrace the anger of Democrats, tell them if they don't like it, do something about it, because there are a lot of people out there who don't believe in either of the 2 parties. For example, 90% of the people who will read this. Carolinian, Jason, Josh, James, Jim, Terry, Metalpeter etc etc
About fixing the electoral system, (e:metalpeter) commented that we should have each state divide its electoral votes based on the percentage each candidate receives. Good idea, but it doesn't fix the Ralph Nader Spoiler problem though. If some third candidate goes through the election with 5%-20% of the vote from all the states combined, it's similar to "spoiling" Florida or Ohio except Nationwide. We could end up with neither of the two popular candidates receiving a majority of the vote (ie. winning with 44%), so we still don't know who the majority of Americans actually prefer. In order to find out who would have beaten all other candidates in a 2 way race, we would still need a runoff election, or IRV to figure out the majority candidate.
It does however make my vote count here in Blue NY, and it eliminates the "swing state" garbage. I'm pretty sure at least one state does it that way (can't find a reference source). I do like that Democratic Primaries are done this way, makes a lot of sense, but it still pushed Edwards out and gave us only two. (It's a start Sign a petition to support this )
The solution I recommended is to have each state do their own Instant Runoff Election. Voters rank candidates so that even if there are more than 2, we can still find out who the majority of the voters in that state support. If you voted for Nader you also put down a second choice. if nobody gets 50% your second choice is counted and Nader's votes are reallocated. This should be done nationally but it would require a constitutional amendment. States could either give the majority winner all their electoral votes, but a better system would be to divide the votes by percentage after the runoff is complete.
Instant Runoff Voting explained
Healthcare - going to make this quick -
I'm starting to see a system like Social Security. The government guarantees some basic insurance, and it is paid for through a percentage of your taxes automatically. With Social Security you can still invest in additional retirement accounts, or if an employer is trying to compete for skilled workers by offering a hefty retirement account they can do that too.
Same with Universal Healthcare, you won't get screwed if you break your arm no matter what, you can go to the hospital and they will help you. You won't end up a cripple who can't work just cause you couldn't afford the hospital bill, and you tried to deal with it on your own. If you have money, or a good job, you may get some fancier service, but everyone is at least covered.
And it would be cheaper, because of less paperwork, and a more purchasing power. I paid $1000 in healthcare this year, you bet your uninsured ass my healthcare tax would be less than that.
Please spare me the criticisms of Social Security going bankrupt, etc. Those problems come from our lazy and corrupt politicians not following the rules. And I said "like" Social Security.
We need a new system, and yes it will include the private sector, no matter who calls it Socialized.
To change the 2 party system we need a persistent threat of "spoiling" and "stolen votes" not an occasional surprise candidate. The two parties should expect a Green candidate and a Libertarian candidate who mess up their pretty little duopoly, not the current "aww crap, Nader's running again". The only way the system will change is if it's in the Democrats and Republicans self interest to change it. A determined third-party can accomplish this, an individual can not.
So even though I may defend Nader's candidacy, he is a jerk for failing to inspire a third party to agitate the system in the long run. The Greens should run a candidate every year, and embrace the anger of Democrats, tell them if they don't like it, do something about it, because there are a lot of people out there who don't believe in either of the 2 parties. For example, 90% of the people who will read this. Carolinian, Jason, Josh, James, Jim, Terry, Metalpeter etc etc
About fixing the electoral system, (e:metalpeter) commented that we should have each state divide its electoral votes based on the percentage each candidate receives. Good idea, but it doesn't fix the Ralph Nader Spoiler problem though. If some third candidate goes through the election with 5%-20% of the vote from all the states combined, it's similar to "spoiling" Florida or Ohio except Nationwide. We could end up with neither of the two popular candidates receiving a majority of the vote (ie. winning with 44%), so we still don't know who the majority of Americans actually prefer. In order to find out who would have beaten all other candidates in a 2 way race, we would still need a runoff election, or IRV to figure out the majority candidate.
It does however make my vote count here in Blue NY, and it eliminates the "swing state" garbage. I'm pretty sure at least one state does it that way (can't find a reference source). I do like that Democratic Primaries are done this way, makes a lot of sense, but it still pushed Edwards out and gave us only two. (It's a start Sign a petition to support this )
The solution I recommended is to have each state do their own Instant Runoff Election. Voters rank candidates so that even if there are more than 2, we can still find out who the majority of the voters in that state support. If you voted for Nader you also put down a second choice. if nobody gets 50% your second choice is counted and Nader's votes are reallocated. This should be done nationally but it would require a constitutional amendment. States could either give the majority winner all their electoral votes, but a better system would be to divide the votes by percentage after the runoff is complete.
Instant Runoff Voting explained
Healthcare - going to make this quick -
I'm starting to see a system like Social Security. The government guarantees some basic insurance, and it is paid for through a percentage of your taxes automatically. With Social Security you can still invest in additional retirement accounts, or if an employer is trying to compete for skilled workers by offering a hefty retirement account they can do that too.
Same with Universal Healthcare, you won't get screwed if you break your arm no matter what, you can go to the hospital and they will help you. You won't end up a cripple who can't work just cause you couldn't afford the hospital bill, and you tried to deal with it on your own. If you have money, or a good job, you may get some fancier service, but everyone is at least covered.
And it would be cheaper, because of less paperwork, and a more purchasing power. I paid $1000 in healthcare this year, you bet your uninsured ass my healthcare tax would be less than that.
Please spare me the criticisms of Social Security going bankrupt, etc. Those problems come from our lazy and corrupt politicians not following the rules. And I said "like" Social Security.
We need a new system, and yes it will include the private sector, no matter who calls it Socialized.
dcoffee - 02/29/08 23:14
Peter, you're not alone in thinking Instant Runoff Voting is confusing. And thanks for admitting it :-). That's why every time I mention IRV I give a new description, I hope that by explaining it in different circumstances the idea might just click in one more persons head. You might want to watch the animation I linked to :::link::: Let's say Obama, Nader, Gore, and McCain are running for president. Gore Obama and Nader agree on most things, and their supporters probably would not vote for McCain right? But when the election comes around McCain gets 35% of the vote, and he wins, even though 65% of the country hate the guy. McCain does not have a majority of the country supporting him. A majority is 50% +1 no matter how many candidates there are. Check out the video to see how IRV solves this. Once you figure it out, you'll see why even Drew and his dad can agree it's a good idea.
Josh, I don't want to ignore Social Security, I just think the Hype is BS. Bush couldn't get us to agree on Social Security Reform (read 'Abolition') but he did succeed in getting many people to agree that it probably won't last much longer. For the FDR New Deal haters that's success. You're right that the longer we wait the more drastic the changes will be, but now minor reforms would fix it. Currently people only pay social security on the first $90,000 they earn, if you raised that cap to say $200,000 or eliminated it all together, you could fix Social Security. (Gasp! Raising Taxes) That brings me to my next point.
Even if my taxes are raised to pay for a new Healthcare program, my total _expenses_ will go down. Like I said, I paid $1000 for healthcare this year, and I'm positive the government could standardize the system and do it cheaper without losing quality. American Companies provide most of the Health Insurance in this country, imagine how much their expenses would go down. Why can Toyota sell a better car for less money than American Companies? Because they don't have to pay for Healthcare. Not only is it Humane and Morally right to provide Healthcare for everyone, it removes the burden from our companies, and that means they can compete better in the international marketplace. We have a $700 billion trade deficit, :::link::: that's why our standard of living has suffered, we need to bring money into the country, instead of consuming foreign lead paint toys.
Single payer Healthcare would help the country in more ways than one. By pooling our resources, distributing the risk, and cutting down on the waste that Insurance middlemen create, both citizens and corporations would end up saving money. Other countries may have tried to have their cake and eat it to, by keeping taxes level. If the government took better care of my money I wouldn't mind giving it to them for a good product. Instead they have been flushing it down $2,000 toilets built in Iraq under no-bid contracts. Government has failed in many ways, but the solution isn't as simple as taking our money away from them, We need better oversight, and we as citizens need to hold them accountable.
Peter, you're not alone in thinking Instant Runoff Voting is confusing. And thanks for admitting it :-). That's why every time I mention IRV I give a new description, I hope that by explaining it in different circumstances the idea might just click in one more persons head. You might want to watch the animation I linked to :::link::: Let's say Obama, Nader, Gore, and McCain are running for president. Gore Obama and Nader agree on most things, and their supporters probably would not vote for McCain right? But when the election comes around McCain gets 35% of the vote, and he wins, even though 65% of the country hate the guy. McCain does not have a majority of the country supporting him. A majority is 50% +1 no matter how many candidates there are. Check out the video to see how IRV solves this. Once you figure it out, you'll see why even Drew and his dad can agree it's a good idea.
Josh, I don't want to ignore Social Security, I just think the Hype is BS. Bush couldn't get us to agree on Social Security Reform (read 'Abolition') but he did succeed in getting many people to agree that it probably won't last much longer. For the FDR New Deal haters that's success. You're right that the longer we wait the more drastic the changes will be, but now minor reforms would fix it. Currently people only pay social security on the first $90,000 they earn, if you raised that cap to say $200,000 or eliminated it all together, you could fix Social Security. (Gasp! Raising Taxes) That brings me to my next point.
Even if my taxes are raised to pay for a new Healthcare program, my total _expenses_ will go down. Like I said, I paid $1000 for healthcare this year, and I'm positive the government could standardize the system and do it cheaper without losing quality. American Companies provide most of the Health Insurance in this country, imagine how much their expenses would go down. Why can Toyota sell a better car for less money than American Companies? Because they don't have to pay for Healthcare. Not only is it Humane and Morally right to provide Healthcare for everyone, it removes the burden from our companies, and that means they can compete better in the international marketplace. We have a $700 billion trade deficit, :::link::: that's why our standard of living has suffered, we need to bring money into the country, instead of consuming foreign lead paint toys.
Single payer Healthcare would help the country in more ways than one. By pooling our resources, distributing the risk, and cutting down on the waste that Insurance middlemen create, both citizens and corporations would end up saving money. Other countries may have tried to have their cake and eat it to, by keeping taxes level. If the government took better care of my money I wouldn't mind giving it to them for a good product. Instead they have been flushing it down $2,000 toilets built in Iraq under no-bid contracts. Government has failed in many ways, but the solution isn't as simple as taking our money away from them, We need better oversight, and we as citizens need to hold them accountable.
metalpeter - 02/29/08 18:24
(e:Joshua) I had no idea they used that system in California, I now think it is great that they do. I would like them to use that in every state. I admit I don't get the runoff thing to me it doesn't make sense and is complicated what Happens If there are say 4 People and I Only pick one person cause he is the only one I like. The thing I like about the percentage thing is that it seems very fair. I don't think 51% makes a Majority even though that is how it is defined currently. I think the majority is 100/ the number of people running so if 5 people (to many I know ran) then you could win the Majority vote with (20% would tie everyone)21% Of the votes or at least the elctoral votes. I say that the person who gets the most votes should win and not use the current system but the powers that be will never get rid of it, so that is why I say you tweak as in California and have all the states do it. That way a 3rd party has a chance at winning. Not only that but currently votes don't count. Say it obama Vs. McCain say Obama takes New York by 2 Million votes that is that many votes minus one that don't mean jack shit. But if it was done on percentage and then every vote would count. That could be said for McCain also he might lose but at least his voters would get him some points. I think that would make votes more important and it would send people who don't vote out to the polls. I think it would do that for 3rd parties also cause if a third party guy is 3% behind in every state currently he would get zero nothing no points, but with what I suggest it would be a close race and with a couple big wins he would have a shot at winning the presadentcy.
(e:Joshua) I had no idea they used that system in California, I now think it is great that they do. I would like them to use that in every state. I admit I don't get the runoff thing to me it doesn't make sense and is complicated what Happens If there are say 4 People and I Only pick one person cause he is the only one I like. The thing I like about the percentage thing is that it seems very fair. I don't think 51% makes a Majority even though that is how it is defined currently. I think the majority is 100/ the number of people running so if 5 people (to many I know ran) then you could win the Majority vote with (20% would tie everyone)21% Of the votes or at least the elctoral votes. I say that the person who gets the most votes should win and not use the current system but the powers that be will never get rid of it, so that is why I say you tweak as in California and have all the states do it. That way a 3rd party has a chance at winning. Not only that but currently votes don't count. Say it obama Vs. McCain say Obama takes New York by 2 Million votes that is that many votes minus one that don't mean jack shit. But if it was done on percentage and then every vote would count. That could be said for McCain also he might lose but at least his voters would get him some points. I think that would make votes more important and it would send people who don't vote out to the polls. I think it would do that for 3rd parties also cause if a third party guy is 3% behind in every state currently he would get zero nothing no points, but with what I suggest it would be a close race and with a couple big wins he would have a shot at winning the presadentcy.
joshua - 02/29/08 13:48
I love your journal... you do think things through carefully and if I may pay a compliment its my favorite journal of the bunch.
Couldn't agree more. Our nation needs a change in mindset to make this happen. Many liberal Democrats freak out about Nader because they know what his role will eventually be - I see that view as incredibly undemocratic.
I don't know if Nader is even capable of inspiring a person, let alone a party. In my view Bloomberg would have even been more of an third adequate candidate than Nader. The man is dull. Even if I smoked an eighth I don't think I could find something amusing about him.
One observation is that no matter how much tinkering we do with the system, there is no way to erase close elections and how a third candidate can ruin it for somebody. The system Peter mentioned is already in place in the state of California.
The last Presidents to have gotten more than 50% of the popular vote -
GWB 2004 50.7%
GHWB 1988 53.4%
RR 1984 58.8%
RR 1980 50.7%
Carter 1976 50.1% (this was the closest election for 25 years)
Nixon 1972 60.7% (WOW! He won by 23%. BTW they call Obama the new McGovern, and I hate to say it but Nixon is more charismatic than McCain - should be interesting this year).
The only two Democratic presidents to have won with a majority vote in the past 44 years has been Carter and LBJ, and LBJ is the only one to have won in a landslide. He crushed Goldwater that year as Nixon crushed McGovern 8 years later.
You ignore Social Security at your own peril though David. The next President *will* have to address this, and as my brother has previously stated, taxes are about to go up for everybody, not just the rich... and this is before we ever discuss a national healthcare system.
As I've said to you previously I do not oppose a healthcare system. However I have to say this to you -
I still remain unconvinced that having the government manage this is a good idea. Take a look at how California and New York manage health care costs - I don't think it will likely be any different unless a radical set of changes and outlooks occur. Socialists in the UK (otherwise known as the Labour Party) are now examining the idea of cutting obese people out of the system. When costs spiral in these systems, as they inevitably do, the contradictions and problems with national healthcare become obvious. If a fatty gets cut off of the system, do they get to keep the tax money that goes into it? "Fat" chance. I'm not even mentioning the moral contradiction of a system set up for humane reasons only to do an incredibly inhumane thing.
I like social security too. I fear it won't be there for us. No President, Democrat or Republican, want to be the one responsible for raising taxes during a likely recession. By the time its over, its going to be too late without some incredible sacrifices that no American will find palatable yet will be forced to accept. Taxes are going up eventually though, and the middle class will not escape it!
I honestly feel very, very pessimistic about the next few years no matter who wins. We have a bunch of careerist milquetoasts in office.
I love your journal... you do think things through carefully and if I may pay a compliment its my favorite journal of the bunch.
- "The two parties should expect a Green candidate and a Libertarian candidate who mess up their pretty little duopoly, not the current "aww crap, Nader's running again". The only way the system will change is if it's in the Democrats and Republicans self interest to change it. A determined third-party can accomplish this, an individual can not." *******
Couldn't agree more. Our nation needs a change in mindset to make this happen. Many liberal Democrats freak out about Nader because they know what his role will eventually be - I see that view as incredibly undemocratic.
I don't know if Nader is even capable of inspiring a person, let alone a party. In my view Bloomberg would have even been more of an third adequate candidate than Nader. The man is dull. Even if I smoked an eighth I don't think I could find something amusing about him.
One observation is that no matter how much tinkering we do with the system, there is no way to erase close elections and how a third candidate can ruin it for somebody. The system Peter mentioned is already in place in the state of California.
The last Presidents to have gotten more than 50% of the popular vote -
GWB 2004 50.7%
GHWB 1988 53.4%
RR 1984 58.8%
RR 1980 50.7%
Carter 1976 50.1% (this was the closest election for 25 years)
Nixon 1972 60.7% (WOW! He won by 23%. BTW they call Obama the new McGovern, and I hate to say it but Nixon is more charismatic than McCain - should be interesting this year).
The only two Democratic presidents to have won with a majority vote in the past 44 years has been Carter and LBJ, and LBJ is the only one to have won in a landslide. He crushed Goldwater that year as Nixon crushed McGovern 8 years later.
You ignore Social Security at your own peril though David. The next President *will* have to address this, and as my brother has previously stated, taxes are about to go up for everybody, not just the rich... and this is before we ever discuss a national healthcare system.
As I've said to you previously I do not oppose a healthcare system. However I have to say this to you -
I still remain unconvinced that having the government manage this is a good idea. Take a look at how California and New York manage health care costs - I don't think it will likely be any different unless a radical set of changes and outlooks occur. Socialists in the UK (otherwise known as the Labour Party) are now examining the idea of cutting obese people out of the system. When costs spiral in these systems, as they inevitably do, the contradictions and problems with national healthcare become obvious. If a fatty gets cut off of the system, do they get to keep the tax money that goes into it? "Fat" chance. I'm not even mentioning the moral contradiction of a system set up for humane reasons only to do an incredibly inhumane thing.
I like social security too. I fear it won't be there for us. No President, Democrat or Republican, want to be the one responsible for raising taxes during a likely recession. By the time its over, its going to be too late without some incredible sacrifices that no American will find palatable yet will be forced to accept. Taxes are going up eventually though, and the middle class will not escape it!
I honestly feel very, very pessimistic about the next few years no matter who wins. We have a bunch of careerist milquetoasts in office.
drew - 02/29/08 11:48
The need for instant runoff voting is one of the few issues my Dad and I agree on. It's far past time.
The need for instant runoff voting is one of the few issues my Dad and I agree on. It's far past time.
02/27/2008 12:46 #43479
Healthcare Candidates, and RalphCategory: politics
Just started watching the MSNBC Debate from last night. First Topic is Healthcare. They spent a bunch of time on it. They both want universal healthcare, the specifics of their plans differ slightly. But I realize that the nitty gritty details will be worked out as the bill moves through the House and Senate.
The question in my mind, is who can get the job done, who can go beyond the smear politics of "socialized medicine" and convince the 100 senators and 435 house members to move on, and finally get down to business. Americans have been demanding Healthcare for years, it is literally embarrassing that this wealthy and educated nation cannot provide this basic need for its people. The process in Washington has gone nowhere. Which candidate can get the congress and the people to move past the turf wars and smear tactics and get results?
Watch the video for yourself, you'll see Hillary slander her opponent, call him stupid, misrepresent his remarks, and mock his approach. This may be par for the course in Washington, but you're not going to get people to agree with you. Obama is better at getting people to see where he's coming from and see eye to eye. You need to reach agreement with other people to get things done. Especially if you want to transcend buzz words like "socialized medicine" and "Islamofascism". Hillary is divisive, and Obama can get people to move beyond petty politics.
Watch It
Ralph Nader
I guess I'm one of the few, who don't blame Ralph.
Our election system is broken. We call ourselves a democracy, but we can Only have Two choices. And most of the time, one candidate has 5x-10x more money and airtime as the other candidate. In fact, the battle is so difficult over 90% of US House races only have one choice. It's not Ralph's fault.
Here's a quote I hear all the time, but this really bothers and amazes me. "This election is too important to have a third party." Stop, think about it. You're really saying, "This election is too important, we need fewer choices, fewer ideas, less diversity of opinion, fewer solutions, fewer voices, less discussion, less involvement, please... only two." This is our problem. Important decisions deserve robust discussion, and important elections inspire many candidates and voters to voice their opinion. That is a good thing, why do we think it's ok to limit the debate? Why do we think it's ok to throw out candidates with passion and ambition? Someone decides to run for office because they are so moved and inspired and determined to make a difference in their community. But we think it's ok to get rid of them as quick as possible, just to make the election fit nicely into an ancient and broken electoral system.
So, Ralph, go on with your bad self. And if it pisses off the Democratic Party good!! Change the system to allow more than two candidates, without "spoiling" the election or "Stealing" votes from the better candidate. There is a nonviolent way to keep Nader, and Bloomberg, and Steve Calvenesso, and every third party candidate in history from ever "Spoiling" another election, change the system. If the Democratic party is pissed off and scared of Ralph, they had better do something about it.
Solution. In the constitution, States decide independently how they award their electoral votes. They can split them up or do winner take all. Also the vting process is up to them, as long as it is an open fair election.
Get all the Democratic Governors together, and have each state agree to do Instant Runoff Voting (aka. Ranked Choice Voting). In this method we voters rank our candidates in order of preference, (Nader first, Kerry Second). If nobody gets 50% you get rid of the loser (Nader), and his votes are redistributed to the voters second choice (Kerry). Bingo, no constitutional amendment, everyone's vote counts, there is no spoiler candidate, and we don't have to blame people for voting for the person they actually believe in. And we get to rank our choices, which is what we do in our head all the time. (Kucinich, Obama, Edwards, Dodd)
IRV Explained
We can speculate about 2000 and 2004 elections, What if, Ralph didn't run, what if black areas had adequate voting machines, what if Jeb Bush wasn't the Governor of Florida...
Let's think about a different set of What ifs. What if this year, we had a stage full of candidates, Ron Paul, Kucinich, Edwards, Blomberg, Lieberman, Nader, McCain, and Obama. There are a lot of Republicans who will be staying home, if Ron Paul was out there taking the party back from the neo-cons, you know he would get a couple hundred-thousand votes. And you'd have Kucinich calling out hypocrites and sticking to real progressive values as always.
You'd have a real discussion of critical issues. The most public discussion of ideas in the nation is the presidential election, let it be a marketplace of ideas, where people present real and diverse solutions to problems. We'd have near 75% voter turnout, and an informed electorate. If this is truely an important year, and a crossroads for the country, let's have democracy. Government would once again be more engaging than sports and Hollywood.
My Guess, Nader gets at least a few people out to vote who would stay home otherwise, so do Kucinich and Edwards and Ron Paul. Let them participate. I hope Nader Scares the crap out of Democrats, go fix the system, you have the power. I am loyal to no party, I only seek what is best for the American people in the long run.
The question in my mind, is who can get the job done, who can go beyond the smear politics of "socialized medicine" and convince the 100 senators and 435 house members to move on, and finally get down to business. Americans have been demanding Healthcare for years, it is literally embarrassing that this wealthy and educated nation cannot provide this basic need for its people. The process in Washington has gone nowhere. Which candidate can get the congress and the people to move past the turf wars and smear tactics and get results?
Watch the video for yourself, you'll see Hillary slander her opponent, call him stupid, misrepresent his remarks, and mock his approach. This may be par for the course in Washington, but you're not going to get people to agree with you. Obama is better at getting people to see where he's coming from and see eye to eye. You need to reach agreement with other people to get things done. Especially if you want to transcend buzz words like "socialized medicine" and "Islamofascism". Hillary is divisive, and Obama can get people to move beyond petty politics.
Watch It
Ralph Nader
I guess I'm one of the few, who don't blame Ralph.
Our election system is broken. We call ourselves a democracy, but we can Only have Two choices. And most of the time, one candidate has 5x-10x more money and airtime as the other candidate. In fact, the battle is so difficult over 90% of US House races only have one choice. It's not Ralph's fault.
Here's a quote I hear all the time, but this really bothers and amazes me. "This election is too important to have a third party." Stop, think about it. You're really saying, "This election is too important, we need fewer choices, fewer ideas, less diversity of opinion, fewer solutions, fewer voices, less discussion, less involvement, please... only two." This is our problem. Important decisions deserve robust discussion, and important elections inspire many candidates and voters to voice their opinion. That is a good thing, why do we think it's ok to limit the debate? Why do we think it's ok to throw out candidates with passion and ambition? Someone decides to run for office because they are so moved and inspired and determined to make a difference in their community. But we think it's ok to get rid of them as quick as possible, just to make the election fit nicely into an ancient and broken electoral system.
So, Ralph, go on with your bad self. And if it pisses off the Democratic Party good!! Change the system to allow more than two candidates, without "spoiling" the election or "Stealing" votes from the better candidate. There is a nonviolent way to keep Nader, and Bloomberg, and Steve Calvenesso, and every third party candidate in history from ever "Spoiling" another election, change the system. If the Democratic party is pissed off and scared of Ralph, they had better do something about it.
Solution. In the constitution, States decide independently how they award their electoral votes. They can split them up or do winner take all. Also the vting process is up to them, as long as it is an open fair election.
Get all the Democratic Governors together, and have each state agree to do Instant Runoff Voting (aka. Ranked Choice Voting). In this method we voters rank our candidates in order of preference, (Nader first, Kerry Second). If nobody gets 50% you get rid of the loser (Nader), and his votes are redistributed to the voters second choice (Kerry). Bingo, no constitutional amendment, everyone's vote counts, there is no spoiler candidate, and we don't have to blame people for voting for the person they actually believe in. And we get to rank our choices, which is what we do in our head all the time. (Kucinich, Obama, Edwards, Dodd)
IRV Explained
We can speculate about 2000 and 2004 elections, What if, Ralph didn't run, what if black areas had adequate voting machines, what if Jeb Bush wasn't the Governor of Florida...
Let's think about a different set of What ifs. What if this year, we had a stage full of candidates, Ron Paul, Kucinich, Edwards, Blomberg, Lieberman, Nader, McCain, and Obama. There are a lot of Republicans who will be staying home, if Ron Paul was out there taking the party back from the neo-cons, you know he would get a couple hundred-thousand votes. And you'd have Kucinich calling out hypocrites and sticking to real progressive values as always.
You'd have a real discussion of critical issues. The most public discussion of ideas in the nation is the presidential election, let it be a marketplace of ideas, where people present real and diverse solutions to problems. We'd have near 75% voter turnout, and an informed electorate. If this is truely an important year, and a crossroads for the country, let's have democracy. Government would once again be more engaging than sports and Hollywood.
My Guess, Nader gets at least a few people out to vote who would stay home otherwise, so do Kucinich and Edwards and Ron Paul. Let them participate. I hope Nader Scares the crap out of Democrats, go fix the system, you have the power. I am loyal to no party, I only seek what is best for the American people in the long run.
metalpeter - 02/28/08 19:45
NADAR AND 3RD PARTY:
My problem with Nadar is simple really. He doesn't represent a real 3rd party if he did he would have been part of debates or at least ran against someone else in some form and he didn't he waited till it is almost decided who will run. To me that is kinda cheap. I think it is great to have a real 3rd party but with the current political voting process it doesn't really work. One of the reasons for that is that currently 3rd party is just that it is some party that no one really cares about and doesn't have a chance even being close to winning. If the Green party or the party that wants to make weed legal was a strong party and you had 3 equal parties then it would be great. But the way the system is set up all the 3rd party does is take votes away from one of the major parties and that could cause them to lose that state. I think there is an easy way to fix the problem. I think that both parties like the Electoral college because it keeps out 3rd parties because if you don't win the state you get nothing and that helps them keep their power. But maybe it could be altered. If I get 90% of the vote why do I get the same amount of points as if I get 51% of the vote. I say take every state and double there points (or you could not) then Each person who runs in a said state gets the percentage of votes that they get in the state. That would be much fairer. You could even add that for your votes to count you have to be in a certain number of states at least the majority of them I would say take out 3 states cause you shouldn't be forced to go to Texas, Alaska and Hawaii if you don't want to. Then who ever gets the most points at the end wins (sorry for long written form).
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE:
I know people use the term universal health care to mean socailised medicine. But they are not the same. Universal health care means that everyone in the country (not sure about illegal aliens or people here legaly but not a citizen) would be able to get health care who doesn't have it or that everyone has it. For example I work and have health care but not all jobs have it. Companies could be forced to either have it or give vouchers to help pay for it. Universal just means that people who don't have it would have a way to get it and laws could be made so more people get it with out going on and trying to get it.
"Socialised Medicine" When you are born you are given a card. Anytime you need anything you use your card at a Doctor or Hospital.
I have heard that one of the problems with this is that there isn't as much money in it so doctors go to countries where there is more money to be made. I have also heard that since it is government run that often waits to get not life saving (maybe life saving stuff) can be longer.
With Universal everyone would have health care but people have different plans and different coverages and "The Rich" would have better plans then "The Poor" . With socailised everyone would be the same. Besides do you really trust the people who didn't show up for Katrina to run Medical stuff.
NADAR AND 3RD PARTY:
My problem with Nadar is simple really. He doesn't represent a real 3rd party if he did he would have been part of debates or at least ran against someone else in some form and he didn't he waited till it is almost decided who will run. To me that is kinda cheap. I think it is great to have a real 3rd party but with the current political voting process it doesn't really work. One of the reasons for that is that currently 3rd party is just that it is some party that no one really cares about and doesn't have a chance even being close to winning. If the Green party or the party that wants to make weed legal was a strong party and you had 3 equal parties then it would be great. But the way the system is set up all the 3rd party does is take votes away from one of the major parties and that could cause them to lose that state. I think there is an easy way to fix the problem. I think that both parties like the Electoral college because it keeps out 3rd parties because if you don't win the state you get nothing and that helps them keep their power. But maybe it could be altered. If I get 90% of the vote why do I get the same amount of points as if I get 51% of the vote. I say take every state and double there points (or you could not) then Each person who runs in a said state gets the percentage of votes that they get in the state. That would be much fairer. You could even add that for your votes to count you have to be in a certain number of states at least the majority of them I would say take out 3 states cause you shouldn't be forced to go to Texas, Alaska and Hawaii if you don't want to. Then who ever gets the most points at the end wins (sorry for long written form).
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE:
I know people use the term universal health care to mean socailised medicine. But they are not the same. Universal health care means that everyone in the country (not sure about illegal aliens or people here legaly but not a citizen) would be able to get health care who doesn't have it or that everyone has it. For example I work and have health care but not all jobs have it. Companies could be forced to either have it or give vouchers to help pay for it. Universal just means that people who don't have it would have a way to get it and laws could be made so more people get it with out going on and trying to get it.
"Socialised Medicine" When you are born you are given a card. Anytime you need anything you use your card at a Doctor or Hospital.
I have heard that one of the problems with this is that there isn't as much money in it so doctors go to countries where there is more money to be made. I have also heard that since it is government run that often waits to get not life saving (maybe life saving stuff) can be longer.
With Universal everyone would have health care but people have different plans and different coverages and "The Rich" would have better plans then "The Poor" . With socailised everyone would be the same. Besides do you really trust the people who didn't show up for Katrina to run Medical stuff.
dcoffee - 02/27/08 20:16
Don't get me wrong, I don't want Obama to get fucked either, he's the best chance we've had in a long time. and even though I live in NYS and my vote doesn't count because of the electoral college, Obama still has my support, especially if his name is on the Working Families Line.
But the way I see it, no candidate will save America, not Kucinich, or Gore, or Obama. Only if they change the election system, the electoral college, Instant Runoff Voting, Proportional Representation in the Senate, and Publicly financed campaigns, then they can have credit for saving America.
But I don't blame James or Jim, or anyone else for being pissed at Nader. In fact it makes me nuts to think about what the world would have been like if we had a President Gore in 2000. Honestly I don't go there, cause it kinda makes me want to move to Canada. But if Obama fights to keep liberals behind him, that's not so bad, and I still think he'll win.
I think you're off on America being conservative though, only 20% call themselves liberal, but on most issues the majority position is the Liberal position, only on Abortion and somewhat national security does it even come close.
Republicans have done a great job of demonizing liberals, and I am worried about Obama creeping toward the center and trying to act conservative to avoid criticism. I think he has the ability, more than any other candidate, to persuade people that the liberal position is the right one, but it will be a struggle, and I hope he keeps his nerve.
Healthcare, per capita we spend twice as much as any other country, so even if the government raises our taxes, it will still be cheaper for us. I don't think Hillary or Obama's plan go far enough, it should be _more_ like Social Security, everyone pays out of their taxes. And with a single payer system you have a lot of purchasing and bargaining power (like Wal-Mart) even without price mandates. Social security doesn't buy anything, they just give individuals a check, so it has no parallel there. But I understand you have to phaise out Health Insurance companies instead of just putting them out of businesses.
On social security, minor changes could save it, especially if we act soon, but conservatives have hated this program since it started, they want to see it die.
Shucks, now mine is long too!
The Youth Vote (under 30), has huge significance, I love it, nothing says "Fuck the System" like doubling and tripling the youth vote. the game of politics is full of formulas, cohorts, and other BS, all that crap is moot when the internet browsing, college going youth show up. Love it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want Obama to get fucked either, he's the best chance we've had in a long time. and even though I live in NYS and my vote doesn't count because of the electoral college, Obama still has my support, especially if his name is on the Working Families Line.
But the way I see it, no candidate will save America, not Kucinich, or Gore, or Obama. Only if they change the election system, the electoral college, Instant Runoff Voting, Proportional Representation in the Senate, and Publicly financed campaigns, then they can have credit for saving America.
But I don't blame James or Jim, or anyone else for being pissed at Nader. In fact it makes me nuts to think about what the world would have been like if we had a President Gore in 2000. Honestly I don't go there, cause it kinda makes me want to move to Canada. But if Obama fights to keep liberals behind him, that's not so bad, and I still think he'll win.
I think you're off on America being conservative though, only 20% call themselves liberal, but on most issues the majority position is the Liberal position, only on Abortion and somewhat national security does it even come close.
Republicans have done a great job of demonizing liberals, and I am worried about Obama creeping toward the center and trying to act conservative to avoid criticism. I think he has the ability, more than any other candidate, to persuade people that the liberal position is the right one, but it will be a struggle, and I hope he keeps his nerve.
Healthcare, per capita we spend twice as much as any other country, so even if the government raises our taxes, it will still be cheaper for us. I don't think Hillary or Obama's plan go far enough, it should be _more_ like Social Security, everyone pays out of their taxes. And with a single payer system you have a lot of purchasing and bargaining power (like Wal-Mart) even without price mandates. Social security doesn't buy anything, they just give individuals a check, so it has no parallel there. But I understand you have to phaise out Health Insurance companies instead of just putting them out of businesses.
On social security, minor changes could save it, especially if we act soon, but conservatives have hated this program since it started, they want to see it die.
Shucks, now mine is long too!
The Youth Vote (under 30), has huge significance, I love it, nothing says "Fuck the System" like doubling and tripling the youth vote. the game of politics is full of formulas, cohorts, and other BS, all that crap is moot when the internet browsing, college going youth show up. Love it.
joshua - 02/27/08 14:39
James is a hater! =D
I'm not surprised by the comment about the third party. When someone says "this election is too important to have a third party" what is obviously REALLY being said is "this election is too important for Obama to get fucked." The pretense that these people care about fair elections and what is best for the voters has long since been laughed off. You don't get fucked if your ideas are more palatable to the voters! This lesson has *never* been learned because of one main reason. Liberal Democrats never blame themselves for their ideas not being popular on a national scale; someone else is always to blame and plenty of hilarious conspiracy theories come to light. Every election they lose brings another round of bizarre queries about the integrity of our voting system, which coincidentally is never a problem or is never questioned when "their" guy does win. I'm still waiting for the cries of voter disenfranchisement after the incredibly narrow sweep in '06. Think I'll be waiting long? If the system is broken this year it was more than certainly broken in '06. The bottom line - Democrats do not give ONE FLYING FUCK about the integrity of the system because if its not good enough when you lose, how is the same system good enough when you win?
I'd respectfully disagree with an earlier assessment you've made regarding the palatability of progressive values on a large scale in America. Do not confuse wild-eyed, cultish fervor in the Democratic camp for Barack Obama for a widespread acceptance of progressive values across all lines in America. I believe this will be more than amply illustrated when the general election hits. Even if Barack Obama wins, which I see as completely plausible, any suggestion of a mandate could only exist if he wins in a landslide... which I see as completely implausible. The notion of an impending progressive wave in America is completely unfounded! Progressives better start winning in big numbers and by big margins if they want to make that claim.
What is next - liberals claiming that Nader voters are racist?
If its done correctly national healthcare would be nice. I simply don't believe that it will ever be viable because of our problem with Social Security going bankrupt - which if nothing changes will almost certainly occur in our lifetime. We may have to raise taxes and cut spending drastically merely to protect that program. Negative returns start in 9 years and NO politician is touching this issue. Anybody that says that Social Security is and will be solvent is either lying or misinformed.
Now you must be thinking, "but Josh, this has no effect on how much money is already being spent on healthcare!" True enough. But who is actually spending the money? Here is part of the answer - the government accounts only for less than half. 45% in fact. :::link::: In the UK's utterly flawed system total government expenditure as a measure of total expenditure is 86%. In Canada the expenditure percentage is about 70%. Where is the other 25-40% going to come from at all, let alone with our problems with Social Security?
Medical costs are outrageous in this country - before we talk about national healthcare I think we need to talk about how to control healthcare costs first, because without doing so we'll simply have another failed but well intended initiative. The only way this will happen is for the private sector to be compelled to keep costs lower. The only way this is done is competition. Trust me, if the government attempts some sort of cost mandate that makes risking billions of dollars in drug research impractical, you will see the end of medical innovation in America and a drastic cut in the number of drugs and vaccines that the companies manufacture. For that matter, in the United States I can't envision any kind of national healthcare without the cooperation of the private sector.
Lastly (god this is long) - you've brought up runoff voting again! I completely agree with you in spirit and in principle. There should be a better way. However, I don't think that having Democratic politicians collude to subvert the system as implemented is correct either. Simply, the system itself has to improve and THAT is the responsibility of Howard Dean and the DNC. Even with the introduction of an improved system I remain skeptical that the complaints would cease.
Sorry for being long man. I like your journal and talking about civic issues. Its our generation that is going to have to solve these problems so we need to be having a dialogue. I also think we need to tell the self-absorbed generation that continues to believe they are always right (remember - the ones who said 'never trust anyone older than 30'?) that we've taken their advice and aren't listening to them anymore.
James is a hater! =D
I'm not surprised by the comment about the third party. When someone says "this election is too important to have a third party" what is obviously REALLY being said is "this election is too important for Obama to get fucked." The pretense that these people care about fair elections and what is best for the voters has long since been laughed off. You don't get fucked if your ideas are more palatable to the voters! This lesson has *never* been learned because of one main reason. Liberal Democrats never blame themselves for their ideas not being popular on a national scale; someone else is always to blame and plenty of hilarious conspiracy theories come to light. Every election they lose brings another round of bizarre queries about the integrity of our voting system, which coincidentally is never a problem or is never questioned when "their" guy does win. I'm still waiting for the cries of voter disenfranchisement after the incredibly narrow sweep in '06. Think I'll be waiting long? If the system is broken this year it was more than certainly broken in '06. The bottom line - Democrats do not give ONE FLYING FUCK about the integrity of the system because if its not good enough when you lose, how is the same system good enough when you win?
I'd respectfully disagree with an earlier assessment you've made regarding the palatability of progressive values on a large scale in America. Do not confuse wild-eyed, cultish fervor in the Democratic camp for Barack Obama for a widespread acceptance of progressive values across all lines in America. I believe this will be more than amply illustrated when the general election hits. Even if Barack Obama wins, which I see as completely plausible, any suggestion of a mandate could only exist if he wins in a landslide... which I see as completely implausible. The notion of an impending progressive wave in America is completely unfounded! Progressives better start winning in big numbers and by big margins if they want to make that claim.
What is next - liberals claiming that Nader voters are racist?
If its done correctly national healthcare would be nice. I simply don't believe that it will ever be viable because of our problem with Social Security going bankrupt - which if nothing changes will almost certainly occur in our lifetime. We may have to raise taxes and cut spending drastically merely to protect that program. Negative returns start in 9 years and NO politician is touching this issue. Anybody that says that Social Security is and will be solvent is either lying or misinformed.
Now you must be thinking, "but Josh, this has no effect on how much money is already being spent on healthcare!" True enough. But who is actually spending the money? Here is part of the answer - the government accounts only for less than half. 45% in fact. :::link::: In the UK's utterly flawed system total government expenditure as a measure of total expenditure is 86%. In Canada the expenditure percentage is about 70%. Where is the other 25-40% going to come from at all, let alone with our problems with Social Security?
Medical costs are outrageous in this country - before we talk about national healthcare I think we need to talk about how to control healthcare costs first, because without doing so we'll simply have another failed but well intended initiative. The only way this will happen is for the private sector to be compelled to keep costs lower. The only way this is done is competition. Trust me, if the government attempts some sort of cost mandate that makes risking billions of dollars in drug research impractical, you will see the end of medical innovation in America and a drastic cut in the number of drugs and vaccines that the companies manufacture. For that matter, in the United States I can't envision any kind of national healthcare without the cooperation of the private sector.
Lastly (god this is long) - you've brought up runoff voting again! I completely agree with you in spirit and in principle. There should be a better way. However, I don't think that having Democratic politicians collude to subvert the system as implemented is correct either. Simply, the system itself has to improve and THAT is the responsibility of Howard Dean and the DNC. Even with the introduction of an improved system I remain skeptical that the complaints would cease.
Sorry for being long man. I like your journal and talking about civic issues. Its our generation that is going to have to solve these problems so we need to be having a dialogue. I also think we need to tell the self-absorbed generation that continues to believe they are always right (remember - the ones who said 'never trust anyone older than 30'?) that we've taken their advice and aren't listening to them anymore.
dcoffee - 02/27/08 13:45
Ahh, good point, I forgot to mention that. Ralph has not tried to build the green party, or any other party, and that's a problem, he definitely looses points in my book. But beyond that our system should be open to more parties and more candidates.
Ahh, good point, I forgot to mention that. Ralph has not tried to build the green party, or any other party, and that's a problem, he definitely looses points in my book. But beyond that our system should be open to more parties and more candidates.
james - 02/27/08 13:10
Ralph doesn't bring a third party to the table. He brings his own ego to it. He used to do good work with the green party and it could have really amounted to something. But since his falling out with them after the 2000 election it has become apparent that his interest has nothing to do with a viable third party.
The Green Party has not elected someone to national office. Green's litter city governments and school boards, but have not built a national party. Which is a shame.
So, I think it is reasonable to complain about both Nader entering the race and the lack of a viable third party.
Ralph doesn't bring a third party to the table. He brings his own ego to it. He used to do good work with the green party and it could have really amounted to something. But since his falling out with them after the 2000 election it has become apparent that his interest has nothing to do with a viable third party.
The Green Party has not elected someone to national office. Green's litter city governments and school boards, but have not built a national party. Which is a shame.
So, I think it is reasonable to complain about both Nader entering the race and the lack of a viable third party.
02/12/2008 12:17 #43295
How The Election is Saving Our DemocracyCategory: political
(Disclaimer, I am not loyal to any party, in fact I think the 2 party system is one of Americas biggest problems. I am a patriot, not a party loyalist. But the democratic party is on the verge of something important.)
The Democratic Party has finally started to figure out that it needs People, more than anything else.
Not money, or TV ads, or fliers, not consultants, patronage, or polls, just People.
Since the dawn of color TV, advertising and packaging has been the main concern of a campaign. Usually about 80% of a candidates budget was spent on TV advertising. Lots of attack ads, and focus group tested soundbites for 30 second commercials.
Now, move on to the internet, Howard Dean, Barrack Obama, and a Democratic Party that is finding its Grassroots.
The power behind Obama's campaign is its volunteers. Real People, voters who usually sit at home on election day, now have decided to go door to door asking people to vote.
I say it every election. Inspire people to get off the couch, stop fighting for the ambiguous middle that makes up their mind on election day. Now the benefits of that strategy are finally coming true.
There's a technical side and an emotional side to this revitalization of American Democracy. Howard Dean, as current Chair of the DNC, helped lay the groundwork, and create an organized network to coordinate volunteers. Standardized databases, and intra/internet systems, to help connect with interested volunteers and put them to meaningfull work.
Barrack Obama, is the emotional side, he gets volunteers energized because he actually believes in us, he believes in the public, and he believes in democracy.
Other candidates have tried to dumb down the debate with wedge issues like flag burning, haircuts, and fear. Obama insists on rising above that, and treating the public like a collection of concerned individuals, not a heard of sheep who can be fooled and manipulated into giving you their vote.
I have been waiting for a candidate like this, one who can stand on principle and speak openly and honestly. A candidate who has little tolerance for divide and conquer political games. Someone who doesen't have a hidden agenda. One who has faith in the beautiful chaos of an informed democracy.
Systematic, organized word of mouth, has become the most important tool of the Democratic Party. Thank You Barrack, and the Internet. If the youth stay involved, the political games of 2000 and 2004 will be forced into extinction.
One Quick Note, about Obama's position on the war.
Some people say that since he was not a senator at the time, and he didn't have to vote on the Iraq War resolution, it is easy for him to say he opposed the war from the start. That argument really bothers me, anyone who agrees with it does not remember 2002.
Or maybe in 2002, you agreed with war in Iraq, maybe you were like 70% of the country who were convinced by Bush Cheney propaganda that Saddam Hussein was 'Directly responsible' for the attacks of September 11( ). Maybe you believed that Saddam had links to Al Qaeda, like Hillary Clinton who spoke on the senate floor about her vote, and specifically mentioned ties to Al Qaeda. If you know anything about the Middle East, you know Al Qaeda and Saddam were enemies, that the terrorist group had tried to overthrow Saddam, If he gave them any WMDs they would bomb Baghdad, not NYC.
In 2002, I was protesting on the streets of Washington, NYC, Buffalo and Fredonia, I was passing out fliers, planning events, and sitting behind an anti-war information table in the Campus Center. And I can tell you for a fact, that it was not easy, or popular to be against Bush and his war. There were ribbon magnets and flags on all the cars, we were shouted at, demonised, and threatened. Our protests were marginalized, the media and 3/4 of the government never gave us the time of day. Obama's opposition to the war was courageous. And he was right about the consequences.
Obama on War
Clinton on War
PS, The Nation is now endorsing Obama
The Democratic Party has finally started to figure out that it needs People, more than anything else.
Not money, or TV ads, or fliers, not consultants, patronage, or polls, just People.
Since the dawn of color TV, advertising and packaging has been the main concern of a campaign. Usually about 80% of a candidates budget was spent on TV advertising. Lots of attack ads, and focus group tested soundbites for 30 second commercials.
Now, move on to the internet, Howard Dean, Barrack Obama, and a Democratic Party that is finding its Grassroots.
The power behind Obama's campaign is its volunteers. Real People, voters who usually sit at home on election day, now have decided to go door to door asking people to vote.
I say it every election. Inspire people to get off the couch, stop fighting for the ambiguous middle that makes up their mind on election day. Now the benefits of that strategy are finally coming true.
There's a technical side and an emotional side to this revitalization of American Democracy. Howard Dean, as current Chair of the DNC, helped lay the groundwork, and create an organized network to coordinate volunteers. Standardized databases, and intra/internet systems, to help connect with interested volunteers and put them to meaningfull work.
Barrack Obama, is the emotional side, he gets volunteers energized because he actually believes in us, he believes in the public, and he believes in democracy.
Other candidates have tried to dumb down the debate with wedge issues like flag burning, haircuts, and fear. Obama insists on rising above that, and treating the public like a collection of concerned individuals, not a heard of sheep who can be fooled and manipulated into giving you their vote.
I have been waiting for a candidate like this, one who can stand on principle and speak openly and honestly. A candidate who has little tolerance for divide and conquer political games. Someone who doesen't have a hidden agenda. One who has faith in the beautiful chaos of an informed democracy.
Systematic, organized word of mouth, has become the most important tool of the Democratic Party. Thank You Barrack, and the Internet. If the youth stay involved, the political games of 2000 and 2004 will be forced into extinction.
One Quick Note, about Obama's position on the war.
Some people say that since he was not a senator at the time, and he didn't have to vote on the Iraq War resolution, it is easy for him to say he opposed the war from the start. That argument really bothers me, anyone who agrees with it does not remember 2002.
Or maybe in 2002, you agreed with war in Iraq, maybe you were like 70% of the country who were convinced by Bush Cheney propaganda that Saddam Hussein was 'Directly responsible' for the attacks of September 11( ). Maybe you believed that Saddam had links to Al Qaeda, like Hillary Clinton who spoke on the senate floor about her vote, and specifically mentioned ties to Al Qaeda. If you know anything about the Middle East, you know Al Qaeda and Saddam were enemies, that the terrorist group had tried to overthrow Saddam, If he gave them any WMDs they would bomb Baghdad, not NYC.
In 2002, I was protesting on the streets of Washington, NYC, Buffalo and Fredonia, I was passing out fliers, planning events, and sitting behind an anti-war information table in the Campus Center. And I can tell you for a fact, that it was not easy, or popular to be against Bush and his war. There were ribbon magnets and flags on all the cars, we were shouted at, demonised, and threatened. Our protests were marginalized, the media and 3/4 of the government never gave us the time of day. Obama's opposition to the war was courageous. And he was right about the consequences.
Obama on War
Clinton on War
PS, The Nation is now endorsing Obama
jason - 02/12/08 16:36
Cool, DCoffee. To be fair to you, I haven't been able to view the Obama video yet. I'll do that later on. Now, it may or may not make me feel better about his sincerity, (I really don't trust politicians) but I think there is still room for "Yeah, it's easy to say it without putting your vote down" - although let me make this very clear, it is still preferable to what the others do, which is to pretty much absolve themselves of all guilt and responsibility.
Me, I'm easy to lie to. Just ask my exes. *drums*
I'll be watching you buddy!! =) Your skepticism has always been healthy, and so I hope you keep it up. I think we all want a new brand of politician, and Obama represents a very exciting possibility, even if I don't agree with the guy on X, Y or Z policy. It's really easy to get excited, and it isn't my intention to discourage that, only to reinforce the point that politicians lie easier than they breathe, so the skepticism should always stay strong.
Cool, DCoffee. To be fair to you, I haven't been able to view the Obama video yet. I'll do that later on. Now, it may or may not make me feel better about his sincerity, (I really don't trust politicians) but I think there is still room for "Yeah, it's easy to say it without putting your vote down" - although let me make this very clear, it is still preferable to what the others do, which is to pretty much absolve themselves of all guilt and responsibility.
Me, I'm easy to lie to. Just ask my exes. *drums*
I'll be watching you buddy!! =) Your skepticism has always been healthy, and so I hope you keep it up. I think we all want a new brand of politician, and Obama represents a very exciting possibility, even if I don't agree with the guy on X, Y or Z policy. It's really easy to get excited, and it isn't my intention to discourage that, only to reinforce the point that politicians lie easier than they breathe, so the skepticism should always stay strong.
dcoffee - 02/12/08 14:39
Jason, always love your comments. I know you usually check out my sources and such, but I think you didn't watch the video before writing, not that it will change your mind, but the Obama video has excerpts from back to 2002, and you can tell me if you think he was speaking from his heart or just politicking. His statements could have been transcripts of mine from the students for peace meetings back in Fredonia. He did vote to fund the war, and I think that is politicking (probably smart politicking to deal with John McCain on national security), but that does not make him a hypocrite (see his statements in the video),
I know it seems like I'm giving him a blank check, but I am a skeptical person, and I know that campaign season is full of empty promises. I'll be watching his ass, and if he screws around I'll be out of the democratic party again. But I think, if he is elected he will continue to involve the public, he will respect the facts, and disregard ideological pipe-dreams, unlike the current whitehouse occupier.
Jason, always love your comments. I know you usually check out my sources and such, but I think you didn't watch the video before writing, not that it will change your mind, but the Obama video has excerpts from back to 2002, and you can tell me if you think he was speaking from his heart or just politicking. His statements could have been transcripts of mine from the students for peace meetings back in Fredonia. He did vote to fund the war, and I think that is politicking (probably smart politicking to deal with John McCain on national security), but that does not make him a hypocrite (see his statements in the video),
I know it seems like I'm giving him a blank check, but I am a skeptical person, and I know that campaign season is full of empty promises. I'll be watching his ass, and if he screws around I'll be out of the democratic party again. But I think, if he is elected he will continue to involve the public, he will respect the facts, and disregard ideological pipe-dreams, unlike the current whitehouse occupier.
jason - 02/12/08 13:41
Hey there, another interesting post.
First of all, I don't think it's any kind of surprise that The Nation is endorsing Obama. He's definitely the most Liberal of all the viable candidates. If Kucinich had a shot in hell, and had say Hillary's numbers, they would be backing him. They LOVE his ass. Maybe it's me just being cynical, but I don't really trust the press (especially partisan rags of any kind) to be any more honest than the politicians. I just don't.
I remember 2002 very clearly indeed, my friend, and it is definitely "easy" for a politician (that's exactly what he is) who didn't actually have to put their name to a vote to claim the moral high ground. It may or may not come from the heart. He is first and foremost a politician, and he would be an idiot to not take advantage of how Hillary, etc. are flaming hypocrites (who, by the way, inexplicably still to this day get off scot free with their shitty excuses for their war votes).
I don't even really think it's cynical to point that stuff out. If you don't agree you need to have a counter argument. The guy has voted to fund the war in the past, which outs him as at least a part time enabler, if not a full blown hypocrite himself, depending on your level of ideological purity in terms of being anti war. I agree he has plenty of promise, and could be the kind of politician we all hope for - and I hope he is sincere - but please don't give him your trust cheaply.
Hey there, another interesting post.
First of all, I don't think it's any kind of surprise that The Nation is endorsing Obama. He's definitely the most Liberal of all the viable candidates. If Kucinich had a shot in hell, and had say Hillary's numbers, they would be backing him. They LOVE his ass. Maybe it's me just being cynical, but I don't really trust the press (especially partisan rags of any kind) to be any more honest than the politicians. I just don't.
I remember 2002 very clearly indeed, my friend, and it is definitely "easy" for a politician (that's exactly what he is) who didn't actually have to put their name to a vote to claim the moral high ground. It may or may not come from the heart. He is first and foremost a politician, and he would be an idiot to not take advantage of how Hillary, etc. are flaming hypocrites (who, by the way, inexplicably still to this day get off scot free with their shitty excuses for their war votes).
I don't even really think it's cynical to point that stuff out. If you don't agree you need to have a counter argument. The guy has voted to fund the war in the past, which outs him as at least a part time enabler, if not a full blown hypocrite himself, depending on your level of ideological purity in terms of being anti war. I agree he has plenty of promise, and could be the kind of politician we all hope for - and I hope he is sincere - but please don't give him your trust cheaply.
02/07/2008 00:37 #43224
Campaigns Candidates and LettermanCategory: politics
Holly crap, I just found a video of Hillary Clinton on Dave Letterman''s show, from like 2 days ago,
And when Dave asked how much money she raised for he campaign, she said 100 million dollars, and said it's not a good way to run campaigns, and we should we should go to public financing of campaigns!!! That's beautiful, she gets a giant gold star for that one.
Campaign financing is my biggest issue, if everyone got pissed off about that one thing and went out and changed it, we would be saved. seriously, the whole country would be saved, from the corruption and greed that led us to this point. no middle class, huge poverty, insecurity, devastated cities, and bridges falling into the Mississippi river. Public financing would do the most good for our country over time.
One thing letterman said, when they talked about the supreme court saying "money = free speech", essentially that means people who can't afford to contribute money to campaigns have less speech. That's key. Equal Influence. People united as a group should have a bigger voice, but as individuals we shouldn't have to pay for access. It's like a reverse of the poll tax, income based influence.
Anyway, here's the video... maybe I'm starting to see that dream ticket after all.
____________________________________________________
And here's Barrack's speech from yesterday, this man speaks plainly and honestly. You can tell he's for real, he's not just saying what you want to hear. It's easy to see how he could unite the country around a progressive agenda. Obama will get the results by having public support. And his agenda is boldly progressive.
PS
The key for the Democratic party is to get people off the couch to vote. So many don't vote because they don't have faith in government. Restore that faith.
____________________________________________________
And when Dave asked how much money she raised for he campaign, she said 100 million dollars, and said it's not a good way to run campaigns, and we should we should go to public financing of campaigns!!! That's beautiful, she gets a giant gold star for that one.
Campaign financing is my biggest issue, if everyone got pissed off about that one thing and went out and changed it, we would be saved. seriously, the whole country would be saved, from the corruption and greed that led us to this point. no middle class, huge poverty, insecurity, devastated cities, and bridges falling into the Mississippi river. Public financing would do the most good for our country over time.
One thing letterman said, when they talked about the supreme court saying "money = free speech", essentially that means people who can't afford to contribute money to campaigns have less speech. That's key. Equal Influence. People united as a group should have a bigger voice, but as individuals we shouldn't have to pay for access. It's like a reverse of the poll tax, income based influence.
Anyway, here's the video... maybe I'm starting to see that dream ticket after all.
____________________________________________________
And here's Barrack's speech from yesterday, this man speaks plainly and honestly. You can tell he's for real, he's not just saying what you want to hear. It's easy to see how he could unite the country around a progressive agenda. Obama will get the results by having public support. And his agenda is boldly progressive.
PS
The key for the Democratic party is to get people off the couch to vote. So many don't vote because they don't have faith in government. Restore that faith.
____________________________________________________
Well done my man.
JEALOUS!!!
you should have estip know so that we could have come along. i didn't go not once this season. damn.