Ohio Democrats

9/12 and the 912ers

Andrew Kashmer — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:02:00 EDT

On this, the day after September 11th, we still remember the tragic terror attacks on our home soil. But one group remembers the national rage we felt on September 12th, 2001. They call themselves the 912ers, and their leader is Glen Beck. And their latest public demonstrations are not at tea party protests, but town hall events. They are not at every town hall protest, but when the insurance industry incited mobs quiet, you can hear the 912ers speak. “I want us to go back to the Constitution!”, “The Founding Fathers didn’t want this!”, and “I want my country back!” are their cries. My question to them is, “Do you know what that means?”

We would have to throw out the Bill of Rights. Even Hamilton objected to the Bill of Rights in the Federalists papers. Although, his argument was not against the rights themselves, but that the bill suggested they were the only rights. Further, they were not ratified until four years after the Constitution. That means no freedom of the press, assembly, speech, or religion. No right to a trial by a jury of your peers or to protect you from unlawful searches or seizures. However, the 912ers do make one exception for the Bill of Rights. The only amendment to the Constitution that the 912er’s website supports is the second (the right to bear arms).

DNC blog

peaceman — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:53:19 EST

What has happend to the DNC main blog?Who is in charge of maintaining it?There has been no new thread since friday!!!It seems no one cares about our blog anymore,trolls run wild,you can't see your posts half the time and it freezes up.

Holder promises break with Bush policies

peaceman — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:03:12 EST

Attorney General Eric Holder, on his first day on the job, signaled a clean break with past policies of the Bush administration and promised to hold Wall Street accountable if any major financial institutions engaged in fraud that contributed to the global financial crisis.

Bleak jobs report keeps voter focus on economy

peaceman — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:40:32 EDT

A sharp and surprising jump in the unemployment rate reported Friday makes it likely the economy will remain front and center in a hotly contested presidential campaign just entering its final stage.
The unemployment rate in August jumped to 6.1 percent, the highest level in five years, from 5.7 percent in July, the government reported. Businesses cut 84,000 jobs â€" the eighth month in a row of shrinking payrolls.
The economy already was the No. 1 issue for voters, but the increase in the psychologically important jobless rate ensures both Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama will have to continue to address the nation's economic troubles as they stump for votes over the next two months.

Just what we need...another "Cold War"

Anthony Ehresmann 2009 Candidate for City Council — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:58:17 EDT

Well now that the RNC is over in the “Twin City” what can be said about this week?
Palin gave a great but highly inaccurate speech and McCain gave and OK speech.
Much of the convention can be summed up with three words. war, guns and service
and chants of “drill baby drill”. McCain hinted at changing Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Healthcare, continuing the war in Iraq and outlined the GOP’s new faces of evil in Iran and Russia. Clearly McCain gave a “Cold War Speech” and hit tones on the war in Iraq very similar to Nixon’s speeches on ending the war in Vietnam.
Palin never touched on her extreme pro-life views even in cases of rape and incest or her support of Creationism/ intelligent Design being taught in public schools.
If anyone had be watching the floor of the convention they would have seen delegates that was 96% white, 2% black and 2% Hispanic, and what was with all the suite and ties?

Confused Convention

Travis — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:36:07 EDT

The 2008 Republican National Convention was more confused and unfocused than any other convention of either party in recent memory. Sen. John McCain knows it.

In complete contrast, the GOP conventions of 2000 and 2004 both had a set goal, and they reached it. In 2000, it was the creation of the passionate conservative. Gov. Bush promised a satisfied America that he would continue the growth, prosperity, and peace of the 90's, but with the home grown moral compass of the average American to bring back integrety to the Oval Office. The convention of 2004 was much different. The goal was to remind Americans of the horrors and realities of the post 9-11 world, and the determination and success of Bush's leadership in keeping America safe. The passionate conservative phenomenon won two unwinnable elections for a party that unashamefuly took America back the Reaganomics of deficit spending. Democrats must not forget those lessons, even if the Republicans themselves have.

John McCain is a republican of another generation. He has never fully identified with the Reagan conservatives or the Bush elites. McCain is now the head of a party not yet willing to admit the wrong doings of a failed administration, so will find it difficult to give the power of full leadership to that of McCain. The Senator from Nevada is fully aware of this challenge. If he didnt before the convention, he sure knows it now.

Neither convention made an attempt to sway and rewrite the narrative of this election to focus on the issues. Things are still more about personalities,rather than the lives of struggeling Americans. It is shameful, and irresponsible.

Keeping the Focus on McCain

Travis — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:32:12 EDT

First of all, congratulations to Gov. Palin for making history as the GOPs first female vp candidate. We all should recognize what a step this is for the GOP and America.

However, we are losing our focus. Obamas numbers, as we have seen, go up whenever the election is about the issues. Obama and supporters alike need to get back to that. McCain cannot win if the election is about the issues and the solutions.

If this election is about personality-i.e. character- McCain will win thanks to the midwest. Obama needs to get his focus and talk about the economy, healthcare, education, and hammer away on his tax policy. As someone from the great state of Ohio, I know first hand that people will vote for the candidate who talks about job creation. Obama needs to talk about the 5 million jobs he wants to create. If he doesnt, he will lose big here.

Obama supporters...

During the primary, you talked more about character than you did about the issues. You cannot do that in the general election. Outline and explain in simple english Obamas plans for America to your friends and family. Dont go around bashing on Palins daughter, YOU WILL LOSE VOTES. Talk about the economy, job creation, and healthcare. Hammer away on those three, and youll get the votes Obama needs.

We cannot make the same mistakes of 2000 and 2004. This year HAS to be different. Obama-Biden need to win.

Democrats attack Lieberman, saying he lied to delegates

peaceman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:11:41 EDT

Democrats accused former colleague Sen. Joe Lieberman of misleading the Republican National Convention when he addressed them in a speech Tuesday night.
Joe Lieberman felt the brunt of Democratic attacks after he said Barack Obama didn't reach across party lines.
A senior Barack Obama campaign adviser said Lieberman flat-out lied when he told delegates that Obama never successfully reached across party lines.
"Joe Lieberman ought to be ashamed of himself for some of the things he said tonight, not as a Democrat but as an American," adviser Robert Gibbs said on "Larry King Live."

Democrats turn to renewing America on second day

peaceman — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:37:36 EDT

For six hours and with at least 60 speakers, Democrats will focus Tuesday on a theme of "Renewing America's Promise" at their national convention.Sen. Hillary Clinton will address the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night. The headliners -- Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner -- will deliver full-length addresses. But most of those appearing at the podium will have four minutes or less to get their message across to a sometimes less-than-attentive crowd.

The Truth About Obama's Birth Cirtificate

peaceman — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:57:50 EDT

FactCheck.org staffers have now seen, touched, examined and photographed the original birth certificate. We conclude that it meets all of the requirements from the State Department for proving U.S. citizenship. Claims that the document lacks a raised seal or a signature are false... Obama was born in the U.S.A. just as he has always said.
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Newsweek_The_Truth_About_Obama_s_Birth_Cirtificate

Kennedy plans return to public eye at convention

peaceman — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:11:13 EDT

Sen. Edward Kennedy is preparing to make a dramatic appearance Monday night at the Democratic National Convention, his office said, marking only his second time in the public spotlight since brain surgery in June.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, who endorsed Sen. Barack Obama in January, is "itching to go," a source says.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/25/dnc.main/index.html

Biden makes a lot of sense!!!

HowieJames — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:05:10 EDT

He'll rip the innards out of Romney or any of those other frauds in a debate,He plays well with others,and ,most importantly,He'll rip the innards out of Romney or any of those other frauds in a debate! Although I was not on the Obama bandwagon until after my first and second choices were eliminated,Biden and HRC respectively,I think He is very talented and will be outstanding during the rest of this campaign . Biden seals the deal for me, my enthusiasm has ramped up 200 per cent! Many of my associates who supported HRC were very happy with the choice of Biden ,though some doubt he can deliver any swing states. I believe we will win Pennsylvania and Ohio with Biden,and possibly Florida,I believe Obama is going to win in Georgia,most of the states Kerry won, (minus NH )and at least 1 western states,probably Colorado where he is currently behind in the polls. Obama proved during the primaries that when he worked a state he did well ,a little party unity in Denver and some hard work til November and I think we can pull this off!!

VP Pick & the 18 Million+

Travis — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:30:51 EDT

I like Sen. Joe Biden. I like his fire-in-the-belly approach to politics. I like what he did in the 90's with the Balkans. Im sure he'll make a great vice president if the ticket wins in November.

But...

Obama has missed yet another great, and largely very important opportunity. Just name one other candidate who won over 18 million votes and has 1500 delegates. You cant. The golden chance to ensure the party unified, all those Hillary supporters, would have had the chance to move to Obama, if Hillary was AT LEAST vetted. She was not. She wasnt even asked for her opinion on things. She hasnt seen respect. And neither has her supporters.

There remains a great chance that Obama could lose half of all Hillary voters. Thats over 6 million voters who will vote for McCain or will stay home in November. My guess, most of them will just stay home. Because we dont like McCains economic policy, but many of us are just not sure about Obama either. Its a real problem that Obama doesnt know how, or doesnt even care to know how to win over the middle class vote. Its the same problem democrats have had for years.

Im deeply dissapointed. Obama is a good candidate, but he could be great. He has to show respect to the middle class before he gets the middle class vote. And he needs that vote to win. Snubbing Hillary and trying his best to destroy Bill CLintons legacy, is not the way to do it. Its the way to lose. Obama should do more to pay off her debt, put more of her positions on the platform, and show us some respect.

He should do something for his brother in Africa too. If I was in the position Obamas in, and I had a brother living in a shack, I would do a lot more for him. Its family. I dont care if you dont know much about him. You should help.

Im sure Obama has some convictions in there somewhere.

How a City Council Takes Over A City

Anthony Ehresmann 2009 Candidate for City Council — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:36:21 EDT

This past Tuesday Aug.12th, 2008 Our City Council voted to override our Mayors veto of Ordinance NO. 4270 which places a limit on the Administration of $ 2500 dollars on “Personal Service Contracts”. In spite of our own Law Directors letter warning them of what their action would mean.

"City Charters" are like constitutions for cities and are based on the State Constitution, Ohio Revised Code and approved by voters. The City of Urbana is less than two years away from “Charter Review” in 2010. Not only was this ordinance “not supported” by our Law Dir. but was not supported by the Ohio Municipal League as well so I've been told.

It may seem like a small thing ... but this one small thing has huge ramifications for the city and the citizens and voters of Urbana. City Council has changed our Charter form of government approved by the voters of Urbana. To their credit Al Evans and Larry Lokai voted NO on the limit.
I oppose this ordinance in the strongest terms…it changes the nature of our Charter Form of government and circumvents the will of the Urbana Voter who passed the City Charter.

The Citizens of Urbana may...want to consider [if possible], a pre-Charter Review referendum on CHAPTER 145, CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF URBANA PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 145.01 (d) and return the right (in my opinion) the explicit and implied right of the Executive Branch of [City] Government under the ORC and The Charter of the City of Urbana to hire and fire personal, service contractors and to purchase services from professional people or firms including consultants, engineers and architects as well as consulting firms to negotiate union contracts and other needs that come up in the course of running a city to provide the best services for its citizens.

Ohio Rep. Tubbs Jones dies after aneurysm

peaceman — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:12:04 EDT

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first black woman to represent Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives, died Wednesday after suffering brain hemorrhaging caused by an aneurysm, medical officials said.
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, suffered an aneurysm Tuesday evening.
Tubbs Jones, a 58-year-old Democrat in her fifth term representing parts of Cleveland and its suburbs, suffered the aneurysm Tuesday evening while driving in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, her staff said.
She was rushed to East Cleveland's Huron Hospital, where a team of doctors determined Wednesday morning that she had "very limited brain function," said Dr. Gus Kious, the hospital's chief of staff.
Wednesday afternoon, before Tubbs Jones died, Kious said that the aneurysm was in "an inaccessible part of her brain" and that she was in critical condition.
She died at 6:12 p.m. ET Wednesday after her condition declined "throughout the course of the day and into this evening," according to a joint statement from her family, Huron Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.

I Was Going To Join Jewish Democrats on PB When

SPIRITED DONA — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:22:41 EDT

I could not find the link. If you are in it, let me know! Thank you!

Obama camp announces major weekend event in home state

peaceman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:34:12 EDT

Barack Obama's campaign confirms that the Illinois senator will hold an event in his home state Saturday, kicking off the "roll into the convention" â€" but would not confirm or deny reports that he might be joined on stage by a running mate.

The event will be held in the Old State Capitol in Springfield â€" where Obama first launched his presidential bid a year and a half ago.

Mikheil Saakashivili-- Our friend who Should Be With Nato Officials in Tbillisi

SPIRITED DONA — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:47:54 EDT

Mikheil Saakashivili

Spirited Dona believes NATO and or UN officials should be standing strong with Mikheil, in the actual Tbillisi capital, or prepare to send him humanitarian packages. I saw police cars run over and tossed for fun aggression on television by the Russians in Georga, just what I expected, as Condoleeza came and left She was right to go, just not leave him, alone. I just saw a lady in a food line. The Russians killed her brother, her only relative. She asked "why" and "what" am I to live for now! Wars I and II started exactly like this. Now, I behold the hesitation, that honor requires of the world to take action, with mine own eyes. President Mikheil was born under Russian rule. Will he die under Russian rule?

Kerry launches site to fight Obama rumors

peaceman — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:48:19 EDT

Four years after finding himself the target of a scathing campaign-year book from a conservative author during his own campaign, former Democratic presidential contender John Kerry is launching a Web site to discredit the writer’s latest work, which takes aim at 2008 presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

The move comes amid news “Obama Nation,” the latest book by author Jerome Corsi, has secured a berth atop New York Times best-seller list. Corsi previously co-wrote “Unfit for Command,” a book highly critical of Kerry’s military record during the Vietnam War.

Kerry’s new Web site, “Truth Fights Back” â€" which will be funded by the Massachusetts senator’s political action committee â€" resembles the “Fight the Smears” site Obama’s campaign launched earlier this year, and uses similar methods: a list of responses to existing rumors about the presumptive Democratic nominee, a form to report new attacks, and a request for supporters to add their names to an e-mail listserv that will direct activists on rapid response to future attacks on Obama and other Democratic candidates
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/13/kerry-launches-site-to-fight-o

N.Y. senator tells Nevada crowd she wants them to back former rival, too

peaceman — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:12:07 EDT

Hillary Rodham Clinton told an exuberant crowd Friday she wants Barack Obama to win the White House, even though he dashed her own presidential dreams â€" and she wants her supporters to vote that way, too.

“Anyone who voted for me or caucused for me has so much more in common with Sen. Obama than Sen. McCain,” Clinton told her cheering audience in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson. “Remember who we were fighting for in my campaign.”