Politics
McCain's Mountain of a Problem
The Real Story Behind How McCain Chose Sarah Palin
Two Troubling Election Arguments
Media
Cover This! Inside the Nastiest ’08 Rumors
Iraq
Most Iraqi Refugees Still Unwilling to Return, Even for Money
Opinion
Why My Former Hero Shouldn’t Be President
Health
How Universal Health Care Changes Everything
Economy
Starbucks Blues
Environment
Working Together for a Green New Deal
Voters Rights
Vote Watchdogs Warn of Troubles on Election Day
Women’s Issues
Women Buying Health Policies Pay a Penalty
From the Blogs
Racism Review:
On “Racial Amnesia,” Gender and Persistent U.S. Racism
Friday, October 31, 2008
Local News: Texas A&M President Calls Out the Young Conservatives of Texas
Murano Chides Protesters
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Texas A&M President Elsa Murano urged students to be more respectful in their political discourse Thursday after a controversial rally on campus encouraged students to hurl eggs at a photo of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
At Rudder Fountain on Wednesday, the A&M chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas held the "Anti-Obama Carnival" to raise awareness of Obama's economic policies, group members said.
In addition to the egg-throwing, organizers held a "socialist on a stick ring toss" in which students tried to throw rings over masks of Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton on sticks.
"The egg was supposed to be representative of the nest egg that Americans build over time and save for retirement," said Toni Listi, executive director of A&M's Young Conservatives of Texas chapter. "Unfortunately, that term 'nest egg' got lost in the discussion of what was going on. Quite frankly, I am not completely sure that every college student knows what the term 'nest egg' means in economic terms."
Listi and other students who witnessed the carnival said many students who passed by became angry.
"At first, I really couldn't believe it," said Jerren Willis, a senior mechanical engineering major who watched the event. "I thought, 'This is really stupid.'"
As the event progressed, a crowd of 200 to 300 students gathered. A member of the Texas A&M football team stepped in front of the Obama poster to stop people from throwing eggs, people said.
"Basically, civil discussion turned into heated discussion, which turned into very uncivil discussion and shouting and basically, I would say, verbal abuse at times," Listi said.
Eventually, Listi said, the organization decided to shut down the event to prevent the crowd from getting out of control.
But word of the carnival had already spread across campus and over the Internet. KBTX-TV reported on the event, and the station's video footage had made it to CNN by Thursday.
"They have a problem with Obama's policies, but it was really kind of getting personal," Willis said. "It just didn't look right. It was disrespectful."
On Thursday, Murano e-mailed the student body, urging more respect for others' opinions.
"The recent actions of the small group of students at Rudder Plaza claiming to make a political statement concerning the presidential election have been widely interpreted as being much broader -- and certainly contrary to the core values of Aggies everywhere," she said. "Here at Texas A&M, respect is one of our core values that are fundamental to being an Aggie. We should always respect each other, each other's opinions, and express our own opinions in a respectful way."
A&M officials said that the school was obligated to allow students to express their political ideas even if they found them offensive and that they respected students' rights of free speech.
"Political disagreement is to be expected, particularly as election day nears, but it can -- and should -- be addressed in a respectful dialogue," Murano said to students in the e-mail.
She pointed to a joint program held this week by the Aggie Democrats and College Republicans at the Student Conference on National Affairs. The College Republicans and Young Conservatives of Texas are unrelated organizations.
Officials with the Aggie Democrats did not return calls seeking comments.
Students said interest in this year's election has been widespread. Tables have been set up on campus nearly every day recently promoting political causes, students said, and campaign T-shirts are commonly worn to class.
Early-voting booths have been set up at the Memorial Student Centers and, by Thursday night, a record 6,196 ballots had been cast there. Throughout the county, 28,711 early votes had been collected.
The Young Conservatives have a reputation for making controversial and provocative statements on campus.
This year, some members approached U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, a Democrat, singing the Happy Birthday song and presented him a cake with a picture of him with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Lettering on the cake proclaimed that Edwards had voted with her 96 percent of the time. The video was later posted on YouTube.
In 2003, the organization held an "affirmative action" bake sale to protest A&M's hiring of a a vice president for diversity. Minority students were charged less for baked goods than white students.
Listi said that Wednesday's event was misconstrued. The carnival was meant to protest Obama's policies, not to disrespect him, he said.
"We had fact sheets available detailing why we thought his policies were bad for America," he said. "Unfortunately, that message was lost on many of those in the crowd."
Published Friday, October 31, 2008
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Texas A&M President Elsa Murano urged students to be more respectful in their political discourse Thursday after a controversial rally on campus encouraged students to hurl eggs at a photo of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
At Rudder Fountain on Wednesday, the A&M chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas held the "Anti-Obama Carnival" to raise awareness of Obama's economic policies, group members said.
In addition to the egg-throwing, organizers held a "socialist on a stick ring toss" in which students tried to throw rings over masks of Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton on sticks.
"The egg was supposed to be representative of the nest egg that Americans build over time and save for retirement," said Toni Listi, executive director of A&M's Young Conservatives of Texas chapter. "Unfortunately, that term 'nest egg' got lost in the discussion of what was going on. Quite frankly, I am not completely sure that every college student knows what the term 'nest egg' means in economic terms."
Listi and other students who witnessed the carnival said many students who passed by became angry.
"At first, I really couldn't believe it," said Jerren Willis, a senior mechanical engineering major who watched the event. "I thought, 'This is really stupid.'"
As the event progressed, a crowd of 200 to 300 students gathered. A member of the Texas A&M football team stepped in front of the Obama poster to stop people from throwing eggs, people said.
"Basically, civil discussion turned into heated discussion, which turned into very uncivil discussion and shouting and basically, I would say, verbal abuse at times," Listi said.
Eventually, Listi said, the organization decided to shut down the event to prevent the crowd from getting out of control.
But word of the carnival had already spread across campus and over the Internet. KBTX-TV reported on the event, and the station's video footage had made it to CNN by Thursday.
"They have a problem with Obama's policies, but it was really kind of getting personal," Willis said. "It just didn't look right. It was disrespectful."
On Thursday, Murano e-mailed the student body, urging more respect for others' opinions.
"The recent actions of the small group of students at Rudder Plaza claiming to make a political statement concerning the presidential election have been widely interpreted as being much broader -- and certainly contrary to the core values of Aggies everywhere," she said. "Here at Texas A&M, respect is one of our core values that are fundamental to being an Aggie. We should always respect each other, each other's opinions, and express our own opinions in a respectful way."
A&M officials said that the school was obligated to allow students to express their political ideas even if they found them offensive and that they respected students' rights of free speech.
"Political disagreement is to be expected, particularly as election day nears, but it can -- and should -- be addressed in a respectful dialogue," Murano said to students in the e-mail.
She pointed to a joint program held this week by the Aggie Democrats and College Republicans at the Student Conference on National Affairs. The College Republicans and Young Conservatives of Texas are unrelated organizations.
Officials with the Aggie Democrats did not return calls seeking comments.
Students said interest in this year's election has been widespread. Tables have been set up on campus nearly every day recently promoting political causes, students said, and campaign T-shirts are commonly worn to class.
Early-voting booths have been set up at the Memorial Student Centers and, by Thursday night, a record 6,196 ballots had been cast there. Throughout the county, 28,711 early votes had been collected.
The Young Conservatives have a reputation for making controversial and provocative statements on campus.
This year, some members approached U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, a Democrat, singing the Happy Birthday song and presented him a cake with a picture of him with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Lettering on the cake proclaimed that Edwards had voted with her 96 percent of the time. The video was later posted on YouTube.
In 2003, the organization held an "affirmative action" bake sale to protest A&M's hiring of a a vice president for diversity. Minority students were charged less for baked goods than white students.
Listi said that Wednesday's event was misconstrued. The carnival was meant to protest Obama's policies, not to disrespect him, he said.
"We had fact sheets available detailing why we thought his policies were bad for America," he said. "Unfortunately, that message was lost on many of those in the crowd."
Published Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Young Conservatives of Texas: Politics of the Lowest Common Denominator, Again…
The Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) Texas A&M University Chapter garnered some unfortunate publicity yesterday, and it was the politics of the lowest common denominator that can be expected from the YCT.
The Anti-Obama “carnival” took place on the Texas A&M campus in Rudder Plaza, and according to the KBTX report the YCT “encouraged students to throw eggs at a large picture of Barack Obama during a campus demonstration. It was part of what the group called an "anti-Obama carnival. Conservatives said the egg toss was symbolic of Obama's economic policies.”
In an interview with KBTX Jay Cunningham, the Executive Director of the YCT, characterized the event as a “great success.” Cunningham also said that YCT wanted to bring up issues that they believe Obama supports such as “redistribution of wealth.”
Texas A&M University released the following statement:
The Anti-Obama “carnival” took place on the Texas A&M campus in Rudder Plaza, and according to the KBTX report the YCT “encouraged students to throw eggs at a large picture of Barack Obama during a campus demonstration. It was part of what the group called an "anti-Obama carnival. Conservatives said the egg toss was symbolic of Obama's economic policies.”
In an interview with KBTX Jay Cunningham, the Executive Director of the YCT, characterized the event as a “great success.” Cunningham also said that YCT wanted to bring up issues that they believe Obama supports such as “redistribution of wealth.”
Texas A&M University released the following statement:
A university campus is a marketplace of ideas. While we found today's activity offensive and not representative of Texas A&M's core values, we certainly respect the free speech of students on our campus. We are of the opinion that there are more appropriate and constructive ways to engage in a dialogue in advance of the upcoming elections.
The truth is that this embarrasses Texas A&M University; this type of activity is unnecessary and does not add to the political discourse in a constructive way. Texas A&M University does not benefit from this type of media exposure:
The YCT Chairman Tony Listi said in a Texas A&M University Battalion article that the “YCT will treat each and every Aggie, liberal or conservative or otherwise, with respect and take caution to ensure that the means and style of communication do not undermine this fundamental respect of person.” (emphases added) The YCT did not exercise caution or even critical thinking skills when they decided that this type of event would further the political discussion or promote their idea of conservatism.
This truly highlights that the YCT would much rather focus on negatively attacking a political candidate that they oppose rather than positively promoting a candidate that they favor. The YCT state organization did not endorse a candidate for President; however, the YCT Texas A&M Chapter does support Rob Curnock’s campaign despite the fact that he was not endorsed by the YCT state organization. The Texas A&M chapter could promote the Libertarian candidate Bob Barr, or Charles Baldwin who was endorsed by Congressman Ron Paul who was himself endorsed by the YCT state organization.
The YCT right to free speech is protected under the First Amendment, and their right to freedom of speech was not infringed upon. Texas A&M University did not force the YCT to discontinue their event; however, over three hundred students gathered to protest the event using their freedom of speech.
Cunningham claimed to want to “spark conversation among the students” and to get them to “talk about the issues.” However, the YCT are not concerned with political discourse. There are more creative and thoughtful ways of sparking conversations, not to mention that the argument that they are making with the egg metaphor is flawed. Also, the event was not approved by the university as the YCT claimed. According to an article in the Battalion Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity Tito Guerrero said the event was “highly offensive and repugnant. The group has the right to express themselves but I question the wisdom of doing so in this way."
The students that protested the event included students that are voting for and have already voted for both Senator Obama and Senator McCain. This was not about Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives. Those on both sides agreed that the event did not add to the political discourse. The YCT do not represent the majority of views held by Republicans, they represent the views of the minority of the ultra-conservative. These are the views of the affluent, privileged, xenophobic few that possess no intellectual curiosity.
This blog is about liberal ideas; however, many have referred to these ideas as progressive. That is appropriate. Because it reminds us that the ideas of the farthest right of the conservative movement are regressive, and perhaps it suggest a name change. The Young Regressives of Texas: politics of the lowest common denominator, again.
Special Note:
Freedom of Speech Done Right
For those of us that would like to see freedom of speech used as a mechanism for understanding and progress we invite you to join us this Monday, November 3rd, at Rudder Plaza from 11-4 p.m. for "Free Speech Done Right.”
Monday at Rudder Fountain there will be acoustic music, poetry readings, and an open mic for anyone that wants to talk about what free speech means to them.
Association For Social Entrepreneurship (Texas A&M University Chapter)
Headlines
Politics
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Chronicle of Despair, A Promise of Change
Web Puts Dog-Whistle Politics on a Leash
Environment
The Dirty Secret Behind the Candidates' "Clean Energy" Proposals
Women’s Issues
Gloria Steinem Campaigns for Obama in Colorado
GLBT Issues
Hackers Target Portland Gay and Lesbian Websites
Virtual JFK: The 44th President’s Foreign Policy Challenge
Chronicle of Despair, A Promise of Change
Web Puts Dog-Whistle Politics on a Leash
Environment
The Dirty Secret Behind the Candidates' "Clean Energy" Proposals
Women’s Issues
Gloria Steinem Campaigns for Obama in Colorado
GLBT Issues
Hackers Target Portland Gay and Lesbian Websites
Local News: Turner, Davis Debate on KEOS
DA Race Debate Low-Key
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
District attorney candidates Rick Davis and Bill Turner stuck mainly to their campaign platforms in a low-key radio debate held six days before the election.
As they had in interviews before Wednesday night's discussion hosted by KEOS-FM, Turner focused on his nearly 25 years of experience as Brazos County's top prosecutor while Davis pushed for a change in leadership.
"I had to be a prosecutor for five years before I became district attorney," Turner said, stressing that all of his opponent's experience was as a judge or a defense lawyer. "I had to learn the ropes, and I made some mistakes before I could ever think about supervising a group of prosecutors in those serious crimes."
Davis said that he had legal experience and that he could lean on the knowledge of career prosecutors in the District Attorney's Office for help. He said that Turner rarely prosecuted cases himself and that experience was not as important as Turner suggested.
"You have a lot of good assistants there that do the day-in and day-out prosecutions," he said. "I think that this race is more about the leadership of the office."
The KEOS studios are in a small, old house on Carson Street in Bryan, and the candidates sat about a foot apart in what appeared to be a former living room. It was the first time the political adversaries debated in a public forum during the campaign.
The room had about a half-dozen chairs for the public to watch, and they were filled exclusively by Davis supporters -- most of whom wore shirts bearing his name.
Srikanth Sastry and Danny Yeager, hosts of the show Biased Transmission, moderated the event. Sastry began by asking questions about the candidates' platforms. Then Yeager pressed them about their heated past.
Davis, a Republican former judge, received a public reprimand from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for angry comments he made publicly and privately about Turner, a Democrat, and one of his assistants.
After taking the bench in 2001, Davis filed two failed courts of inquiry into Turner's office. One alleged that Turner had dragged his feet in an investigation involving embezzlement by a longtime employee; the other accused Turner's top assistant of intimidating a grand jury that was meeting outside the courthouse without assistance from the DA's office. Both inquiries were promptly dismissed for lack of evidence.
Yeager asked both candidates whether they thought Davis was running for the office because of a personal vendetta against Turner.
Davis said that wasn't the case and maintained that his courts of inquiry against Turner's office were justified. He said he had apologized for the comments that led to his public reprimand, learned from the experience and put it behind him.
"People are going to believe what they want, and the newspaper is going to print what it wants," he said. "I think that I can bring a positive change to that office."
Turner pointed out that both district judges brought in from outside the Brazos Valley to oversee the courts of inquiry separately found that Davis' complaints were the result of a personal vendetta against Turner's office.
Yeager also questioned Turner about the $200,000 stolen from his office's victims' restitution fund by a former employee, Queen Walker, over a 19-year period. Walker's case was handed over to the Texas Rangers soon after Turner's office discovered the theft, and she was convicted in 2006.
Davis suggested that Turner deserved part of the blame for the stolen money because of a lapse of leadership.
"They started losing money back in about 1983 -- shortly after Mr. Turner took office," Davis said. "He didn't balance the checkbook in 20 years, and I think that is very irresponsible."
Turner said that Walker was a trusted employee, that he was devastated when he found out that she had been stealing and that any business owner who had had a trusted employee steal would understand. He said his office reorganized the administration of the fund as soon as the crimes were brought to light.
Davis said that some victims, including a restaurant that closed in the 1980s, still had not received their restitution.
District attorneys' offices frequently have trouble finding victims who are owed restitution because of the length of investigations and the judicial process, Turner said.
"What happens is you start the date of the crime and it takes awhile for law enforcement to solve the crime," Turner said, adding that the trial can take even longer and that the criminal may not be able to begin restitution before completing a sentence. "If a business is no longer in business by that time, then it can be very difficult to find."
Published Thursday, October 30, 2008
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
District attorney candidates Rick Davis and Bill Turner stuck mainly to their campaign platforms in a low-key radio debate held six days before the election.
As they had in interviews before Wednesday night's discussion hosted by KEOS-FM, Turner focused on his nearly 25 years of experience as Brazos County's top prosecutor while Davis pushed for a change in leadership.
"I had to be a prosecutor for five years before I became district attorney," Turner said, stressing that all of his opponent's experience was as a judge or a defense lawyer. "I had to learn the ropes, and I made some mistakes before I could ever think about supervising a group of prosecutors in those serious crimes."
Davis said that he had legal experience and that he could lean on the knowledge of career prosecutors in the District Attorney's Office for help. He said that Turner rarely prosecuted cases himself and that experience was not as important as Turner suggested.
"You have a lot of good assistants there that do the day-in and day-out prosecutions," he said. "I think that this race is more about the leadership of the office."
The KEOS studios are in a small, old house on Carson Street in Bryan, and the candidates sat about a foot apart in what appeared to be a former living room. It was the first time the political adversaries debated in a public forum during the campaign.
The room had about a half-dozen chairs for the public to watch, and they were filled exclusively by Davis supporters -- most of whom wore shirts bearing his name.
Srikanth Sastry and Danny Yeager, hosts of the show Biased Transmission, moderated the event. Sastry began by asking questions about the candidates' platforms. Then Yeager pressed them about their heated past.
Davis, a Republican former judge, received a public reprimand from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for angry comments he made publicly and privately about Turner, a Democrat, and one of his assistants.
After taking the bench in 2001, Davis filed two failed courts of inquiry into Turner's office. One alleged that Turner had dragged his feet in an investigation involving embezzlement by a longtime employee; the other accused Turner's top assistant of intimidating a grand jury that was meeting outside the courthouse without assistance from the DA's office. Both inquiries were promptly dismissed for lack of evidence.
Yeager asked both candidates whether they thought Davis was running for the office because of a personal vendetta against Turner.
Davis said that wasn't the case and maintained that his courts of inquiry against Turner's office were justified. He said he had apologized for the comments that led to his public reprimand, learned from the experience and put it behind him.
"People are going to believe what they want, and the newspaper is going to print what it wants," he said. "I think that I can bring a positive change to that office."
Turner pointed out that both district judges brought in from outside the Brazos Valley to oversee the courts of inquiry separately found that Davis' complaints were the result of a personal vendetta against Turner's office.
Yeager also questioned Turner about the $200,000 stolen from his office's victims' restitution fund by a former employee, Queen Walker, over a 19-year period. Walker's case was handed over to the Texas Rangers soon after Turner's office discovered the theft, and she was convicted in 2006.
Davis suggested that Turner deserved part of the blame for the stolen money because of a lapse of leadership.
"They started losing money back in about 1983 -- shortly after Mr. Turner took office," Davis said. "He didn't balance the checkbook in 20 years, and I think that is very irresponsible."
Turner said that Walker was a trusted employee, that he was devastated when he found out that she had been stealing and that any business owner who had had a trusted employee steal would understand. He said his office reorganized the administration of the fund as soon as the crimes were brought to light.
Davis said that some victims, including a restaurant that closed in the 1980s, still had not received their restitution.
District attorneys' offices frequently have trouble finding victims who are owed restitution because of the length of investigations and the judicial process, Turner said.
"What happens is you start the date of the crime and it takes awhile for law enforcement to solve the crime," Turner said, adding that the trial can take even longer and that the criminal may not be able to begin restitution before completing a sentence. "If a business is no longer in business by that time, then it can be very difficult to find."
Published Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Power of Positive Thinking: McIntuff’s Take on the Numbers
“The McCain campaign has made impressive strides over the last week of tracking.” I am not exactly sure what Republican pollster Bill McInturff means by impressive strides. According to the Gallup Daily tracking poll since October 20th Senator Obama has not dropped below 50% in the poll and Senator McCain has not risen above 43%.
This morning on MSNBC McInturff pushed the idea that the majority of undecided voters, which is between four and eight percent, will break for McCain.
In Pennsylvania, where the McCain campaign has been spending a substantial amount of time and money, Obama has maintained a lead as large as 14 points and Real Clear Politics poll average has Obama leading the state 52.5%-41.5%. Generally speaking if a candidate is poll above fifty percent it is difficult for the opponent to have a realistic chance of winning; not only is McCain going to have to shave off 2.5% of Obama’s lead but all of the 6% of undecided will have to break for McCain. This means that in order for McCain to win you are talking about a 9 point swing in one week.
However, in Ohio where the Real Clear Politics poll average has Obama leading 49.1%-43.3% McCain still has a significant chance of winning the state. With 8% of the electorate still undecided if the votes break at upwards of 70% in Ohio towards McCain, as MSNBC Political Director Chuck Todd suggest, then Ohio can be in reach for McCain. However, McCain’s polling numbers have been trending down in Ohio over the last week while Obama’s polling numbers have remained strong.
In Florida the Real Clear Politics poll average has Obama only leading 48.6%-45.1%, and if 70% of the undecided voters break for McCain he could win Florida. However, in the last week McCain’s numbers have been trending down in Florida while Obama’s have been trending up. What is the most significant thing about Ohio and Florida is that McCain must win both to have a realistic chance of reaching 270 electoral votes.
The problem with McInturff analysis and even Todd’s take is that this election is not a prototypically election by any stretch of the imagination, and in fact November 4th could change much of political theory. Also, one must take into account that the polls could be actually showing Obama’s numbers lower than they actual are. Pollsters tend to use a model their polls in a way that could be outdated. Last month there were reports about a Pew Research Center study which concluded that “growing population of cell-only users from public opinion polls may slightly skew the results.” Also, pollsters tend not to consider people who have not voted in the last two election cycles as likely voters, and in this election there may well be a record amount of new voters.
Reid Wilson of Real Clear Politics called the memo “infotainment;” Chuck Todd characterization of the memo was to “improve the morale of the party.” Perhaps if the GOP and Republican voters really want a moral boost they should check out Bill O’Reilly’s electoral map at Fox News. That map has to be one of the most ridiculous pieces of electoral analysis; Obama is actually behind McCain in the electoral count 189-183. States where Obama has large double digit leads like Oregon, Iowa, and Michigan, O’Reilly has listed as “toss-up.” Whether or not Bill O’Reilly is actually in touch with reality is a toss-up.
This morning on MSNBC McInturff pushed the idea that the majority of undecided voters, which is between four and eight percent, will break for McCain.
In Pennsylvania, where the McCain campaign has been spending a substantial amount of time and money, Obama has maintained a lead as large as 14 points and Real Clear Politics poll average has Obama leading the state 52.5%-41.5%. Generally speaking if a candidate is poll above fifty percent it is difficult for the opponent to have a realistic chance of winning; not only is McCain going to have to shave off 2.5% of Obama’s lead but all of the 6% of undecided will have to break for McCain. This means that in order for McCain to win you are talking about a 9 point swing in one week.
However, in Ohio where the Real Clear Politics poll average has Obama leading 49.1%-43.3% McCain still has a significant chance of winning the state. With 8% of the electorate still undecided if the votes break at upwards of 70% in Ohio towards McCain, as MSNBC Political Director Chuck Todd suggest, then Ohio can be in reach for McCain. However, McCain’s polling numbers have been trending down in Ohio over the last week while Obama’s polling numbers have remained strong.
In Florida the Real Clear Politics poll average has Obama only leading 48.6%-45.1%, and if 70% of the undecided voters break for McCain he could win Florida. However, in the last week McCain’s numbers have been trending down in Florida while Obama’s have been trending up. What is the most significant thing about Ohio and Florida is that McCain must win both to have a realistic chance of reaching 270 electoral votes.
The problem with McInturff analysis and even Todd’s take is that this election is not a prototypically election by any stretch of the imagination, and in fact November 4th could change much of political theory. Also, one must take into account that the polls could be actually showing Obama’s numbers lower than they actual are. Pollsters tend to use a model their polls in a way that could be outdated. Last month there were reports about a Pew Research Center study which concluded that “growing population of cell-only users from public opinion polls may slightly skew the results.” Also, pollsters tend not to consider people who have not voted in the last two election cycles as likely voters, and in this election there may well be a record amount of new voters.
Reid Wilson of Real Clear Politics called the memo “infotainment;” Chuck Todd characterization of the memo was to “improve the morale of the party.” Perhaps if the GOP and Republican voters really want a moral boost they should check out Bill O’Reilly’s electoral map at Fox News. That map has to be one of the most ridiculous pieces of electoral analysis; Obama is actually behind McCain in the electoral count 189-183. States where Obama has large double digit leads like Oregon, Iowa, and Michigan, O’Reilly has listed as “toss-up.” Whether or not Bill O’Reilly is actually in touch with reality is a toss-up.
Headlines: Redistributing the Ridiculous
Ridiculous Reading:
The Houston Chronicle is running a ridiculous poll on their politics page, and so far 12% of those participating have agreed with the statement “God help us if Obama is elected! Armageddon is coming.” However, 42% believe that “the only apocalypse would be the political apocalypse for right-wing Republicans.” I was one of the 24% that believe that “too many people have gotten far too emotional about this election.” Although if Sarah Palin is the standard bearer of the Republican Party after this election I might tend to agree that the GOP is facing an apocalypse of their own.
Texas on the Potomac Poll: Obama Win = Apocalypse Now?
Politics
Best, Worst Finance Decisions of the Election
What Obama really meant by "redistributive change."
Ups and Downs in History of One-Party Rule
Meeting Myself in Bucks County: How Things Have Changed in Pennsylvania
Media
On The Trail And Off Their Rockers
Environment
Palin: McCain Won't Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Civil Rights
Hate Crimes against Asian Americans, Hispanics, and GLBT People on the Rise
Women’s Issues
Beyond Privacy, Toward Equality
National Review: Women who don't support Palin are just upset about their abortions.
From the Blogs
FiveThirtyEight:
The Myth of the 'Lag'
Racism Review:
Thinking Change in an Anti-Thinking Culture
Off the Kuff:
Early Voting: Still Following the Pattern
The Houston Chronicle is running a ridiculous poll on their politics page, and so far 12% of those participating have agreed with the statement “God help us if Obama is elected! Armageddon is coming.” However, 42% believe that “the only apocalypse would be the political apocalypse for right-wing Republicans.” I was one of the 24% that believe that “too many people have gotten far too emotional about this election.” Although if Sarah Palin is the standard bearer of the Republican Party after this election I might tend to agree that the GOP is facing an apocalypse of their own.
Texas on the Potomac Poll: Obama Win = Apocalypse Now?
Politics
Best, Worst Finance Decisions of the Election
What Obama really meant by "redistributive change."
Ups and Downs in History of One-Party Rule
Meeting Myself in Bucks County: How Things Have Changed in Pennsylvania
Media
On The Trail And Off Their Rockers
Environment
Palin: McCain Won't Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Civil Rights
Hate Crimes against Asian Americans, Hispanics, and GLBT People on the Rise
Women’s Issues
Beyond Privacy, Toward Equality
National Review: Women who don't support Palin are just upset about their abortions.
From the Blogs
FiveThirtyEight:
The Myth of the 'Lag'
Racism Review:
Thinking Change in an Anti-Thinking Culture
Off the Kuff:
Early Voting: Still Following the Pattern
Local News: Davis Outspends, Turner Out Raises
DA Candidates Step Up Spending
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
District attorney candidates Bill Turner and Rick Davis both have stepped up spending in the final weeks leading to the Nov. 4 election.
Davis, a Republican who is a former district judge, more than doubled the longtime incumbent's spending between Sept. 26 and Oct. 25 after taking out a loan for $25,000. It's the second time he's gone to the bank since entering the race, bringing his total loans to $44,262.
Turner, a Democrat who was appointed DA in late 1983 and elected the following year, has not borrowed any money for the campaign.
During the most recent campaign finance reporting period, Davis spent $30,909, compared with $14,785 spent by Turner.
The two candidates recently received about the same amount in campaign contributions: Turner raised $11,525, while Davis brought in $10,453.
In the months prior, Turner strongly outpaced his opponent in fundraising, bringing in $22,173 between July 1 and Sept. 25 compared with $9,216 raised by Davis during that time.
As of Saturday, Davis had $4,621 in available funds and Turner had $3,842.
The bulk of both candidates' spending during the most recent period has gone for campaign advertisements.
Davis began running television ads on KBTX and Suddenlink cable channels Friday. Turner's TV ads first appeared Tuesday on the same outlets.
Since Sept. 26, Davis has doled out $10,522 on TV advertising, while Turner has spent $6,634. Turner has spent $8,000 on advertisements in The Eagle during that time, while Davis has not taken out any ads in a print publication.
Davis spent more than $8,000 on direct mailings, $5,000 on television commercial production, $2,000 on billboards and $1,104 on radio advertisements, according to the report.
The former judge has campaigned on a theme of change in office. His recent advertisements have promoted his Christian faith and Republican politics.
Turner's campaign has focused on his experience and his widespread support throughout the legal community and the community at large.
Both candidates have tapped into grassroots efforts, including going door to door and talking to voters.
Davis, who has two sons who are members of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, has made an effort to recruit student supporters. He donated $250 to the College Republicans and has had a table set up on campus during home football games.
Turner has reached out to the A&M community by advertising on the online forum Texags.com and the Facebook social networking site. He also has received volunteer help from the Aggie Democrats.
Both candidates have group pages on Facebook. Davis' group had 208 members Tuesday night compared with Turner's 143.
Turner's contributions came largely from individuals in the community, but he also has received a $100 donation from the Texas Democratic Women of the Brazos Valley.
Prominent individual donors to Turner's campaign include former A&M Regent Phil Adams ($1,000), businessman Don Adam ($500), company CEO Celia Goode-Haddock ($100), businessman Ron Blatchley ($500) and Dr. Davis Doss ($250). Turner received donations of $100 or more from 47 contributors.
Davis received donations of more than $100 from 28 individuals and one $1,000 donation, from the Committee to Re-Elect Congressman Ron Paul. Charissa Smith, a friend from Houston, gave him $2,500.
Seven of Davis' contributors live outside of Brazos County, compared with two from out of town who donated to Turner.
Davis' notable donors include David McIntyre, director of the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M ($100); Markey Weaver, owner and operator of Brazos Bingo ($100); Dr. Tim Ackerman ($250); businessman Bobby Gutierrez ($500); and Cletus "Cowboy" Davis ($100), a local lawyer.
Published Wednesday, October 29, 2008
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
District attorney candidates Bill Turner and Rick Davis both have stepped up spending in the final weeks leading to the Nov. 4 election.
Davis, a Republican who is a former district judge, more than doubled the longtime incumbent's spending between Sept. 26 and Oct. 25 after taking out a loan for $25,000. It's the second time he's gone to the bank since entering the race, bringing his total loans to $44,262.
Turner, a Democrat who was appointed DA in late 1983 and elected the following year, has not borrowed any money for the campaign.
During the most recent campaign finance reporting period, Davis spent $30,909, compared with $14,785 spent by Turner.
The two candidates recently received about the same amount in campaign contributions: Turner raised $11,525, while Davis brought in $10,453.
In the months prior, Turner strongly outpaced his opponent in fundraising, bringing in $22,173 between July 1 and Sept. 25 compared with $9,216 raised by Davis during that time.
As of Saturday, Davis had $4,621 in available funds and Turner had $3,842.
The bulk of both candidates' spending during the most recent period has gone for campaign advertisements.
Davis began running television ads on KBTX and Suddenlink cable channels Friday. Turner's TV ads first appeared Tuesday on the same outlets.
Since Sept. 26, Davis has doled out $10,522 on TV advertising, while Turner has spent $6,634. Turner has spent $8,000 on advertisements in The Eagle during that time, while Davis has not taken out any ads in a print publication.
Davis spent more than $8,000 on direct mailings, $5,000 on television commercial production, $2,000 on billboards and $1,104 on radio advertisements, according to the report.
The former judge has campaigned on a theme of change in office. His recent advertisements have promoted his Christian faith and Republican politics.
Turner's campaign has focused on his experience and his widespread support throughout the legal community and the community at large.
Both candidates have tapped into grassroots efforts, including going door to door and talking to voters.
Davis, who has two sons who are members of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, has made an effort to recruit student supporters. He donated $250 to the College Republicans and has had a table set up on campus during home football games.
Turner has reached out to the A&M community by advertising on the online forum Texags.com and the Facebook social networking site. He also has received volunteer help from the Aggie Democrats.
Both candidates have group pages on Facebook. Davis' group had 208 members Tuesday night compared with Turner's 143.
Turner's contributions came largely from individuals in the community, but he also has received a $100 donation from the Texas Democratic Women of the Brazos Valley.
Prominent individual donors to Turner's campaign include former A&M Regent Phil Adams ($1,000), businessman Don Adam ($500), company CEO Celia Goode-Haddock ($100), businessman Ron Blatchley ($500) and Dr. Davis Doss ($250). Turner received donations of $100 or more from 47 contributors.
Davis received donations of more than $100 from 28 individuals and one $1,000 donation, from the Committee to Re-Elect Congressman Ron Paul. Charissa Smith, a friend from Houston, gave him $2,500.
Seven of Davis' contributors live outside of Brazos County, compared with two from out of town who donated to Turner.
Davis' notable donors include David McIntyre, director of the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M ($100); Markey Weaver, owner and operator of Brazos Bingo ($100); Dr. Tim Ackerman ($250); businessman Bobby Gutierrez ($500); and Cletus "Cowboy" Davis ($100), a local lawyer.
Published Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Week Before the Election: The Storm Before the Quiet
There is one week until Election Day and every piece of data and information that you can gather would point to the probability that Senator Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States of America. However, do not dare say that Senator Obama is going to win; dare you tempt the rather of the whatever from high atop the thing.
As the last week of the campaign unfolds the McCain campaign is beginning to unravel, and Republicans around the country have to come to terms with the fact the conservatives in have pushed out all of the moderate voices to the determent of the party.
There have been reports that McCain campaign aides have “suggested that they have become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin ‘going rogue.’” In the same report another McCain campaign aide said “"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone. She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom." According to another report a McCain campaign advisor called Palin a “whack job.”
The speculation of whether or not Palin is separating herself from McCain has been discussed in the media and in the blogosphere over the past few days and it is not surprising. In other reports McCain campaign advisors are acknowledging the weaknesses of the McCain health care plan. Over the next week there will be more infighting in the McCain campaign that will come to light. As the election comes to a close and the McCain campaigns path to victory electorally narrows human nature is going to take over; people are going to start worrying about their reputations and their careers.
What the hope has to be is that the Republican Party reinvents itself, and that it does not continue down the road of the narrow right path. On November 5th the intellectuals and the moderates in the Republican Party need to set a new course. There is something to be said for having a strong Democratic Party and a strong Republican Party. I am a liberal and promote and defend liberal ideas, but I always want an open and honest debate with those who disagree with me.
As the last week of the campaign unfolds the McCain campaign is beginning to unravel, and Republicans around the country have to come to terms with the fact the conservatives in have pushed out all of the moderate voices to the determent of the party.
There have been reports that McCain campaign aides have “suggested that they have become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin ‘going rogue.’” In the same report another McCain campaign aide said “"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone. She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom." According to another report a McCain campaign advisor called Palin a “whack job.”
The speculation of whether or not Palin is separating herself from McCain has been discussed in the media and in the blogosphere over the past few days and it is not surprising. In other reports McCain campaign advisors are acknowledging the weaknesses of the McCain health care plan. Over the next week there will be more infighting in the McCain campaign that will come to light. As the election comes to a close and the McCain campaigns path to victory electorally narrows human nature is going to take over; people are going to start worrying about their reputations and their careers.
What the hope has to be is that the Republican Party reinvents itself, and that it does not continue down the road of the narrow right path. On November 5th the intellectuals and the moderates in the Republican Party need to set a new course. There is something to be said for having a strong Democratic Party and a strong Republican Party. I am a liberal and promote and defend liberal ideas, but I always want an open and honest debate with those who disagree with me.
Electoral Projection: One Week Until Election Day
The following map is a projection of the Presidential Election based on polling, voter registration, and demographic data. The following states may be decided by 1% or less: Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Nevada.
President:
Obama (D): 349
McCain (R): 189
Obama (D): 349
McCain (R): 189
Senator (Texas):
John Cornyn (R): 52%
Rick Noriega (D): 48%
Congressman (Texas HD-17):
Chet Edwards (D): 59%
Rob Curnock (R): 41%
Texas House (HD-17)
Donnie Dippel (D): 50%
Tim Kleinschmidt (R): 49%
Alan W. Duesterhoft (L): 1%
John Cornyn (R): 52%
Rick Noriega (D): 48%
Congressman (Texas HD-17):
Chet Edwards (D): 59%
Rob Curnock (R): 41%
Texas House (HD-17)
Donnie Dippel (D): 50%
Tim Kleinschmidt (R): 49%
Alan W. Duesterhoft (L): 1%
Monday: Final Projections
Headlines: The Last Week of the Campaign
Recommended Reading
Christopher Hitchens, Left of College Station's favorite pompous ass, rails against Sarah Palin’s demonization of the fruit fly and xenophobic and anti-intellectual politics:
Sarah Palin's War on Science: The GOP ticket's appalling contempt for knowledge and learning.
Politics
What Barack Obama Needs to Do to Close the Deal
Texts You Can Believe In
Culture of Lies: 2008 Politics
On a Mission From God
Media
Echoing Drudge, Fox News on-screen text flat wrong about Obama's comments on Supreme Court
Labor
Wal-Mart Has Perfected the Art of Union-Busting, Researcher Says
Veterans Issues
Back From War, and Increasingly Into the Political Fray
House Panel Will Target VA Shredding
GLBT Issues
Why Straight People Need to Get into the Fight for Marriage Equality
Women’s Issues
Sheehan v. Pelosi Gives War Protesters an Outlet
Local
Waco Businesses Divided About Whether to Let Employees Talk About Politics
From the Blogs
Prose and Doggerel:
What's wrong with Socialism?
One Pissed Off Veteran:
This is Brilliant!
Texas Liberal:
Who Is Running For The Texas Supreme Court? How Should One Vote?
Christopher Hitchens, Left of College Station's favorite pompous ass, rails against Sarah Palin’s demonization of the fruit fly and xenophobic and anti-intellectual politics:
Sarah Palin's War on Science: The GOP ticket's appalling contempt for knowledge and learning.
Politics
What Barack Obama Needs to Do to Close the Deal
Texts You Can Believe In
Culture of Lies: 2008 Politics
On a Mission From God
Media
Echoing Drudge, Fox News on-screen text flat wrong about Obama's comments on Supreme Court
Labor
Wal-Mart Has Perfected the Art of Union-Busting, Researcher Says
Veterans Issues
Back From War, and Increasingly Into the Political Fray
House Panel Will Target VA Shredding
GLBT Issues
Why Straight People Need to Get into the Fight for Marriage Equality
Women’s Issues
Sheehan v. Pelosi Gives War Protesters an Outlet
Local
Waco Businesses Divided About Whether to Let Employees Talk About Politics
From the Blogs
Prose and Doggerel:
What's wrong with Socialism?
One Pissed Off Veteran:
This is Brilliant!
Texas Liberal:
Who Is Running For The Texas Supreme Court? How Should One Vote?
Local News: Edwards and Curnock Debate
Edwards, Curnock Debate Taxes, Bringing in Funding
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
District 17 congressional candidates Chet Edwards and Rob Curnock sparred on constituent spending and partisan politics Monday in College Station during their only debate of the campaign.
Both opponents stuck mainly to their campaign themes during an hour that featured several heated exchanges. The forum, which was hosted by the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and WTAW radio at the College Station Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, drew about 200 people.
About three-fourths of the debate was spent discussing national issues, especially taxes.
Curnock, a Republican challenger, spent much of that time attempting to attach Edwards, a nine-term incumbent Democrat, to liberals who he said are unpopular in the district.
"We have a situation where Nancy Pelosi has more representation than most of our district," he said, referring to the speaker of the House. "If Nancy Pelosi wants [Edwards] to vote for a bill, he does. If she doesn't want him to vote for a bill, he doesn't."
Edwards responded by saying that he has won nine consecutive elections by receiving votes from all different kinds of people. Democrats, Republicans and independents vote for him because he supports cooperation and bipartisanship, he said.
"You are not going to hear a lot of shrill partisan verbiage out of me tonight, or any other day for that matter," he said.
Curnock, however, continued to press the differences in the pair's political affiliations by arguing against Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's tax policy.
"Barack Obama is an unrepentant socialist," Curnock said. "This country does not need socialism. Socialism does not work."
Edwards, who endorsed Obama in March, criticized Curnock's statement.
"For my opponent to call Barack Obama un-American and an unrepentant socialist is beyond the pale," he said. "That is the kind of sharp-edged partisanship that is the problem in Washington D.C."
Edwards has been running campaign ads claiming that Curnock supports a national sales tax with a rate of 30 percent. He reiterated those claims Monday, saying that the presidential budget office estimated that a 30 percent rate would be necessary in order to follow Curnock's tax plan.
"With a lower tax rate you can't have the revenue to support our government without exploding the national deficit," Edwards said. "You can't have your cake and eat it, too."
Curnock, who has raise far fewer campaign funds and has not been running campaign commercials in Brazos County, said he does support a national sales tax in place of an income tax.
The video production business owner said he wants to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and move the tax due date from April 15 to Oct. 15 in order to have taxes fresh on voters minds when they go to the polls.
"I am not interested in raising taxes," he said. "I have been campaigning for the past 10 months on cutting taxes."
Edwards focused on more than $78 million that he brought to Brazos County and Texas A&M University that he helped appropriate over his most recent term.
"Who is going to be more effective in bringing money to the Brazos Valley, a senior member of an appropriations committee or a freshman member of the opposition party?" asked Edwards, who serves on both the House Budget and Appropriations Committees.
Curnock credited Edwards with bringing money into Brazos County, but said he would be able to do the same.
"I am all for getting as much funding to the district in the open air," he said.
However, Curnock was critical of Edward's use of earmarks. An earmark is a controversial addition to an appropriations bill that adds spending measures for pet projects without allowing Congress to vote on the specific project.
"We are getting to the point where earmarks are destroying our country," he said. "I am going to get [to Congress] and get with folks who are like-minded conservative Republicans. When you have numbers, you can get things done."
Edwards disputed the notion that his use of earmarks was wrong or inappropriate, and questioned whether Curnock would be able to acquire the funding he promised.
"Rob Curnock's positions would have caused A&M and the system to lose millions of dollars," he said.
Published Tuesday, October 28, 2008
By Matthew Watkins
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
District 17 congressional candidates Chet Edwards and Rob Curnock sparred on constituent spending and partisan politics Monday in College Station during their only debate of the campaign.
Both opponents stuck mainly to their campaign themes during an hour that featured several heated exchanges. The forum, which was hosted by the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and WTAW radio at the College Station Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, drew about 200 people.
About three-fourths of the debate was spent discussing national issues, especially taxes.
Curnock, a Republican challenger, spent much of that time attempting to attach Edwards, a nine-term incumbent Democrat, to liberals who he said are unpopular in the district.
"We have a situation where Nancy Pelosi has more representation than most of our district," he said, referring to the speaker of the House. "If Nancy Pelosi wants [Edwards] to vote for a bill, he does. If she doesn't want him to vote for a bill, he doesn't."
Edwards responded by saying that he has won nine consecutive elections by receiving votes from all different kinds of people. Democrats, Republicans and independents vote for him because he supports cooperation and bipartisanship, he said.
"You are not going to hear a lot of shrill partisan verbiage out of me tonight, or any other day for that matter," he said.
Curnock, however, continued to press the differences in the pair's political affiliations by arguing against Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's tax policy.
"Barack Obama is an unrepentant socialist," Curnock said. "This country does not need socialism. Socialism does not work."
Edwards, who endorsed Obama in March, criticized Curnock's statement.
"For my opponent to call Barack Obama un-American and an unrepentant socialist is beyond the pale," he said. "That is the kind of sharp-edged partisanship that is the problem in Washington D.C."
Edwards has been running campaign ads claiming that Curnock supports a national sales tax with a rate of 30 percent. He reiterated those claims Monday, saying that the presidential budget office estimated that a 30 percent rate would be necessary in order to follow Curnock's tax plan.
"With a lower tax rate you can't have the revenue to support our government without exploding the national deficit," Edwards said. "You can't have your cake and eat it, too."
Curnock, who has raise far fewer campaign funds and has not been running campaign commercials in Brazos County, said he does support a national sales tax in place of an income tax.
The video production business owner said he wants to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and move the tax due date from April 15 to Oct. 15 in order to have taxes fresh on voters minds when they go to the polls.
"I am not interested in raising taxes," he said. "I have been campaigning for the past 10 months on cutting taxes."
Edwards focused on more than $78 million that he brought to Brazos County and Texas A&M University that he helped appropriate over his most recent term.
"Who is going to be more effective in bringing money to the Brazos Valley, a senior member of an appropriations committee or a freshman member of the opposition party?" asked Edwards, who serves on both the House Budget and Appropriations Committees.
Curnock credited Edwards with bringing money into Brazos County, but said he would be able to do the same.
"I am all for getting as much funding to the district in the open air," he said.
However, Curnock was critical of Edward's use of earmarks. An earmark is a controversial addition to an appropriations bill that adds spending measures for pet projects without allowing Congress to vote on the specific project.
"We are getting to the point where earmarks are destroying our country," he said. "I am going to get [to Congress] and get with folks who are like-minded conservative Republicans. When you have numbers, you can get things done."
Edwards disputed the notion that his use of earmarks was wrong or inappropriate, and questioned whether Curnock would be able to acquire the funding he promised.
"Rob Curnock's positions would have caused A&M and the system to lose millions of dollars," he said.
Published Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Headlines: Politics and Iraq Intensify
Politics
Obama Pledges Unity; McCain Promises Financial Solutions
ATF: Obama Assassination Attempt Foiled
Sen. Stevens Found Guilty on Corruption Charges
Nader's Stubborn Idealism
The Last Days
Iraq
The Cost of Slumber
Iraq in Hell
Bush's Looming Defeat in Iraq
Media
Open to Offers
Paging Dr. Gupta
Voters Rights
Colorado Sued To Reverse Voter Purges
Choice
The Extreme Team Behind Amendment 48
GLBT Issues
Northeast States Take the Lead in the Battle for Gay Rights
From the Blogs
Just Another Vet:
I Support Barack Hussein
Bay Area Houston:
Cutting and Running. John Cornyn Style
Capitol Annex:
Texas Student Made Up Story About Pittsburg Robbery, Attack
Obama Pledges Unity; McCain Promises Financial Solutions
ATF: Obama Assassination Attempt Foiled
Sen. Stevens Found Guilty on Corruption Charges
Nader's Stubborn Idealism
The Last Days
Iraq
The Cost of Slumber
Iraq in Hell
Bush's Looming Defeat in Iraq
Media
Open to Offers
Paging Dr. Gupta
Voters Rights
Colorado Sued To Reverse Voter Purges
Choice
The Extreme Team Behind Amendment 48
GLBT Issues
Northeast States Take the Lead in the Battle for Gay Rights
From the Blogs
Just Another Vet:
I Support Barack Hussein
Bay Area Houston:
Cutting and Running. John Cornyn Style
Capitol Annex:
Texas Student Made Up Story About Pittsburg Robbery, Attack
Today in the Polls: Closing in on Election Day
Gallup Daily Tracking Poll:
Obama: 51%
McCain: 42%
FiveThirtyEight Electoral Map:
Battleground Polls:
Ohio (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 50%
McCain: 45%
Florida (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 47%
McCain: 47%
Virginia (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 52%
McCain: 45%
Virginia (Washington Post)
Obama: 52%
McCain: 44%
Virginia (VCU)
Obama: 51%
McCain: 40%
Virginia (SurveyUSA)
Obama: 52%
McCain: 43%
North Carolina (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 50%
McCain: 46%
Missouri (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 48%
McCain: 46%
Missouri (SurveyUSA)
Obama: 48%
McCain: 48%
Indiana (Reuters/Zogby)
McCain: 50%
Obama: 44%
Nevada (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 48%
McCain: 44%
Obama: 51%
McCain: 42%
FiveThirtyEight Electoral Map:
Battleground Polls:
Ohio (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 50%
McCain: 45%
Florida (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 47%
McCain: 47%
Virginia (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 52%
McCain: 45%
Virginia (Washington Post)
Obama: 52%
McCain: 44%
Virginia (VCU)
Obama: 51%
McCain: 40%
Virginia (SurveyUSA)
Obama: 52%
McCain: 43%
North Carolina (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 50%
McCain: 46%
Missouri (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 48%
McCain: 46%
Missouri (SurveyUSA)
Obama: 48%
McCain: 48%
Indiana (Reuters/Zogby)
McCain: 50%
Obama: 44%
Nevada (Reuters/Zogby)
Obama: 48%
McCain: 44%
Local News: Texas A&M Muslim Students Open House
Muslim Students Break Stereotypes With Open House
By: Meredith Zdenek
From the Texas A&M University Battalion
The public was invited by the Muslim Students' Association to shed their shoes and stereotypes at the door of the Masjid Open House Saturday, to learn about Islam and the Masjid or mosque.
"We throw this event every year and the purpose is to reach out and educate our community about Islam and Muslims," said Muslim Students' Association member Maryam Ahmed.
She said it is a way to reach out and break and shatter the stereotypes people may have and to educate people and create friendly relations and an understanding for a better society.
"There is a lot of misconceptions that people have concerning either the rights of women in Islam or the practices and most importantly who we worship," said the senior math and science education major.
Before entering the mosque, visitors must take off shoes in respect for God. Another practice they preach is to not shake the hand of someone of the opposite sex in respect for their significant other as well as show respect to the person whose hand they may be shaking. They said that if someone meets a Muslim who chooses not to shake their hand, they should not be offended, they are being respectful.
"We take off our shoes as just a matter of cleanliness because when we pray we put our hands and heads on the floor, and obviously socks are cleaner than shoes, I mean who knows what's out there that's being tracked inside," said Mohamad Mouneimne, a sophomore chemical engineering major.
Throughout the event, Islamic students were available to answer questions and there were tables set up with fliers and posters shown around all of the rooms answering questions about the beliefs of the Muslims, who they worship and what they practice. They provided Islamic food and games and provided henna tattoos to visitors.
"Basically we want to show that we are a part of this community as students, professors and professionals. Not many people have had exposure to Islam and they don't know of anything but what they see on the media," said Mohamed Zebda leader of Masjid Open House.
"This was an opportunity to invite our neighbors and get them to see for themselves what Islam is about and for them to learn more about the culture," said the graduate health policy and management major.
Published on Monday, October 27, 2008
By: Meredith Zdenek
From the Texas A&M University Battalion
The public was invited by the Muslim Students' Association to shed their shoes and stereotypes at the door of the Masjid Open House Saturday, to learn about Islam and the Masjid or mosque.
"We throw this event every year and the purpose is to reach out and educate our community about Islam and Muslims," said Muslim Students' Association member Maryam Ahmed.
She said it is a way to reach out and break and shatter the stereotypes people may have and to educate people and create friendly relations and an understanding for a better society.
"There is a lot of misconceptions that people have concerning either the rights of women in Islam or the practices and most importantly who we worship," said the senior math and science education major.
Before entering the mosque, visitors must take off shoes in respect for God. Another practice they preach is to not shake the hand of someone of the opposite sex in respect for their significant other as well as show respect to the person whose hand they may be shaking. They said that if someone meets a Muslim who chooses not to shake their hand, they should not be offended, they are being respectful.
"We take off our shoes as just a matter of cleanliness because when we pray we put our hands and heads on the floor, and obviously socks are cleaner than shoes, I mean who knows what's out there that's being tracked inside," said Mohamad Mouneimne, a sophomore chemical engineering major.
Throughout the event, Islamic students were available to answer questions and there were tables set up with fliers and posters shown around all of the rooms answering questions about the beliefs of the Muslims, who they worship and what they practice. They provided Islamic food and games and provided henna tattoos to visitors.
"Basically we want to show that we are a part of this community as students, professors and professionals. Not many people have had exposure to Islam and they don't know of anything but what they see on the media," said Mohamed Zebda leader of Masjid Open House.
"This was an opportunity to invite our neighbors and get them to see for themselves what Islam is about and for them to learn more about the culture," said the graduate health policy and management major.
Published on Monday, October 27, 2008
Local News: Edwards Debates Curnock
Candidates for District 17 to Square Off in College Station
Reporter: Steve Fullhart
From KBTX Channel 3
The candidates for Texas's 17th District in Congress will debate Monday night.
Incumbent Democrat Chet Edwards and Republican challenger Rob Curnock will sit down to discuss the issues affecting the district at 6 p.m. at the College Station Hilton.
This is the only scheduled debate between the two men.
The race has picked up over the last week, with Edwards claiming his challenger supports tax hikes, and Curnock claiming the incumbent has voted against funding troops.
Curnock, a Waco businessman and former sportscaster, was the lone Republican in District 17 to run for Congress. In the two previous elections in the district -- redrawn before 2004's election -- primaries were needed to decide the GOP challenger. The Baylor graduate did not escape the primaries in runs for District 11 in 2000 and 2002.
Edwards, also from the northern portion of District 17, narrowly defeated Arlene Wohlgemuth in 2004, and beat Van Taylor by a much wider margin in 2006. The Texas A&M alum is seeking a tenth election to Congress, where he is a high-ranking member of the Democratic-led House of Representatives.
Published on Monday, October 27, 2008
Reporter: Steve Fullhart
From KBTX Channel 3
The candidates for Texas's 17th District in Congress will debate Monday night.
Incumbent Democrat Chet Edwards and Republican challenger Rob Curnock will sit down to discuss the issues affecting the district at 6 p.m. at the College Station Hilton.
This is the only scheduled debate between the two men.
The race has picked up over the last week, with Edwards claiming his challenger supports tax hikes, and Curnock claiming the incumbent has voted against funding troops.
Curnock, a Waco businessman and former sportscaster, was the lone Republican in District 17 to run for Congress. In the two previous elections in the district -- redrawn before 2004's election -- primaries were needed to decide the GOP challenger. The Baylor graduate did not escape the primaries in runs for District 11 in 2000 and 2002.
Edwards, also from the northern portion of District 17, narrowly defeated Arlene Wohlgemuth in 2004, and beat Van Taylor by a much wider margin in 2006. The Texas A&M alum is seeking a tenth election to Congress, where he is a high-ranking member of the Democratic-led House of Representatives.
Published on Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Local News: Brenham Hurricane Ike Clothing Drive
Resident Sets Out to Help Galvestonians-- Clothing Drive to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Ike
By Arthur Hahn (Managing Editor)
From the Brenham Banner-Press
Kimberly Crawford decided to go to Galveston to herself to see the devastation laid on the coastal city by Hurricane Ike.
Now she’s decided to do something about it.
Crawford is spearheading a community-wide effort called “Spring Cleaning in October” and is encouraging donations of items when will be taken directly to needy Galveston residents.
“It’s unbelievable,” Crawford said of the devastation. “The people have nothing ... they don’t have clothes, no towels...
“The people were sorting through the rubble. They were trying to find clothes to wash.”
Crawford is organizing two days of collections here: Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Both will be held at Jackson Street Park.
She is asking for donations of clothes, ranging from infants to adults of all sizes; new underwear, socks, linens, towels, toiletries, blankets, pillows, coats and jackets.
All of those items will be delivered directly to Hurricane Ike victims in Galveston and Chambers counties, said Crawford. She’s arranged for tractor-trailer rigs to carry donated items first to Galveston, and “what’s left, we’re going to head directly to Chambers County,” Crawford added.
Residents there will be allowed to take whatever they need, no questions asked, she said.
During her brief time in Galveston, Crawford said she came across whole families which had lost virtually all their possessions.
“One woman had 12 children. One had seven,” she said. “These are normal people with no resources.
“Most of them didn’t take anything with them (when they fled from Ike). They thought they’d be gone a weekend.”
Volunteers are also needed to help during the collection (call 836-2099 or 525-3788 to offer help). Anyone with items to donate can call those same numbers to have them picked up.
Published on Friday, October 24, 2008
By Arthur Hahn (Managing Editor)
From the Brenham Banner-Press
Kimberly Crawford decided to go to Galveston to herself to see the devastation laid on the coastal city by Hurricane Ike.
Now she’s decided to do something about it.
Crawford is spearheading a community-wide effort called “Spring Cleaning in October” and is encouraging donations of items when will be taken directly to needy Galveston residents.
“It’s unbelievable,” Crawford said of the devastation. “The people have nothing ... they don’t have clothes, no towels...
“The people were sorting through the rubble. They were trying to find clothes to wash.”
Crawford is organizing two days of collections here: Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Both will be held at Jackson Street Park.
She is asking for donations of clothes, ranging from infants to adults of all sizes; new underwear, socks, linens, towels, toiletries, blankets, pillows, coats and jackets.
All of those items will be delivered directly to Hurricane Ike victims in Galveston and Chambers counties, said Crawford. She’s arranged for tractor-trailer rigs to carry donated items first to Galveston, and “what’s left, we’re going to head directly to Chambers County,” Crawford added.
Residents there will be allowed to take whatever they need, no questions asked, she said.
During her brief time in Galveston, Crawford said she came across whole families which had lost virtually all their possessions.
“One woman had 12 children. One had seven,” she said. “These are normal people with no resources.
“Most of them didn’t take anything with them (when they fled from Ike). They thought they’d be gone a weekend.”
Volunteers are also needed to help during the collection (call 836-2099 or 525-3788 to offer help). Anyone with items to donate can call those same numbers to have them picked up.
Published on Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Headlines: 8 Blogs, 8 Days, Against Proposition 8
Recommended Reading
Undecided? Really? Who the hell are you? Are you evil? Are you Jesus?
Politics
Obama the Philosopher
Avalanche! Early Voting at Record Pace
Voters Rights
Justice Department Targets ACORN But Ignores GOP Voter Suppression
Choice
New Poll, Voters Say Choice Is a Winning Issue, and Candidates Are Using It
Race
Surging Obama Campaign Suggests US Racism on the Wane
GLBT Issues
8 Bloggers and 8 Days Against Prop 8!
From the Blogs
Anthony Bourdain's Blog:
Pressure Drop
Prose and Doggerel:
Turbulent Natural Convection
Simple – Green – Frugal:
Market to Table
Undecided? Really? Who the hell are you? Are you evil? Are you Jesus?
Politics
Obama the Philosopher
Avalanche! Early Voting at Record Pace
Voters Rights
Justice Department Targets ACORN But Ignores GOP Voter Suppression
Choice
New Poll, Voters Say Choice Is a Winning Issue, and Candidates Are Using It
Race
Surging Obama Campaign Suggests US Racism on the Wane
GLBT Issues
8 Bloggers and 8 Days Against Prop 8!
From the Blogs
Anthony Bourdain's Blog:
Pressure Drop
Prose and Doggerel:
Turbulent Natural Convection
Simple – Green – Frugal:
Market to Table
Today in the Polls: Obama Leads in Big Ten Battleground
Gallup Daily Tracking Poll:
Obama: 50% (-1)
McCain: 43% (+1)
FiveThirtyEight Electoral Map:
Obama: 50% (-1)
McCain: 43% (+1)
FiveThirtyEight Electoral Map:
Average:
Obama: 54.6%
McCain: 38.5%
Illinois
Obama: 61%
McCain: 32%
Indiana
Obama: 51%
McCain: 41%
Iowa
Obama: 52%
McCain: 39%
Michigan
Obama: 58%
McCain: 36%
Minnesota
Obama: 57%
McCain: 38%
Ohio
Obama: 53%
McCain: 41%
Pennsylvania
Obama: 52%
McCain: 41%
Wisconsin
Obama: 53%
McCain: 40%
Local News: Edwards, Curnock Meet in Waco
District 17 House Candidates Chet Edwards, Rob Curnock Trade Accusations on Social Security, Taxes
By Erin Quinn (Tribune-Herald staff writer)
From the Waco Tribune-Herald
With less than two weeks until Election Day, both District 17 congressional candidates are accusing each other of mudslinging on issues such as Social Security and taxes.
Nine-term Democratic incumbent Chet Edwards and Republican Rob Curnock, owner of Dub-L Tape in Waco, were among the local candidates who gave five-minute stump speeches to a group of about 50 at a forum Wednesday hosted by the West Kiwanis Club.
In Curnock’s speech, he pointed to a radio ad that Edwards is running in northern parts of the district stating that Curnock wants to raise taxes by 30 percent through his support of a national sales tax. Curnock’s campaign provided the Tribune-Herald with a transcript of the ad.
“What do we really know about politician Rob Curnock?” the ad states. “We know that Curnock supports a new 30 percent national sales tax. A sales tax that would apply to all new purchases, including a house, gasoline, food, medicine for children and prescription drugs for seniors.”
In an interview with the Tribune-Herald after the forum, Curnock said he would consider supporting either the FairTax or “some sort” of national sales tax. He said he would consider taxing items such as cars, homes and luxury items but would want exemptions for items such as groceries.
Fair Tax legislation
According to the Fair Tax Act legislation, which was introduced to Congress in 2005, the sales-tax rate would be set at 23 percent of the total price including the tax, which would be equivalent to a 30 percent traditional sales tax.
Per the legislation, the Internal Revenue Service would dissolve, and the Department of the Treasury would expand and oversee the enforcement of the national sales tax.
While Curnock says he has been running on eliminating the IRS since the first day of his campaign, he said that the ad is not true.
“I have been running since Jan. 2 on cutting taxes and getting the government out of our lives,” Curnock said. “To suddenly come out and say that I want to raise taxes by 30 percent is a breathtaking lie.”
Edwards said, “Unless Rob wants to explode the national debt,” a national sales tax would be a cost to taxpayers.
“For an average family of four making $50,000 in Central Texas, they would see a $3,000-per-year tax increase,” Edwards said in an interview with the Tribune-Herald after the forum in West.
In a response to Edwards’ ad on his campaign Web site, Curnock said, “You are the employer of a congressman, and like an employee who gets caught stealing or lying, Edwards should be fired.”
Also at the forum, Curnock said he was “absolutely stunned” when Edwards told the crowd that his Republican challenger wanted to privatize Social Security, something Curnock said he does not support.
“If we don’t do something, no one will be getting Social Security in the next 20-30 years,” Curnock said. “I think we need to look at everything we can, everything that is on the table, including perhaps allowing younger workers to make a small privatization segment of their retirement. We’re talking like 2 percent.”
Edwards refers to show
Edwards referred to a Temple radio show in which Curnock was a guest in February 2002 during the Republican primary and answered a caller’s question by saying, “. . . quite honestly, not only should we allow for the partial privatization, we have to.”
Edwards’ campaign provided a transcript of the show to the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday.
“First, if he wants to amend, fine-tune, or change his positions, then he ought to admit it,” Edwards said. “But I want to make it clear, that until he was called out on the issue, his position was to allow for partial privatization.”
Edwards added, “If Rob Curnock would have gotten his way, we would have millions of Americans investing billions of dollars into the stock market. And that would have not only undermined the retirement security — given the stock market’s crash — but it would have increased the national debt, by some estimates, as much as $2 trillion.”
Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting in McLennan County runs through Oct. 31. For a list of early voting sites and times, go to www.co.mclennan.tx.us/elections
Published on Thursday, October 23, 2008
By Erin Quinn (Tribune-Herald staff writer)
From the Waco Tribune-Herald
With less than two weeks until Election Day, both District 17 congressional candidates are accusing each other of mudslinging on issues such as Social Security and taxes.
Nine-term Democratic incumbent Chet Edwards and Republican Rob Curnock, owner of Dub-L Tape in Waco, were among the local candidates who gave five-minute stump speeches to a group of about 50 at a forum Wednesday hosted by the West Kiwanis Club.
In Curnock’s speech, he pointed to a radio ad that Edwards is running in northern parts of the district stating that Curnock wants to raise taxes by 30 percent through his support of a national sales tax. Curnock’s campaign provided the Tribune-Herald with a transcript of the ad.
“What do we really know about politician Rob Curnock?” the ad states. “We know that Curnock supports a new 30 percent national sales tax. A sales tax that would apply to all new purchases, including a house, gasoline, food, medicine for children and prescription drugs for seniors.”
In an interview with the Tribune-Herald after the forum, Curnock said he would consider supporting either the FairTax or “some sort” of national sales tax. He said he would consider taxing items such as cars, homes and luxury items but would want exemptions for items such as groceries.
Fair Tax legislation
According to the Fair Tax Act legislation, which was introduced to Congress in 2005, the sales-tax rate would be set at 23 percent of the total price including the tax, which would be equivalent to a 30 percent traditional sales tax.
Per the legislation, the Internal Revenue Service would dissolve, and the Department of the Treasury would expand and oversee the enforcement of the national sales tax.
While Curnock says he has been running on eliminating the IRS since the first day of his campaign, he said that the ad is not true.
“I have been running since Jan. 2 on cutting taxes and getting the government out of our lives,” Curnock said. “To suddenly come out and say that I want to raise taxes by 30 percent is a breathtaking lie.”
Edwards said, “Unless Rob wants to explode the national debt,” a national sales tax would be a cost to taxpayers.
“For an average family of four making $50,000 in Central Texas, they would see a $3,000-per-year tax increase,” Edwards said in an interview with the Tribune-Herald after the forum in West.
In a response to Edwards’ ad on his campaign Web site, Curnock said, “You are the employer of a congressman, and like an employee who gets caught stealing or lying, Edwards should be fired.”
Also at the forum, Curnock said he was “absolutely stunned” when Edwards told the crowd that his Republican challenger wanted to privatize Social Security, something Curnock said he does not support.
“If we don’t do something, no one will be getting Social Security in the next 20-30 years,” Curnock said. “I think we need to look at everything we can, everything that is on the table, including perhaps allowing younger workers to make a small privatization segment of their retirement. We’re talking like 2 percent.”
Edwards refers to show
Edwards referred to a Temple radio show in which Curnock was a guest in February 2002 during the Republican primary and answered a caller’s question by saying, “. . . quite honestly, not only should we allow for the partial privatization, we have to.”
Edwards’ campaign provided a transcript of the show to the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday.
“First, if he wants to amend, fine-tune, or change his positions, then he ought to admit it,” Edwards said. “But I want to make it clear, that until he was called out on the issue, his position was to allow for partial privatization.”
Edwards added, “If Rob Curnock would have gotten his way, we would have millions of Americans investing billions of dollars into the stock market. And that would have not only undermined the retirement security — given the stock market’s crash — but it would have increased the national debt, by some estimates, as much as $2 trillion.”
Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting in McLennan County runs through Oct. 31. For a list of early voting sites and times, go to www.co.mclennan.tx.us/elections
Published on Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Veterans Issues: How John McCain “Thanks” Veterans…
Senator John McCain has served his country but he has not served veterans. McCain has consistently said that he supports veterans, but his record shows that he has consistently not supported veterans.
During a townhall meeting in Denver McCain said, “I have a perfect voting record from organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and all the other veterans’ service organizations.” The fact is that the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion do not release congressional scorecards; the American Legion's constitution specifically prohibits it.
According to Project Vote Smart, McCain has supported votes supported by veterans groups an average of 40.7% of the time since 1990. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) gave McCain’s voting record on veterans’ issues a grade of a D in both 2006 and 2008. According to the IAVA Congressional Report Card McCain was absent for six votes this year that the IAVA supported, no other senator missed as many votes supported by the IAVA. McCain voted for legislation supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 66% of the time in 1999, 50% in 2004, 25% in 2005, and 20% in 2006. The only veterans group that has ever given McCain’s voting record a perfect rating was the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) who gave his voting record a 100% rating in 2004. However, the VVA also gave McCain’s voting record a rating of 46% in 2001, 0% in 1998, and 50% in 1990.
According to some estimates McCain has voted at least 29 times against veterans' medical benefits. According to other estimates McCain has voted against at least $278.9 billion in veterans’ benefits, while voting for $700 billion to “rescue” Wall Street. There several examples of legislation that McCain has voted against that would benefit veterans, and despite all of the evidence to the contrary McCain continues to repeat what amounts to outright lies.
During the First Presidential Debate Senator McCain said:
As a fellow veteran you should better than most what kinds of sacrifices that veterans have given for this country. You have sacrificed for this country more than most, and many other veterans have sacrificed much for this country and in some cases they have sacrificed everything. However, you have thanked veterans with their words but not with your actions.
During a townhall meeting in Denver McCain said, “I have a perfect voting record from organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and all the other veterans’ service organizations.” The fact is that the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion do not release congressional scorecards; the American Legion's constitution specifically prohibits it.
According to Project Vote Smart, McCain has supported votes supported by veterans groups an average of 40.7% of the time since 1990. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) gave McCain’s voting record on veterans’ issues a grade of a D in both 2006 and 2008. According to the IAVA Congressional Report Card McCain was absent for six votes this year that the IAVA supported, no other senator missed as many votes supported by the IAVA. McCain voted for legislation supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 66% of the time in 1999, 50% in 2004, 25% in 2005, and 20% in 2006. The only veterans group that has ever given McCain’s voting record a perfect rating was the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) who gave his voting record a 100% rating in 2004. However, the VVA also gave McCain’s voting record a rating of 46% in 2001, 0% in 1998, and 50% in 1990.
According to some estimates McCain has voted at least 29 times against veterans' medical benefits. According to other estimates McCain has voted against at least $278.9 billion in veterans’ benefits, while voting for $700 billion to “rescue” Wall Street. There several examples of legislation that McCain has voted against that would benefit veterans, and despite all of the evidence to the contrary McCain continues to repeat what amounts to outright lies.
During the First Presidential Debate Senator McCain said:
“As far as our other issues that he brought up are concerned, I know the veterans. I know them well. And I know that they know that I'll take care of them. And I've been proud of their support and their recognition of my service to the veterans.”Senator McCain, you may know us but we do not know you. Veterans do not know who this Senator McCain is; the Senator McCain that veterans know is the person who has said that he supports veterans with his words and nothing else.
As a fellow veteran you should better than most what kinds of sacrifices that veterans have given for this country. You have sacrificed for this country more than most, and many other veterans have sacrificed much for this country and in some cases they have sacrificed everything. However, you have thanked veterans with their words but not with your actions.
Headlines: Maddow is Hot, Drudge is Not
Politics
The Battle for Obama's Economic Soul
Democrats' Gloom Deepens
Media
Cable News Phenom Maddow Doubles Her Audience in a Matter of Days
Drudge Unplugged: How His Campaign Influence Has Collapsed
GLBT Issues
Two Gay Elders Killed in Indiana: Hate Crime?
Women’s Issues
Obama, McCain Views on Unequal-Pay Case Are Revealing
Race
Will White People Riot?
From the Blogs
Scott Adams Blog:
Economics and War
Bay Area Houston:
Empowing Texans to be racists?
Just Another Vet:
War on Terror Report Card
The Battle for Obama's Economic Soul
Democrats' Gloom Deepens
Media
Cable News Phenom Maddow Doubles Her Audience in a Matter of Days
Drudge Unplugged: How His Campaign Influence Has Collapsed
GLBT Issues
Two Gay Elders Killed in Indiana: Hate Crime?
Women’s Issues
Obama, McCain Views on Unequal-Pay Case Are Revealing
Race
Will White People Riot?
From the Blogs
Scott Adams Blog:
Economics and War
Bay Area Houston:
Empowing Texans to be racists?
Just Another Vet:
War on Terror Report Card
Local News: Soldiers Visit Veterans
Warriors Old and New: 4th ID Troops Visit Veterans
By Bryan Kirk (Killeen Writer)
From the Temple Daily Telegram
It was a sunny Tuesday morning on the steps of the Courtney Williams Veterans Home when something inspiring happened.
It was nothing as historic as a meeting between world leaders or the signing of a treaty, or even a groundbreaking for a significant thing.
Indeed, it was much better and it all began as a simple act of love demonstrated to members of what has been called “The Greatest Generation” from today’s soldiers assigned to Fort Hood’s 4th Infantry Division.
“You think you’re getting something out of this, but you’re giving more,” said Carolyn Rumfield, activity director for the Courtney Williams Veterans Home. “When they see uniforms, it absolutely changes their whole life.”
Knowing that was all the two dozen soldiers needed as they set out on their latest mission to meet those who fought so long ago to preserve freedom.
But some of those soldiers already knew that.
Tuesday was Master Sgt. James Holbrook’s second trip to the nursing home, but it will not be his last.
“This is humbling,” said Holbrook, who himself has served in combat twice. “When you look at some of these guys, you are looking at true American heroes.”
He and some of his soldiers began coming out to the veterans home after Ms. Rumfield contacted the 4th ID about sharing stories and visits with the residents.
“The staff knows very little about these people because they won’t talk to the staff,” Holbrook said.
The soldiers began talking with the residents of the home and before long, stories that belong in history books came to life again.
“They will tell us everything: their stories, what awards they got, what wars they fought in and what units they were in,” Holbrook said.
One of the residents served as a nurse in World War II and eventually served as a hospital director in Houston, while another served numerous tours in Vietnam.
Holbrook said he would never have realized the extent of their bravery if he hadn’t spent time with them.
“It’s just awesome,” he said.
When the soldiers learn of these stories they share them with Rumfield, who never ceases to be amazed.
There are 156 residents at the Temple nursing home, and roughly 90 percent of them served in World War II.
Charles Tibbits, 84, is one of them.
More than 60 years ago, Tibbits was a 19-year-old top turret gunner on a B-26 bomber, based out of England, Belgium and France.
“I was drafted,” Tibbits said. “I was just a kid. I didn’t have a choice.”
Between 1943 and 1945, he flew more than 40 combat missions over Hitler’s Germany
Now, confined to a wheelchair, Tibbits recalls his service and marvels at those who serve in Iraq.
“It’s different. There is no comparison,” Tibbits said.
Don Cooper, 81, who served in both World War II and Korea, was encouraged to see the smiles and receive the gratitude from those who serve today.
“I enjoy visiting with the younger generation and comparing what soldiering is today to what it was 50 or 60 years ago,” Cooper said.
But it’s not just about comparing notes, or even just having casual visits, as much as it is about creating simple human bonds.
And it’s because of that need that Rumfield felt so compelled to contact the 4th ID and solicit their help in preserving this precious part of history.
“Even though their wars are worlds apart, military camaraderie is always the same,” she said. “They have a common ground in which they can talk and communicate.”
As the warriors of the past mingled with the soldiers of today, Rumfield noted the smiles that spread across the faces of both generations.
“These are my heroes,” Ms. Rumfield said.
Published: October 22, 2008
By Bryan Kirk (Killeen Writer)
From the Temple Daily Telegram
It was a sunny Tuesday morning on the steps of the Courtney Williams Veterans Home when something inspiring happened.
It was nothing as historic as a meeting between world leaders or the signing of a treaty, or even a groundbreaking for a significant thing.
Indeed, it was much better and it all began as a simple act of love demonstrated to members of what has been called “The Greatest Generation” from today’s soldiers assigned to Fort Hood’s 4th Infantry Division.
“You think you’re getting something out of this, but you’re giving more,” said Carolyn Rumfield, activity director for the Courtney Williams Veterans Home. “When they see uniforms, it absolutely changes their whole life.”
Knowing that was all the two dozen soldiers needed as they set out on their latest mission to meet those who fought so long ago to preserve freedom.
But some of those soldiers already knew that.
Tuesday was Master Sgt. James Holbrook’s second trip to the nursing home, but it will not be his last.
“This is humbling,” said Holbrook, who himself has served in combat twice. “When you look at some of these guys, you are looking at true American heroes.”
He and some of his soldiers began coming out to the veterans home after Ms. Rumfield contacted the 4th ID about sharing stories and visits with the residents.
“The staff knows very little about these people because they won’t talk to the staff,” Holbrook said.
The soldiers began talking with the residents of the home and before long, stories that belong in history books came to life again.
“They will tell us everything: their stories, what awards they got, what wars they fought in and what units they were in,” Holbrook said.
One of the residents served as a nurse in World War II and eventually served as a hospital director in Houston, while another served numerous tours in Vietnam.
Holbrook said he would never have realized the extent of their bravery if he hadn’t spent time with them.
“It’s just awesome,” he said.
When the soldiers learn of these stories they share them with Rumfield, who never ceases to be amazed.
There are 156 residents at the Temple nursing home, and roughly 90 percent of them served in World War II.
Charles Tibbits, 84, is one of them.
More than 60 years ago, Tibbits was a 19-year-old top turret gunner on a B-26 bomber, based out of England, Belgium and France.
“I was drafted,” Tibbits said. “I was just a kid. I didn’t have a choice.”
Between 1943 and 1945, he flew more than 40 combat missions over Hitler’s Germany
Now, confined to a wheelchair, Tibbits recalls his service and marvels at those who serve in Iraq.
“It’s different. There is no comparison,” Tibbits said.
Don Cooper, 81, who served in both World War II and Korea, was encouraged to see the smiles and receive the gratitude from those who serve today.
“I enjoy visiting with the younger generation and comparing what soldiering is today to what it was 50 or 60 years ago,” Cooper said.
But it’s not just about comparing notes, or even just having casual visits, as much as it is about creating simple human bonds.
And it’s because of that need that Rumfield felt so compelled to contact the 4th ID and solicit their help in preserving this precious part of history.
“Even though their wars are worlds apart, military camaraderie is always the same,” she said. “They have a common ground in which they can talk and communicate.”
As the warriors of the past mingled with the soldiers of today, Rumfield noted the smiles that spread across the faces of both generations.
“These are my heroes,” Ms. Rumfield said.
Published: October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Electoral Projection: Two Weeks Until Election Day
The following map is a projection of the Presidential Election based on polling, voter registration, and demographic data. The following states may be decided by 1% or less: Ohio, North Carolina, and Nevada.
President:
Obama (D): 318
McCain (R): 220
Senator (Texas):
John Cornyn (R): 53%
Rick Noriega (D): 47%
Congressman (Texas HD-17):
Chet Edwards (D): 61%
Rob Curnock (R): 39%
Texas House (HD-17)
Donnie Dippel (D): 50%
Tim Kleinschmidt (R): 49%
Alan W. Duesterhoft (L): 1%
TPMtv: Running the Table
President:
Obama (D): 318
McCain (R): 220
Senator (Texas):
John Cornyn (R): 53%
Rick Noriega (D): 47%
Congressman (Texas HD-17):
Chet Edwards (D): 61%
Rob Curnock (R): 39%
Texas House (HD-17)
Donnie Dippel (D): 50%
Tim Kleinschmidt (R): 49%
Alan W. Duesterhoft (L): 1%
TPMtv: Running the Table
Headlines: Divisive Politics Is Anti-American
Recommended Reading
Olbermann Special Comment: Divisive Politics Is Anti-American
Politics
Rep. Says 'Liberals Hate Real Americans'
Colinoscopy: Examining General Powell's Image-Preservation Campaign
Swing State: Virginia
Why Virginia May Tilt to Obama
The New Old Dominion
Economy
Will Your Recession Be Tall, Grande, or Venti?
Education
A Lesson for the Next President
Environment
Environmental Failure: A Case for a New Green Politics
Health
Will We Let Conservatives Do To Health Care What They Did To Banking?
Women’s Issues
Women Could Reach 'Critical Mass' in Congress
From the Blogs
Capitol Annex:
TX SEN: Noriega Makes Serious Gains On Cornyn In Latest Poll
Texas Liberal:
Two Black Men Named Powell Who Crossed Party Lines On Presidential Endorsements
Olbermann Special Comment: Divisive Politics Is Anti-American
Politics
Rep. Says 'Liberals Hate Real Americans'
Colinoscopy: Examining General Powell's Image-Preservation Campaign
Swing State: Virginia
Why Virginia May Tilt to Obama
The New Old Dominion
Economy
Will Your Recession Be Tall, Grande, or Venti?
Education
A Lesson for the Next President
Environment
Environmental Failure: A Case for a New Green Politics
Health
Will We Let Conservatives Do To Health Care What They Did To Banking?
Women’s Issues
Women Could Reach 'Critical Mass' in Congress
From the Blogs
Capitol Annex:
TX SEN: Noriega Makes Serious Gains On Cornyn In Latest Poll
Texas Liberal:
Two Black Men Named Powell Who Crossed Party Lines On Presidential Endorsements
Local News: 2,050 Vote Early in Brazos County
More Than 2,050 Vote on First Day
By Cassie Smith
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
More than 2,050 Brazos County residents turned out to the polls on the first day of early voting for the Nov. 4 election.
That's 2.2 percent of the 93,012 registered voters casting ballots, according to Kristeen Roe, the county's voter registrar and tax assessor-collector.
A record 13.5 million Texans are registered to vote in the general election. A historic presidential race, a nationwide financial meltdown and Texas congressional races all are issues expected to bring voters to the polls in droves.
For the last presidential race, 1,511 people voted on the first day in Brazos County out of the 88,981 registered.
Roe said they're seeing new voters this round: about 4,500 are first-time registrants locally.
While area officials were reporting 93,292 registered voters Oct. 16, the overall number dropped because residents who've moved are just now registering to vote elsewhere, Roe said.
"We hit a peak," Roe said. "But it's a fluid thing."
Elections Coordinator Jaime Hines said she attributes the high turnout to the community's interest with the nation's crumbling economy, along with the names at the top of the ticket.
"I think the biggest thing is that it is a new president," she said. "The fact that it's going to be brand new no matter which way they vote."
Harris County was on pace to reach 30,000 ballots filed Monday, crushing the first-day record of 20,868 in 2004. Meanwhile, Dallas County hit a record of 23,000 voters with more than two hours to spare, and lines still were growing longer.
The Texas Secretary of State's office reported no major problems with voting machines or backlogs at polling locations. But counties did come across problems from malfunctioning machines to reports of voter harassment inside distance markers.
Around Corpus Christi, an unexpected surge in first-day voters briefly overwhelmed the Nueces County computer mainframe that "wasn't ready to handle the load," election manager Rochelle Limon said.
It was fixed in about 15 minutes, she said.
Technology also backed up some lines in Houston. Election workers unfamiliar with new handheld scanners slowed the pace at some polling locations, said Hector DeLeon, a spokesperson for the Harris County clerk's office.
While officials brought in additional voting equipment in anticipation of the crowds, Hines said there will still may be a wait but they are working to get everyone "in and out as quickly as possible."
"There will be lines, but it's better to early vote because on the election day it will be much worse," she said.
Published Tuesday, October 21, 2008
By Cassie Smith
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
More than 2,050 Brazos County residents turned out to the polls on the first day of early voting for the Nov. 4 election.
That's 2.2 percent of the 93,012 registered voters casting ballots, according to Kristeen Roe, the county's voter registrar and tax assessor-collector.
A record 13.5 million Texans are registered to vote in the general election. A historic presidential race, a nationwide financial meltdown and Texas congressional races all are issues expected to bring voters to the polls in droves.
For the last presidential race, 1,511 people voted on the first day in Brazos County out of the 88,981 registered.
Roe said they're seeing new voters this round: about 4,500 are first-time registrants locally.
While area officials were reporting 93,292 registered voters Oct. 16, the overall number dropped because residents who've moved are just now registering to vote elsewhere, Roe said.
"We hit a peak," Roe said. "But it's a fluid thing."
Elections Coordinator Jaime Hines said she attributes the high turnout to the community's interest with the nation's crumbling economy, along with the names at the top of the ticket.
"I think the biggest thing is that it is a new president," she said. "The fact that it's going to be brand new no matter which way they vote."
Harris County was on pace to reach 30,000 ballots filed Monday, crushing the first-day record of 20,868 in 2004. Meanwhile, Dallas County hit a record of 23,000 voters with more than two hours to spare, and lines still were growing longer.
The Texas Secretary of State's office reported no major problems with voting machines or backlogs at polling locations. But counties did come across problems from malfunctioning machines to reports of voter harassment inside distance markers.
Around Corpus Christi, an unexpected surge in first-day voters briefly overwhelmed the Nueces County computer mainframe that "wasn't ready to handle the load," election manager Rochelle Limon said.
It was fixed in about 15 minutes, she said.
Technology also backed up some lines in Houston. Election workers unfamiliar with new handheld scanners slowed the pace at some polling locations, said Hector DeLeon, a spokesperson for the Harris County clerk's office.
While officials brought in additional voting equipment in anticipation of the crowds, Hines said there will still may be a wait but they are working to get everyone "in and out as quickly as possible."
"There will be lines, but it's better to early vote because on the election day it will be much worse," she said.
Published Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Veteran Bloggers: The Case Against Senator John McCain
Veterans from across the blogosphere make the case against Senator John McCain…
Army of Dude:
A Veteran's Case against John McCain
“Some might suggest that I should vote for McCain because he is a fellow veteran. These are the same people that suggested Kerry was a bad choice four years ago. Despite his many, many detractions, he still set foot in Vietnam when his opponent did not. Though Obama hasn't served, he has proven to have a positive impact when it comes to veterans. I admire McCain's past, but I cast much doubt on his vision of the future.”
Penn and Sword:
Johnny and the Warmongers
“To paraphrase Voltaire, witticisms can be the best way to make a point but they never prove anything. So while a couple of satisfying one-liners may illustrate the chasm between McCain's perception of his national security credentials and the stark reality of his fecklessness, it is vital that we examine the specific ways in which, as commander in chief of the United States military, McCain would be the most dangerous man in world history.”
Military & Veterans: Politics for the Deserving:
McCain's Record on Vet's Affairs is Dismal
“John McCain has a very clear, long, and illustrious history of NOT supporting troops and veterans….and of NOT having good judgment when it comes to assessing military threats and determining the right courses of action. He continues to misrepresent reality when he says he has better judgment and is a better friend to veterans than Obama. Both of which are proven to be untrue when you look at their records!!!”
Just Another Vet:
For Real?
“I stated that I can’t vote for McCain because of his support of never ending the Iraq war, regardless of its realities. My dear friend then said something that made me throw-up a little in my mouth: “He’s a veteran, what else can he do?” I looked her straight in the eye and said that I too am a veteran, and that McCain dishonors our troops every day by supporting sending them to die in a land we invaded to steal oil. I tried not to scream as I explained that supporting the troops means making sure they only go to war when they have to, not for corporate interests, not to take over a country in a colonial fashion.”
One Pissed Off Veteran:
So What Did Wesley Clark Say That Was So Bad?
“If anything, Clark was too nice to doddering old fucker. Note that Clark did not attempt to dismiss McCain's service, or point out some inconvenient facts about it, such as that he lived a protected -- a charmed -- life as the son and grandson of admirals for most of his Navy service (and even for part of his time in captivity), that he most likely would have been kicked out of Annapolis if it were not for that, that he lost a couple of planes under mysterious circumstances, or his questionable role in the deadly USS Forrestal fire in 1967.”
This week Left of College Station will be examining Senator John McCain’s record on veteran and military issues, along with examining what kind of Commander-in-Chief McCain may be if elected.
Other Veteran Voices:
Alternate Brain
The Midnight Hour
My American-Iraq Life
Ranger Against War
Three Pissed Off Vets
Veteran Organizations:
Retired Enlisted Association
Disabled American Veterans
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Vietnam Veterans Against John Mccain
Army of Dude:
A Veteran's Case against John McCain
“Some might suggest that I should vote for McCain because he is a fellow veteran. These are the same people that suggested Kerry was a bad choice four years ago. Despite his many, many detractions, he still set foot in Vietnam when his opponent did not. Though Obama hasn't served, he has proven to have a positive impact when it comes to veterans. I admire McCain's past, but I cast much doubt on his vision of the future.”
Penn and Sword:
Johnny and the Warmongers
“To paraphrase Voltaire, witticisms can be the best way to make a point but they never prove anything. So while a couple of satisfying one-liners may illustrate the chasm between McCain's perception of his national security credentials and the stark reality of his fecklessness, it is vital that we examine the specific ways in which, as commander in chief of the United States military, McCain would be the most dangerous man in world history.”
Military & Veterans: Politics for the Deserving:
McCain's Record on Vet's Affairs is Dismal
“John McCain has a very clear, long, and illustrious history of NOT supporting troops and veterans….and of NOT having good judgment when it comes to assessing military threats and determining the right courses of action. He continues to misrepresent reality when he says he has better judgment and is a better friend to veterans than Obama. Both of which are proven to be untrue when you look at their records!!!”
Just Another Vet:
For Real?
“I stated that I can’t vote for McCain because of his support of never ending the Iraq war, regardless of its realities. My dear friend then said something that made me throw-up a little in my mouth: “He’s a veteran, what else can he do?” I looked her straight in the eye and said that I too am a veteran, and that McCain dishonors our troops every day by supporting sending them to die in a land we invaded to steal oil. I tried not to scream as I explained that supporting the troops means making sure they only go to war when they have to, not for corporate interests, not to take over a country in a colonial fashion.”
One Pissed Off Veteran:
So What Did Wesley Clark Say That Was So Bad?
“If anything, Clark was too nice to doddering old fucker. Note that Clark did not attempt to dismiss McCain's service, or point out some inconvenient facts about it, such as that he lived a protected -- a charmed -- life as the son and grandson of admirals for most of his Navy service (and even for part of his time in captivity), that he most likely would have been kicked out of Annapolis if it were not for that, that he lost a couple of planes under mysterious circumstances, or his questionable role in the deadly USS Forrestal fire in 1967.”
This week Left of College Station will be examining Senator John McCain’s record on veteran and military issues, along with examining what kind of Commander-in-Chief McCain may be if elected.
Other Veteran Voices:
Alternate Brain
The Midnight Hour
My American-Iraq Life
Ranger Against War
Three Pissed Off Vets
Veteran Organizations:
Retired Enlisted Association
Disabled American Veterans
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Vietnam Veterans Against John Mccain
Headlines: Obama Receives Newspaper Endorsements
Endorsements
Bryan-College Station Eagle:
Barack Obama is the Better Choice for our President
Chet Edwards Represents our District Well
No Reason to Replace Bill Turner
Houston Chronicle:
The Chronicle Endorses Barack Obama for President and Joe Biden for Vice President of the United States
Washington Post:
Barack Obama for President
Los Angeles Times:
Barack Obama for President
Politics
Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell Endorses Senator Barack Obama on Meet the Press
Baylor Study: Bible, Church Makeup Sharply Influence Political Views
Voters Rights
Report Says Colorado Poorly Prepared for Electronic Voting Machine Problems
Iraq
Progressive Voter Guide to the Iraq War and Beyond
Choice
The Adoption vs. Abortion Myth
Women’s Issues
Documenting a Devastating Genetic Illness
GLBT Issues
UH is the First School in Texas to Offer a Minor Concentration in GLBT Studies
Bryan-College Station Eagle:
Barack Obama is the Better Choice for our President
Chet Edwards Represents our District Well
No Reason to Replace Bill Turner
Houston Chronicle:
The Chronicle Endorses Barack Obama for President and Joe Biden for Vice President of the United States
Washington Post:
Barack Obama for President
Los Angeles Times:
Barack Obama for President
Politics
Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell Endorses Senator Barack Obama on Meet the Press
Baylor Study: Bible, Church Makeup Sharply Influence Political Views
Voters Rights
Report Says Colorado Poorly Prepared for Electronic Voting Machine Problems
Iraq
Progressive Voter Guide to the Iraq War and Beyond
Choice
The Adoption vs. Abortion Myth
Women’s Issues
Documenting a Devastating Genetic Illness
GLBT Issues
UH is the First School in Texas to Offer a Minor Concentration in GLBT Studies
Local News: Early Voting Begins Today
Early Voting Begins Today
By Janet Phelps
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Brazos County officials are predicting a record turnout for the Nov. 4 election. Early voting begins Monday.
In addition to state and national races, area voters will choose a district attorney and county tax assessor-collector. College Station voters will voice their opinion on a $110 million bond issue.
Early voting continues through Oct. 31.
Brazos County Clerk Karen McQueen said officials have brought out more voting machines in anticipation of the large crowds expected this week.
"The voters are going to have to stand in lines, but hopefully not as long as they would," she said.
McQueen encourages residents to vote early to "get it out of the way."
A record number of voters are registered in Brazos County this year, said Kristeen Roe, the county's voter registrar and tax assessor-collector.
The county's 93,292 registered voters include 4,500 people who registered for the first time this year, she said.
McQueen said the presidential race has sparked a lot of interest.
"It's just been a very hot race," she said.
In local contested races, Roe, a Republican, is facing Libertarian John Roemer.
Longtime incumbent Democrat Bill Turner is seeking re-election as district attorney against former district judge and Republican Rick Davis.
Brazos County voters will also get to choose between District 17 incumbent, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, a Waco Democrat, and his challenger, Republican Rob Curnock, also of Waco.
And John Cornyn, a Republican, is seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate. He is being challenged by Democrat Rick Noriega, a state representative from Houston.
College Station city officials have proposed a $110 million bond issue that would provide improvements to parks and transportation as well as construct a new city hall, community center and fire station.
Early voting sites in Brazos County are: The Brazos County Courthouse, Arena Hall on Tabor Road, Galilee Baptist Church on Logan Avenue, Grace Bible Church on Texas 6 and the Memorial Student Center on the Texas A&M University campus.
Those sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
McQueen said volunteers may still be needed for early voting. To volunteer, call Jaime Hines at 361-4121.
Published Monday, October 20, 2008
By Janet Phelps
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Brazos County officials are predicting a record turnout for the Nov. 4 election. Early voting begins Monday.
In addition to state and national races, area voters will choose a district attorney and county tax assessor-collector. College Station voters will voice their opinion on a $110 million bond issue.
Early voting continues through Oct. 31.
Brazos County Clerk Karen McQueen said officials have brought out more voting machines in anticipation of the large crowds expected this week.
"The voters are going to have to stand in lines, but hopefully not as long as they would," she said.
McQueen encourages residents to vote early to "get it out of the way."
A record number of voters are registered in Brazos County this year, said Kristeen Roe, the county's voter registrar and tax assessor-collector.
The county's 93,292 registered voters include 4,500 people who registered for the first time this year, she said.
McQueen said the presidential race has sparked a lot of interest.
"It's just been a very hot race," she said.
In local contested races, Roe, a Republican, is facing Libertarian John Roemer.
Longtime incumbent Democrat Bill Turner is seeking re-election as district attorney against former district judge and Republican Rick Davis.
Brazos County voters will also get to choose between District 17 incumbent, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, a Waco Democrat, and his challenger, Republican Rob Curnock, also of Waco.
And John Cornyn, a Republican, is seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate. He is being challenged by Democrat Rick Noriega, a state representative from Houston.
College Station city officials have proposed a $110 million bond issue that would provide improvements to parks and transportation as well as construct a new city hall, community center and fire station.
Early voting sites in Brazos County are: The Brazos County Courthouse, Arena Hall on Tabor Road, Galilee Baptist Church on Logan Avenue, Grace Bible Church on Texas 6 and the Memorial Student Center on the Texas A&M University campus.
Those sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
McQueen said volunteers may still be needed for early voting. To volunteer, call Jaime Hines at 361-4121.
Published Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama for President
Tomorrow:
Veteran Bloggers: The Case Against Senator John McCain
Friday, October 17, 2008
Veterans Issues: John Cornyn is All Talk and No Walk
Senator John Cornyn, like many Republicans, has talked about supporting veterans but he has not supported veterans with his actions.
In Senator Cornyn’s time in the Senate he has supported veterans’ issues an average of 48.8% of the time. In 2004 Cornyn receive a vote ranking of 0% from the Retired Enlisted Association; in 2006 Cornyn received a vote grade of a D Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and in 2007 received a vote grade of a B. The Disabled American Veterans gave Cornyn a vote ranking of 60% in 2006, 33% in 2005, and 0% in 2004.
Cornyn was one of only 22 other senators that voted against HR 2642, the GI Bill.
One of the most important issues for veterans is health care; veterans who have been wounded during the current conflicts and during past conflicts need and deserve quality health care.
Cornyn voted against S CON RES 95 which would have increased Veterans' medical care by $2.7 billion, and then the next day voted against the same bill that was amended to increase in Veterans' medical care by only $1.8 billion. On a motion on S 2400 to assure that funding is provided for veterans’ health care each fiscal year to cover increases in population and inflation Cornyn voted against the motion.
Cornyn, and the rest of his Senate Republican colleagues, voted against S CON RES 23, which would have allowe full access to TriCare for National Guard and Reserve Personnel and their families on a continual basis. Then Cornyn was one of only twenty-five Senators, all of whom where Republican, to vote against S 2400 which expands certain authorities to provide health care benefits for Reserves and their families.
Cornyn voted against an amendment to H R 2528 to provide an additional $10,000,000 for the Readjustment Counseling Service; a service that important to the emotional welfare of our service members and veterans returning home after deployments. Cornyn voted against $10 million for veterans, but voted for HR 1424 and $700 billion dollars Wall Street.
Cornyn has written that those who questioned the reasons and motivations for the war in Iraq are dishonoring “the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform and undermine critical American resolve to finish the important work we are about in Iraq.” However, Cornyn has undermined the ability of our service members to fight in Iraq by voting against additional $213,000,000 for Other Procurement, Army, for the procurement of Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (UAHMMWVs) to keep those in harm’s way safer.
Cornyn has a history of not supporting veterans and by one estimate has not supported veterans on at least 19 different occasions.
Representative Rick Noriega has served his country; Noriega has worn the uniform. Noriega knows and understands the needs of the military and veterans. Noriega will not just thank veterans with his words but Noriega with his actions.
In Senator Cornyn’s time in the Senate he has supported veterans’ issues an average of 48.8% of the time. In 2004 Cornyn receive a vote ranking of 0% from the Retired Enlisted Association; in 2006 Cornyn received a vote grade of a D Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and in 2007 received a vote grade of a B. The Disabled American Veterans gave Cornyn a vote ranking of 60% in 2006, 33% in 2005, and 0% in 2004.
Cornyn was one of only 22 other senators that voted against HR 2642, the GI Bill.
One of the most important issues for veterans is health care; veterans who have been wounded during the current conflicts and during past conflicts need and deserve quality health care.
Cornyn voted against S CON RES 95 which would have increased Veterans' medical care by $2.7 billion, and then the next day voted against the same bill that was amended to increase in Veterans' medical care by only $1.8 billion. On a motion on S 2400 to assure that funding is provided for veterans’ health care each fiscal year to cover increases in population and inflation Cornyn voted against the motion.
Cornyn, and the rest of his Senate Republican colleagues, voted against S CON RES 23, which would have allowe full access to TriCare for National Guard and Reserve Personnel and their families on a continual basis. Then Cornyn was one of only twenty-five Senators, all of whom where Republican, to vote against S 2400 which expands certain authorities to provide health care benefits for Reserves and their families.
Cornyn voted against an amendment to H R 2528 to provide an additional $10,000,000 for the Readjustment Counseling Service; a service that important to the emotional welfare of our service members and veterans returning home after deployments. Cornyn voted against $10 million for veterans, but voted for HR 1424 and $700 billion dollars Wall Street.
Cornyn has written that those who questioned the reasons and motivations for the war in Iraq are dishonoring “the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform and undermine critical American resolve to finish the important work we are about in Iraq.” However, Cornyn has undermined the ability of our service members to fight in Iraq by voting against additional $213,000,000 for Other Procurement, Army, for the procurement of Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (UAHMMWVs) to keep those in harm’s way safer.
Cornyn has a history of not supporting veterans and by one estimate has not supported veterans on at least 19 different occasions.
Representative Rick Noriega has served his country; Noriega has worn the uniform. Noriega knows and understands the needs of the military and veterans. Noriega will not just thank veterans with his words but Noriega with his actions.
Headlines: It will spring from the soil of middle America.
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Today in the Polls: The Battle Ground Trend Obama
Gallup Daily Tracking Poll:
Obama: 50% (+1)
McCain: 43%
FiveThirtyEight Electoral Map:
The Battle Grounds:
From September 25-30 these four battle ground states, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio, have broken and continue to trend towards Obama.
Obama: 50% (+1)
McCain: 43%
FiveThirtyEight Electoral Map:
The Battle Grounds: From September 25-30 these four battle ground states, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio, have broken and continue to trend towards Obama.
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