To David Limbaugh: Democrats are still a better pick than Republicans

You got to love this piece by David Limbaugh in the Wash Times - Repub bs. The current White House is all about "arrogance and premature boasting", but he doesn't care about that - staying the course is just fine.

Dems have offered a strategy for "winning" in Iraq, but Repubs are sore losers and want to inflict more punishment on Iraqis and the world by staying until the job is "done", but they can't define what "the job is done" means. There is simply a stubborness, a childishness and an unhealthy anger (different from the great progressive angst you find here) that leaves folks like Limbaugh to question anything or anyone who wants to shift course and work together to improve things (this applies to all policies in the Bush admin as Broder points out here). In the end, GWB and Co. (and their followers) are incapable of accomplishing anything right now - maybe they should "Shut Up and Sing" instead - it would be just as entertaining as watching them govern.

You Can Put Ohio On The Board

On top of a new SurveyUSA poll showing progressive Democrat Sherrod Brown leading incumbent Republican Senator Mike DeWine by 20 points, the RNC has pulled out of Ohio, effectively conceding the Ohio Senate seat to the Democrats.

With Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Montana, and Ohio appearing as likely takeovers, the Democrats will just need two of Missouri, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Do More Than Vote

What can you do to help get this country back on the right track? Check out Do More Than Vote to find out.

Chris Matthews: "These Ads Are Racist"

First, here's former Republican Senator and Defense Sec. William Cohen, courtesy of ThinkProgress.

And then, in an even more succint distillation of the desperation and racism that this ad illustrates, here's MSNBC's Chris Matthews.

And shame on Richard Locker of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, who can only be bothered to mention this heinous jump into the gutter by Republicans in the fifth paragraph of today's article, entitled, "Ford fights off allegations in latest attack ad." And he only mentions it in the context of another outrageous attack ad by the RNC, this one alleging that Ford "wants to give the abortion pill to our schoolchildren."

Really? You're not going to mention the national attention that this racist ad has received? Nothing? Just that Ford has to fight off allegations? You're doing a heckuva job, Ricky.

"'You don't run these ads when you think you have a chance of winning. You run these ads when you're behind. They must have internal polling that tells them they're in trouble,' said Geer, who likened the new ads to the "Swiftboat" ads against Democrat John Kerry in the 2004 presidential race."

Republicans are scared and desperate, and as they've shown time and again, they're willing to absolutely anything to keep power. Help Ford stop them.

Alternative Energy News - October 25, 2006

• The Home Depot has teamed up with BP Solar to provide solar installation service to customers. It is offering its customers the ability to sign-up online for free, in-home consultations.
• Some urban areas are starting a new race to lead the nation in reducing greenhouse gases.
• On October 27, the Arizona Corporation Commission will vote on a proposed rule that would require 15% of electricity sold by utilities to come from renewable energy resources like wind, geothermal and biomass by 2025.
• Escanaba,MI is working toward developing a green energy policy so it can pursue alternative energy sources and offer energy conservation programs in the city.

George W. Bush -- Enough to Make Me Scream!

The Prez gave a press conference today and sounded the latest GOP election themes. He stated repeatedly that the election is about 2 things. (1) Who best to keep this country safe? and (2) Who best to keep taxes low? My thoughts are as follows:

• Compared to 2004, the GOP's messaging machine is in disrepair. Is this all they have? Taxes? FREAKING Taxes? We're in a bitter and nasty war. Congress is pitiful. True job security and decent healthcare are dreams of the past. Now he's pulling out taxes. Un-freaking-believable.
• I realize he's trying to rally his base with this Tax thing. Maybe it will work. Nobody likes taxes. I get that...especially in light of tragic stories of failed Government (note that this involved a private corp. hired by the city of Philadelphia). All the more reason to like what B. Obama had to say on Meet the Press regarding the out-dated debate about big gov. vs. small gov. How about efficient government?
• The safety thing seems like a joke at this point. I mean really, what is the plan? Empty words. All this guy is, is empty words.
• George Will, my favorite conservative, said it best of ABC's This Week. I'm paraphrasing, but he basically said that if at the very least the House doesn't change hands --given the mood-- than the system is clearly broken. I agree. And, I'll add, I'll be checking out Canadian real estate.
• At the end of the press conference, Bush expressed what can only be described as cockiness that the GOP will retain control. He's absolutely sure of it. It made my skin crawl. The guy is resolute, gotta give him that. I think he may be delusional. I sure hope so.

New Jersey: Home of Gay Marriage or Civil Unions?

Looks like my home state of New Jersey is more progressive than I thought - they are going to recognize same-sex couples as either married or in a civil union. Either way, it is a progressive victory and a win for equality - can't wait until it catches on in all states.

On top of all this, Menendez will also win.

Kevin Tillman, Iraq Vets and the Progressive Draft

What do you sound like if you consider yourself patriotic, have served in the US military (in Iraq), but question your commander-in-chief? Answer (thankfully): Kevin Tillman, brother of Pat Tillman.

In his comments on truthdig, Tillman comes across as everything you usually do not hear from someone who served..............until now - he wore fatigues, but is man enough to be able explain how soldiers can question their situation and leaders in order to be sure that the motives for going to war and strategy for fighting it are legit and thought out. Iraq war veterans who are disgusted by what they saw in Iraq and the way the war is still being handled by Bush/Cheney and Co. now have an outlet in the turning tide of American politics - their numbers will only keep growing.

Check out this comment left on Kevin's column:
My husband was also an Army Ranger during the same time you & Pat were. He has also regained his voice and so have I. We both stand with you 100% and then some! Thank you for using your voice to let the truth be known!

I love hearing the term "voice" being used to describe how progressive thought and going against the grain can be viewed as something that is now acceptable to practice and preach. Funny how there is a style of Republicanism that goes hand-in-hand with not questioning authority, but that style is diminishing - people are waking up to question their leaders.

Finally - here's a proposal - think of the power of a military that questioned things: you'd get more folks to sign up, it would be very progressive and even more powerful than we are today. Think of an international Americorps that was part weapon, thought and charity - the billions of dollars spent in Iraq would go much farther in protecting us and creating a more equitable world. No, there wouldn't be mutiny, there would be plans, strategy, clear ojectives and victory. For now, we do not have a military that operates in that way. Instead, the poor and middle class serve our country and do not get much in return - we should all share in the responsibility, but not if GWB is the commander.

Another Corrupt Republican: Rick Renzi (AZ-01) Being Investigated by U.S. Attorney

"A land deal involving Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., is being scrutinized by the U.S. attorney's office in Arizona, a law enforcement official in Washington said Tuesday. At least one transaction involving Renzi has raised questions in Arizona recently. Records and officials involved in the October 2005 deal say Renzi helped promote the sale of land that netted a former business partner $4.5 million."

Seriously, do you HAVE to be corrupt in order for Republicans to let you join the Party?

Renzi's opponent is Ellen Simon, who was already leading Renzi by four points in the latest Majority Watch poll.

Bush Cuts and Runs From Stay the Course...and Still Lies

On Sunday, President Bush told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that his Iraq policy has “never been stay the course.” Earlier today on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said “we went back and looked today and could only find eight times where he [Bush] ever used the phrase stay the course.” Watch it.

Apparently, the White House research team isn’t very good at “the Google.” ThinkProgress has documented thirty times that Bush has used the phrase to describe his policy in Iraq.

Alternative Energy News - October 24, 2006

• Days Inns - Canada is the first mid-scale hotel chain to participate in the HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program administered by the Hotel Association of Canada. Through the HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program, Days Inn's 87 locations across Canada are committed to maximizing efficiency by enhancing energy performance while also reducing operating costs.
• The Pantry, Inc., an independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern U.S., has opened the first convenience store in the U.S. to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
• Baltimore has signed a $14 million contract with a Milwaukee-based company to generate electricity from the methane produced by the city's Back River sewage treatment plant - a project officials say they expect to save the city $1.4 million a year in energy costs while also improving air quality.
• New Resource Bank, a newly launched bank focusing on eco-entrepreneurs and clean technology, has launched one-step financing to allow customers to more easily finance residential solar energy installations.

Bush uses "the Google"

What a rodeo clown.

Al Gore may or may not have invented it. But one thing's for damn sure: Republicans don't know jack about the internets.

And Another One: GOP Pulling Out of Montana, Too

On top of news that Republicans have conceded the Senate race in Washington to Maria Cantwell comes reports that the GOP is abandoning Conrad Burns in Montana.

"The rumor flying through political circles is that national Republicans have all but given up on Sen. Conrad Burns' re-election chances. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has not spent a penny on television or radio advertisements on behalf of Burns since Aug. 7. Over the same period, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had shelled out $1.2 million on TV and radio ads on Tester's behalf, according to comparative summaries."

Here's where we stand now:

The Democratic playing field in the House continues to expand, with more and more races becoming competitive every day as we enter the stretch run. Republicans are realistically only competitive in one Democratic Senate race (NJ). The GOP has essentially conceded Republican Senate seats in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, and now Montana. Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia are very much in play for Democrats.

The Democratic Party has a chance, if it can capitalize with a strong finish from campaigns and a well-run GOTV effort, to sweep into power with a governing majority in the House and at least a small majority in the Senate. It's up to us to do all we can to help make that happen. Volunteer, get your friends and family to vote, wear a button, put a sign in your yard. Do something to help bring about change.

Washington State: GOP Concedes Another Senate Race

"Even though Mike McGavick was their handpicked Senate candidate in Washington state, neither the Republican National Committee nor the GOP senatorial campaign committee have plans to air television ads supporting him in the final 17 days of the race."

Long considered a possible Republican takeover, the Washington Senate seat held by Maria Cantwell has now been removed from the playing field. Bob Menendez's NJ seat remains the GOP's only potential takeover target, and he seems to be widening his lead.

Democrats: Ready to Lead With a Progressive Agenda

Despite claims by Republicans to the contrary, Democrats have a progressive plan of action for when they take power in the House and (maybe) the Senate.

It's Nancy Pelosi's 100 Hours plan:

• Day 1: Put new rules in place to break the link between lobbyists and legislation.
• Day 2: Enact all the recommendations made by the 9/11 commission
• Time remaining until 100 hours: Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour
• Cut the interest rate on student loans in half.
• Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
• Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds
• All the days after that: "Pay as you go," meaning no increasing the deficit, whether the issue is middle class tax relief, health care or some other priority.

Although it's not mentioned in this article, oversight and accountability will be two other items on the Democrats' agenda. These are progressive ideas that the American people believe in. The time for change is now.

More Concerns That Elections Could Be Manipulated

From ABC News, which documents multiple problems with Diebold machines.

All the more reason to either vote absentee or vote early, both of which involve paper ballots.

In Praise of Dean's 50-State Strategy

As the Democratic wave continues to build, we're seeing more and more once-safe Republican seats come into play. If it weren't for DNC Chairman Howard Dean's 50-state strategy, in which he's invested millions of dollars into building Democratic Party infrastructure in all 50 states, most of these emerging 2nd and 3rd-tier races wouldn't have a chance. Dean is investing for the long-term vitality of the party, but with Democratic candidates gaining momentum all over the country, it looks like this investment could pay dividends in the short run as well.

Alternative Energy News - October 23, 2006

• Companies hoping to profit off an emerging ethanol industry are asking taxpayers to share some of the risk by funding their ventures. The Department of Energy expects to award $160 million in grants by December or January for two to three demonstration plants.
• According to Cleveland-based research firm The Freedonia Group, worldwide demand for hybrid-electric vehicles will double by 2020.

I'm A Democrat - Videos From YouTube

The Democratic Party isn't just better at passing legislation that helps Americans, it's also more inclusive. What we're not as good at, though, is scaring the electorate.

During National Character Counts Week, Bush Stumps for Philanderer

From the WaPo: "So it has come to this: Nineteen days before the midterm elections, President Bush flew here to champion the reelection of a congressman who last year settled a $5.5 million lawsuit alleging that he beat his mistress during a five-year affair."

So I ask you this, you so-called "Values Voters." Those of you who blindly vote for the Republican Party because it represents old-fashioned American values, as opposed to "secular, liberal" Democratic Party. After a bloody, seemingly endless war of choice in Iraq, after ignoring the plight of millions of Americans without healthcare and below the poverty line, after the Foley scandal in which Republican leaders protected a child predator to maintain power...after all this, how can you still, in good conscience, vote Republican?