Monday marks Election Eve. To some, it's already over. Absentee voters can just sit back and watch the results. Plenty of others, though, will be heading to their polls to vote yet again on the direction of this state. Either to continue in the decades of failure and misery by giving the GOP a clean sweep or redirecting the ship by electing Dems to statewide offices.
So, why should it be so important? You live with your decision that make in the voting booth for four years. A lot can happen during that time. A lot has to be dealt with from the previous four. In our state's case, a helluva lot has to be diverted from failure to prosperity. It is the GOP who has controlled this state for decades.
Democratic candidate Vincent Sheheen showed he had zing with his verbal punches in the debates. He had facts on side, too. This is why a majority of newspapers are endorsing him for governor. He has what it takes to deal with a potential GOP-controlled legislature. Haley, well, follows after Sanford. We've seen what that produces. The result these so-called teabaggers don't want: stalemate.
I also don't get why these seniors flock to the GOP by busloads when it is the same Party who wants to end entitlements they've paid into. I can't fathom how so many have fallen for such brainwashing while the GOP suckers them out of what they've earned in this state.
When it comes to the attorney general position, do you really want Joe Wilson's son? Really? As if you haven't had enough of Letterman, Leno and Jon Stewart running this state down due to careless elected officials? Why take such a chance when you have a dedicated and determined lawyer who will put this state and its people first over rhetoric and politics. Matthew Richardson knows what he is doing. How about elect the man qualified for the position this time, OK?
Frank Holleman is needed for public education. If Mike Zais gets into office, you can pretty much kiss public education goodbye. It's be so easy for GOP Chair Karen Floyd, Tom Swatzel and all the private-school voucher supporters to kill off what has already be decimated by Republicans for years. Fall for the rhetoric if you want, facts are hard to disguise. Walk into public schools and ask teachers. They'll tell you, and they'll tell you how afraid they are to speak up as well. With worries about their job, it's not hard to see the lack of focus needed on students. Teachers have a lot to deal with - something Nikki Haley and Mike Zais have no clue to - besides planning lessons. According to Haley, teachers should switch up and cook the kids lunch as well since we have too many of those around. Maybe during lunch, the teachers can issue tests as well - just wipe off the spaghetti sauce when done.
Do you realize just how close Floyd got in 2006? People on the Right bash current Superintendent Jim Rex all the time. Hell, I suppose the more they run their mouth it's hard to see exactly what the man has had to deal with.
The GOP in this state want to end government. Period. What they don't tell you is the are not willing to end their salary with it. No, they need to get paid demolishing what holds together this state and its people. But, when it comes crumbling down they'll still be in power, so whatcha gonna do!
Either vote to continue our demise or vote to start something brand new. Sure, it'll take time to turn the ship 180 degrees. But, are you all willing to invest?
Let's hope so. Vote Dem in all statewide races!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
People for the American Way name Jim DeMint a 'rogue' candidate
Republicans in the U.S. Senate have already broken all records for unprincipled partisan obstructionism, but a bumper crop of far-right GOP candidates threatens to turn the “deliberative body” into a haven for extremists who view much of the federal government as unconstitutional and who are itching to shut it down.
U.S. Senator - and I use the term lightly - Jim DeMint is the king of that.
Read the full report here.
U.S. Senator - and I use the term lightly - Jim DeMint is the king of that.
Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina is helping to lead the charge with his Senate Conservatives Fund. DeMint, an absolute favorite of both the Tea Party and Religious Right political movements for his uncompromising extremism on both economic and social issues, is at the far right fringe of the Republican Party and has committed himself to helping elect more like-minded colleagues. Sarah Palin, also popular among both Tea Party and Religious Right activists, has also injected her high-profile name, busy Twitter fingers, and PAC cash into numerous Senate races.
Read the full report here.
Matthew Richardson's 'no pay' pledge genuine
The Democratic candidate for South Carolina's Attorney General position is genuine about not accepting a paycheck until he sees people back on their feet again in the state.
Matthew Richardson has put out an ad and a pledge to voters in the state saying just that.
In the November 8th edition of Time magazine, Frank Luntz talks about why some political ads work, but most don't. Specifically, he mentions people's attitude toward candidates' "sacrificing" themselves if the average person has to. Richardson tries to show he can follow the walk with some talk.
For Richardson to put a pledge out to voters shows just how genuine he is. Furthermore, a conversation between him and I revealed he's actually become upset with the criticisms received of being "elitist" when discussing not receiving a paycheck.
I don't get why people would even do such a thing. If they want a public servant to "sacrifice" as others are doing, what better way to show it by not paying himself with taxpayer dollars.
He also was quick to note the press not holding him to the issue. It seems the media doesn't take him seriously or just wants to avoid the topic.
I can tell you Matthew Richardson is not being fake. He's a family man, a father and a compassionate individual. If he says it, you can pretty much trust it to the bank. Plus, he's serious about his work and feels public service should come first over anything, politics and money included.
Current AG Henry McMaster has embarrassed this state. Potential AG Republican Alan Wilson comes from embarrassment. Richardson has straight talk behind him.
It's time we have someone who values this state and its people more so a paycheck.
Matthew Richardson has put out an ad and a pledge to voters in the state saying just that.
In the November 8th edition of Time magazine, Frank Luntz talks about why some political ads work, but most don't. Specifically, he mentions people's attitude toward candidates' "sacrificing" themselves if the average person has to. Richardson tries to show he can follow the walk with some talk.
For Richardson to put a pledge out to voters shows just how genuine he is. Furthermore, a conversation between him and I revealed he's actually become upset with the criticisms received of being "elitist" when discussing not receiving a paycheck.
I don't get why people would even do such a thing. If they want a public servant to "sacrifice" as others are doing, what better way to show it by not paying himself with taxpayer dollars.He also was quick to note the press not holding him to the issue. It seems the media doesn't take him seriously or just wants to avoid the topic.
I can tell you Matthew Richardson is not being fake. He's a family man, a father and a compassionate individual. If he says it, you can pretty much trust it to the bank. Plus, he's serious about his work and feels public service should come first over anything, politics and money included.
Current AG Henry McMaster has embarrassed this state. Potential AG Republican Alan Wilson comes from embarrassment. Richardson has straight talk behind him.
It's time we have someone who values this state and its people more so a paycheck.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Vida Miller gets on the offensive with days before election
Miller, in a forum with her Republican opponent Kevin Ryan, finally said what we've been waiting for.
"Don't send a boy to do a woman's job." With that comment, Miller showed just how much this seat, her job and the people of the district mean to her. There's no question this particular election has been extremely difficult - with the passing of her husband - and the limited resources available this time around.
The emotion came out. It's on a postcard that hit the mail. Miller is fighting to continue doing what she has done for the last decade.
With all that, out-of-state influence has not stopped. Today, a mailer from the so-called "Foundation for Governmental Excellence" attacks Miller, stating she "will not stop until our nation and state are socialists."
A quick search reveals the entity named is not there, plus the address given locates a strip mall. As usual, the out-of-state people who control floods of money involve themselves in a state election where the GOP opponent will not denounce such attacks.
Miller should be proud of the race she has run. More so, she should be commended on showing some emotion, some anger, some backbone towards her opponent and his support group.
She's right. Miller doesn't need to put on her "man pants" to get the job done. She's a woman and has accomplished a lot by being just that.
Friday, October 29, 2010
SCDP Wants To Know Where Mick Zais Got The Money?
We decided to find out and forced Mick's campaign to comply with the State's Ethics Act. It requires him to make his records available during the blackout period after the last public report on October 13 and before the election. After several days of avoiding production of the records, yesterday Mick's campaign finally complied with the law. We discovered that also on October 14 - one day after the public reporting period ended - the SC Republican Party bailed out Mick's floundering campaign by giving him $49,500.
But the question now is: Where did the Republican Party get the money? On October 4th when the Republican Party filed its required financial report, the Party had only $90 in its campaign account. So, who gave the Republican Party the money needed to bail out Mick's campaign and buy his TV time?
We know that in past years, out of state voucher supporters have made large last minute contributions to South Carolina politicians, which weren't reported until after the election. Did that happen here?
We won't know until it's too late.
What can we do about it? The only thing we can do is to match him dollar for dollar. If we can raise sufficient funds in the next 24 hours, we can make a last minute media buy to counter this political strategy.
Will you help us fight back?
Clements for Senate Campaign Releases Scary DeMint Halloween Mask
COLUMBIA, SC – As the ugly election season draws to a close and in recognition of Halloween, the Clements for Senate campaign releases the Scary DeMint Halloween mask, just in time for the power-grabbing incumbent’s favorite holiday.
The mask comes in two varieties: “Everyday Scary” and “DeMint After Midnight”. Brave Trick or Treaters of all ages are encouraged to wear the mask this Halloween. Though they may not receive much candy they will know that their country is now in the frightening position of being turned over to multinational corporations if scary politicians like DeMint force their will on our country.
Directions for using the mask:
1. Cut out within the dotted line.
2. Glue the picture to a stiff piece of paper or posterboard.
3. Glue the mask to a large stick such as a paint stirrer.
4. Carry the Visage of DeMint in front of your face before you pounce on citizens to empty their purse into corporate larders.
Destroy mask after using and return to reality, where you can join with others to vote for Clements for Senate to help save our country from scary extremists who have helped create the poisoned atmosphere in Washington. All Trick of Treaters can even vote straight party and then go right
to the Senate race and vote for Clements. As the campaign explains - http://clementsforsenate.com/?
Disclaimer: Do not attempt to wear this mask while driving, voting, boating, operating machinery or talking good sense. Mask may not be recognized due to DeMint’s lengthy absence from the state. Rare but documented side effects from wearing the mask may include candy-snatching, public
shuning, private shaming, closed mindeness, megalomania, catatonia, speaking self-serving nonsense, bullying, intimations of homophobia and habitual refusal to consider other points of view.
COLUMBIA, SC – As the ugly election season draws to a close and in recognition of Halloween, the Clements for Senate campaign releases the Scary DeMint Halloween mask, just in time for the power-grabbing incumbent’s favorite holiday.
The mask comes in two varieties: “Everyday Scary” and “DeMint After Midnight”. Brave Trick or Treaters of all ages are encouraged to wear the mask this Halloween. Though they may not receive much candy they will know that their country is now in the frightening position of being turned over to multinational corporations if scary politicians like DeMint force their will on our country.
Directions for using the mask:
1. Cut out within the dotted line.
2. Glue the picture to a stiff piece of paper or posterboard.
3. Glue the mask to a large stick such as a paint stirrer.
4. Carry the Visage of DeMint in front of your face before you pounce on citizens to empty their purse into corporate larders.
Destroy mask after using and return to reality, where you can join with others to vote for Clements for Senate to help save our country from scary extremists who have helped create the poisoned atmosphere in Washington. All Trick of Treaters can even vote straight party and then go right
to the Senate race and vote for Clements. As the campaign explains - http://clementsforsenate.com/?
Disclaimer: Do not attempt to wear this mask while driving, voting, boating, operating machinery or talking good sense. Mask may not be recognized due to DeMint’s lengthy absence from the state. Rare but documented side effects from wearing the mask may include candy-snatching, public
shuning, private shaming, closed mindeness, megalomania, catatonia, speaking self-serving nonsense, bullying, intimations of homophobia and habitual refusal to consider other points of view.
High resolution images of the masks may be found here: http://clementsforsenate.com/?
Happy Halloween!
Election 2010 - VOTE Nurses Values Tuesday, Nov. 2
Exercise Your Political Mustle...VOTE Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010
For your convenience, below are links to the National Nurses United and California Nurse Association voter guides and polling place locators. Just follw the links and enter your home address.
ABSENTEE VOTERS who have NOT yet mailed your ballots should SUBMIT them at your polling place on Tuesday. Follow the links below to find your polling location.
Memo to the politicians - cutting corporate taxes won't create jobs
By CNA/NNU Executive Director, RoseAnn DeMoro
By CNA/NNU Executive Director, RoseAnn DeMoro
To listen to the rhetoric that has stained so much of the 2010 campaign season, you'd think the biggest problems facing our nation are excessive government spending, workers' pensions, and inadequate tax breaks for corporations and wealthy Americans.
But countering this conventional wisdom, seldom questioned by most of the press, is made much harder by the reticence of even many liberals to challenge these assumptions.
TRICK-OR-TREAT from the Insurance Industry?
The insurance industry is at it again. Now they're spending millions of dollars to hand pick the next Insurance Commissioner. Insurance companies have already spent $3.8 million on TV and radio commercials urging people to vote for the Republican, Mike Villines, and to oppose the Democrat, Dave Jones. This includes $1 million from Prop 17 sponsor, Mercury Insurance Chairman George Joseph and $1.1 million from Allstate.
What's most outrageous is that the insurance companies are laundering their money through a Chamber of Commerce committee called "JobsPAC," so their TV ads don't disclose that insurance companies are paying for them. You can see what we mean below.
THANK YOU and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
National Nurses UnitedCalifornia Nurses Association2000 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94612
www.NationalNursesUnited.org
www.CalNurses.org
Local Officials to Host Get Out the Vote Rally Fish Fry (Halloween Edition)!
Columbia,SC - This Halloween our local elected officials want us to do more than just trick or treat. This Sunday, October 31st our local officials will host a Get Out the Vote Rally that will encourage all to get out and vote this upcoming Tuesday, November 2nd. This election cycle is very important and we must be involved in making sure we decide which direction we want our community to move in.
Who:
What: Get Out to Vote Rally/Fish Fry!!!
When: Sunday, October 31st 3:00-5:00pm
Where: Drew Wellness Center
Who:
- Congressman James E. Clyburn
- Mayor Steve Benjamin
- Treasurer David Adams
- City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine
- City Councilman Sam Davis
- City Councilman Brian Newman
- County Councilman Paul Livingston
- County Councilman Damon Jeter
- County Councilman-Elect Seth Rose
- Representative Joe McEachern
- Representative Todd Rutherford
- Richland One Commissioner Jamie Devine
- Richland One Commissioner Jasper Salmond
- Richland One Commissioner Vince Ford
- Richland County Democratic Chair Boyd Summers
- Governor Jim Hodges
- and Sheriff Leon Lott
What: Get Out to Vote Rally/Fish Fry!!!
When: Sunday, October 31st 3:00-5:00pm
Where: Drew Wellness Center
Private Academies Mobilize for Mick Zais
At the last minute, private academies are trying to elect Mick Zais. The private academy in Newberry, where Mick lives, and private academies across the state are sending endorsements out to their students' families and staff. They make clear that Mick will serve their private special interests by working for private tuition tax credits (vouchers dressed up in another costume). As they put it, "For the first time ever" there is a chance to elect a candidate (Mick) who will pursue "the feasibility of tax credits" for private academies.These academies, which are presumably tax exempt, are openly using their resources to campaign for Mick Zais in this election.
The private academy states that with Zais as Superintendent, "[W]e will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel" for private tuition tax credits.
Read Mick's Endorsement Letters for yourself.
Believe it or not, Mick's supporters make it very clear: They do NOT want to elect a Superintendent of PUBLIC Education. And they complain that they have had to "endure the rising cost of supporting public schools."
Frank has never opposed private schools. He is supported by private school parents who respect his work in public education, recognize the importance of public education for our community, and do not want the government involved in private education. But Frank wants to work to support and improve public education for the benefit of all students, not to serve a private special interest.
This endorsement also rips away the mask of Mick's claims that he supports private tuition tax credits for poor kids in failing schools. His friends obviously know better, understand that he wants to benefit these academies, and are working to elect him to divert public taxpayer funds to their private uses.
Let's reject this misguided approach and reject a candidate who wants to serve private special interests first and foremost. Let's elect a Superintendent of PUBLIC Education. The next four days will make all the difference. Lend Frank your support and make sure that supporters of public education vote.
Richland County GOP Hosts Costume (Tea) Party
With unemployment at 11% and Republicans like Mark Sanford and Nikki Haley feeling no responsibility for it, it’s no surprise that the Richland County Republican Party and their candidate for House District 79 are trying to change the subject. Even so, it seems sort of bizarre at first glance to hear them talking about Halloween while the people of South Carolina are hurting. That is, it seems bizarre until you realize that the 2010 election has been nothing more than an exciting costume party for them.
Take Sheri Few for example: This year, she decided to dress up as a government outsider and fiscal reformer, despite the fact that she takes hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary from government grants and anti-public-school interest groups in real life.
Then there’s the woman she asked to help her run South Carolina Parents Involved in Education (SCPIE), a group devoted to abstinence-only sex education. Few’s confidant, Kristin Maguire, dressed up as a family-oriented education leader, but in real life she writes erotic short stories under the alias “Bridget Keeney”. In the Republican Party Costume Party, Maguire teaches children the value of sex inside of marriage, but when the mask comes off she prefers to ‘trick or treat’ in a very different manner.
Sheri Few’s friend Christina Jeffrey hid her support of Few’s radical agenda by dressing up as a supporter of religious tolerance in schools, reminding us all of how important it is for students to learn the Judeo-Christian teachings on intelligent design. That was impressive, until we all found out that Newt Gingrich (yes, Newt Gingrich) and Republican leaders in Washington once fired her for making anti-Semitic remarks and asking for tolerance of the Nazis’ role in the Holocaust. Click here to read the original story!
Few supporter and advisor Kenneth Wingate dressed up as a voice for vouchers and tax credits, advancing Few’s claim that they would help reduce the achievement gap. Underneath Wingate’s mask, however, hides his affiliation with a white supremacist hate group.
You’ll see a lot of scary costumes this Halloween, but underneath the Republican Costume Party lies a truth much scarier than fiction. Nothing would be worse for South Carolina than to wait until Sheri Few takes office to see that she was nothing more than Howard Rich in a costume. It may sound far-fetched, but the people she appointed to lead a government-funded group hid their true image from the people of South Carolina for quite some time before being exposed.
Don’t let the Republican Costume Party scare you into selling out South Carolina students and workers. While Sheri Few was spending her time with her circle of hypocrisy and intolerance, Mia Butler was working alongside South Carolina leaders like Democrats Jim Hodges, Jim Clyburn and Steve Benjamin and Republicans Lindsey Graham, Charlie Condon, and David Beasley.
South Carolina cannot afford anymore embarrassment; vote for Mia Butler on November 2.
Take Sheri Few for example: This year, she decided to dress up as a government outsider and fiscal reformer, despite the fact that she takes hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary from government grants and anti-public-school interest groups in real life.
Then there’s the woman she asked to help her run South Carolina Parents Involved in Education (SCPIE), a group devoted to abstinence-only sex education. Few’s confidant, Kristin Maguire, dressed up as a family-oriented education leader, but in real life she writes erotic short stories under the alias “Bridget Keeney”. In the Republican Party Costume Party, Maguire teaches children the value of sex inside of marriage, but when the mask comes off she prefers to ‘trick or treat’ in a very different manner.
Sheri Few’s friend Christina Jeffrey hid her support of Few’s radical agenda by dressing up as a supporter of religious tolerance in schools, reminding us all of how important it is for students to learn the Judeo-Christian teachings on intelligent design. That was impressive, until we all found out that Newt Gingrich (yes, Newt Gingrich) and Republican leaders in Washington once fired her for making anti-Semitic remarks and asking for tolerance of the Nazis’ role in the Holocaust. Click here to read the original story!
Few supporter and advisor Kenneth Wingate dressed up as a voice for vouchers and tax credits, advancing Few’s claim that they would help reduce the achievement gap. Underneath Wingate’s mask, however, hides his affiliation with a white supremacist hate group.
You’ll see a lot of scary costumes this Halloween, but underneath the Republican Costume Party lies a truth much scarier than fiction. Nothing would be worse for South Carolina than to wait until Sheri Few takes office to see that she was nothing more than Howard Rich in a costume. It may sound far-fetched, but the people she appointed to lead a government-funded group hid their true image from the people of South Carolina for quite some time before being exposed.
Don’t let the Republican Costume Party scare you into selling out South Carolina students and workers. While Sheri Few was spending her time with her circle of hypocrisy and intolerance, Mia Butler was working alongside South Carolina leaders like Democrats Jim Hodges, Jim Clyburn and Steve Benjamin and Republicans Lindsey Graham, Charlie Condon, and David Beasley.
South Carolina cannot afford anymore embarrassment; vote for Mia Butler on November 2.
The FairTax is a fantasy, even to Republicans
But, in my search to find more truth than fiction on the scam, I actually came across two individuals who consider themselves Republican - very Republican - and do not support the FairTax idea.
Launched by talk radio host Neal Boortz and Georgia Congressman John Linder and embraced by Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, the FairTax movement, though relatively small, has grown into a significant and very media-savvy force pushing for radical changes in the way the federal government will collect taxes.
The details of that plan, and why its advocacy is a disaster for the GOP and why its implementation would be a disaster for the United States are discussed in this book. Put simply, the imposition of a massive new sales tax --at least 30 percent but probably much higher-- on every product consumed in the United States and accompanied by the simultaneous repeal of the federal income tax code is a risky and deeply dangerous attempt to sell simplicity to a tax weary public.
If you think what the FairTax folks are selling sounds good, then you haven't studied the fine print. Do yourself and your country a favor and get informed about this FairTax Fantasy today. And the next time a FairTax proponent asks "Have your read the book?" as they are fond of doing, reply, "Yes we have. Have you?"
Hank Adler is a frequent guest columnist for Townhall.com, a conservative news site. Adler is also an assistant professor of accounting at the George Argyros School of Business & Economics at Chapman University in Orange, California. That tells me he knows what he's talking about because he crunches numbers and tax information nonstop.
Hugh Hewitt spent six years in the Reagan Administration. Hewitt is also a graduate of Havard College and the University of Michigan Law School. Again, someone who knows what they are talking about, contributing to the falseness of the FairTax scam.
Their book, The FairTax Fantasy, is published by Townhall Press (lists at $14.99 for paperback). Adler and Hewitt "advocate real tax reform, but do not advocate either economic or political suicide." The FairTax is both, according to them.
I asked for a copy of this book in order to do a review and Adler was more than happy to oblige. He even signed it for me, his "newest liberal buddy." In e-mail conversations, he tells me about how some of his writings do not sit well with the GOP establishment. I can see. Why would they sit back and let someone from inside their own ideology get away with telling the truth about such a huge mistake? Makes no sense, right?
The book starts with giving a summary of the FairTax, then leads into breaking every single argument the Right has in support of such a notion. For example, the GOP supporters of the FairTax always tell people how it's going to tax at 23 percent. Well, that's simply not true. Adler and Hewitt second it. The supporters actually propose a rate of 30 percent. "Federal government research and some highly qualified independent researchers believe the FairTax rate may need to approach a rate as high as 50 percent to make up for the federal taxes proposed for elimination."
The authors do an excellent and truthful job of explaining the differences between "tax-inclusive" and "tax-exclusive" to the readers. It's such a great explanation that even main supporter, originator Neal Boortz has to defend against it constantly. The FairTax lobbyists describe the rate as tax inclusive. It's misleading and inappropriate.
Also discussed is the effects the FairTax would have on senior citizens. It won't be fair. Both authors point out some factual information. "Seniors who had planned on a low tax lifestyle via the rigors of planning and investing - and after paying taxes on their incomes for entire lives and saving for retirement - would suddenly be facing a huge new federal tax, taking place of the income tax they had long labored under." Seniors would be faced with an enormous loss of purchasing power. It's as if they have to be forced into saving again after saving before.
What's more interesting is the fact with charitable deductions gone, there's no more write-offs for donating to charity. It's a huge fund-raising advantage for the not-for-profit sector. Trust me, they'll fight with vigor the moment such a notion appears to be approaching reality.
Let me localize this. Republican gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley mentioned faith-based groups helping with health care, education and almost everything else state government does in South Carolina as solutions to what we face. Interesting. Coming from a person who doesn't like to pay taxes, donates sparingly to charities and supports the FairTax, do you really think she cares about anybody doing anything for anyone? If the FairTax was in effect, if she was governor and if we had cut even more from the state, faith-based group would be fighting for their survival, not the survival of others. "Contemplating a campaign against the combined memberships of the country's most popular charities and medical institutions, not to mention many churches, should drive home the political impossibility of the FairTax plan."
Remember when Haley said she'd support a grocery tax? Well, given the situation we are in this state, I do as well. Until we fix the tax code in this state, we'll never get the revenue we need to run our government in the black. Republicans can be blamed 100 percent. However, the FairTax Haley supports would also be applied to electricity, trash pick-up, medical costs and other sales-tax items. "When these taxes are applied to items for which the buyer has no remedy but to purchase, the reality of the FairTax will be very, very far from the hype."
Every Republican who has been force fed information in support of a FairTax should read this book, written by two very conservative authors. This is coming from your backyard, GOP. Try reading something that two Republicans even see fault with. Stop falling for paid pundits' battle hymns.
I encourage liberals to read this book as well. Educate yourself on the scam with information provided by people who dare to be different in their Party, exposing truth to myth and care about the people who would be devastated by such a scam.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sheri Few Rejects Bipartisan Cooperation in Interview!
I
n an interview with The State newspaper, Republican nominee for House District 79 accused Mia Butler of “trying to…be this moderate, reach-across-the-aisle candidate.”
Mia is, in fact, a candidate who can work across the aisle and get results. Few said she doesn’t “think voters are looking to that anymore.” According to her, “they don’t want people who are reaching across the aisle.”
Sheri Few thinks there isn’t enough partisanship or bickering in Columbia, so she wants the people of Kershaw and Richland Counties to send her to the State House to increase the deadlock. After all, in Sheri Few’s world, people aren’t looking for commonsense leadership, they’re looking for people who won’t work with anyone with whom they disagree.
That’s not representative of the people of Kershaw County, Richland County, or South Carolina. We know from our involvement in our schools, churches, communities, and workplaces that progress cannot be achieved without a willingness to work together with a mutual respect of diverse perspectives, thoughts and solutions.
That doesn’t mean you never stand on principle; after all, Mia has made it clear that her willingness to work across the aisle doesn’t include selling South Carolina public schools out to Sheri Few’s wealthy out-of-state friends. However, it does mean that Mia will continue to look for common ground where she can and work with leaders whose views, approaches and parties may be different. The people of South Carolina don’t just want elected leaders who will work across the aisle; they expect and deserve it.
With unemployment at 11%, District 79 doesn’t need a Representative who openly expresses her unwillingness to work with others toward practical and innovative solutions that will move District 79 and our state forward. Sheri Few may not like it, but our nation’s pride rests in the very fabric of our democracy.
People are fed up with rigid, partisan politics. A Representative who is only willing to work with those who agree with her is not what South Carolina wants or needs. Mia understands this, and she will take the same thoughtful, rational, deliberate approach to the State House that has led her to become a trusted advisor to both Democratic and Republican leaders across South Carolina.
Tell Sheri Few that South Carolinians are still looking for bold, effective leaders who will reach across the aisle and work together to get things done; vote for Mia Butler on November 2.
n an interview with The State newspaper, Republican nominee for House District 79 accused Mia Butler of “trying to…be this moderate, reach-across-the-aisle candidate.” Mia is, in fact, a candidate who can work across the aisle and get results. Few said she doesn’t “think voters are looking to that anymore.” According to her, “they don’t want people who are reaching across the aisle.”
Sheri Few thinks there isn’t enough partisanship or bickering in Columbia, so she wants the people of Kershaw and Richland Counties to send her to the State House to increase the deadlock. After all, in Sheri Few’s world, people aren’t looking for commonsense leadership, they’re looking for people who won’t work with anyone with whom they disagree.
That’s not representative of the people of Kershaw County, Richland County, or South Carolina. We know from our involvement in our schools, churches, communities, and workplaces that progress cannot be achieved without a willingness to work together with a mutual respect of diverse perspectives, thoughts and solutions.
That doesn’t mean you never stand on principle; after all, Mia has made it clear that her willingness to work across the aisle doesn’t include selling South Carolina public schools out to Sheri Few’s wealthy out-of-state friends. However, it does mean that Mia will continue to look for common ground where she can and work with leaders whose views, approaches and parties may be different. The people of South Carolina don’t just want elected leaders who will work across the aisle; they expect and deserve it.
With unemployment at 11%, District 79 doesn’t need a Representative who openly expresses her unwillingness to work with others toward practical and innovative solutions that will move District 79 and our state forward. Sheri Few may not like it, but our nation’s pride rests in the very fabric of our democracy.
People are fed up with rigid, partisan politics. A Representative who is only willing to work with those who agree with her is not what South Carolina wants or needs. Mia understands this, and she will take the same thoughtful, rational, deliberate approach to the State House that has led her to become a trusted advisor to both Democratic and Republican leaders across South Carolina.
Tell Sheri Few that South Carolinians are still looking for bold, effective leaders who will reach across the aisle and work together to get things done; vote for Mia Butler on November 2.
Rob Groce Meet and Greet at The Maryville Diner this Monday!
Rob Groce will be speaking to and meeting with people at the Maryville Diner this Monday, Novemver 1, at 7 p.m. Groce is running for SC-1 and is with the Working Families Party. The Maryville Diner is located at 1730 S. Fraser Street. Come prepared to eat as food will either be taken care of or at a very reduced rate.
For additional information, please contact Suzann Jordan at 843.546.2863
For additional information, please contact Suzann Jordan at 843.546.2863
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tom Clements, Green Party Candidate for U.S. Senate, to speak with citizens of Rock Hill
According to recent results published in the Winthrop Poll, Clements is leading over the Democratic nominee Alvin Greene, making third party history in South Carolina. Rock Hill will have a chance to be a part of electoral history in Mr. Clement’s visit.
Mr. Clements will be available for comment after a brief speech.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Green Party candidate rallies in Rock Hill
WHERE: Winthrop University, Kinard Auditorium (signs will direct) - 701 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC
WHEN: Thursday, October 28th at 7:00 PM
***Great visuals, including banners and signs***
For more information, contact the coordinator at Winthrop lorena.hildebrandt@gmail.com or 803.528.1635.
Matthew Richardson's Pledge to South Carolina
As you know Matthew Richardson is the Democratic Party's nominee for South Carolina State Attorney General. Matthew is not another politician; he's a lawyer who is ready to protect the rights of all South Carolinians. Below is copy of the pledge's he's made to our state.
Dear fellow South Carolinians:
Soon you will select a new Attorney General for the state of South Carolina. I make the following pledge to you and to all the people of our state:
I, Matthew Richardson, will faithfully follow my oath of office and defend the laws and Constitution of South Carolina and the United States.
I will apply the law fairly and will not use this office to reward my friends or to punish my enemies.
I will aggressively pursue lawbreakers, whether they are child predators or corrupt public officials.
I will not run for any other office while serving as your Attorney General, and I will not accept a paycheck until our economy turns around.
This office belongs to the people of South Carolina, and I will remember that every day that I serve.
You have my solemn word, each and every word. So help me God.
Respectfully,
Matthew Richardson
Dear fellow South Carolinians:
Soon you will select a new Attorney General for the state of South Carolina. I make the following pledge to you and to all the people of our state:
I, Matthew Richardson, will faithfully follow my oath of office and defend the laws and Constitution of South Carolina and the United States.
I will apply the law fairly and will not use this office to reward my friends or to punish my enemies.
I will aggressively pursue lawbreakers, whether they are child predators or corrupt public officials.
I will not run for any other office while serving as your Attorney General, and I will not accept a paycheck until our economy turns around.
This office belongs to the people of South Carolina, and I will remember that every day that I serve.
You have my solemn word, each and every word. So help me God.
Respectfully,
Matthew Richardson
New Ard Ad Features Phony Picture of Cooper
Florence County Councilman Ken Ard released a new television ad today in his campaign for Lt. Governor. In the attack ad he purports to show a picture of his opponent, Ashley Cooper. The picture is not of Cooper instead is of an older balding male with no resemblance to Cooper.
Today, Cooper’s campaign called into the question the honestly of Ard commercial and says it fits into a pattern on dishonest claims from Ard about his record.
“You don’t do things like this,” said Cooper spokesman Lachlan McIntosh. “It’s just not ethical, even for a slick politician like Ken Ard,”
McIntosh pointed out that Ard has been consistently dishonest about his voting record. Ard claimed in a statewide debate last week that he never voted to raise taxes or give himself a pay increase. But the official records clearly indicate that Ard voted twice for tax increases and voted for budgets that raised his pay by 19%.
“Ken Ard just can’t be trusted. He lies about his record and even lies about what Ashley Cooper looks like. South Carolina has had enough of dishonest politicians who hold our state back. Ken Ard can’t be trusted on taxes, pay raises for himself, and even what Ashley Cooper looks like,” McIntosh said.
New Ken Ard ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Ashley Cooper ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Matthew Richardson to Visit Georgetown Friday
Columbia, SC-- Matthew Richardson, candidate for Attorney General, will bring his campaign to keep South Carolina safe to Georgetown on Friday, October 29th. Richardson will greet supporters at Mayor Jack Scoville's law office, 1001 Front Street at 3:15 PM.
Richardson says that he is running "to keep South Carolina safe, to protect our neighborhoods, and to protect our children from internet and sexual predators."
Richardson says that "the next Attorney General must be above politics and willing to aggressively pursue corrupt public officials of any political party and at any level. Public officials need to lead by example. That is why I pledge not to run for any other office while serving as Attorney General and not to accept a paycheck until our economy turns around."
Richardson says that he is running "to keep South Carolina safe, to protect our neighborhoods, and to protect our children from internet and sexual predators."
Richardson says that "the next Attorney General must be above politics and willing to aggressively pursue corrupt public officials of any political party and at any level. Public officials need to lead by example. That is why I pledge not to run for any other office while serving as Attorney General and not to accept a paycheck until our economy turns around."
Clements for Senate Campaign Starts Radio & TV Ads; Explains How Easy it is to Vote Straight Party and then Vote for Clements in the Senate Race
Dear Supporters of the Clements for Senate Campaign,
It’s the end of October and the campaign is almost over. We are writing one last time to you, our supporters, to say thank you for all that you have done, and ask you to help us in a final push to get our message out.
OUR ADS ARE HITTING THE AIRWAVES
We have produced a series of radio and TV ads that are being run in several South Carolina media markets now. You can click on the links above to see the TV ads - What Has He Done?, Dangerous Vision, and Extremists – and the radio ads – Constitution, Corporate Takeover, Mom, and Power Grab. Some examples of where they will run are MSNBC (next week, Monday-Friday, between 8:00 and 10:00 PM on Countdown with Keith Olbermann or The Rachel Maddow Show, in Columbia, Charleston, Aiken, Florence and Myrtle Beach) and Comedy Central (Monday-Friday in the Columbia-Aiken-Florence-Myrtle beach area between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart or The Colbert Report). Just one ad will run during those slots. We will also run more than 800 spots on 22 different radio station in the between now and the election.
With an almost exclusively volunteer staff and a candidate who simultaneously held a full time job, we have raised nearly $50,000, a remarkable amount of money for a third party campaign in South Carolina. We produced a series of impressive radio and TV ads made by talented professionals who contributed their creativity and time to help us oppose Jim DeMint. We need to buy more radio and TV time to use these resources effectively and get the word out.
WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW, TODAY, TO GET OUR MESSAGE OUT
YOU CAN HELP US PROVE THAT JIM DEMINT IS NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF MOST SOUTH CAROLINIANS
Many of you have already contributed time and money to the Clements campaign and we thank you. It goes without saying that this is the last time we will appeal to you for support. It’s easy and quick to contribute through our website, www.clementsforsenate.com. Please help us show that South Carolinians don’t want the divisive, heartless, elitist program espoused by Jim DeMint.
WE ONLY HAVE A WEEK
EVERY PENNY WE RAISE WILL GO TOWARD BUYING MORE MEDIA TIME
Will voting a straight ticket keep you from voting for Tom? Absolutely not. Simply vote for whichever party you wish on page one. Your ballot will automatically check off the candidates of whichever party you chose, but you can go through race by race and change that vote. So go to the US Senate and change your vote to Tom Clements. Our website has detailed instructions: http://clementsforsenate.com/?
PLEASE SEND THIS MESSAGE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. ENCOURAGE THEM TO VOTE FOR TOM CLEMENTS AND EXPLAIN TO THEM HOW THEY CAN VOTE A STRAIGHT TICKET IF THEY WANT AND STILL VOTE FOR TOM. AND ASK THEM TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR CAMPAIGN.
WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOVEMBER 2!
Why is Tom DeLay Facing Trial Only in Texas?
One of the most corrupt members to ever walk the halls of Congress will finally face a jury of his peers. Former Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s trial on money laundering charges begins this week in the Lone Star State (generally not the best place to be a criminal defendant). While it is a relief to see this case get underway after years of legal wrangling, it is deplorable that Mr. DeLay will never face any federal charges.
After more than five years of investigating, this past August the Department of Justice decided not to prosecute the former majority leader for selling off Congress to the highest bidders.
I’m sure CREW is not alone in wondering why not, but the Department of Justice isn’t explaining.
So we decided to get to the bottom of this. CREW submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act for records related to the investigation. We’ve asked for witness statements, prosecutorial memos, documents - you name it, we want it - because the American people have a right to know why DeLay got away.
Every since the Department of Justice botched the prosecution of the late Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), the Public Integrity Section there has been outgunned and undermanned. But it is critical that prosecution of public corruption be a top priority. Otherwise, dishonest politicians get the message that there are no consequences, no matter how egregious the violations.
With the support of folks like you, CREW will continue to demand that the Obama administration provide the resources necessary to ensure that other crooked congressmen (like those on our Most Corrupt list) are brought to justice.
After all, if Tom DeLay – the poster child for congressional corruption – can get away with brazenly selling his influence to Jack Abramoff, what crimes would be serious enough for the Justice Department to prosecute?
Sincerely,
Melanie Sloan,
Executive Director
CREW
P.S. Remember to follow all of what CREW is doing by visiting our website, and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
After more than five years of investigating, this past August the Department of Justice decided not to prosecute the former majority leader for selling off Congress to the highest bidders.
I’m sure CREW is not alone in wondering why not, but the Department of Justice isn’t explaining.
So we decided to get to the bottom of this. CREW submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act for records related to the investigation. We’ve asked for witness statements, prosecutorial memos, documents - you name it, we want it - because the American people have a right to know why DeLay got away.
Every since the Department of Justice botched the prosecution of the late Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), the Public Integrity Section there has been outgunned and undermanned. But it is critical that prosecution of public corruption be a top priority. Otherwise, dishonest politicians get the message that there are no consequences, no matter how egregious the violations.
With the support of folks like you, CREW will continue to demand that the Obama administration provide the resources necessary to ensure that other crooked congressmen (like those on our Most Corrupt list) are brought to justice.
After all, if Tom DeLay – the poster child for congressional corruption – can get away with brazenly selling his influence to Jack Abramoff, what crimes would be serious enough for the Justice Department to prosecute?
Sincerely,
Melanie Sloan,Executive Director
CREW
P.S. Remember to follow all of what CREW is doing by visiting our website, and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Can you afford the 'risk' in South Carolina?
After months and months of campaigning, we are down to one week to go until Election Day. In seven days, South Carolinians will go to the polls and elect our next governor. We released our new television commercial showing the clear difference between the two candidates for governor. Simply put, Vincent Sheheen is the only candidate voters can trust. Watch the ad:
Mia Butler: We're One Week Away!
We have just one week to go in the race for House District 79. Mia continues to take her plan to improve the quality of life in Kershaw and Richland Counties to the voters, and we are seeing real momentum building behind our effort.
As Election Day draws near, please remember that Richland County voters can go to 2020 Hampton Street and vote in-person absentee at any time during normal business hours. Voters in Kershaw County can go to 609 Lafayette Street to vote in-person absentee. Choosing this option will help you avoid long lines on November 2 and ensure that your voice is heard. It also frees you up to be involved in the effort to elect Mia, should you choose to volunteer for our Get Out to Vote effort.
Over the coming days, we will tell you more about why Mia is the only candidate worth supporting in this race, and we will also give you more information on how you can help secure a victory for our economy and public schools next Tuesday.
Please check here over the coming days, as we will have a very important announcement to share with you on Thursday.
Thank you for your support, and please continue to tell your friends and neighbors about the distinctions between Mia’s platform to move our state forward and the special interests driving her opponent’s efforts to sell out South Carolina’s workers, public schools, and ultimately the future of our children.
There is a better way forward for our state; that’s why Mia Butler would be honored to have your vote on or before November 2!
Sincerely,
Zach Croft
Mia Butler for House Campaign
As Election Day draws near, please remember that Richland County voters can go to 2020 Hampton Street and vote in-person absentee at any time during normal business hours. Voters in Kershaw County can go to 609 Lafayette Street to vote in-person absentee. Choosing this option will help you avoid long lines on November 2 and ensure that your voice is heard. It also frees you up to be involved in the effort to elect Mia, should you choose to volunteer for our Get Out to Vote effort.
Over the coming days, we will tell you more about why Mia is the only candidate worth supporting in this race, and we will also give you more information on how you can help secure a victory for our economy and public schools next Tuesday.
Please check here over the coming days, as we will have a very important announcement to share with you on Thursday.
Thank you for your support, and please continue to tell your friends and neighbors about the distinctions between Mia’s platform to move our state forward and the special interests driving her opponent’s efforts to sell out South Carolina’s workers, public schools, and ultimately the future of our children.
There is a better way forward for our state; that’s why Mia Butler would be honored to have your vote on or before November 2!
Sincerely,
Zach Croft
Mia Butler for House Campaign
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Phil Noble: Elect Matthew Richardson for Attorney Gen.
Friends,
For months now, we've talked about shaking up Columbia and the need for new blood in our statewide offices. You've met Vincent Sheheen, running for governor; and you've met Ashley Cooper for Lieutenant Governor.
Now I want to introduce you to Matthew Richardson, candidate for attorney general. Matthew has made an important pledge to put protecting the people of South Carolina first.
Born and raised in Barnwell, Matthew knows the value of hard work and common sense needed now more than ever. As an attorney who has represented regular folks in courts across South Carolina, including in the federal and appeals courts, Matthew has seen first-hand the importance of the rule of law and that the law should be used to improve lives.
Matthew is clearly the best choice to be our state's attorney general--certainly a welcome change from the career politicians in Gov. Mark Sanford's cabinet for the past 8 years. Matthew is the only candidate with experience in the federal and appeals courts, where the attorney general must protect the people of South Carolina. In fact, Matthew is the only candidate who has pledged not to run for any other office while attorney general. Again, a welcome change from the politics as usual in Columbia.
Matthew has also vowed not to take a paycheck from the people of South Carolina until our economy improves. For Matthew, this isn't about politics--it's about protecting the people of our state, plain and simple.
Matthew is in a great position to beat his Republican opponent Alan Wilson (son of Joe "You Lie" Wilson) on election day next Tuesday, but his success starts and ends with you voting on November 2--just one week from today. He needs not only your vote, but every undecided voter you can help him persuade to vote Matthew Richardson for Attorney General. Please visit his website, www.RichardsonforSCAG.com, and help Matthew in every way you can.
Can't donate any money today to help educate other voters? That's fine, how about joining Matthew on Facebook and asking your friends to do the same?
Anything you can do to help Matthew to victory on November 2 will be a big help.
Spread the word about Matthew today, and give what you can to support his final push for victory and to make government work for all of us: www.RichardsonforSCAG.com/
Thanks so much,
Phil Noble
P.S. - Don't miss the FINAL governor's debate tonight at 7PM, live on C-SPAN.
For months now, we've talked about shaking up Columbia and the need for new blood in our statewide offices. You've met Vincent Sheheen, running for governor; and you've met Ashley Cooper for Lieutenant Governor.Now I want to introduce you to Matthew Richardson, candidate for attorney general. Matthew has made an important pledge to put protecting the people of South Carolina first.
Born and raised in Barnwell, Matthew knows the value of hard work and common sense needed now more than ever. As an attorney who has represented regular folks in courts across South Carolina, including in the federal and appeals courts, Matthew has seen first-hand the importance of the rule of law and that the law should be used to improve lives.
Matthew is clearly the best choice to be our state's attorney general--certainly a welcome change from the career politicians in Gov. Mark Sanford's cabinet for the past 8 years. Matthew is the only candidate with experience in the federal and appeals courts, where the attorney general must protect the people of South Carolina. In fact, Matthew is the only candidate who has pledged not to run for any other office while attorney general. Again, a welcome change from the politics as usual in Columbia.
Matthew has also vowed not to take a paycheck from the people of South Carolina until our economy improves. For Matthew, this isn't about politics--it's about protecting the people of our state, plain and simple.
Matthew is in a great position to beat his Republican opponent Alan Wilson (son of Joe "You Lie" Wilson) on election day next Tuesday, but his success starts and ends with you voting on November 2--just one week from today. He needs not only your vote, but every undecided voter you can help him persuade to vote Matthew Richardson for Attorney General. Please visit his website, www.RichardsonforSCAG.com, and help Matthew in every way you can.
Can't donate any money today to help educate other voters? That's fine, how about joining Matthew on Facebook and asking your friends to do the same?
Anything you can do to help Matthew to victory on November 2 will be a big help.
Spread the word about Matthew today, and give what you can to support his final push for victory and to make government work for all of us: www.RichardsonforSCAG.com/
Thanks so much,
Phil Noble
P.S. - Don't miss the FINAL governor's debate tonight at 7PM, live on C-SPAN.
Your Vote. Your Choice. Health Care Reform: What you need to know.
With exactly one week to go, we want to remind you of the importance of voting in the upcoming election. We need your help to make sure our next Governor and elected officials make health care a priority for SC.
This year, candidates in gubernatorial and congressional races are vowing that, if elected, they will work to repeal the entire federal health care reform law. With so many different things being said about reform, it is important that everyone know the facts.
SCHA has developed a flier outlining what hospital employees and the general public need to understand about health care reform, naming current benefits that would be lost if health care reform is repealed or defunded.
We continue to explain why hospitals support reform, while admitting that it is not perfect. But it is a good start, and we cannot afford to give up the progress made to date because our elected leaders refuse to work together.
There are 90,000 of us who work in the hospital industry in South Carolina. If we speak with a unified voice, no matter whether you are a republican or democrat, we can make a difference in this election.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Burt
Director, Federal and Member Advocacy
South Carolina Hospital Association
1000 Center Point Rd
Columbia, SC 29209
803-796-3090
U.S. Senate Candidate Tom Clements says It’s Easy To Vote Straight Party and then Change Votes for Individual Races
“People keep asking me about voting for me if they prefer to vote a straight party ticket,” said Mr. Clements. “Many assume that you can’t vote a straight party ticket and then change your vote in a single race, but it’s actually very simple.”
Many voters are accustomed to selecting the quick option of voting for all candidates from one party, voting “straight party”, rather than going through the ballot and voting for candidates one by one. What happens when you want to vote for someone from a third party or across party lines? Can you still vote a straight ticket?
The Clements campaign has received so many inquires about ticket-splitting, they are sending out instructions to voters, as follows, and are posting this on the campaign website, along with pictures of the ballot (http://clementsforsenate.com/
- At the top of the first screen, you will see the option to “vote straight
ticket.” If you want to vote mostly for candidates in one party, you may
choose this option, even if you want to vote for Tom Clements or some
other party candidate. Check off your party, but don’t cast your ballot yet. - Use the NEXT box to go forward to the US Senate Race on page 3.
- Check off Tom Clements at the top of the ballot for US Senate.
- Make sure that the box for Clements is checked.
- To finalize your vote, hit the big green VOTE button to the top RIGHT above the voting screen.
Your votes will be recorded, including your vote for Tom Clements.
“It’s not at all complicated to vote straight party and then vote for me,” Mr. Clements has been telling supporters. He adds: “It’s a good idea to vote separately for each office, but if you want to vote a straight ticket, you can do that and afterwards easily change your vote in any particular race.”
The South Carolina Election Commission is expected to issue a news release in the coming days about how to vote, which should clarify just how easy it is to initially vote straight party and then go to each race and vote for a candidate of another party.
Proposition 8 Ban On Same-Sex Marriage Has No Legitimate Basis, Americans United Tells Appeals Court
Like Historic Opposition To Interracial Marriage, California Measure Is Based On Intolerance, Psuedo-Science And Religious Dogma, Says AU Brief
California’s ban on civil marriage for same-sex couples is based on intolerance, pseudo-science and religious dogma, not legitimate public policy concerns, Americans United for Separation of Church and State has told a federal appeals court.
In a friend-of-the court brief, Americans United advised the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that opposition to marriage equality for gay couples reflects the same baseless and inappropriate considerations that once were used to deny marriage rights to slaves and interracial couples.
The brief was filed in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, a closely watched lawsuit that challenges Proposition 8, a California referendum that revoked the right of same-sex couples to obtain civil marriages. The drive to enact the measure was funded and staffed primarily by fundamentalist Protestant churches, the Roman Catholic hierarchy and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).
Said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director, “American law should be based on equality and fairness, not the doctrines of aggressive religious groups. Proposition 8 is grounded in intolerance and sectarian dogma, and the appeals court should reject it.”
The brief, filed jointly Oct. 25 with the Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic, notes that historically opponents of marriage rights for slaves and interracial couples argued that such unions were a threat to the social order and the institutions of marriage and family. They also claimed that such marriages violated their interpretation of the Bible.
Observes the brief, “Even though reliance on religious doctrine as the basis for public policy is as improper today as it was in the days of anti-miscegenation laws, today opponents of marriage between two persons of the same sex use (their) Biblical interpretations to suggest that homosexuality is unnatural because it is against God’s will. Indeed, like their anti-miscegenationist counterparts, opponents of marriage for same-sex couples almost always attempt to clothe their arguments in literal and selective interpretations of the Bible.”
Asserts the brief, “Today, while there is no longer any serious claim that marriage rights should be denied on the basis of race, opponents of marriage equality have attacked same-sex couples, using precisely the same flawed arguments that once were used to justify racial slavery and apartheid. We are now long past the time when anyone would seriously claim that race-based marriage equality threatens the moral fabric of our civilization, is contrary to nature, or is harmful to children.
“Therefore,” the brief concludes, “the onus should be on opponents of marriage equality to demonstrate how arguments that time and experience have so thoroughly rejected in the context of race should now be dug up, dusted off, and given any consideration, much less credibility, in the context of marriage for same-sex couples.”
In addition to AU and the Howard Civil Rights Clinic, six professors at Howard University School of Law and four law student organizations also expressed support for the brief.
The brief was written by Aderson B. François, Civil Rights Clinic Supervising Attorney at Howard University School of Law, in cooperation with Americans United Legal Director Ayesha N. Khan and attorneys with the firms of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP and Keker & Van Nest LLP.
California’s ban on civil marriage for same-sex couples is based on intolerance, pseudo-science and religious dogma, not legitimate public policy concerns, Americans United for Separation of Church and State has told a federal appeals court.
In a friend-of-the court brief, Americans United advised the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that opposition to marriage equality for gay couples reflects the same baseless and inappropriate considerations that once were used to deny marriage rights to slaves and interracial couples.
The brief was filed in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, a closely watched lawsuit that challenges Proposition 8, a California referendum that revoked the right of same-sex couples to obtain civil marriages. The drive to enact the measure was funded and staffed primarily by fundamentalist Protestant churches, the Roman Catholic hierarchy and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).
Said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director, “American law should be based on equality and fairness, not the doctrines of aggressive religious groups. Proposition 8 is grounded in intolerance and sectarian dogma, and the appeals court should reject it.”
The brief, filed jointly Oct. 25 with the Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic, notes that historically opponents of marriage rights for slaves and interracial couples argued that such unions were a threat to the social order and the institutions of marriage and family. They also claimed that such marriages violated their interpretation of the Bible.
Observes the brief, “Even though reliance on religious doctrine as the basis for public policy is as improper today as it was in the days of anti-miscegenation laws, today opponents of marriage between two persons of the same sex use (their) Biblical interpretations to suggest that homosexuality is unnatural because it is against God’s will. Indeed, like their anti-miscegenationist counterparts, opponents of marriage for same-sex couples almost always attempt to clothe their arguments in literal and selective interpretations of the Bible.”
Asserts the brief, “Today, while there is no longer any serious claim that marriage rights should be denied on the basis of race, opponents of marriage equality have attacked same-sex couples, using precisely the same flawed arguments that once were used to justify racial slavery and apartheid. We are now long past the time when anyone would seriously claim that race-based marriage equality threatens the moral fabric of our civilization, is contrary to nature, or is harmful to children.
“Therefore,” the brief concludes, “the onus should be on opponents of marriage equality to demonstrate how arguments that time and experience have so thoroughly rejected in the context of race should now be dug up, dusted off, and given any consideration, much less credibility, in the context of marriage for same-sex couples.”
In addition to AU and the Howard Civil Rights Clinic, six professors at Howard University School of Law and four law student organizations also expressed support for the brief.
The brief was written by Aderson B. François, Civil Rights Clinic Supervising Attorney at Howard University School of Law, in cooperation with Americans United Legal Director Ayesha N. Khan and attorneys with the firms of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP and Keker & Van Nest LLP.
DeMint In Bed With BP: Takes Money From Foreign Polluters, Blocks BP Investigation
A recent report published by the Climate Action Network found that leading European polluters are giving donations to members of the U.S. Senate who deny the reality of climate change. According to the report, DeMint received $13,000 this year alone from European companies known to oppose climate legislation in the European Union. Among others, DeMint received $1,000 from BP.
The report stated that the donations appear to be a coordinated effort by major European polluters:
“Big European emitters Lafarge GDF-Suez, EON, BP, BASF, BAYER, Solvay and Arcelor-Mittal supported climate change deniers in the US Senate in 2010 for $107,200. Their total support for senators blocking climate change legislation in the US amounts to $240,200, which is almost 80% of their total spending in the 2010 Senate race. This is why those funds are seen as systemic. This amount is higher than the same type of spending of the most notorious U.S. climate denier and Tea Party funder: Koch Industries ($217,000).”
The aforementioned Koch Industries gave DeMint $10,000 in the current election cycle. He also received the following European corporate contributions:
Bayer: $5,000
BASF: $2,000
LaFarge: $5,000
BP: $1,000
In the aftermath of the Gulf disaster, DeMint acted in the Senate to block S.3462, a bill which would have given subpoena power to the commission set up to investigate the BP oil spill. The bill had previously passed the House with the support of 169 Republicans, but DeMint used parliamentary maneuvering to keep it from reaching the floor of the Senate. Footage of DeMint stopping the legislation on June 30, two months into the spill can be found here.
News of the European campaign contributions comes as new BP executive, Bob Dudley, reportedly called reaction to the spill “scaremongering.” According to the FinancialTimes of London on October 25, BP CEO Dudley blamed industry rivals for “rushing to judgement” over the spill. At the time of the spill and for weeks after, BP executives insisted that 5,000 barrels per day was the best estimate of oil leakage. Government scientists put the spill at 68,000 barrels per day.
“It is clear that if Jim DeMint has his way, we’ll never know the true extent of the oil disaster and its causes,” said Clements. “My opponent is willing to cover up the extent of BP’s wrongdoing. He will block sensible, effective regulations against and take donations from the very companies we should be protected against. South Carolina’s coast is particularly vulnerable. I vow to defend our environment from corporate polluters like BP, who caused the disaster in the Gulf and created a nightmare for working families who live there.”
For additional information, call 803-312-0055; or visit Tom’s website at http://clementsforsenate.com or
See the Clements For Senate You Tube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/
References:
* YouTube: DeMint blocks subpoena power of oil spill investigation committee
* Reuters: BP CEO slams media, rivals for stoking spill fears
* Guardian: Tea Party climate change deniers funded by BP and other major polluters
* Think Globally, Sabatoge Locally: How and why European companies are funding
climate change deniers and anti-climate legislation voices in the 2010
U.S. Senate race
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