FBI Tracks Potential GOP Protesters
FBI, New York Police Track People They Say Might Cause Trouble at the Republican Convention
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20040816_1394.html
Remember this - we are wasting time investigating American protest groups. If there is an incident at the Republican Convention, did we really do everything possible to avoid it?
Is this ignoring flight schools all over again?
Not to mention how this tramples on the right to free speech and to assemble. It is counter-productive to the war on terror.
-jef-
8.17.2004
8.16.2004
It is a great time to be a Democrat in the 6th District!
Hello! I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about the many upcoming events in the next week or so here in the Fox Valley & the Lakefront!
It is very important that we support our local parties, as I’m sure everyone knows, but it is also important to support the other county parties as well. Plus, what a great way to meet other Democrats!
I have traveled all over the area in the last two months. And whether I was in Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Two Rivers, Waupaca, Manitowoc, Menasha, Neenah, Plymouth, Watertown, Appleton, Oshkosh (get it….?), I can tell you that Wisconsin is full of great Democrats.
So, here is a quick overview of some upcoming events, please attend as many as possible. I’ll be at all of them, so come talk to me, and meet other like-minded people! I have included websites where I have them, or call/email me for more info:
August 20, 7:00 - $7.50
Beer & Cheese Night Fundraiser (need we say more?)
Manitowoc County Democrats
Cabin 2, Lincoln Park – Manitowoc
www.mantydems.com
August 21, 1:00 - $7.50
Corn Roast Fundraiser (best corn roast in Wisconsin!)
Winnebago County Democrats
Winnebago County Park – Hwy 76 & Y
Shelter-house 1, Oshkosh
www.focol.org/wdparty/
August 21, 2:00
Office Opening (chips, dip & Feingold, too!)
Fond du Lac County Democrats
23 S Main St, Fond du Lac
www.fdldems.com
August 23, 5:00 – $7.50
Corn Roast Fundraiser(best corn roast in Wisconsin!)
Outagamie County Democrats
Sunset Park, Kimberly
www.outagamiedems.org
August 24, 5:30
Brat Fry (come for a Wisconsin original!)
Calumet County Democrats
Eagles Club - 1041 E Chestnut St, Chilton
August 28, 12:00 Noon
Sounds by the Sundial (12 Bands, beer & burgers!)
Organized by the Winnebago County Democratic Party
Grand Opera Square, Oshkosh
Call Bill Schwulst for details – 920.642.3642
All of these are going to be great! Please come on out, meet and support your local democrat efforts.
As there are updates, I will post them to my website – www.jef4wi.com. Click on Events for more details.
This is a great year to be a Democrat. Why? People want to be Democrats this year. We just need to give them a reason why. Please, grab your fence-sitting friends and bring them out!
Get a-hold of me at anytime!
-jef-
Hello! I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about the many upcoming events in the next week or so here in the Fox Valley & the Lakefront!
It is very important that we support our local parties, as I’m sure everyone knows, but it is also important to support the other county parties as well. Plus, what a great way to meet other Democrats!
I have traveled all over the area in the last two months. And whether I was in Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Two Rivers, Waupaca, Manitowoc, Menasha, Neenah, Plymouth, Watertown, Appleton, Oshkosh (get it….?), I can tell you that Wisconsin is full of great Democrats.
So, here is a quick overview of some upcoming events, please attend as many as possible. I’ll be at all of them, so come talk to me, and meet other like-minded people! I have included websites where I have them, or call/email me for more info:
August 20, 7:00 - $7.50
Beer & Cheese Night Fundraiser (need we say more?)
Manitowoc County Democrats
Cabin 2, Lincoln Park – Manitowoc
www.mantydems.com
August 21, 1:00 - $7.50
Corn Roast Fundraiser (best corn roast in Wisconsin!)
Winnebago County Democrats
Winnebago County Park – Hwy 76 & Y
Shelter-house 1, Oshkosh
www.focol.org/wdparty/
August 21, 2:00
Office Opening (chips, dip & Feingold, too!)
Fond du Lac County Democrats
23 S Main St, Fond du Lac
www.fdldems.com
August 23, 5:00 – $7.50
Corn Roast Fundraiser(best corn roast in Wisconsin!)
Outagamie County Democrats
Sunset Park, Kimberly
www.outagamiedems.org
August 24, 5:30
Brat Fry (come for a Wisconsin original!)
Calumet County Democrats
Eagles Club - 1041 E Chestnut St, Chilton
August 28, 12:00 Noon
Sounds by the Sundial (12 Bands, beer & burgers!)
Organized by the Winnebago County Democratic Party
Grand Opera Square, Oshkosh
Call Bill Schwulst for details – 920.642.3642
All of these are going to be great! Please come on out, meet and support your local democrat efforts.
As there are updates, I will post them to my website – www.jef4wi.com. Click on Events for more details.
This is a great year to be a Democrat. Why? People want to be Democrats this year. We just need to give them a reason why. Please, grab your fence-sitting friends and bring them out!
Get a-hold of me at anytime!
-jef-
Here's a neat link:
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/expendetail.asp?CID=N00004426&cycle=2002&name=Anne+Petri%2C+Washington%2C+DC
This is an expenditure that Tom Petri made to his wife from his campaign. Nothing illegal or anything, just interesting.
You see, by law you have to put where the person lives. Tom Petri's campaign considers her address as in Washington DC, not Fond du Lac, WI.
Shouldn't their own campaign consider them Wisconsin residents if they are representing us?
-jef-
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/expendetail.asp?CID=N00004426&cycle=2002&name=Anne+Petri%2C+Washington%2C+DC
This is an expenditure that Tom Petri made to his wife from his campaign. Nothing illegal or anything, just interesting.
You see, by law you have to put where the person lives. Tom Petri's campaign considers her address as in Washington DC, not Fond du Lac, WI.
Shouldn't their own campaign consider them Wisconsin residents if they are representing us?
-jef-
My post for today is simply someone else's words, but they are important to remember - never let anyone intimidate you not to vote.....
If you feel you are, contact your local party, we will help.
August 16, 2004
Suppress the Vote?
By BOB HERBERT
The big story out of Florida over the weekend was the tragic devastation caused by Hurricane Charley. But there's another story from Florida that deserves our attention.
State police officers have gone into the homes of elderly black voters in Orlando and interrogated them as part of an odd "investigation" that has frightened many voters, intimidated elderly volunteers and thrown a chill over efforts to get out the black vote in November.
The officers, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which reports to Gov. Jeb Bush, say they are investigating allegations of voter fraud that came up during the Orlando mayoral election in March.
Officials refused to discuss details of the investigation, other than to say that absentee ballots are involved. They said they had no idea when the investigation might end, and acknowledged that it may continue right through the presidential election.
"We did a preliminary inquiry into those allegations and then we concluded that there was enough evidence to follow through with a full criminal investigation," said Geo Morales, a spokesman for the Department of Law Enforcement.
The state police officers, armed and in plain clothes, have questioned dozens of voters in their homes. Some of those questioned have been volunteers in get-out-the-vote campaigns.
I asked Mr. Morales in a telephone conversation to tell me what criminal activity had taken place.
"I can't talk about that," he said.
I asked if all the people interrogated were black.
"Well, mainly it was a black neighborhood we were looking at - yes,'' he said.
He also said, "Most of them were elderly."
When I asked why, he said, "That's just the people we selected out of a random sample to interview."
Back in the bad old days, some decades ago, when Southern whites used every imaginable form of chicanery to prevent blacks from voting, blacks often fought back by creating voters leagues, which were organizations that helped to register, educate and encourage black voters. It became a tradition that continues in many places, including Florida, today.
Not surprisingly, many of the elderly black voters who found themselves face to face with state police officers in Orlando are members of the Orlando League of Voters, which has been very successful in mobilizing the city's black vote.
The president of the Orlando League of Voters is Ezzie Thomas, who is 73 years old. With his demonstrated ability to deliver the black vote in Orlando, Mr. Thomas is a tempting target for supporters of George W. Bush in a state in which the black vote may well spell the difference between victory and defeat.
The vile smell of voter suppression is all over this so-called investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Joseph Egan, an Orlando lawyer who represents Mr. Thomas, said: "The Voters League has workers who go into the community to do voter registration, drive people to the polls and help with absentee ballots. They are elderly women mostly. They get paid like $100 for four or five months' work, just to offset things like the cost of their gas. They see this political activity as an important contribution to their community. Some of the people in the community had never cast a ballot until the league came to their door and encouraged them to vote."
Now, said Mr. Egan, the fear generated by state police officers going into people's homes as part of an ongoing criminal investigation related to voting is threatening to undo much of the good work of the league. He said, "One woman asked me, 'Am I going to go to jail now because I voted by absentee ballot?' "
According to Mr. Egan, "People who have voted by absentee ballot for years are refusing to allow campaign workers to come to their homes. And volunteers who have participated for years in assisting people, particularly the elderly or handicapped, are scared and don't want to risk a criminal investigation."
Florida is a state that's very much in play in the presidential election, with some polls showing John Kerry in the lead. A heavy-handed state police investigation that throws a blanket of fear over thousands of black voters can only help President Bush.
The long and ugly tradition of suppressing the black vote is alive and thriving in the Sunshine State.
If you feel you are, contact your local party, we will help.
August 16, 2004
Suppress the Vote?
By BOB HERBERT
The big story out of Florida over the weekend was the tragic devastation caused by Hurricane Charley. But there's another story from Florida that deserves our attention.
State police officers have gone into the homes of elderly black voters in Orlando and interrogated them as part of an odd "investigation" that has frightened many voters, intimidated elderly volunteers and thrown a chill over efforts to get out the black vote in November.
The officers, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which reports to Gov. Jeb Bush, say they are investigating allegations of voter fraud that came up during the Orlando mayoral election in March.
Officials refused to discuss details of the investigation, other than to say that absentee ballots are involved. They said they had no idea when the investigation might end, and acknowledged that it may continue right through the presidential election.
"We did a preliminary inquiry into those allegations and then we concluded that there was enough evidence to follow through with a full criminal investigation," said Geo Morales, a spokesman for the Department of Law Enforcement.
The state police officers, armed and in plain clothes, have questioned dozens of voters in their homes. Some of those questioned have been volunteers in get-out-the-vote campaigns.
I asked Mr. Morales in a telephone conversation to tell me what criminal activity had taken place.
"I can't talk about that," he said.
I asked if all the people interrogated were black.
"Well, mainly it was a black neighborhood we were looking at - yes,'' he said.
He also said, "Most of them were elderly."
When I asked why, he said, "That's just the people we selected out of a random sample to interview."
Back in the bad old days, some decades ago, when Southern whites used every imaginable form of chicanery to prevent blacks from voting, blacks often fought back by creating voters leagues, which were organizations that helped to register, educate and encourage black voters. It became a tradition that continues in many places, including Florida, today.
Not surprisingly, many of the elderly black voters who found themselves face to face with state police officers in Orlando are members of the Orlando League of Voters, which has been very successful in mobilizing the city's black vote.
The president of the Orlando League of Voters is Ezzie Thomas, who is 73 years old. With his demonstrated ability to deliver the black vote in Orlando, Mr. Thomas is a tempting target for supporters of George W. Bush in a state in which the black vote may well spell the difference between victory and defeat.
The vile smell of voter suppression is all over this so-called investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Joseph Egan, an Orlando lawyer who represents Mr. Thomas, said: "The Voters League has workers who go into the community to do voter registration, drive people to the polls and help with absentee ballots. They are elderly women mostly. They get paid like $100 for four or five months' work, just to offset things like the cost of their gas. They see this political activity as an important contribution to their community. Some of the people in the community had never cast a ballot until the league came to their door and encouraged them to vote."
Now, said Mr. Egan, the fear generated by state police officers going into people's homes as part of an ongoing criminal investigation related to voting is threatening to undo much of the good work of the league. He said, "One woman asked me, 'Am I going to go to jail now because I voted by absentee ballot?' "
According to Mr. Egan, "People who have voted by absentee ballot for years are refusing to allow campaign workers to come to their homes. And volunteers who have participated for years in assisting people, particularly the elderly or handicapped, are scared and don't want to risk a criminal investigation."
Florida is a state that's very much in play in the presidential election, with some polls showing John Kerry in the lead. A heavy-handed state police investigation that throws a blanket of fear over thousands of black voters can only help President Bush.
The long and ugly tradition of suppressing the black vote is alive and thriving in the Sunshine State.
8.13.2004
Bush Tax Cuts Heavily Favor Rich, CBO Says -Reports
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=5&u=/nm/20040813/pl_nm/campaign_taxes_cbo_dc
Excerpts:
I'll simply take the rest, and we'll see who really will represent the people of the 6th....
Anyone who works for a living cannot re-elect these people...
-jef-
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=5&u=/nm/20040813/pl_nm/campaign_taxes_cbo_dc
Excerpts:
- NEW YORK (Reuters) - President Bush (news - web sites)'s tax cuts have transferred the federal tax burden from the richest Americans to middle-class families, with one-third of them benefiting people with the top 1 percent of income, according to a government report cited in newspapers on Friday.
- The report said the top 1 percent, with incomes averaging $1.2 million per year, will receive an average $78,460 tax cut this year, and have seen their share of the total tax burden fall roughly 2 percentage points to 20.1 percent, according to The New York Times.
In contrast, households in the middle 20 percent, with incomes averaging $57,000 per year, will receive an average cut of only $1,090, the newspaper said, citing the CBO report.
Taxpayers whose incomes range from $51,500 to around $75,600, saw their share of federal tax payments increase, according to CBO figures cited by The Washington Post. - The newspapers, citing the CBO report, said about two-thirds of the benefits from the cuts went to households in the top 20 percent, with an average income of $203,740.
People in the lowest 20 percent of earnings, which averaged $16,620, saw their effective tax rate fall to 5.2 percent from 6.7 percent, though their average tax cut was only $250.
I'll simply take the rest, and we'll see who really will represent the people of the 6th....
Anyone who works for a living cannot re-elect these people...
-jef-
The End of the Middle and Working Class?
"Mr. Bush's proposals, if fully adopted, "could eliminate almost all taxes on investment income and wealth for almost all Americans." Mr. Bush hasn't yet gotten all he wants, but he has taken a large step toward a system in which only labor income is taxed."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/13/opinion/13krug.html?th
Is this how we want our society to work? Your labor benefiting those so wealthy that they do not have to work?
Where is the inherent fairness of the statement "All men are created equal" in this.
Remember, Bush has not fleeced our future to the benefit of the wealthy on his own. Petri helped pass his tax bills, and will continue to.
-jef-
"Mr. Bush's proposals, if fully adopted, "could eliminate almost all taxes on investment income and wealth for almost all Americans." Mr. Bush hasn't yet gotten all he wants, but he has taken a large step toward a system in which only labor income is taxed."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/13/opinion/13krug.html?th
Is this how we want our society to work? Your labor benefiting those so wealthy that they do not have to work?
Where is the inherent fairness of the statement "All men are created equal" in this.
Remember, Bush has not fleeced our future to the benefit of the wealthy on his own. Petri helped pass his tax bills, and will continue to.
-jef-
8.10.2004
Bush also said high taxes on the rich are a failed strategy because "the really rich people figure out how to dodge taxes anyway."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--bushvisit0809aug09,0,6920595.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia
Why am I talking about Bush's failed tax cuts? Because Petri supported and benefited from them greatly.
I would not have supported tax cuts on the wealthy, I would have proposed and worked for tax cuts on the middle and working class. We are the people who truly drive the economy and can save this country from being sped around another blind corner by Bush, Cheney & Petri.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--bushvisit0809aug09,0,6920595.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia
Why am I talking about Bush's failed tax cuts? Because Petri supported and benefited from them greatly.
I would not have supported tax cuts on the wealthy, I would have proposed and worked for tax cuts on the middle and working class. We are the people who truly drive the economy and can save this country from being sped around another blind corner by Bush, Cheney & Petri.
Baer acknowledged that some of the company's problems were of its own making. But he said he was worried about what he called the "Wal-Mart effect" and its role on the quality of U.S. jobs.
"Long-term, I really struggle with their constant mania of driving prices down, down, down, down, down," Baer said. "People are displaced into lower-paying jobs…. Their purchasing power goes down, so they can't go into Wal-Mart and buy as much as they used to. How will that work in the end?"
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/2004/la-na-wisconsin9aug09,1,1714529.story?coll=la-home-headlines
This is a quote from Rick Baer, CEO of Paper Converting in Green Bay.
People are starting to get it.....
-jef-
"Long-term, I really struggle with their constant mania of driving prices down, down, down, down, down," Baer said. "People are displaced into lower-paying jobs…. Their purchasing power goes down, so they can't go into Wal-Mart and buy as much as they used to. How will that work in the end?"
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/2004/la-na-wisconsin9aug09,1,1714529.story?coll=la-home-headlines
This is a quote from Rick Baer, CEO of Paper Converting in Green Bay.
People are starting to get it.....
-jef-
We're gonna win!
"When Friday's dismal job report was released, traders in the Chicago pit began chanting, "Kerry, Kerry."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/10/opinion/10krugman.html?th
When was the last time you heard a bunch of financial workers chanting a Democrats name?
Also from this op-ed:
"What we've just seen is as clear a test of trickledown economics as we're ever likely to get. Twice, in 2001 and in 2003, the administration insisted that a tax cut heavily tilted toward the affluent was just what the economy needed. Officials brushed aside pleas to give relief instead to lower- and middle-income families, who would be more likely to spend the money, and to cash-strapped state and local governments. Given the actual results - huge deficits, but minimal job growth - don't you wish the administration had listened to that advice?"
The Bush tax cuts, supported by Petri, have ruined the Clinton Economic boom.
Petri supported Clinton's economic policies less than 15% of the time, and has supported Bush's more than 85%.
Isn't it time to have a congressional representative on the side of growth?
"When Friday's dismal job report was released, traders in the Chicago pit began chanting, "Kerry, Kerry."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/10/opinion/10krugman.html?th
When was the last time you heard a bunch of financial workers chanting a Democrats name?
Also from this op-ed:
"What we've just seen is as clear a test of trickledown economics as we're ever likely to get. Twice, in 2001 and in 2003, the administration insisted that a tax cut heavily tilted toward the affluent was just what the economy needed. Officials brushed aside pleas to give relief instead to lower- and middle-income families, who would be more likely to spend the money, and to cash-strapped state and local governments. Given the actual results - huge deficits, but minimal job growth - don't you wish the administration had listened to that advice?"
The Bush tax cuts, supported by Petri, have ruined the Clinton Economic boom.
Petri supported Clinton's economic policies less than 15% of the time, and has supported Bush's more than 85%.
Isn't it time to have a congressional representative on the side of growth?
8.09.2004
Tribal Sovereignty:
http://www.majorityreportradio.com/weblog/archives/Bush%20-%20Tribal%20Sovereignty.mp3
This is actually pretty funny - Bush tries to get through a question that he doesn't know the answer to. Listen twice, the laughter from the audience is the best.
I promise, that if I don't know the answer to a question, I'll just admit it.
Even funnier, Kerry appeared before this panel first, and was given the same questions, therefore Bush would have known what was going to be asked, and either didn't care or forgot.
-jef-
http://www.majorityreportradio.com/weblog/archives/Bush%20-%20Tribal%20Sovereignty.mp3
This is actually pretty funny - Bush tries to get through a question that he doesn't know the answer to. Listen twice, the laughter from the audience is the best.
I promise, that if I don't know the answer to a question, I'll just admit it.
Even funnier, Kerry appeared before this panel first, and was given the same questions, therefore Bush would have known what was going to be asked, and either didn't care or forgot.
-jef-
8.04.2004
War Profiteering:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5595163/
John Kerry's quote, "I actually voted for the $87 billion before I voted against it." Was regarding financing of the occupation.
He asserted in an amendment to the bill that some of the costs should come from Iraqi oil money, and part from the US Treasury.
Bush made it known that unless all $87 billion came from the Treasury, he would veto the spending bill. In fact, most Republicans voted against the bill before they voted for it.
Now we know why. They wanted all the money from BOTH the US Treasury AND the Iraqi oil funds.
Remember, when you read this article, that the Coalition Provisional Authority is the American Government. WE were deciding to waste Iraqi funds on sweetheart deals for American companies with ties to the administration and the Republican Party. It is not an Iraqi institution.
This is not the way America should work. The Democrats and John Kerry were pushing for sensible funding of the Iraqi reconstruction effort, only to be overruled by a greedy, corrupt administration.
Yet another reason we need to change the whole system on Nov 2nd. There can be no complacency this year.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5595163/
John Kerry's quote, "I actually voted for the $87 billion before I voted against it." Was regarding financing of the occupation.
He asserted in an amendment to the bill that some of the costs should come from Iraqi oil money, and part from the US Treasury.
Bush made it known that unless all $87 billion came from the Treasury, he would veto the spending bill. In fact, most Republicans voted against the bill before they voted for it.
Now we know why. They wanted all the money from BOTH the US Treasury AND the Iraqi oil funds.
Remember, when you read this article, that the Coalition Provisional Authority is the American Government. WE were deciding to waste Iraqi funds on sweetheart deals for American companies with ties to the administration and the Republican Party. It is not an Iraqi institution.
This is not the way America should work. The Democrats and John Kerry were pushing for sensible funding of the Iraqi reconstruction effort, only to be overruled by a greedy, corrupt administration.
Yet another reason we need to change the whole system on Nov 2nd. There can be no complacency this year.
8.03.2004
"It's serious business," Bush said. "I mean, we wouldn't be, you know, contacting authorities at the local level unless something was real."
............
"I want to thank people for coming to work," Laura Bush told a cheering crowd at the Citigroup Center in midtown, one of the financial centers in the terrorists' cross hairs.
While Gov. Pataki bought coffee, Bush and First Twins Jenna and Barbara - along with Mayor Bloomberg - mingled with workers and ignored a John Kerry supporter shouting, "Kerry! Kerry!"
............
A few questions:
If the treat was real, would he have sent his wife and daughters? Would the secret service let him?
If it really was a treat, and he wanted to show resolve, shouldn't he have gone into danger and not his family?
It has been shown, that on Sept. 11 Bush diverted to the mid-west because of a 'possible threat on Air-Force One', he runs from threats and sends his wife and daughters to face them....
Family values......
Or, more likely, there was no threat. It was a lie, a waste of resources. Is that high crimes or misdemeanors?
............
"I want to thank people for coming to work," Laura Bush told a cheering crowd at the Citigroup Center in midtown, one of the financial centers in the terrorists' cross hairs.
While Gov. Pataki bought coffee, Bush and First Twins Jenna and Barbara - along with Mayor Bloomberg - mingled with workers and ignored a John Kerry supporter shouting, "Kerry! Kerry!"
............
A few questions:
If the treat was real, would he have sent his wife and daughters? Would the secret service let him?
If it really was a treat, and he wanted to show resolve, shouldn't he have gone into danger and not his family?
It has been shown, that on Sept. 11 Bush diverted to the mid-west because of a 'possible threat on Air-Force One', he runs from threats and sends his wife and daughters to face them....
Family values......
Or, more likely, there was no threat. It was a lie, a waste of resources. Is that high crimes or misdemeanors?
Paul Krugman again on the poor coverage of the convention:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/03/opinion/03krug.html?th
We need to make sure there is fair coverage of the Republicans coming up, and talk to people about it if is isn't.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/03/opinion/03krug.html?th
We need to make sure there is fair coverage of the Republicans coming up, and talk to people about it if is isn't.
Will this make as much news as the alert it spurned:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/03/politics/03intel.html?hp
Tell your friends, everytime Kerry gets a bump in the polls, we have another terror warning. It is an established pattern.
What happened to the little boy who cried wolf?
These warnings are making us less safe, not more.
-jef-
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/03/politics/03intel.html?hp
Tell your friends, everytime Kerry gets a bump in the polls, we have another terror warning. It is an established pattern.
What happened to the little boy who cried wolf?
These warnings are making us less safe, not more.
-jef-
8.01.2004
Here is the weekly update email I send out for anyone not on the list (to get on the list, email me - jef@jef4wi.com):
Jef for Wisconsin Update
Hello from me, Jef Hall. I am, as you should know, running to be the next Member of Congress from Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District.
I hope to change the quality of representation for our district and our country. I am running “From and For Middle America.” We need representation that is responsive to the needs of the people of Wisconsin’s 6th District. The time of tax cuts for the wealthy and higher drug prices for seniors is at an end.
I, as your representative, will go to Washington with your needs in mind. I will fight for a national health care plan that ensures care to all Americans, no matter your station in life. I will propose a prescription drug plan to provide real savings not only for seniors, but for all.
In Washington, as YOUR representative, I will lead on issues that affect the true majority of the 6th district. We need a tax policy that benefits middle and working America - those struggling to earn the American dream, not the wealthy few which already have their share and more. I will lead the fight to grant benefits to American companies that work to keep high-paying, quality jobs in America, and remove any benefit from companies that send good, American jobs oversees.
I will propose legislation to raise the minimum wage above the embarrassing current rate of $5.15 an hour. It is a moral outrage in the wealthiest society in history; that someone can work full-time, be a good employee, and yet live in poverty. This is not how I want our America.
How can we make our America the country we want it to be? Help me. Help me make a basic change in Washington. Help me put our focus back on “We the People” and away from Corporate and money power.
How can you help?
First and foremost, contribute. We have a little over 90 days until the election, and much work to do, most of which will cost money. While person-to-person contact is the best way to spread a political message, as we speak to people we will also need to pass out lit, give buttons, post signs, send letters, and do all the things that are a part of an organized campaign. These are things that cannot get done without funding.
Secondly, start that person-to-person contact. Tell your friends, family and neighbors that live in the 6th district there is a choice. Go to my website for printouts to use when speaking to people. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Also, I would love to speak to any groups to which you belong: unions, service clubs, social or professional groups – please contact me and let me know of any opportunities you have for me to get my name and issues out. If you would like to host an event: coffee, BBQ or other event for me to meet people and discuss the important issues of today, please contact me.
Thirdly, wear your Jef buttons, your Kerry t-shirts; stick your Feingold bumper stickers. Let people know how you are voting and what you believe in. I truly believe people want to vote democratic this year, it is just up to us to give them that opportunity. Let people know that the Democratic Party is the choice for them.
This is a revolutionary year, I am proud to be a part of it. And I am also proud to have your help.
Thank you,
-jef-
p.s. Please visit www.jef4wi.com or reply to this email to contact me. I look forward to hearing from and working with you.
Let’s make November 2nd a day we will all remember, and an event that we will be able to tell people for years, “I was part of that!” Please forward this message to anyone else that would like to get involved.
Jef for Wisconsin Update
Hello from me, Jef Hall. I am, as you should know, running to be the next Member of Congress from Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District.
I hope to change the quality of representation for our district and our country. I am running “From and For Middle America.” We need representation that is responsive to the needs of the people of Wisconsin’s 6th District. The time of tax cuts for the wealthy and higher drug prices for seniors is at an end.
I, as your representative, will go to Washington with your needs in mind. I will fight for a national health care plan that ensures care to all Americans, no matter your station in life. I will propose a prescription drug plan to provide real savings not only for seniors, but for all.
In Washington, as YOUR representative, I will lead on issues that affect the true majority of the 6th district. We need a tax policy that benefits middle and working America - those struggling to earn the American dream, not the wealthy few which already have their share and more. I will lead the fight to grant benefits to American companies that work to keep high-paying, quality jobs in America, and remove any benefit from companies that send good, American jobs oversees.
I will propose legislation to raise the minimum wage above the embarrassing current rate of $5.15 an hour. It is a moral outrage in the wealthiest society in history; that someone can work full-time, be a good employee, and yet live in poverty. This is not how I want our America.
How can we make our America the country we want it to be? Help me. Help me make a basic change in Washington. Help me put our focus back on “We the People” and away from Corporate and money power.
How can you help?
First and foremost, contribute. We have a little over 90 days until the election, and much work to do, most of which will cost money. While person-to-person contact is the best way to spread a political message, as we speak to people we will also need to pass out lit, give buttons, post signs, send letters, and do all the things that are a part of an organized campaign. These are things that cannot get done without funding.
Secondly, start that person-to-person contact. Tell your friends, family and neighbors that live in the 6th district there is a choice. Go to my website for printouts to use when speaking to people. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Also, I would love to speak to any groups to which you belong: unions, service clubs, social or professional groups – please contact me and let me know of any opportunities you have for me to get my name and issues out. If you would like to host an event: coffee, BBQ or other event for me to meet people and discuss the important issues of today, please contact me.
Thirdly, wear your Jef buttons, your Kerry t-shirts; stick your Feingold bumper stickers. Let people know how you are voting and what you believe in. I truly believe people want to vote democratic this year, it is just up to us to give them that opportunity. Let people know that the Democratic Party is the choice for them.
This is a revolutionary year, I am proud to be a part of it. And I am also proud to have your help.
Thank you,
-jef-
p.s. Please visit www.jef4wi.com or reply to this email to contact me. I look forward to hearing from and working with you.
Let’s make November 2nd a day we will all remember, and an event that we will be able to tell people for years, “I was part of that!” Please forward this message to anyone else that would like to get involved.
7.31.2004
Another example of the 'Wal-Martization' of America.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5567865/
Suburban sprawl is a huge drag on the economy. As people move from city to suburbs, property tax revenues move with them, starving the city schools of needed funding.
We need to ensure that the suburbs, people utilizing the benefits of city life, pay their fair due into the city they surround.
Just a quick opinion on my way out....
See you if you are going to the Sheboygan Democratic Picnic!
-jef-
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5567865/
Suburban sprawl is a huge drag on the economy. As people move from city to suburbs, property tax revenues move with them, starving the city schools of needed funding.
We need to ensure that the suburbs, people utilizing the benefits of city life, pay their fair due into the city they surround.
Just a quick opinion on my way out....
See you if you are going to the Sheboygan Democratic Picnic!
-jef-
This is 100% un-American:
http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20040731-149566.shtml
I went to the Cheney event in Wrightstown, not because I am a supporter, but because I am curious and enjoy politics. I did not applaud, but I did not boo or heckle, I just listened.
Granted, I got a few weird looks from people when I didn't applaud at the applause lines. When asked I responded "I am a democrat."
Now, that got some weird looks....
"Why would you come to this, then?"
"Because I want to hear what he has to say. I think it is important."
They looked like I had just punched them in the gut. I am sure they were thinking "Why would someone want to listen to something they disagree with?"
THIS SHOULD NOT BE WEIRD! We should take the time to listen to each other. We should discuss, not scream. We should find a way to make this society work for the people.
Granted, after I got out, I crossed the streets to the protest and picked up a sign.
-jef-
http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20040731-149566.shtml
I went to the Cheney event in Wrightstown, not because I am a supporter, but because I am curious and enjoy politics. I did not applaud, but I did not boo or heckle, I just listened.
Granted, I got a few weird looks from people when I didn't applaud at the applause lines. When asked I responded "I am a democrat."
Now, that got some weird looks....
"Why would you come to this, then?"
"Because I want to hear what he has to say. I think it is important."
They looked like I had just punched them in the gut. I am sure they were thinking "Why would someone want to listen to something they disagree with?"
THIS SHOULD NOT BE WEIRD! We should take the time to listen to each other. We should discuss, not scream. We should find a way to make this society work for the people.
Granted, after I got out, I crossed the streets to the protest and picked up a sign.
-jef-
7.30.2004
I attended a great speech watching party last night in Sheboygan - and was quoted in the Sheboygan-Press:
http://www.wisinfo.com/sheboyganpress/news/archive/local_17120543.shtml
I was referring to the fact that so much of the convention was not being shown on BROADCAST television. The networks operate using the PUBLIC airwaves, and are supposed to use them in our best interest.
What is in the best interest of the people, the once every four year nominating convention for president, or 'Last Comic Standing'?
As usual, Paul Krugman sums up what I really meant better than I ever could have here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/30/opinion/30krugman.html?th
Thanks to Mike for putting together a great shindig last night - I will be all over the district in the next week, so stop by and see me!
-jef-
http://www.wisinfo.com/sheboyganpress/news/archive/local_17120543.shtml
I was referring to the fact that so much of the convention was not being shown on BROADCAST television. The networks operate using the PUBLIC airwaves, and are supposed to use them in our best interest.
What is in the best interest of the people, the once every four year nominating convention for president, or 'Last Comic Standing'?
As usual, Paul Krugman sums up what I really meant better than I ever could have here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/30/opinion/30krugman.html?th
Thanks to Mike for putting together a great shindig last night - I will be all over the district in the next week, so stop by and see me!
-jef-
7.26.2004
Whoever would have thought....
....I agree with David Brooks!
"We're not in the middle of a war on terror, they note. We're not facing an axis of evil. Instead, we are in the midst of an ideological conflict."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/24/opinion/24brooks.html?th
We are not at war with people, we are at 'war' with ideas. You cannot stop ideas with military, you need to fight them with ideas & and action backing your ideals.
This was the major failure of the Iraq war. With pre-emption and the mistreatment of Iraqis, we showed that our ideals and actions are not the same, therefore our ideas are bankrupt.
We need to change our actions to match the ideals of America. The promise of freedom and liberty, backed by equal action, can defeat Islamic radicalism better than guns and bombs.
....I agree with David Brooks!
"We're not in the middle of a war on terror, they note. We're not facing an axis of evil. Instead, we are in the midst of an ideological conflict."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/24/opinion/24brooks.html?th
We are not at war with people, we are at 'war' with ideas. You cannot stop ideas with military, you need to fight them with ideas & and action backing your ideals.
This was the major failure of the Iraq war. With pre-emption and the mistreatment of Iraqis, we showed that our ideals and actions are not the same, therefore our ideas are bankrupt.
We need to change our actions to match the ideals of America. The promise of freedom and liberty, backed by equal action, can defeat Islamic radicalism better than guns and bombs.
Here is a great Op-Ed on Walmart:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/25/opinion/25ehre.html?th
We need Wal-Mart unionized immediately. I urge everyone to refuse to shop there until it is. This is the poster-child for why unions are still needed today:
"Wal-Mart fails at least five out of 10 criteria set by the Worker Rights Consortium"
I do not shop there, and will not until they improve, I urge you not to as well. Also, please find a way to join in on:
"Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union, will soon begin a national effort to "bring Wal-Mart up to standards we can live with." He envisions a nationwide movement bringing together the unions, churches, community organizations and environmentalists who are already standing up to the company's recklessly metastatic growth."
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/25/opinion/25ehre.html?th
We need Wal-Mart unionized immediately. I urge everyone to refuse to shop there until it is. This is the poster-child for why unions are still needed today:
"Wal-Mart fails at least five out of 10 criteria set by the Worker Rights Consortium"
I do not shop there, and will not until they improve, I urge you not to as well. Also, please find a way to join in on:
"Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union, will soon begin a national effort to "bring Wal-Mart up to standards we can live with." He envisions a nationwide movement bringing together the unions, churches, community organizations and environmentalists who are already standing up to the company's recklessly metastatic growth."
7.25.2004
I've been featured in a letter to the editor!
This was yesterday's Northwestern:
Democrat candidate offers change for Petri
In a time when our economy is supposedly growing yet real people are seeing their jobs disappear, it’s obvious why a change is needed this November. U.S. Rep. Tom Petri has consistently voted to hurt the working poor. He voted for cuts to housing assistance programs and against Access to Jobs grants. He hurt many citizens when he chose to vote for the Medicare Bill, which is going to prop up drug companies and hurt the elderly who so desperately need the assistance.
The Northwestern made a great point when speaking about the 54th State Assembly District race in that it is good to know there is a choice for voters. Petri also faces competition.
Jef Hall is the Democratic challenger for Petri’s seat. Hall stole the show with his speech on June 11 at the Wisconsin Democratic Convention, and he is the right man for the job. Hall is like many of us out here. He is still paying off a car loan. He works hard and makes an honest wage. He’s seen the effects on the community by Petri’s pro-corporate votes.
At a time when nobody is representing the working man in our district, we need Hall to be our representative in Washington. Hopefully the Northwestern will devote a fair amount of press coverage to help Hall get his campaign going and to force Petri to debate what’s best for our district. Without the media asking for a fair look at both sides, nobody will know exactly what choice they have this November.
Letters name,town:Robert Poole, Jr Oshkosh
Great letter!
-jef-
This was yesterday's Northwestern:
Democrat candidate offers change for Petri
In a time when our economy is supposedly growing yet real people are seeing their jobs disappear, it’s obvious why a change is needed this November. U.S. Rep. Tom Petri has consistently voted to hurt the working poor. He voted for cuts to housing assistance programs and against Access to Jobs grants. He hurt many citizens when he chose to vote for the Medicare Bill, which is going to prop up drug companies and hurt the elderly who so desperately need the assistance.
The Northwestern made a great point when speaking about the 54th State Assembly District race in that it is good to know there is a choice for voters. Petri also faces competition.
Jef Hall is the Democratic challenger for Petri’s seat. Hall stole the show with his speech on June 11 at the Wisconsin Democratic Convention, and he is the right man for the job. Hall is like many of us out here. He is still paying off a car loan. He works hard and makes an honest wage. He’s seen the effects on the community by Petri’s pro-corporate votes.
At a time when nobody is representing the working man in our district, we need Hall to be our representative in Washington. Hopefully the Northwestern will devote a fair amount of press coverage to help Hall get his campaign going and to force Petri to debate what’s best for our district. Without the media asking for a fair look at both sides, nobody will know exactly what choice they have this November.
Letters name,town:Robert Poole, Jr Oshkosh
Great letter!
-jef-
7.21.2004
Here is a great editorial rom the Northwestern about jobs.
We NEED a national health plan in America to be able to compete in the world.
Posted July 20, 2004
Editorial: A Canadian wake up call for state, national leaders
Of all of the economic shakeouts of the past 30 years, folks in Oshkosh figured there was always a safe haven in the city’s storied manufacturers. Even while low-skilled manufacturing jobs were heading down south and then offshore, there was a belief that high-skilled jobs were safe from being shipped to places like Mexico and China.
Then came the Canadian wake-up call.
When the parent company of Leach Co. announced that nearly 200 manufacturing jobs were heading north of the border last month, it was a double-stunner. Plant closing stories typically include a reference to jobs moving to a third world locale where workers’ earnings pale in comparison to Oshkosh wages.
Alberta, Canada — Medicine Hat, to be specific — isn’t exactly a third world country. But it is home to a plant of a Federal Signal Corp. subsidiary (Wittke Inc.) where production of Leach vehicles will be shifted by early next year.
Now, you might be scratching your head wondering how Canada managed to land the jobs with roughly the same working conditions and costs as the United States. A special report in Sunday’s Northwestern examined that question and the findings were an eye-opener.
“The company’s choice in relocating there (Medicine Hat) sounds likely to me, to have been driven by health insurance costs,” said Kevin McGee, an economics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
McGee figures keeping workers in Oshkosh instead of Medicine Hat would have cost an additional $4.50 per hour per employee in health insurance costs. Add to that labor expenses, and the cost grows to $10.50 per hour more to keep jobs in Oshkosh in a union plant versus a non-union facility in Canada.
The fact that Canada has a national health plan has not been lost on anyone who has followed the issue of prescription medicine and the substantially lower cost of Canadian drugs that has driven many seniors and governments north of the border looking for relief.
The loss of Leach jobs adds another even more pressing cry for our state and national leadership to tackle exploding healthcare costs which is costing us not only money — but jobs. Elections this fall give us a great opportunity to hear from candidates how they plan to tackle this complex problem.
It is time elected officials acknowledge that health care costs have become the rat in the pantry that needs to be dealt with. The original concern about health care cost centered around two issues. The first being the equitable availability of insurance and health care and the second being the drag on the economy it created as workers had less disposable income. Now the country needs to recognize how rising health care costs are capable to sending good paying manufacturing jobs to Canada.
In Oshkosh and other communities around the nation, health care costs could be the penultimate issues in the 2004 presidential election because the system is not working.
Just ask the employees at Leach.
The final thought: Unchecked health care costs may become biggest threat to U.S. economy
We NEED a national health plan in America to be able to compete in the world.
Posted July 20, 2004
Editorial: A Canadian wake up call for state, national leaders
Of all of the economic shakeouts of the past 30 years, folks in Oshkosh figured there was always a safe haven in the city’s storied manufacturers. Even while low-skilled manufacturing jobs were heading down south and then offshore, there was a belief that high-skilled jobs were safe from being shipped to places like Mexico and China.
Then came the Canadian wake-up call.
When the parent company of Leach Co. announced that nearly 200 manufacturing jobs were heading north of the border last month, it was a double-stunner. Plant closing stories typically include a reference to jobs moving to a third world locale where workers’ earnings pale in comparison to Oshkosh wages.
Alberta, Canada — Medicine Hat, to be specific — isn’t exactly a third world country. But it is home to a plant of a Federal Signal Corp. subsidiary (Wittke Inc.) where production of Leach vehicles will be shifted by early next year.
Now, you might be scratching your head wondering how Canada managed to land the jobs with roughly the same working conditions and costs as the United States. A special report in Sunday’s Northwestern examined that question and the findings were an eye-opener.
“The company’s choice in relocating there (Medicine Hat) sounds likely to me, to have been driven by health insurance costs,” said Kevin McGee, an economics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
McGee figures keeping workers in Oshkosh instead of Medicine Hat would have cost an additional $4.50 per hour per employee in health insurance costs. Add to that labor expenses, and the cost grows to $10.50 per hour more to keep jobs in Oshkosh in a union plant versus a non-union facility in Canada.
The fact that Canada has a national health plan has not been lost on anyone who has followed the issue of prescription medicine and the substantially lower cost of Canadian drugs that has driven many seniors and governments north of the border looking for relief.
The loss of Leach jobs adds another even more pressing cry for our state and national leadership to tackle exploding healthcare costs which is costing us not only money — but jobs. Elections this fall give us a great opportunity to hear from candidates how they plan to tackle this complex problem.
It is time elected officials acknowledge that health care costs have become the rat in the pantry that needs to be dealt with. The original concern about health care cost centered around two issues. The first being the equitable availability of insurance and health care and the second being the drag on the economy it created as workers had less disposable income. Now the country needs to recognize how rising health care costs are capable to sending good paying manufacturing jobs to Canada.
In Oshkosh and other communities around the nation, health care costs could be the penultimate issues in the 2004 presidential election because the system is not working.
Just ask the employees at Leach.
The final thought: Unchecked health care costs may become biggest threat to U.S. economy
7.16.2004
It sure has been busy, sorry I haven't blogged recently.
I had a great fund-raiser in Manitowoc on Monday night. On Tuesday, I became a candidate with a line on the ballot when I dropped my signatures off in Madison. Wednesday was spent protesting Bush. Yesterday, I was back at work trying to catch up, then on the Fondy for the Dems meeting and tour of the new office for the election - they got a great one!
I would like to talk about the protests and the difference between the Bush & Kerry campaigns when it comes to the treatment of dissent.
Dissent and disagreement are truly the building blocks of democracy. The whole point of our government is to balance the needs and goals of the different groups.
Bush does not seem to believe that it is important to allow dissent. We were pushed a half a mile away from Mid-States in Fondy, with two dump trucks parked between us.
People were asked if they were Bush supporters before they were given tickets to any of the events.
In line at the Bush event in GB, people were asked to open their overshirts, to ensure that they were not wearing secret Kerry shirts underneath.
At the event in GB, there was a line of busses between the protesters and the venue.
When Kerry came to GB, I was a volunteer that worked the whole event. When people came for tickets, they were given out, all we asked was for people to sign their name - no questions.
We left the Republican rally alone in front of the building. I was working parking, in fact, and helped many of the attendees find the proper place to park for it.
We did not do pin or t-shirt checks. We did not allow signs of any sort, pro- or anti-Kerry.
This is a democracy. We should be polite to dissenters. We should also give everyone a chance to speak at their event. I got into the Cheney event in Wrightstown, and listened quietly. After, I crossed the street and joined the protesters. It is important to make sure you listen to the side you disagree with. You will need to work with them.
This, I think, is the problem with the Bush Administration and the current Congressional Republicans. They are not willing to work with anyone across the isle, not even to listen.
I hope that I would be different, in fact, I know I am. While I may disagree, I will always listen.
Here is a story about the protests:
By Paige FunkhouserFor The News-ChronicleA wall of empty school buses lined the entrance road to the Resch Center, hiding the group of protesters from the long lines of those waiting to see President Bush. The line of people with free tickets to the campaign rally were sheltered from the large cluster of President Bush protesters by both a line of buses - paid for by the Republican Party to sit empty all day - secret service agents and volunteers from the Republicans of Brown County group.
The long line of chanting, sign waving, Bush-hating protesters crowded Oneida street to voice their opposition to the President and the way he has run the country for the last four years.
"Bush has taken away our freedoms," said Vietnam veteran John Baraniak. "We're no longer the guiding light in the world, as we once were. John Kerry will restore respect to America."
Even though the protesters each had their own slogans and reasons for opposing President Bush, several groups made efforts to unify and direct the chanting crowd towards issues they felt the president is neglecting.
One fledgling group, Americans Coming Together, was trying to direct people toward focusing on the issue of jobs and unemployment. ACT, a grassroots group trying to mobilize and engage new voters, organized the protesters around an out-of-work electrician who spoke about the perils of his life without a steady income.
"I've been out of work since March 2003," said IBEW union member and electrician Craig Miller. "I have three children in college, $54,000 in hospital bills that need to be paid, and I'm living credit card to credit card. That's no way to live.
"We have to start punishing companies for going overseas," Miller continued. "We need to increase wages so people here can afford to buy things ... show us the jobs, Bush."
On the other side of the street, Republican volunteers were checking the shirts of those waiting to enter the rally. Several Kerry/Edwards supporters were turned away, their tickets ripped up after a volunteer found them wearing a shirt supporting John Kerry.
"I had my buttoned shirt on, and they made me take it off," said Jayson Nelson, who was forced out of line from seeing Bush. "They took away my ticket and ripped it up."
When questioned why people were being turned away from seeing the President, Joann - a volunteer who refused to give her last name - explained that the rally was a private event. "We wouldn't want to do anything to embarrass the president," she said. "Yes, the tickets are free, but it's private, so we can turn people away."
The protests, which the police said were mostly peaceful but for a few problems started by republicans trying to push their way through the protesters, didn't phase many of those who came to see the president.
"I find this all very interesting," said Roger Wood, a Sturgeon Bay school board member. "How this whole rally works and everyone comes together. It's just great to see a sitting president."
I had a great fund-raiser in Manitowoc on Monday night. On Tuesday, I became a candidate with a line on the ballot when I dropped my signatures off in Madison. Wednesday was spent protesting Bush. Yesterday, I was back at work trying to catch up, then on the Fondy for the Dems meeting and tour of the new office for the election - they got a great one!
I would like to talk about the protests and the difference between the Bush & Kerry campaigns when it comes to the treatment of dissent.
Dissent and disagreement are truly the building blocks of democracy. The whole point of our government is to balance the needs and goals of the different groups.
Bush does not seem to believe that it is important to allow dissent. We were pushed a half a mile away from Mid-States in Fondy, with two dump trucks parked between us.
People were asked if they were Bush supporters before they were given tickets to any of the events.
In line at the Bush event in GB, people were asked to open their overshirts, to ensure that they were not wearing secret Kerry shirts underneath.
At the event in GB, there was a line of busses between the protesters and the venue.
When Kerry came to GB, I was a volunteer that worked the whole event. When people came for tickets, they were given out, all we asked was for people to sign their name - no questions.
We left the Republican rally alone in front of the building. I was working parking, in fact, and helped many of the attendees find the proper place to park for it.
We did not do pin or t-shirt checks. We did not allow signs of any sort, pro- or anti-Kerry.
This is a democracy. We should be polite to dissenters. We should also give everyone a chance to speak at their event. I got into the Cheney event in Wrightstown, and listened quietly. After, I crossed the street and joined the protesters. It is important to make sure you listen to the side you disagree with. You will need to work with them.
This, I think, is the problem with the Bush Administration and the current Congressional Republicans. They are not willing to work with anyone across the isle, not even to listen.
I hope that I would be different, in fact, I know I am. While I may disagree, I will always listen.
Here is a story about the protests:
By Paige FunkhouserFor The News-ChronicleA wall of empty school buses lined the entrance road to the Resch Center, hiding the group of protesters from the long lines of those waiting to see President Bush. The line of people with free tickets to the campaign rally were sheltered from the large cluster of President Bush protesters by both a line of buses - paid for by the Republican Party to sit empty all day - secret service agents and volunteers from the Republicans of Brown County group.
The long line of chanting, sign waving, Bush-hating protesters crowded Oneida street to voice their opposition to the President and the way he has run the country for the last four years.
"Bush has taken away our freedoms," said Vietnam veteran John Baraniak. "We're no longer the guiding light in the world, as we once were. John Kerry will restore respect to America."
Even though the protesters each had their own slogans and reasons for opposing President Bush, several groups made efforts to unify and direct the chanting crowd towards issues they felt the president is neglecting.
One fledgling group, Americans Coming Together, was trying to direct people toward focusing on the issue of jobs and unemployment. ACT, a grassroots group trying to mobilize and engage new voters, organized the protesters around an out-of-work electrician who spoke about the perils of his life without a steady income.
"I've been out of work since March 2003," said IBEW union member and electrician Craig Miller. "I have three children in college, $54,000 in hospital bills that need to be paid, and I'm living credit card to credit card. That's no way to live.
"We have to start punishing companies for going overseas," Miller continued. "We need to increase wages so people here can afford to buy things ... show us the jobs, Bush."
On the other side of the street, Republican volunteers were checking the shirts of those waiting to enter the rally. Several Kerry/Edwards supporters were turned away, their tickets ripped up after a volunteer found them wearing a shirt supporting John Kerry.
"I had my buttoned shirt on, and they made me take it off," said Jayson Nelson, who was forced out of line from seeing Bush. "They took away my ticket and ripped it up."
When questioned why people were being turned away from seeing the President, Joann - a volunteer who refused to give her last name - explained that the rally was a private event. "We wouldn't want to do anything to embarrass the president," she said. "Yes, the tickets are free, but it's private, so we can turn people away."
The protests, which the police said were mostly peaceful but for a few problems started by republicans trying to push their way through the protesters, didn't phase many of those who came to see the president.
"I find this all very interesting," said Roger Wood, a Sturgeon Bay school board member. "How this whole rally works and everyone comes together. It's just great to see a sitting president."
7.13.2004
As I have written before, I think the talk of canceling or postponing the election because of an attack is horribly scary. And it looks like Lincoln agrees with me (pay extra attention to the last line - it is a great statement on the war in Iraq):
Lincoln on the 1864 Presidential Election
Response to a Serenade
November 10, 1864
It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence in great emergencies.
On this point the present rebellion brought our republic to a severe test; and a presidential election occurring in regular course during the rebellion added not a little to the strain. If the loyal people, united, were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided, and partially paralized (sic), by a political war among themselves?
But the election was a necessity.
We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. The strife of the election is but human-nature practically applied to the facts of the case. What has occurred in this case, must ever recur in similar cases. Human-nature will not change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; as bad and good. Let us, therefore, study the incidents of this, as philosophy to learn wisdom from, and none of them as wrongs to be revenged.
But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too. It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war. Until now it has not been known to the world that this was a possibility. It shows that, even among candidates of the same party, he who is most devoted to the Union, and most opposed to treason, can receive most of the people's votes. It shows also, to the extent yet known, that we have more men now, than we had when the war began. Gold is good in its place; but living, brave, patriotic men, are better than gold.
Lincoln on the 1864 Presidential Election
Response to a Serenade
November 10, 1864
It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence in great emergencies.
On this point the present rebellion brought our republic to a severe test; and a presidential election occurring in regular course during the rebellion added not a little to the strain. If the loyal people, united, were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided, and partially paralized (sic), by a political war among themselves?
But the election was a necessity.
We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. The strife of the election is but human-nature practically applied to the facts of the case. What has occurred in this case, must ever recur in similar cases. Human-nature will not change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; as bad and good. Let us, therefore, study the incidents of this, as philosophy to learn wisdom from, and none of them as wrongs to be revenged.
But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too. It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war. Until now it has not been known to the world that this was a possibility. It shows that, even among candidates of the same party, he who is most devoted to the Union, and most opposed to treason, can receive most of the people's votes. It shows also, to the extent yet known, that we have more men now, than we had when the war began. Gold is good in its place; but living, brave, patriotic men, are better than gold.
7.11.2004
Here is the text of an email I just sent out:
A message from Jef Hall, candidate for Congress,
As you probably heard, Leach announced they would be moving 190 manufacturing jobs to Canada. While company statements indicated that the Oshkosh plant produced a higher-quality product, the cost savings in Canada made it not feasible to stay in Oshkosh.
Cost savings in Canada, why? Canada provides a national healthcare plan. 9 out of 10 Americans receive healthcare through their employers. Skyrocketing costs have weighed down the bottom lines of business. If we were to offer a healthcare plan for all, allowing business to buy-in for their employees, the savings from this group purchasing would be huge. The government has a place as the negotiator and administrator of this plan.
Who knows, healthcare savings may have saved these jobs. While it is too late to save these, we can save others. And create many more jobs by offering a national health benefit. I know several small business owners who would hire, if they were able to offer healthcare.
I spoke last weekend with the wife of a small business owner, she was very concerned about their ability to stay afloat. They currently pay over $500 a month for health insurance. As these costs rise, they may be forced to close their business and go to work for someone else. Not because they failed in business, but because their healthcare costs, now that they have four children, have grown to fast to keep up with their ability to pay them.
The inability of Congress to come up with a meaningful health benefit has been a drag on the economy too long. When elected, I will make it my top priority to ensure that no one misses out on a shot at the American Dream because of unnecessarily high health insurance costs.
Also, no American should ever skip needed treatment because of cost concerns. There should be an option other than no treatment or lifetime debt. The under- or uninsured deserve treatment. They are not second-class citizens simply because of employment status.
Please help me fight for the rights of the uninsured and to keep Americans working by contributing today at:
http://jef4wi.com/contribute.html
Thank you.
I have added an events page to www.jef4wi.com. I have also acquired www.jefhall.com (it re-directs to www.jef4wi.com). Please feel free to send people to my website for questions or to contact me.
Some upcoming events to highlight:
Monday, July 12, 2004 – 7:00PM
Meet the Candidate Fund-raiser
Kathy’s Stage Door Pub
701 Franklin St, Manitowoc.
I will be saying a few words and answering questions.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004 – 6:00PM
Winnebago County Labor Council Candidates Forum
Columbus Club
1821 Jackson St, Oshkosh
I will be on at 8:00 – giving a statement, and answering questions
Sunday, July 18th – 2:00PM
Backyard BBQ and Fund-Raiser
My House
224A Scott Ave, Oshkosh
Come out for a burger and fellowship
More at:
http://jef4wi.com/events.html
If you would be interested in hosting an event as either a fund-raiser or to help me get my name out, please contact me at jef@jef4wi.com.
Please forward this email to anyone that you feel may be interested. If you have been forwarded this, please signup for updates at:
http://jef4wi.com/contactinfo.html
Thank you,
-jef-
Jef Hall
Democrat for Congress
Wisconsin's 6th CD
Jef for Wisconsin
224A Scott Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920-203-6883
jef4wi.com
jef@jef4wi.com
A message from Jef Hall, candidate for Congress,
As you probably heard, Leach announced they would be moving 190 manufacturing jobs to Canada. While company statements indicated that the Oshkosh plant produced a higher-quality product, the cost savings in Canada made it not feasible to stay in Oshkosh.
Cost savings in Canada, why? Canada provides a national healthcare plan. 9 out of 10 Americans receive healthcare through their employers. Skyrocketing costs have weighed down the bottom lines of business. If we were to offer a healthcare plan for all, allowing business to buy-in for their employees, the savings from this group purchasing would be huge. The government has a place as the negotiator and administrator of this plan.
Who knows, healthcare savings may have saved these jobs. While it is too late to save these, we can save others. And create many more jobs by offering a national health benefit. I know several small business owners who would hire, if they were able to offer healthcare.
I spoke last weekend with the wife of a small business owner, she was very concerned about their ability to stay afloat. They currently pay over $500 a month for health insurance. As these costs rise, they may be forced to close their business and go to work for someone else. Not because they failed in business, but because their healthcare costs, now that they have four children, have grown to fast to keep up with their ability to pay them.
The inability of Congress to come up with a meaningful health benefit has been a drag on the economy too long. When elected, I will make it my top priority to ensure that no one misses out on a shot at the American Dream because of unnecessarily high health insurance costs.
Also, no American should ever skip needed treatment because of cost concerns. There should be an option other than no treatment or lifetime debt. The under- or uninsured deserve treatment. They are not second-class citizens simply because of employment status.
Please help me fight for the rights of the uninsured and to keep Americans working by contributing today at:
http://jef4wi.com/contribute.html
Thank you.
I have added an events page to www.jef4wi.com. I have also acquired www.jefhall.com (it re-directs to www.jef4wi.com). Please feel free to send people to my website for questions or to contact me.
Some upcoming events to highlight:
Monday, July 12, 2004 – 7:00PM
Meet the Candidate Fund-raiser
Kathy’s Stage Door Pub
701 Franklin St, Manitowoc.
I will be saying a few words and answering questions.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004 – 6:00PM
Winnebago County Labor Council Candidates Forum
Columbus Club
1821 Jackson St, Oshkosh
I will be on at 8:00 – giving a statement, and answering questions
Sunday, July 18th – 2:00PM
Backyard BBQ and Fund-Raiser
My House
224A Scott Ave, Oshkosh
Come out for a burger and fellowship
More at:
http://jef4wi.com/events.html
If you would be interested in hosting an event as either a fund-raiser or to help me get my name out, please contact me at jef@jef4wi.com.
Please forward this email to anyone that you feel may be interested. If you have been forwarded this, please signup for updates at:
http://jef4wi.com/contactinfo.html
Thank you,
-jef-
Jef Hall
Democrat for Congress
Wisconsin's 6th CD
Jef for Wisconsin
224A Scott Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920-203-6883
jef4wi.com
jef@jef4wi.com
UW financial aid not keeping up with tuition increase
WGBA-TV
July 10 - Students in Wisconsin may be having more trouble paying for college.
A report on the University of Wisconsin System says financial aid isn't keeping pace with tuition increases.
The report is by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Alliance president Todd Berry says poorer families now make up a smaller percentage of the student body than they did a decade ago.
The group says undergraduate tuition and fees for state residents attending System schools increased almost 27 percent from 1998-99 to 2002-03. The average financial aid package increased by about 16 percent.
That disparity is likely to grow after U-W regents approved increasing tuition to help offset cuts in state aid.
Berry says the state must increase financial aid if it hopes to keep college as affordable as it traditionally has been.
Source: AP
This could be a good reason why Petri talks about how to make student loans easier.
I think that we need to ensure that higher education is affordable for all. Right now, if you are from a household that makes $75,000 or more a year, your chances of attending a 4-year college are 5 in 6. The same qualified student, if their household income is under $25,000 only have a 1 in 2 chance.
The solution to this is not to ensure the ability of the poor to assume lifetime debt to attend college. The solution it to make sure the public university system can accommodate those with special needs.
At the same time that real wages are falling for working families, tuitions are rising for their children. This is not the American Dream.
-jef-
WGBA-TV
July 10 - Students in Wisconsin may be having more trouble paying for college.
A report on the University of Wisconsin System says financial aid isn't keeping pace with tuition increases.
The report is by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Alliance president Todd Berry says poorer families now make up a smaller percentage of the student body than they did a decade ago.
The group says undergraduate tuition and fees for state residents attending System schools increased almost 27 percent from 1998-99 to 2002-03. The average financial aid package increased by about 16 percent.
That disparity is likely to grow after U-W regents approved increasing tuition to help offset cuts in state aid.
Berry says the state must increase financial aid if it hopes to keep college as affordable as it traditionally has been.
Source: AP
This could be a good reason why Petri talks about how to make student loans easier.
I think that we need to ensure that higher education is affordable for all. Right now, if you are from a household that makes $75,000 or more a year, your chances of attending a 4-year college are 5 in 6. The same qualified student, if their household income is under $25,000 only have a 1 in 2 chance.
The solution to this is not to ensure the ability of the poor to assume lifetime debt to attend college. The solution it to make sure the public university system can accommodate those with special needs.
At the same time that real wages are falling for working families, tuitions are rising for their children. This is not the American Dream.
-jef-
7.08.2004
They're doing it again....
"Senior administration officials and counterterrorism experts view the coming months as a time to increase vigilance out of concern that Islamic militants may try to replicate the political success they had in Spain with coordinated pre-election train bombings.
Nearly 200 died in the March attack, and the prime minister’s ruling Popular Party lost to a rival who promised a pull out of Spanish troops from Iraq."
As I have written before - The conservative government was voted out in Spain because they LIED to the voters about who carried out the attack - even facing overwhelming evidence that it was Islamic Terrorism, they tried to pin it on the Basque seperatists because they knew the consequences.
Also, they were already facing low public opinion for committing troops to Iraq when the majority of their population was against it.
They lost because of lies, not terrorism. They lost because their leaders made them less safe, not more safe through their policies. They lost because their leaders made them more enemies internationally, not more allies.
Sound familiar? Keep your eyes open.
"Senior administration officials and counterterrorism experts view the coming months as a time to increase vigilance out of concern that Islamic militants may try to replicate the political success they had in Spain with coordinated pre-election train bombings.
Nearly 200 died in the March attack, and the prime minister’s ruling Popular Party lost to a rival who promised a pull out of Spanish troops from Iraq."
As I have written before - The conservative government was voted out in Spain because they LIED to the voters about who carried out the attack - even facing overwhelming evidence that it was Islamic Terrorism, they tried to pin it on the Basque seperatists because they knew the consequences.
Also, they were already facing low public opinion for committing troops to Iraq when the majority of their population was against it.
They lost because of lies, not terrorism. They lost because their leaders made them less safe, not more safe through their policies. They lost because their leaders made them more enemies internationally, not more allies.
Sound familiar? Keep your eyes open.
7.06.2004
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5353901/
Here is an interesting article about a problem we with working cars and the ability to move freely about probably never think about.
I guess we can look at this as yet another problem to the Wal-Martization of America.
Remember when the local shopkeeper was an honest profession? When people at the grocery store could be working as a career?
I know I see it in old-time movies, and it looks really nice. People knowing your name as you walk in, helping you out, helping out your neighbors.
I took my nephews (6 & 9) into the local Piggly Wiggly recently. We drove past the Pick & Save, and they asked me why we were going to the Pig instead.
"Because this is a Union store." I replied.
"What does that mean?" they asked.
"It means that they treat their employees better."
We saddled up to the deli counter (I needed some 'home made' salad for a picnic we were going to - I don't think I fooled anyone) and, along with my modest order, they were given a cookie each by the lady serving us.
At check out, they were each given a token for the vending machines with the little toys in them on the way out. Every employee we passed smiled and said hello.
They played with the rubber balls from the vending machine all night and into the next day.
"They really are nice here!" my 6-year old nephew made sure I knew as we left.
Since the Wal-Mart Supercenter went up in Oshkosh, we have lost 2 Union Supermarkets.
And another slice of our sense of community.
Here is an interesting article about a problem we with working cars and the ability to move freely about probably never think about.
I guess we can look at this as yet another problem to the Wal-Martization of America.
Remember when the local shopkeeper was an honest profession? When people at the grocery store could be working as a career?
I know I see it in old-time movies, and it looks really nice. People knowing your name as you walk in, helping you out, helping out your neighbors.
I took my nephews (6 & 9) into the local Piggly Wiggly recently. We drove past the Pick & Save, and they asked me why we were going to the Pig instead.
"Because this is a Union store." I replied.
"What does that mean?" they asked.
"It means that they treat their employees better."
We saddled up to the deli counter (I needed some 'home made' salad for a picnic we were going to - I don't think I fooled anyone) and, along with my modest order, they were given a cookie each by the lady serving us.
At check out, they were each given a token for the vending machines with the little toys in them on the way out. Every employee we passed smiled and said hello.
They played with the rubber balls from the vending machine all night and into the next day.
"They really are nice here!" my 6-year old nephew made sure I knew as we left.
Since the Wal-Mart Supercenter went up in Oshkosh, we have lost 2 Union Supermarkets.
And another slice of our sense of community.
7.05.2004
From 'Perspectives' in Newsweek this week.....
"Let freedom reign." President George W. Bush, in a note, shortly after learning that self-rule had been transferred back to Iraq
This is a very disturbing quote to me.
What does it mean, "shortly after learning"?
Shouldn't the authorization for transfer of power come from the Commander-in-Chief? Why did he need to be informed of the transfer? Didn't he decide it?
What are we coming to?
"Let freedom reign." President George W. Bush, in a note, shortly after learning that self-rule had been transferred back to Iraq
This is a very disturbing quote to me.
What does it mean, "shortly after learning"?
Shouldn't the authorization for transfer of power come from the Commander-in-Chief? Why did he need to be informed of the transfer? Didn't he decide it?
What are we coming to?
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