The Left Shue

McGinnes urges support for Larsen; mis-states vote total

2010-09-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

[UPDATE 1930 -8 GMT 09-02-2010] Apologies where apologies are due:

After further review and enlightenment from others, I have determined that I was in error in declaring Diana McGinnes had mis-stated her voting totals in the post below and I do apologize to Ms McGinnes and my readers for this error.
My error stemmed from an unintentional lapse of reading comprehension of McGinnes's clear statement that her campaign had taken 11.23% of the DEMOCRATIC vote. In fact this is a true statement. when adding the totals of only the Democrats (Larsen, McGinnes, and Kalb; 91,909) McGinnes total of 10,548 is indeed 11% of the total DEMOCRATIC vote.
It is always my intention to only post my personal opinions or facts that can be verified by the data. In this case I have failed to do the work and, again, I apologize.
*****

Diana McGinnes, would be Progressive congresswoman from the 2nd CD, has issued a statement of support for incumbent Democrat, Rick Larsen, on the front page of her campaign website. Saying that Larsen is, “…not what we want him to be…” and offering that “…he will not vote the way we want him to vote on many issues…” she urges her supporters to nevertheless help him be re-elected for a 6th term.

She begins her statement by thanking supporters for a good showing in the primary,

“I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the results of our campaign. For a campaign that had little money, no name recognition, and few volunteers, we truly made an impact! Our campaign took an incredible 11.23% of the Democratic vote.”

However, nowhere in any count can I find where she came even close to that number of votes. According to the Washington Secretary of State’s website, McGinnes finished 3rd overall in the voting with 6.01% of the total vote cast. Only in King County; which cast a mere 150 votes in this race, did McGinnes break double digits in percentage. There, her 16 votes gave her some 10.67% of that county’s vote.

Larsen finished the primary in a virtual dead heat with Tea Party/Republican, John Koster. If McGinnes is able to bring her 6% into his camp, Larsen would be able to claim a certain amount of breathing room. His other Progressive opponent, Larry Kalb, has made it clear that he has no plans to endorse Larsen at this time and will wait to see which way Larsen leans (right or left) moving into the general election before he makes any new commitments. Some of his supporters have already said that they will sit this race out or write in Kalb’s name rather than be forced into a “lesser of the evils” vote.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-09-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 09/02/2010
Americans Killed: 1,273
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 643
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Pfc. Justin B. Shoecraft, 28, of Elkhart, IN died Aug. 24 at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.

*Petty Officer 3rd Class James M. Swink, 20, of Yucca Valley, CA died Aug. 27 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, of Pine City, MN died Aug. 27 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. James C. Robinson, 27, of Lebanon, OH died Aug. 28 at Paktika, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Chad D. Coleman, 20, of Moreland, GA died Aug. 27 in Paktiya, Afghanistan.

*Pvt. Adam J. Novak, 20, of Prairie du Sac, WI died Aug. 27 in Paktiya, Afghanistan.

*Capt. Ellery R. Wallace, 33, of Utah died Aug. 29 at Nangahar, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Harrison, AR died Aug. 29 at Nangahar, Afghanistan.

*Gunnery Sgt. Floyd E. C. Holley, 36, of Casselberry, FL died Aug. 29 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Capt. Dale A Goetz, 43, of White, SD died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, of Cypress, TX died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Kessler, 32, of Canton, OH died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West, 36, of Conover, WI died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Chad D. Clements, 26, of Huntington, IN died Aug. 30 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, LA died Aug. 31 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts, 22, of Boise, ID died Aug. 31 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

My 2011 Challenge

2010-09-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

I really want to prevent the Republicans from regaining control of our government – I really do. BUT…

It is incredibly hard for me to get motivated to vote for the same Democrats who have squandered historic majorities in the House and Senate and support a Whitehouse that condones the actions of the previous administration. I am struggling to find anything salvageable beside the Lilly Ledbetter bill to pin my hopes on. PLEASE don’t run down the list again of all the supposed accomplishments of this congress and president. It reads to me as a wish list at best and, in some cases, it is a slap in the face to anyone who was hoping for real change from the policies of the Republican regimes of the past 30 years.

Aside from the Lilly Ledbetter Act (which, by the way, should have been approved by ANY Democratic administration and even some moderate Republican ones), the list of so-called accomplishments over the last two years leaves me asking; when Democratic values become so unrecognizable from the party of working people?

• GITMO – Still open. Well over a year since Obama’s inauguration America’s own gulag is still operating – thanks in no small part to a determined group of “Blue Dog” Democrats.

• TORTURE – In the view of a number of independent watchdog groups, torture of “enemy combatants” is still taking place either at the hands of US operatives or third party jailers acting on our behalf.

• WIRETAPPING – The Obama Administration has found itself on more than one occasion defending the use of warrentless wiretaps; leaving open the argument that the Holder Justice Department has just picked up where Bush left off.

• ENDLESS WAR – While President Obama declared the end to “Operation Iraqi Freedom” and the US combat role in that country; still some 50,000 American troops and an unknown number of private mercenaries will remain in that country for at least another year with many, including myself, believing that there will always be a significant US military presence there. By the way, US tax dollars will continue to flow there almost unabated to keep “our interests secured.”

Meanwhile in Afghanistan, President Obama indicated that a major benefit of the combat draw down in Iraq will be more resources available for his own personal Commander in Chief game. With US deaths understandably on the rise with the increase of troops available as targets, Obama insists that ‘We will fight them there so we don’t have to fight them here’. Now where have I heard that before? And even though there are a dedicated group of Progressive Democrats in the US House who steadfastly oppose the Obama surge, there are still enough; just as my own Rick Larsen, who simply cannot fathom the reduction in military spending that an end to our policy of fighting wars against ideologies would make possible. Even though he has just returned from Afghanistan complaining about the rampant corruption within the very government we are sending our young American lives to defend; Larsen will not entertain the notion of “Bring them Home.”

• HEALTHCARE – Far from the universal healthcare plank of the party platform (or even real healthcare reform), President Obama and what passes as Democratic leadership brought us a caramel pickle. A bitter dill pickle that mandates an additional 20 MILLION American buy a health insurance policy from the same companies guilty of gouging consumers for years. Even with the caramel coating of provisions that should eliminate prohibitions on pre-existing conditions and the inclusion of dependent children up to 26 years of age, the plan is still pinned to employment (leaving my son at 30 years of age, out in the cold) and still fails to cover every American.

• STIMULUS/EMPLOYMENT – Defying the best advice of almost every Progressive economist and Labor advocates; staring massive long-term unemployment in the face, congressional Democrats and the Obama Whitehouse eeked out a stimulus so limited that we are facing phase two in an almost certain “double-dip” recession. While proponents continue to tout the fact that the car was stopped from going over the cliff, you will be hard pressed to find anyone who will say they turned the car around. Rather than create any new direct government jobs repairing infrastructure or building a new high-speed railway or cleaning and maintaining our national parks or any number of other productive endeavors, the best this batch of Democrats could do was to prevent additional job losses over and above the natural gain/loss ratio.

Unfortunately there is more but I think you get the picture. People tell me that you cannot make the kinds of changes people like me are asking for overnight. That may be so but the worst of what I see is not the lack of action but rather that lack of desire to make these changes. Obama came into office declaring he would reverse our roles in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rick Larsen has likewise made it clear that he will not exert any effort to bring our troops home. Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House on a pledge that,”Impeachment is off the table.” fully supported by my congressman. The healthcare “debate” began with “Single Payer” thrown under the bus and ended with a watered down “public option” jettisoned for some ridiculous effort toward “intra-party bi-partisanship.” A 2nd stimulus? Forget it. We are now “deficit hawks.”

So I find myself asking the question: what exactly does the country gain by sending the same folks back who are in charge today? I know it’s not protection from the anti-choice brigades. Roe v Wade will be decided one state at a time and finally reaffirmed or overturned in the Supreme Court. Civil Rights? The Environment? Energy? Maybe in 2011 (the year that no one is up for re-election) they may grow a temporary spine and do something in these areas but, as they have not yet, what are the odds anything of consequence will happen two years out from a presidential election year? Will the Republicans repeal the half-efforts that this group created? Maybe, but most likely they will simply not enforce any of the legislation. That is what they do anyway. Besides, a repeal would assume the ability to override a presidential veto. Surely the Democrats who are left wouldn’t allow that to happen – or would they?

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-08-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 08/25/2010
Americans Killed: 1,244
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 614
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Chief Petty Officer Collin Thomas, 33, of Morehead, KY died Aug. 18 in eastern Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Martin A. Lugo, 24, of Tucson, AZ died Aug. 19 in Puli Alam, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Christopher J. Boyd, 22, of Palatine, IL died Aug. 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Cody S. Childers, 19, of Chesapeake, VA died Aug. 20 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Christopher S. Wright, 23, of Tollesboro, KY died Aug. 19 in Pech, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Nathaniel J. A. Schultz, 19, of Safety Harbor, FL died Aug. 21 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Alexis V. Maldonado, 20, of Wichita Falls, TX died Aug. 21 at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Steven J. Deluzio, 25, of South Glastonbury, CT died Aug. 22 at Paktika, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Tristan H. Southworth, 21, of West Danville, VT died Aug. 22 at Paktika, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Pedro A. Millet Meletiche, 20, of Elizabeth, NJ died Aug. 22 at Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Jason D. Calo, 23, of Lexington, KY died Aug. 22 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez, 26, of Falls Church, VA died Aug. 23 in Helmand province,
Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Robert J. Newton, 21, of Creve Coeur, IL died Aug. 23 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Rick Larsen's 2011 Challenge

2010-08-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

For the last few days I have been engaging with a few folks over on Facebook about a couple of assertions I have made about the current race in the 2nd CD. Basically I have been writing at the Examiner about the closeness of the race between 5-term incumbent Democrat, Rick Larsen, and the Sara Palin endorsed Tea Party/Republican, John Koster. The most recent count as of Friday evening had Larsen ahead by a scant 126 votes with Koster actually leading in Snohomish and Whatcom Counties. [UPDATED: Moday's count put's Larsen's lead at 364] Apparently some are taking exception to my suggestion that the significant numbers of Progressives who voted for either Diana McGinnes or Larry Kalb (close to 11%) might not just fold into the Democrat’s camp for the general election; at least not without some cajoling or concession. The basic retorts are: “The primary is over. You lost. Get over it.” And: “It’s the lesser of two evils. You know the drill.” (Paraphrasing of course)

Well yes, actually I do know the drill. But I also know that I am not a part of the drill team. And, for the first time in a number of years, Progressive Democrats are actually in a position to play some political hardball of their own – if only they will.

Let me start with what should not even need to be said. John Koster is probably the last person any Progressive should want to see with his hands anywhere close to our Federal government. His social “values” alone are enough to disqualify him for any office that is responsible for representing anyone outside of his immediate family. The fact that he seeks election to a position in the very institution that he feels is the biggest danger to the people (the government) makes me shake my head in wonder. Having said that, I don’t believe that I must therefore be an automatic vote for a congressman who I do not feel has fully represented me on some of my most critical issues. Now I know this flies in the face of the “logical” argument, “One of them is going to go to DC. If you don’t vote for the lesser of the two evils, you thereby help elect the other.” Let me put this to you as plainly as I can. I believe “None of the above” is a valid selection and should be included on every ballot printed.

Why do I feel the way I do and what is so special about this year? Good questions (I’m glad I asked them). It is time to end the worship of the Military Industrial (Congressional) Complex. Rick Larsen has proven time and again that he will not do that. Single Payer healthcare is a proven practice in every other industrialized country and yet Rick Larsen won’t even fight (never mind lead) on a more robust version of the so-call public option (or, Medicare for All). On ending (rather than escalating) military action in Afghanistan, Rick Larsen; while decrying the corruption of the very government our government is supporting, says we must ‘stay the course’. He likewise has no problem in housing 50,000 American troops for (at least) another year in Iraq while the numbers of mercenaries being introduced into the country grow without end in sight. Where is Rick Larsen on the questions of war crimes, torture, violations of the 4th Amendment to our Constitution by the Bush Administration? He says we must look forward and not back. He went so far as to vote to “table” Dennis Kucinich’s privileged resolution calling for the Impeachment of George Bush and Dick Cheney rather than even allow the resolution to be heard. More recently he voted to increase the 2011 DoD budget; even over the objections of the Secretary of Defense AND President Obama. He voted against an amendment to the most recent supplemental for Afghanistan and Iraq that would have required a time-table for withdrawal. And, he is squarely at odds with the Progressive community over the issue of Net Neutrality. Will he change his positions on any of these issues? Not likely.

This is not to say that Larsen has not voted for any Progressive causes. In fact his sponsorship and fight to achieve what is now known as the Wild Skies Wilderness area in our district is a major Progressive achievement and he is to be commended for that effort. It should also be remembered that in an early vote in his career, he voted against the authorization for George W. Bush to invade Iraq. He was widely praised by Progressives throughout the district for that vote. Unfortunately the shine soon wore off when time and again he voted for every penny to be spent (or borrowed and spent) in that ongoing mistake.

Why this year? Actually I haven’t voted for Rick Larsen in the last two elections. But, of course, in those elections Rick was going to win without a fight and in a large way. My vote wasn’t missed. This year, with some 11% of the primary vote going to Progressive candidates (against Larsen) and Larsen actually trailing the combined totals of Koster and Bellingham Republican, John Carmack, the incumbent will be in need of votes rather than having a double digit lead at his disposal. I have already been told by some of Larry Kalb’s supporters that they will be sitting out the general election and ex-candidate Diana McGinnes has told me that she fully intends to launch a new campaign for the seat as early as January, 2011. They tell me politics is a game of compromises. Until this year, Rick Larsen hasn’t had an opponent. I wonder how well he can play.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

A quick Primary re-cap

2010-08-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well most of the 2010 Primary Election ballots are in and it’s a pretty mixed bag; as was expected. From this Progressive’s point of view there were some clear wins, some (while not unexpected) disappointing loses, and a few surprisingly close calls. I have written about a few of these races over at the Examiner. I was very happy to see the strong numbers posted by our Snohomish County Progressive Posse of Hans Dunshee, Mike Sells, Marko Liias, Mary Helen Roberts, and of course Marilyn Chase. It’s good to see some new Progressive faces coming on to the scene in Cindy Ryu and Nick Harper* (*more on this race later). I am obviously disappointed that there won’t be a Progressive advancing in the 44th LD race or in the 2nd CD race, but the odds were always long in these races and I am still proud to have supported Lillian Kaufer and Larry Kalb in their efforts to advance a Progressive agenda. And while the numbers appear to be improving for my friend and sometime singing partner, Luis Moscoso, I have to admit that I was genuinely shocked at the closeness of his race in the 1st LD. While I had expected his Tea Party/Republican opponent to garner a fair number of votes for an open seat, I was not prepared for this obviously well connected and supported candidate to be battling for a spot on the general election ballot against a totally unknown and unfunded candidate who chose the label “Prefers Democratic Party” for his ballot ID. The fact that Luis is barely beating out stealth “Democrat”, David Griffin, in the Snohomish County voting is most upsetting. Another race that has me very concerned is for state senate in the 45th LD where Sen. Eric Oemig has been a stalwart for Progressives in the state senate and yet is currently coming in 2nd to his Republican challenger in the primary voting. I hope that all Progressives in the state that have time and resources will help to turn that situation around in the general election.

A quick word about the race for state senate in the 38th LD. While I am happy to see a Progressive challenge to Sen. Berkey and I believe that Nick Harper has the right credentials to take on the job; I am much less than impressed or happy about the approach taken during the primary election by Harper’s benefactors. As a Progressive, I believe that elections should be decided on the positive message of the candidate. I will cite the examples of those Progressives I listed above; all of whom were able to run on (not away from) records of Progressive accomplishment and effort for their constituents. While the direct campaigning I saw from Nick Harper reflected that approach to a certain degree (I realize it is difficult to run with no incumbent’s record of one’s own to point to); I was left flat and disappointed by the efforts of Nick’s numerous surrogate camps that flooded my mailbox and TV with a constant barrage of negativity directed toward Sen. Berkey. By election day I was almost ready to join Berkey’s campaign. A word of advice for what it’s worth – If Sen. Berkey makes it to the general election she will have the benefit of the more centrist to moderate vote that previously went to Rod Rieger. That; coupled with probability that the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee will most likely lend their support to hold this incumbent seat (and Committee Chair); not to mention that there are bound to be more like me who are turned off by the bombardment of negative campaigning, I would hope that Mr. Harper will devote his campaign resources to telling voters why they should vote FOR him and not AGAINST Jean Berkey. IMHO, of course.

Stay tuned for a longer post on the race in the 2nd CD and the role of Progressives in this election.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-08-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 08/20/2010
Americans Killed: 1,233
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 603
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Pfc. Paul O. Cuzzupe, 23, of Plant City, FL died Aug. 8 in Akhtar-Mohammad-Khan, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. John E. Andrade, 19, of San Antonio, TX died Aug. 7 at DE Khak Chupan Turah, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Jose L. Saenz III, 30, of Pleasanton, TX died Aug. 9 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Christopher N. Karch, 23, of Indianapolis, IN died Aug. 11 in Arghandab Valley, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Kristopher D. Greer, 25, of Ashland City, TN died Aug. 8 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bock, 26, of Leesburg, FL died Aug. 13 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Derek J. Farley, 24, of Nassau, NY died Aug. 17 at Bala Boluk, Farah, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Benjamen G. Chisholm, 24, of Fort Worth, TX died Aug.17 in Kunar province, Afghanistan.

*Pvt. Charles M. High, IV, 21, of Albuquerque, NM died Aug.17 in Kunar province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. 1st Class Edgar N. Roberts, 39, of Hinesville, GA died Aug. 17 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds sustained June 26 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Kevin E. Oratowski, 23, of Wheaton, IL died Aug. 18 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Kalb and Larsen should advance to November election

2010-08-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting much (if anything) about endorsements from the corporate media. This is mostly because the endorsements have been about as predictable as the rag that issues them. Today I make an exception because I believe the folks at the San Juan Journal have got it exactly right for the primary contest in the 2nd CD. :

“America and Americans are struggling financially. We’re divided on whether the Stimulus Act was a bailout or an investment in the economy. The jobless rate in Washington state is at 8.9 percent.

But the solutions are more complex than simply “cut taxes” and “lower government spending,” which is what many candidates are spouting. Lowering taxes is one thing. Bringing in enough revenue to cover the cost of providing public services is another.

No, today’s candidate has to be creative and innovative, as well as knowledgeable. We need ideas, not slogans.

The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the Nov. 2 general election. Based on their records and statements, The Journal would like to see the following advance to the general election.

U.S. House of Representatives, District 2:
Rick Larsen and Larry Kalb

Larsen, D-Bellingham, has served our district well in his five terms: the Wild Sky Wilderness Act, which protects 106,000 acres of wild lands in the heart of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; a Veterans Administration outpatient clinic for veterans in San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties; the transfer of Mitchell Hill to San Juan Island National Historical Park; and pending funding for pedestrian and vehicle traffic improvements at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal.

He’s pushed for legislation to prevent and treat meth addiction. He supported the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act. He’s a member of key committees: Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Budget.

Democrat Kalb, past president of Health Care for All — Washington, presents the biggest challenge to Larsen, and he presents the most radical ideas.

Kalb wants to renegotiate our free trade agreements to improve exports and keep more jobs from going overseas. He opposes recent healthcare reform legislation and believes Americans should have the same access to quality health care that members of Congress do. “Americans have the highest drug prices in the world. We should eliminate direct-to-consumer advertising.”

His vision of immigration reform: reform visa programs to keep families together, protect workers’ rights and ensure that future immigration is regulated and controlled; implement enforcement measures targeted at the worst violators of immigration and labor laws; and respect the due process rights of all in the United States.

We’d like to see the issues discussions continue between Larsen and Kalb.”

Now obviously I have personally endorsed Kalb in this race but the bottom line is: two people will emerge from the primary and I believe John Koster is far too extreme to be one of them. And, given that the remarks from Whitehouse Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs just yesterday sounded very much like conversations I and others have had with Rick Larsen over the years, I believe the debate that needs to take place is between the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party (Kalb) and the so-called “New Democrats” represented by Larsen.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Olbermann gets it right again

2010-08-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

What he said

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

PDA extends national support to Larry Kalb

2010-08-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

2nd CD candidate, Larry Kalb is receiving some national support in his effort to unseat 5 term incumbent Democrat, Rick Larsen. The national organization, Progressive Democrats of America has just sent the following email to its membership asking them to show their support for their endorsed candidate by making phone calls for Larry Kalb.

“In the next two weeks, three of PDA’s endorsed candidates are facing primary elections. Each of these candidates represents PDA’s core values and embraces PDA’s positions. And, each of these races can be won if we all step up and donate an hour or two to make phone calls into their districts. First up is Larry Kalb, who is running in Washington’s 2nd congressional district. He has a long history of grassroots organizing in support of single-payer, Medicare for All healthcare. Larry is running a grassroots-driven campaign against the incumbent, Rick Larsen.
This is a race where progressives can show the party we mean business! Kalb’s primary is August 17. You can read Larry’s answers to the PDA endorsement questionnaire here.

To make phone calls for Larry, contact callsforlarry@pdamerica.org.

Marleine Bastien’s and Doug Tudor’s primaries are on August 24th—we’ll be sending you another phone banking request for these candidates next week.

With our help, we can push Larry over the finish line and score a progressive victory. It’s easy to make calls; we provide everything you need. Contact us at callsforlarry@pdamerica.org to get started—and thanks in advance for stepping up!
Yours in building a progressive majority,

Conor Boylan,
Field Coordinator for PDA”

If you are one of those Progressives who wants to make real difference in this election cycle; here is a good opportunity.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-08-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 08/10/2010
Americans Killed: 1,221
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 591
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, 30, of Wheatridge, CO died July 23 in Logar province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Abram L. Howard, 21, of Williamsport, PA died July 27 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, 25, of Renton, WA (36th Washingtonian) died July 23 in Logar province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Shane R. Martin, 23, of Spring, TX died July 29 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Michael L. Stansbery, 21, of Mount Juliet, TN died July 30 near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Kyle B. Stout, 25, of Texarkana, TX died July 30 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Master Sgt. Jared N. Van Aalst, 34, of Laconia, NH died Aug. 4 in Kunduz province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Max W. Donahue, 23, of Highlands Ranch, CO died Aug. 7 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius, 20, of Ashtabula, OH died Aug. 7 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Vincent E. Gammone III, 19, of Christiana, TN died Aug. 7 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Andrew C. Nicol, 23, of Eaton, MI died Aug. 8 at Zhari Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Bradley D. Rappuhn, 24, of Grand Ledge, MI died Aug. 8 at Zhari Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

State Progressive Caucus makes pitch for Larry Kalb

2010-08-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Judith Shattuck, Chair of the State Progressive Caucus, released a statement of support for Larry Kalb, Democratic candidate for congress in the 2nd Congressional District. Kalb was endorsed by the caucus earlier this year. Shattuck's statement follows:

Dear Progressive Voter,

We can elect a real progressive to Congress; however, this can only happen if the progressive voters in the 2nd congressional district do not split their vote between candidates. Only one candidate has earned the endorsement of both Progressive Democrats of America and the Washington State Democrats Progressive Caucus. Please cast your primary vote for Larry Kalb.

He'll vote to bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan so we have the money to spend on things we need here at home: education, health care, and jobs that don't make people or the planet sick. He’ll continue to work for health care for all. The incumbent recently voted once again to fund American wars abroad.

He'll vote to rein in the corporate abuses of power that have crashed our economy and trashed our environment. He'll vote to get the big money out of politics - he's not taking corporate contributions. The incumbent has consistently voted with special interests.

Don't just take my word for it. Check out his voters' guide statement, his website at http://kalbforcongress.com, give him a call at 360-927- 02729, or send him an e-mail at: lkalb@openaccess.org

Vote Larry Kalb for Progressive change. Please get your ballot in the mail by August 17th.

Thank you for your consideration.

In Solidarity,

Judith Shattuck, Chair
Washington State Progressive Caucus
www.waprogressives.org

As a member of the caucus I am happy to bring you this message.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-07-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 07/27/2010
Americans Killed: 1,207
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 577
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Cpl. Paul J. Miller, 22, of Traverse City, MI died July 19 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Brian F. Piercy, 27, of Clovis, CA died July 19 in Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Julio Vargas, 23, of Sylmar, CA died July 20 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Joe L. Wrightsman, 23, of Jonesboro, LA died July 18 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. James J. Oquin, 20, of El Paso, TX died July 23 in Orgun-E, Afghanistan.

*Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41, of Springfield, OH died July 22 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Maj. James M. Weis, 37, of Toms River, NJ died July 22 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora, 24, of San Diego, CA died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Daniel Lim, 23, of Cypress, CA died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27, of Cincinnati, OH died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Andrew L. Hand, 25, of Enterprise, AL died July 24, at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Frederik E. Vazquez, 20, of Melrose Park, IL died July 24 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Congressional Progressives Bring Back Fight for "Robust Public Option"

2010-07-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

It’s baaaaaack….

Congressional Democrats, led by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and the Congressional Progressive Caucus have introduced legislation that would bring back the so call robust public option as an amendment to the recently passed “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”. Schakowsky and the 128 original co-sponsors of HR 5808 (Again, Washington’s Jim McDermott stands alone in our delegation) are hoping to appeal to their congressional colleagues on the basis of concerns over the growing federal deficit. Citing numbers from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office that predict the bill could save the government some $68 billion between 2014 and 2020, Schakowsky says,

"For those who care about federal deficits, small and large businesses, individuals and families, the healthcare of our country, the public option is the way to go".

During the train wreck that was the negotiation for healthcare reform last year, language that would have included a robust public option was incrementally chipped away until; upon final passage of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”, not a syllable remained. HR 5808 would allow anyone to sign on to a government administered healthcare plan as part of the planned state healthcare insurance exchanges due to begin in 2014. The government would pay doctors and hospitals Medicare rates plus 5 percent. According to the CBO, premiums in the public plan would be 5 percent to 7 percent lower than the premiums offered by private plans in the exchanges.

The bill’s sponsors will use time during the current election season to promote the bill and have vowed to fight for its passage next year.

So far there is silence from the Whitehouse.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Larry Kalb for Congress in Washington's 2nd Congressional District

2010-07-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

To my Progressive friends (and fellow Democrats) in the 2nd Congressional District:

On next Friday, July 30th, ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes across the district for voting in the August 17th Primary Election. I am writing today to encourage you to join with me in casting your vote for Larry Kalb to be our next member of Congress. Let me tell you why.

I have known Larry since the 2004 election season when we stood in opposite camps of the Progressive tribe. I was supporting Gov. Howard Dean and Larry was supporting Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Neither of us has waivered in our support of either candidate or the principles they still stand for. But Larry has actually gone much further in his commitment to those principles. He has moved on to be a delegate to the Democratic national convention is support of Dennis Kucinich and has worked across the state as a tireless advocate for single payer healthcare for all Americans. He has marched with those who oppose this country’s fatal preoccupation with military interventionism and this year he has taken on the herculean task of challenging a 5 term incumbent Democratic congressman to be a much needed Progressive voice in the United States Congress.

While our incumbent wrestles with the question of whether or not healthcare is a right to be afforded to each American, Larry recognizes that basic healthcare is, in fact, a human right. And, in these economic times, Larry also recognizes that a single payer healthcare system would be a major economic stimulus; especially to small business who would no longer have to chose layoffs over expansion due to rising healthcare costs.

In perhaps the biggest difference between the Progressive agenda that Larry would pursue and the business as usual agenda followed by the incumbent, military spending stands out like the proverbial sore thumb. While Rep. Larsen; who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, treats the tax payers like an ATM when it comes to anything military – more money for nuclear powered aircraft carriers and submarines and multiple contractors to provide redundant equipment, not to mention continued support for US military bases and personnel in over 70 countries around the world – Larry realizes that we can no longer sustain trillion dollar DoD budgets at a time when we cannot afford to repair our highways, and other elements of our infrastructure. Larry would advocate for re-prioritizing our tax dollars to boost our domestic economy – create new Green Energy jobs, provide a college education to all our children so as to educate our future engineers and scientists, and to guarantee a safety net for the most vulnerable in our society. It is long past time to tame the Military/Industrial Complex. The incumbent will not do this – Larry Kalb will.

While Rep. Larsen earned the praise of the Progressive community when he voted against the original Iraq War Resolution; he has spent the remainder of his time in Congress voting time and time again for every off-budget “emergency supplemental” to keep pouring good money after bad in a tragic affirmation of wrongheaded foreign policy in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even today, when more and more Americans, as well as a growing number of his congressional colleagues are demanding an end game in those countries; Larsen is more than willing to leave thousands of US troops in Iraq while sending tens of thousands more Americans to Afghanistan. Larry understands that there can be no military “victory” for the US in a part of the world in which we are viewed as foreign invaders. Our choices are to either stay indefinitely as an occupying force or to “declare victory” and bring our troops (and the billions of dollars to provide for their support) home. Solutions in Iraq and Afghanistan must be found through diplomacy and in helping these countries to rebuild after the devastation our invasions have brought upon them. Larry has firmly committed to not vote for any additional monies for Iraq and Afghanistan except as is necessary to bring the troops home.

The power of incumbency is a fascinating illusion. There was a time when primary elections were a valuable tool for debating the issues of the day and encouraging the rank and file to choose who best represented the ideals and principles of the party as expressed in the party platform. Somewhere along the line, however, the refrain of “preserve the incumbent” became as common a party mantra as “show me the money.” But it only takes the determination of an organized and focused group who are tired of being fed the half of a loaf that is “better than none” or told that their time “will come” to realize that their time actually comes at every primary election and that they can only achieve their goal by refusing to accept the status quo and voting their collective conscious. Be assured that this is the time to stand and make your voice be heard and why we have primary elections in the first place.

No human is perfect and Larry will be the first to admit his flaws. However, if we are to begin to move the country in a more Progressive and just direction; Larry Kalb is the first step on the journey. We know we cannot accept the right-wing or even libertarian view that government is bad. In America the government is, after all, “of; by; and for the people”. But we must also realize that, after almost 10 years at the wheel, Rick Larsen’s bus is not going in our direction either. And so; to my fellow Progressives within and outside the Democratic Party, when your ballot arrives for the August 17th primary, vote your hopes and your principles. Vote for Larry Kalb for Congress.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-07-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 07/21/2010
Americans Killed: 1,195
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 565
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Sgt. Matthew W. Weikert, 29, of Jacksonville, IL died July 17 in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. 1st Class John H. Jarrell, 32, of Brunson, SC died July 15 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Leston M. Winters, 30, of Sour Lake, TX died July 15 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Dave M. Santos, 21, of Rota, Marianas Islands of the Pacific, died July 16 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Justus S. Bartelt, 27, of Polo, IL died July 16 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Justin B. Allen, 23, of Coal Grove, OH died July 18 in Zhari, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Jesse R. Tilton, 23, of Decatur, IL died July 16 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained July 13 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Anibal Santiago, 37, of Belvidere, IL died July 18 in Bagram, Afghanistan.

*1st Lt. Robert N. Bennedsen, 25, of Vashon, WA (35th Washingtonian) died July 18 at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman, 28, of Moose Pass, AR died July 18 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Alan Grayson tells it like it is...AGAIN!

2010-07-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

On the day that my wife came to the end of her 6 months of state funded unemployment insurance, senate republicans (and Ben Nelson) decided that she, and millions more of their fellow citizens, were not deserving of extended benefits to help them get by until the job market starts to turn around.

For over 49 days the republicans (and Ben Nelson) have maintained a filibuster to prevent a vote on extending unemployment benefits. In that time some 2.5 million Americans have stopped drawing any kind of assistance to help provide food, shelter, clothing, or any other basic needs for their home and family. Their Orwellian excuse; show us the money; these extensions must be paid for. Not like their military misadventures need to be paid for; nor their tax cuts for their special constituents. No only the middle class, the working class must carry the weight of the deficit that, until 2009 the republicans (and Ben Nelson) showed zero concern for.

And so it was today, after swearing in a brand new senator, that the Democrats in the senate were finally able to break the republicans'(and Ben Nelson's) near death grip over millions of working class Americans. Oh but not being the type to concede a point with any grace, the republicans (and Ben Nelson) demanded that the majority party take a 30 break before they could vote to authorize an extension of unemployment benefits. Upon hearing this news, Rep. Alan Grayson from the state of Florida took to the floor of the U.S. House:

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's 'Big Muddy'?

2010-07-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

A few days ago Rachel Maddow – recently returned from a trip to Afghanistan – sat down for an interview with Richard Holbrooke, President Obama’s special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, to talk about the ongoing operation in Afghanistan. Here is the transcript from the first few minutes of that interview:

HOLBROOKE: We`re in Afghanistan because if we fail in Afghanistan, it will have a direct, immediate danger to us. It will increase al-Qaeda`s worldwide reach. They will come back with the Taliban in all likelihood. And they will gain a worldwide success, which will be very dangerous for our national security interests.

So we have to be clear the American public needs to be clear on why we`re in Afghanistan. This is not Vietnam, a war which I participated in as a State Department civilian when I entered the government. This is not the Balkans. It`s not Iraq. This is quite different. And this one relates directly to our safety at home.

MADDOW: But we tried to do counterinsurgency in Vietnam, too, pretty explicitly. When you look back at those efforts, all those years ago, do you really have confidence that a foreign country can help create a state somewhere else, that we really can stand up an Afghan government?

HOLBROOKE: I think we can, if we do it right. The fundamental difference is the one you and I just have already mentioned. It matters to our homeland security. Vietnam did not, although, at the time, the administrations in power did say it did, but they were wrong. It`s a process which is not easy, and you only embark on it if you decide that it is absolutely critical for the U.S. national interests, which it is.

Is it me or did you notice the continuing reference to Vietnam – the compare and contrast; the Oz-like ‘ignore the man behind the curtain’ plea…”It matters to our homeland security. Vietnam did not, although, at the time, the administrations in power did say it did, but they were wrong.”

And so President Obama would have us believe that fighting the 50 Al Qaida (CIA count) who are in Afghanistan is in our immediate national interest: “…if we fail in Afghanistan, it will have a direct, immediate danger to us.” Certainly he can’t be wrong. I mean it’s not like there have still been a series of Al Qaida sponsored attacks around the globe since 9-11 and after our invasion of Afghanistan. It’s not like these attacks were planned in other countries; some of which are strong allies to the U.S. No, we must believe that “…if we fail in Afghanistan, it will have a direct, immediate danger to us.” You know, like Iraq posed an immediate threat to our safety. Oh wait! “… It`s not Iraq. This is quite different. And this one relates directly to our safety at home.”

Are you convinced yet?

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-07-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 07/17/2010
Americans Killed: 1,188
Americans Wounded: 10,000+
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 558
http://icasualties.org/

“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Sgt. Shaun M. Mittler, 32, of Austin, TX died July 10 in Konar, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Christopher J. Moon, 20, of Tucson, AZ died July 13 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained July 6 in Arghandab, Afghanistan.

*Pvt. Brandon M. King, 23, of Tallahassee, FL died July 14 at Combat Outpost Nolen, Afghanistan.

*1st Lt. Christopher S. Goeke, 23, of MN died July 13 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Christopher T. Stout, 34, of Worthville, KY died July 13 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Sheldon L. Tate, 27, of Hinesville, GA died July 13 in Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Chase Stanley, 21, of Napa, CA died July 14 at Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Jesse D. Reed, 26, of Orefield, PA died July 14 at Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Matthew J. Johnson, 21, of Maplewood, MN died July 14 at Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Zachary M. Fisher, 24, of Ballwin, MO died July 14 at Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-07-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 07/14/2010
Americans Killed: 1,178
Americans Wounded: 9,496
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 548
http://icasualties.org/
“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Pfc. Anthony W. Simmons, 25, of Tallahassee, FL died July 8 in Kunar province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Robert W. Crow, 42, of Kansas City, MO died July 10 in Paktika, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II, 21, of Wildwood, IL died July 10 in Salerno, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton, 33, of Murphy, NC died July 10 near Char Dara, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Jesse W. Ainsworth, 24, of Dayton, TX died July 10 near Walakan, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Antonik, 29, of Crystal Lake, IL died July 11 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Daniel G. Raney, 21, of Pleasant View, TN died July 9 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Lance Cpl. Tyler A. Roads, 20, of Burney, CA died July 10 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Carlos J. Negron, 40, of Fort Meyers, FL died July 10 at Asadabad, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Nathaniel D. Garvin, 20, of Radcliff, KY died July 12 at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-07-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 07/10//2010
Americans Killed: 1,165
Americans Wounded: 9,496
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 535
http://icasualties.org/
“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Spc. Clayton D. McGarrah, 20, of Harrison, AR died July 4 at Arghandab, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. David Jefferson, 23, of Philadelphia, PA died July 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Louis R. Fastuca, 24, of West Chester, PA died July 5 at Abdulhamid Kalay, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18, of Omaha, NE died July 5 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach, VA died July 5 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. Andrew J. Creighton, 23, of Laurel, DE died July 4 in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Jacob A. Dennis, 22, of Powder Springs, GA died July 3 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained June 30 at Forward Operating Base Lane, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Keenan A. Cooper, 19, of Wahpeton, ND died July 5 in Yakuta, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Jerod H. Osborne, 20, of Royse City, TX died July 5 in Yakuta, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Marc A. Arizmendez, 30, of Anaheim, CA died July 6 at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Roger Lee, 26, of Monterey, CA died July 6 at Qalat, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Michael S. Pridham, 19, of Louisville, KY died July 6 at Qalat, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Hey Congress, here's your "Pay for It!"

2010-07-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Congress (and congressional candidates):

I am confused about this dilema concerning the extension of unemployment payments for the millions of Americans your inept handling of our economy and job market(Deregulation, NAFTA/CAFTA, WTO, Free (not Fair) Trade, et al) has made neccessary. Apparently (perhaps due to election year politics?) there has become a sudden need to "pay for it." Well, you need not concern yourself with this problem any longer. With a tip of the hat to Mr. Keith Olbermann - amplifying a Progressive refrain sung for decades - and to your fellow members of congress, Barney Frank (D-MA), Ron Paul (R-TX), and Walter Jones (R-NC), behold the solution to the "pay for it" dilema:

Keith Olbermann [with occasional emphasis by me]:

"The Pentagon`s budget for 2010 is 693 billion dollars, more than all the government`s other discretionary spending combined. If you subtract the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it still accounts for more than 42 percent of total discretionary spending. The U.S. spends more now on military spending than it did during the Cold War. It spends more on military spending than Russia, China, all the Middle East, all of NATO and all the rest of Europe combined. Operating 11 large nuclear powered carriers -- no other country even has one -- a navy that can carry twice as many aircraft at sea as everyone else in the world combined, 57 nuclear submarines, more than the rest of the world combined, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, with 460 military installations around the globe in 38 countries, not including Iraq and Afghanistan."

But what of our national defense and the "War on Terror"? Well according to Massachusetts Democrat, Barney Frank; who along with Republican representatives Ron Paul and Watler Jones are pushing the effort to cut one trillion dollars from the defense budget over the next decade:

FRANK:

"I`m not sure the president will [make cuts in defense spending]. It`s the one area where I`ve been disappointed in the president. I think he gets intimidated by this notion that you look weak on defense. By the way, I want to fight terrorism. But those nuclear carriers you talked about, which are extremely expensive, don`t stop terrorists. Super-duper nuclear submarines don`t fight terrorists. This money diverts resources from a focused effort on fighting terrorism. But here`s what I think changes it, Keith: we`re in a situation now where the deficit has to be cut. Everybody understands that. If we don`t put military on the table, the extent to which we are defending Western Europe-- I have no idea what we are defending them against. If they were scared, they could spend their own money. We have 15,000 Marines on Okinawa. I think most people thought the Marines left Okinawa when John Wayne died, even though he never went there himself. Here`s the deal, if we don`t cut that, then forget about environmental protection, forget about waste -- Superfund sites. forget about better health care. As you pointed out, if you don`t cut the military-- deficit reduction is coming -- everything else gets but butchered. I think the need to make some tough choices will finally focus my colleagues on this. By the way, in addition to Ron Paul, I have Walter Jones, a very conservative Republican from North Carolina, the Cato Institute, which as you know is one of the leading intellectual aggregates for conservatism, is part of the task force we put together. I think Americans are now going to understand either we allow the European allies to have defense budgets that are half of ours in percentage terms for their gross domestic product, or we make savage cuts in our own domestic programs, or excessive tax increases. I`d like to see taxes go up some, but they can go up too high. I think, finally, my colleagues will be forced to make that choice."

So there you have it members (and would-be members) of Congress. Now get back to work and do the right thing for the millions of Americans who will soon be on the streets and play politics with some other issue.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Orrin Gorman McClellan - An American Tragedy

2010-07-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I received the following note in an email from Carol Ronken of the Stanwood Democrats:

“Several years ago, The Stanwood Democrats voted to send a soldier from Whidbey Island a care package. It was a chance encounter via the internet. He was serving in Afghanistan. We bought all kinds of games and food. We sent so much that he wrote back and said he shared with all his buddies and how they enjoyed it. His name was Orrin McClellen.”

She was compelled to send this message after reading an article in yesterday’s Seattle Times

“Orrin Gorman McClellan grew up among the alder and cedar that cover his family's 11-acre homestead on Whidbey Island. He relished painting, music and acting, playing the star role of Toad in a local production of "The Wind in the Willows."

McClellan seemed an unlikely Army recruit. But in the post-9/11 world, he responded to talk of honor, service and camaraderie. After graduating from high school, without informing his parents, McClellan signed up for three years of active duty.

He served in Afghanistan, where he lost friends to enemy bullets, picked up the body parts of blown-up soldiers and wrestled with the emotions unleashed by combat missions.

"Have you ever felt that each word you say brings you further away from explaining yourself," he wrote in an April 30, 2005, poem in a computer journal. "Everything you create puts a sour taste in your mouth and every action you take burns you with shame."

In the fall of 2006, McClellan left the Army and came back to his Western Washington island and a strong support network eager to help him rebuild his life. But family and friends were not enough to save him.

This year, on May 18, McClellan took his life with a handgun.”

Please read the rest of the story, “Local veteran's suicide reflects troubling trend”

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

IWR News

2010-07-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Iraq Body Count: 07/07/2010
Americans Killed: 4412
Americans Wounded: 31,616
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 191
http://icasualties.org/
“…a small price…” Rep. John Boehner

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Sgt. Steve M. Theobald, 53, of Goose Creek, SC died June 4 near Kuwait City, Kuwait.

*Sgt. Israel P. Obryan, 24, of Newbern, TN died June 11 in Jalula, Iraq.

*Spc. William C. Yauch, 23, of Batesville, AR died June 11 in Jalula, Iraq.

*Spc. Christopher W. Opat, 29, of Spencer, IA died June 15 in Baquah, Iraq.

*Capt. Michael P. Cassidy, 41, of Simpsonville, SC died June 17 in Mosul, Iraq.

*Spc. Jacob P. Dohrenwend, 20, of Milford, OH died June 21 at Balad, Iraq.

*Pfc. Bryant J. Haynes, 21, of Epps, LA died June 26 in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq.

*Sgt. Johnny W. Lumpkin, 38, of Columbus, GA died July 2 in Balad, Iraq.

*Spc. Morganne M. McBeth, 19, of Fredricksburg, VA died July 2 in Al Asad, Iraq.

*Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle , 22, of West Monroe, LA died July 2 at Baghdad, Iraq.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

Obama's War

2010-07-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Afghanistan Body Count: 07/04//2010
Americans Killed: 1,152
Americans Wounded: 9,496
Post Obama Inauguration
Americans Killed: 522
http://icasualties.org/
“…We will finish the job…” Pres. Barack Obama

----------------------------

Latest Confirmed Casualties:

*Sgt. John M. Rogers, 26, of Scottsdale, AZ died June 27 at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan.

*Spc. David A. Holmes, 34, of Tennille, GA died June 26 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Eric B. Shaw, 31, of Exeter, ME died June 27 in Konar, Afghanistan.

*Spc. David W. Thomas, 40, of St. Petersburg, FL died June 27 in Konar, Afghanistan.

*Staff Sgt. Brandon M. Silk, 25, of Orono, ME died June 21 near Gaza Ridge, Afghanistan.

*Spc. Matthew R. Hennigan, 20, of Las Vegas, NV died June 30 at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan.

*Cpl. Larry D. Harris Jr., 24, of Thornton, Colo., died July 1 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

*Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher D. Chapleau, 33, of LaGrange, KY died June 30 at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan.

*Pfc. Ryan J. Grady, 25, of Bristow, OK died July 1 at Bagram, Afghanistan.

*Capt David A. Wisniewski, 31, of Moville, IA died July 2 of wounds sustained June 9 near Forward Operating Base Jackson, Afghanistan.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue