Acadiana and SW Louisiana Democrats

Fracking for Shale Gas: Is it safe?

2012-01-19T09:59:00.002-06:00

Environmental expert Wilma Subra (Subra Company) has compiled a fact sheet outlining human health impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing in development of shale gas. Fracking is a questionable technique used to produce shale gas. To learn more, follow this link to the Louisiana Environmental Action Network website.

GOP Hypocrites Exposed: 10 Most Hypocritical Sexual Scandals by Republican Politicians of 2009-2010

2010-12-06T01:18:00.001-06:00

Congressman Melancon tears up when discussing oil spill.

2010-06-02T00:11:00.008-05:00

The British Petroleum oil catastrophe has been called the "greatest oil spill in United States history." BP's oil spill has and could result in enormous problems for all of us here in Louisiana. Potentially for many years to come.

Recently, Congressman Charlie Melancon expressed his deep sympathy for the people of Louisiana during a statement to several of his House colleagues. Even after vigorously attempting to fight back his tears, Mr. Melancon couldn't refrain from expressing how important Louisiana is to him and our impact on the entire nation.

The people affected by this catastrophe are the men and women whom Charlie grew up with, did business with, represents in Washington DC, and whom play a vital part in the overall economy of our nation. Every shrimper, fisherman, and oil rig worker, along with our unique marshes and all of coastal Louisiana have become threatened by this oil spill. Charlie sees this and is fighting to preserve our livelihoods, culture, and way of life. He knows, more than anyone else in Washington, the enormity of the BP oil spill.

Louisiana, Charlie is fighting for us in Washington because, to him, this is a fight devoted solely to the best interest of the people of Louisiana. Nonetheless, many Washington politicians will partake in "politics as usual" during a time of crisis. Thankfully, the people of Louisiana have Charlie Melancon in Washington standing up for all of us. During a time like this, we need a friend, a leader who we all can trust. We can, like always, count on Charlie Melancon.

Charlie Melancon immensely loves and is devoted to our state and every person who lives here. To say the least, he is a person of good character.

Thank You Congressman Melancon!

Opera Unite: Lafayette's

2009-06-17T00:40:00.000-05:00

Opera Unite

David Vitter: Why are you forgetting about Louisiana?

2009-06-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

David Vitter: Hoping Louisiana Families Continue To Struggle... Just So He Can Say I TOLD YOU SO!

2009-04-21T22:54:00.003-05:00

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) agreed with Limbaugh on Tuesday.

On his radio show last week, Rush Limbaugh, the "unofficial leader" of the Republican Party, declared that it was a "dirty little secret" that "every Republican in this country wants Obama to fail." "None of them have the guts to say so," added Limbaugh

“I hope [Obama] fails in advancing leftist policy that I strongly disagree with,” Vitter said. “I think what [Limbaugh] was saying was largely what I am saying.”

Really, Who in their right mind would say that they hope that the President's recovery efforts fail? Whenever here in America people are struggling, companies are struggling, and the American people are tired of this suffering. In Washington DC Louisiana Senator David Vitter says the he hopes Obama's policies fail. Senator, I am not a liberal or a conservative at the end of the day whenever I turn on my television and continue to see jobs lost. I am not into putting a label before the American people. I do not care if I call myself a Democrat, at the end of the day after watching all of this suffering, I would put aside all of the labels: liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat, or any other term that is supposed to represent an assumed way of thinking. I would say that if someone from an opposite party affiliation offered new solutions (whenever old ones have failed) and had a vision for these struggling families, I would not care which party affiliation they selected on their voter registration, all I would care about is the betterment of Louisiana and America. Senator, you represent me, my family, Louisiana, and you hold such an honorable position in our Government. Please represent me the way a forty-eight-year-old elected Senator should and not in a close-minded, robotic, Republican machine fashion. Show Louisiana that whenever you go to Washington DC you are fighting for us and are not just a Republican Puppet.

David Vitter shows once again when he goes to Washington DC he is just not quite the Vitter he claimed to be!

2009-04-21T22:48:00.001-05:00

Louisiana Senator David Vitter screamed at a United Airlines employee last week after arriving 20 minutes too late for a flight from Dulles to New Orleans, Roll Call reports (subscription required).

According to Raw Story, when Vitter learned he didn't make the flight, he tried to open an alarmed security door.

After setting off the security alarm, the Louisiana senator proceeded to dress down an airline employee who told him entering the restricted area was forbidden. He invoked his standing as a senator, delivering a "do-you-know-who-I-am" tirade, the paper said.

Vitter wouldn't calm down, even after the employee threatened to call security.

"Vitter, according to the witness, remained defiant, yelling that the employee could call the police if he wanted to and their supervisors, who, presumably, might be more impressed with his Senator's pin," the paper's Heard on the Hill column noted. "But after talking a huffy big game, Vitter apparently thought better of pushing the confrontation any further. When the gate attendant left to find a security guard, Vitter turned tail and simply fled the scene."

The Independents Reports on Democrats standing up to "Bobby" Jindal's partisan Gamesmanship

2009-03-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

State Senator Eric LaFleur has decided to stand up for the thousands of Louisiana Citizens who through no fault of their own have found themselves unemployed here in the state by filing a bill to over-rule Bobby Jinda's partisan attach on the Recovery bill that would ultimately turn down almost $100 million dollars to those who need it most.

Good for you Seantor LaFleur - here is a bit of their story - more at the link above:

State Rep. Eric LaFleur of Ville Platte (who’s said to be jockeying for a U.S. attorney appointment with the Obama administration) fired off a letter to his legislative colleagues yesterday asking for a joint resolution to override Gov. Bobby Jindal’s rejection of a portion of federal stimulus funds. He’s now getting push-back from both Jindal and state Rep. Joel Robideaux, Independent of Lafayette.

Jindal has turned down $98 million in federal funds dedicated to an expansion of unemployment benefits. The gov contends these funds require permanent changes to state unemployment law that will continue to cost the state long after short term federal dollars
run out. In his letter, LaFleur contends that by rejecting these funds, La. taxpayers won’t be getting the full benefit of the stimulus plan, which they are helping to fund. He writes:

“If we reject these funds, Louisiana taxpayers will be paying to subsidize and support unemployment compensation in states such as California, where Gov. Schwarzenegger has already signaled his intention to accept the funds. While we may have different opinions on programs funded in the stimulus package, I think that we can all agree we want Louisiana tax dollars to remain in Louisiana, working for Louisianians and Louisiana’s economy.”

LeftBlog: War on Working Families

2009-03-11T11:13:00.002-05:00

Last week on KPEL we had a caller call in to ask me my opinion on the Employee Free Choice Act – though the caller referred to it as a Check Card System. My response was that I am a huge supporter and vocal advocate for the Employee Free Choice Act and for several reasons.

First let’s look at the FACTS surrounding the matter of the EFCA –
The Labor Unions have all signed on as supporters of the EFCA – this is CONTRARY to what you are hearing on the Cable TV Ads that Republican and Business interest groups are telling you. The Labor Unions SUPPORT this bill and there are many reasons for that support.

The Republicans and Business interests groups would have you believe that this is going to get rid of the SECRET BALLOT in the work place – this is NOT TRUE. Nowhere in this bill does it take away the right to a secret ballot.

Now, let’s look at some FACTS and FIGURES:

75% of Employers hire consultants or union-busters to help them fight union organizing drives.
78% of Employers force employees to attend one-on-one meetings with their own supervisors against the union.

51% of Companies threaten to close the plant if the union wins the election; yet only 1% actually does close their business due to a union vote.

73% of Americans say that laws protecting the freedom to join unions are important

I think now is an appropriate time to point out that for more than the past decade wages have remained FLAT – wages are staying the same yet Productivity is going through the roof. This means American Workers are working harder and getting more done – yet their wages are completely flat.

During this very same time CEO and top management pay has shot through the roof. In a 2004 study by Kevin Murphy and Jan Zabonjnik they report that in 1970 the average CEO salary and bonus packages were typically about $700k per year or 25 times that of the average production worker. Fast forward to 2000 CEO pay had jumped to $2.2 Million on average or 90 times that of the average production employee once you include stock options, and other benefits you are jumping to nearly 500 times the average worker salary.

Put this another way – the ratio of Average CEO pay to the average pay of a production worker was 431 to 1 in 2004 which is up from 301 to 1 in 2003 according to Executive Excess. During the past 15 years we have seen a sizable increase in corporate profitability.

Boil it down – CEO Pay has risen by 298% through 2005 from 1990 and in that same timeframe corporate profits have risen by 106.7% and the average worker pay has only risen by 4.3% which is not even keeping up with inflation.

I am in NO WAY advocating that we should limit CEO pay that should be up to the shareholders and their boards – but what I am saying is that the working men and women of this country are getting the shaft and it is time we act. We act by allowing them to collectively bargain for their rights and pay.

Were it not for Labor Unions we never would have had a 40 hour work week, we never would have had “over-time”, Family Medical Leave Act, we never would have had job safety standards to keep employees safe… and the list continues.

In my estimation for over 20 years we have seen a constant erosion of the rights of the working men and women of this great country and we have seen a huge rise in the power of the corporate elite. I think you have to look no further than the recent debates over the US Automobile industry and their problems. Republican after Republican lined up to talk with anyone that would listen to blame all the faults of the US Automobile industry on their line workers! They also joined a chorus demanding that the employees take pay cuts – meanwhile the corporate executives continue to fly in their corporate jets, and spend lavishly. The simple truth here is that it takes two people to enter into a contract and Management signed on to these labor contracts along with the workers – they all agreed in good faith. And in the case of the workers – they agreed for their futures. We are talking about their differed compensation via their benefits packages including their pensions. How can a 70 year old who spent 30 years “on the line” working hard with the promise that they would have benefits and a solid pension be forced to give that up or accept LESS than what they agreed to… they honored their “DEAL” they put in their 30 years, did a good job and while they were getting a pay check – PART of that pay check was the promise of their pension and benefits to continue.

Over these past 20 years we have seen a HUGE re-distribution of wealth – from the working class up to the super rich. Employers have fought tooth and nail to prevent labor unions from entering their shops, and this doesn’t have to be a win lose situation. The fact of the matter is the union employee wants their company to succeed, they want them to be successful – they just want to be treated fairly. Unions also help the employers – oftentimes they self police - dealing with poor performing employees, dealing with training issues and helping find solutions to disputes. While it may cost the employers a bit more, the benefits are long lasting.

Union employees…
• Are more productive
• Are better trained
• Are more responsible (lower number of sick days)
• Tend to STAY LONGER in their job – Less Job-Hopping

The Employee Free Choice Act simply gives workers, not their employers, the choice in how they choose to form unions: either after a majority of workers sign a card in support of the union or through a secret ballot election. And that is the key – THE WORKERS could choose. CEO’s and the Chamber of Commerce oppose this simply because it will give workers a better chance at organizing and forming a union.

You cannot escape the fact that the Republicans and Business interests are completely lying about this bill. This bill in no way prevents a secret ballot, and they know this. Perhaps that is why they have hired a P.R. firm to spearhead their campaign. They hired Rick Berman a professional muckraker who has made a career of attacking organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the tobacco and alcohol industries.

We must realize that the middle class is an endangered species. More and more of the good paying jobs are leaving this country and being replaced by service industry jobs which are notoriously lower paying jobs without an organized workforce. More often than not these jobs do not offer any meaningful benefits packages such as health insurance – whose lack thereof is the number one cause for bankruptcy in this country.

For additional reporting on this matter check out Rachel Maddow’s show from Monday of this week here:

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And more from Rachel from Tuesday Night...

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David Vitter Flips out at Airport

2009-03-11T11:10:00.004-05:00

Raw Story is reporting that David Vitter flipped out at an airport in DC...

The Republican senator who found himself on a DC madam's client list is drawing new attention over "impulse control."

After missing a flight last Thursday from Washington to New Orleans,
Louisiana Sen. David Vitter opened an armed security door and went off on a United Airlines employee, according to a report filed Wednesday by (paid-restricted) Roll Call.

The door sounded a security alarm.

Vitter had arrived at the gate for a flight from Dulles Airport, only to find that the door had been closed twenty minutes prior to departure.

After setting off the security alarm, the Louisiana senator proceeded to dress down an airline employee who told him entering the restricted area was forbidden. He invoked his standing as a senator, delivering a "do-you-know-who-I-am" tirade, the paper said.

The airline worker then announced he was going to summon security.

"Vitter, according to the witness, remained defiant, yelling that the employee could call the police if he wanted to and their supervisors, who, presumably, might be more impressed with his Senatorâ€™s pin," the paper's Heard on the Hill column noted. "But after talking a huffy big game, Vitter apparently thought better of pushing the confrontation any further. When the gate attendant left to find a security guard, Vitter turned tail and simply fled the scene."

Bobby Jindal: Pt 3 - He lied

2009-02-28T11:11:00.004-06:00

Developments out of the “blogosphere” have now catapulted into the Main Stream Media. MSNBC and now it appears CBS News are now covering this story. And we now learn that Bobby Jindal is going to be on 60 Minutes this Sunday night to try to explain himself out of this whopper he told on National TV.

Developing: Turns out that the lynchpin story from Bobby Jindal of Visiting Sheriff Harry Lee in Jefferson Parish, never happened - and to make it worse, his staff is trying to spin their way out of things not realising you can publish LIVE on the internet as a story develops... and once it is on the "internet machine" it is out there for EVER.

First – Here is the clip of him telling the story to refresh your memory…

Well this story has almost completely exploded. Talking Points Memo has a much more detailed chronicling of the events surrounding this Nationally Televised LIE. But it goes like this… Jindal COS Timmy Teepell commented to the press that this story was actually “It was in the days following the storm. “ Well then they come BACK to the story to further dig themselves into a deep whole. They stated that Jindal didn’t imply in his address to the Nation that the story “took place during the heat of a fight to release rescue boats.” Melissa Sellers (Jindal’s Communications person) continued that this was in fact “days later” “Sheriff Lee was on the phone and the Governor came down to visit him. It wasn’t that they were standing right down there with the boats.” She went on to clarify that Lee was actually doing an interview when he was yelling into the phone. You should definitely visit the entire story here – you really can’t make this kind of stuff up.

When will politicians learn… it isn’t always the LIE – it is the cover up trying to COVER the lie that is going to get you.

So first you have a terrible delivery from Jindal – style being what it is… and inherently subjective, he bombed in this aspect. Then you take the LYNCHPIN “story” that Jindal told all of us to illustrate WHY we can’t trust Government (albeit he was also trying to tell us why REPUBLICANS should be back in charge in the same breath) and using Katrina as that example? This fell terribly short of delivering their desired results. Then we find out the entire story was a lie? WOW.

Doesn’t look so good for Bobby Jindal. How will "Bobby" get himself out of this one? Guess we will have to tune in to 60 Minutes on Sunday to find out!

Watch CBS Videos Online

UPDATE: Check out this outline by MSNBC on this matter:
This bit starts at about 1:15 into this clip

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Outstanding iReport

2009-02-26T16:42:00.000-06:00

Obama takes on Governor Jindal

2009-02-24T12:15:00.002-06:00

President Obama at a meeting with all of the Governors on Monday appeared to be taking on Governor Jindal directly on his claimes as to why he is rejecting the funding to extend unemployment benefits - OUCH!

Rachel Maddow Show: GOP Grandstanding

2009-02-24T12:02:00.002-06:00

Alison Stewart guest hosting for Rachel Maddow takes on Governor Jindal and the 2 other Republican Governors for putting their partisan goals ahead of the people of their states.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Blue Mondays - Author/Director Gorman Bechard

2009-02-10T08:41:00.000-06:00

Defeating David Vitter!

2009-02-01T23:32:00.001-06:00

In 2010 Louisiana has the greatest opportunity. We have a second chance! Most of the time whenever we make a mistake we never get a second chance to start over. Yes, the damage has been done, but it is not over yet. Louisiana, we can still do good. David Vitter has been a disgrace to woman and has totally disrespected them. Every female in Louisiana should be outraged. If it was during the DC Madam scandal, the New Orleans madam scandal, the promiscuity that caused him to quit the 2003 Governor's race, or being the ONLY Senator that voted against confirming Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Why is this? Do not even get me started on David's idiotic remarks about his opposition to the Automobile Industry Bridge Loan. During the Senate debate Vitter refered to the approach of giving the automotive industry a financial package before they restructured as "ass-backwards" (to do something contrary to the usual way).[41] He soon apologized for the comment, which failed to appear in the Congressional Record. Why is he opposed to everything? They should call him him 'Nayvid' Vitter because he is famous to opposing anything that works! This is my favorite, in 1998 David Vitter actively called on President Clinton to resign because of his misconduct with Miss Lewinsky. Well, when David was found on a prostitutes list of CLIENTS he refused to resign. Well, isn't that funny? The question still remains who will be succeeding David. There are continued speculation that Congressman Charlie Melancon from District 3 has his eye on it. I have always been a fan of Congressman Melancon, and he is certainly popular in his home district. He would make an outstanding Senator. A Senator that we can all be proud of! Jim Bernhard, CEO of the Shaw Group is considering this run as well. He is a successful business man from Baton Rouge and is highly respected. Now, two people that you were most likely not expecting to be mentioned are former Governor Kathleen Blanco and Democratic Party favorite James Carville. Governor Blanco told a news station earlier that she is "today not that candidate," but she leaves the door open to that possibility. James Carville has officially moved back to New Orleans and insiders say that he is strongly considering to make a run against David Vitter.

Blue Mondays - Inauguration Special

2009-01-29T10:34:00.001-06:00

Republican Dog Just Won't Hunt

2009-01-29T09:34:00.001-06:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Blue Mondays is BACK!

2009-01-13T10:27:00.001-06:00

Blue Mondays is BACK! Let us know what you think...

GM has a plan! Tell Congress the US Auto Industry matters!

2008-12-14T13:14:00.000-06:00

How embarrassing! David Vitter fails us again!

2008-12-14T12:51:00.005-06:00

I am only 15 years old, but I think this might make sense. If someone is failing, making failing grades, doesn't that mean that the position they are in is maybe too challenging. Poor David, he just can't do it. I know in High School if a class is too hard, then I change classes. Maybe David should consider a new position. David's entire, embarrassing life in the public eye we have watched him be a puppet. A puppet for Washington 'big shots'! Anyone who knows me will tell you that I support Democrats and Republicans. I am proud whenever I see politicians go over to their friends on the other side and do what is best for America and their constituents. It is because of confused politicians like David Vitter that we find ourselves in the kind of troubles that we are in. It's okay David, not everyone is cut out for public service! We need real leadership and someone who stands up for all of us! David is not what he claimed to be. We watched David parade around Louisiana and tell us that he he was the 'family values' candidate. FALSE! He said he would stand up for us. FALSE! David vitter was given an F in 2005 and 2007 by middleclass.org. He did not go to Washington and stand up for all of us. People in Louisiana make 29% less than the average American. Most making just 30,000 a year. David you failed, and we suffered!

Are you serious? David Vitter expects us to re-elect him? haha

2008-12-14T12:39:00.003-06:00

Republican Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, will run for re-election in 2010. AP reports that Vitter will hold a fundraiser next week for his campaign. The event will be headlined by popular Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, a potential Republican nominee for President in 2012.

Vitter refused to resign in July of last year when reports linking him to the late DC Madam, Deborah Jeane Palfrey, surfaced. His phone number was disclosed by Palfrey. Palfrey committed suicide in May.

Vitter made news today by calling the auto bailout "ass backward". This post from Wonkette's Jim Newell deftly handles the comedy radiating from that choice of words. Vitter and fellow Republican Senators Jim DeMint, Richard Shelby, John Ensign, and Tom Coburn plan to mount an effort to block the legislation.

David Vitter, How can you call yourself an American?

2008-12-12T00:55:00.005-06:00

Senator Vitter obviously needs to come home more because in Washington DC he is forgetting who he represents. Vitter fails to see that many Louisiana dealers, like my family, who combined own four dealerships and employ 300 people total, would completely lose everything if this 'bailout' were to fail. Lafayette alone has about 7 domestic car dealerships that would all close their doors if Vitter had his way. I would lose everything, if my Senator had his way in Washington. Do you not care about me, Senator? Who did you go to Washington to represent? Which Japanese company is more important to you, Toyota, Nissan, or Honda, these companies are constantly taking away from the American people. If you had the slightest care for Louisiana and America you would not be in Washington attacking the nation that you have been so fortunate to live in. How dare you! How dare you attack small business owners in Louisiana trying to make a living. My great-grandfather started his car dealerships that sell only domestic; he started his businesses with a loan from the bank and a plan to service his clients with the best service they could find. My family has been in this business for three generations. We are not corporate CEOS flying to Washington asking for your help. We are a small Louisiana family trying to make a living. We are the people you represent. What about the General Motors plant in Shreveport? That plant alone employs 1500 people and had plans to employ 1500 more. 1 in 10 jobs in America are related to the domestic car industry. 65% of car dealerships in Louisiana are domestic and on average employ 60 people each. How could you let Louisiana down? Your plan to filibuster this ‘bailout’ in the Senate shows me, every dealer in Louisiana, and every person in Louisiana affected by the auto industry that you are not qualified to be in Washington. See you in 2010, Senator, me and the 20,000 other people in LOUISIANA whose jobs rely on the DOMESTIC car industry (not including Newspapers, radio, TV, and other industries who rely on the domestic industry.)

Do you want an America without domestic cars?

2008-12-12T00:50:00.000-06:00

American Car Industry FACTS!

2008-12-12T00:47:00.001-06:00

From plants to parks. From dealerships to driveways. From gas stations to grocery stores. What happens in the automotive industry affects each and every one of us.

At General Motors we’ve been working hard to build sustainable success, not just short-term results so we can help the American automotive market regain its worldwide prominence.

We’ve taken steps to improve our business:
GM has been streamlining its U.S. operations and has dramatically reduced its salaried and hourly workforce
GM has committed to leading in the development of advanced propulsion technology, including breakthrough technologies like the Chevy Volt extended-range electric car
GM and its unions have reached groundbreaking agreements
GM will have reduced cumulative structural costs between 13 and 14 billion by 2010
But these improvements won’t just help General Motors, they’ll help all of us who are touched by the automotive industry in ways we may not even realize.
What happens to the U.S. auto industry matters on Main Street. There are some 14,000 U.S.-brand dealers in cities and towns across the country, employing approximately 740,000 people, with a total payroll of some $35 billion
Motor vehicles and parts are the single largest export from the U.S., topping aerospace, medical equipment and communications
The collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry would account for a direct, indirect and spin-off employment drop of 2.95 million people, and a personal income drop of $150.7 billion*
Tell your U.S. Senators and Representatives that support for the U.S. auto industry is in America's best economic interest and is a sound investment toward a more competitive future. The letter below will be sent on your behalf to targeted legislators when you complete the registration form and click “Mobilize!”: