Washblog

My response to the two videos embedded below is informed by months of watching the Obama campaign inspiring proactive democratic action and hope, getting 32% of its funds from donations less than $200, and employing as its advisors some of the more "enlightened and creative members of the Democratic Party establishment" who preach multilateral engagement and other civilized methods -- and contrasting that to Clinton's campaign which dismisses hope as a "fairy tale", continually conjures the divisions within our society, employs unfair campaign tactics, receives only 14% of its funds in small donations, and employs as its advisors the jingoistic old guard that preaches war and American supremacy (see links above and also Eridani's story: Mark Penn's other clients).

On the left, at 26,000 comments, you see a video made by various artists based on a speech by Obama. It rings true conceptually, emotionally, musically, visually. It captures American history. It's spiritually awake. It includes everyone and inspires positive political action. On the right, is the response of Hillary supporters.  The comments are disabled. From the antiseptic horns to the trite lyrics, it rings false. "Hillary for you and me, bring back our democracy..."She knows how to lead in this president's race she will succeed." It takes what is profound and makes it shallow: People dance tritely in one box while a soldier shoots a gun in another. In one box, singers continue with their American Idol lyrics and hand movements while in another a polar bear stands stranded on an ice floe. The cultural, historical, and spiritual tone deafness is painful - like the difference between real gospel music and muzak. Clinton's campaign didn't necessarily vet this. But it spawned it. And the same ethics are mirrored expressed this pro-Clinton site, obviously well-visited as some of the posts get over 1,000 comments. Here, Obama is routinely called "Obambi". Cute. These artifacts of  the wildly different directions that Obama's and Clinton's campaigns take us -- is one more of many signposts for me that it is extremely important, given the two candidates we have left in this race, that we choose one and not the other.

The Republican debates through a 9-year old's eyes, by 8ackgr0und N015e.

The 9 year old whose notes on last night's Republican debate are reprinted in the DKos diary linked above captured the candidates' interactions spot-on -- from the nicknames s/he gave each one, to the outrageous rudeness and interpersonal pettiness that all except Huckabee and Paul displayed, to the most succinct and accurate summaries of the content.

Beyond politics and at the level of demeanor, of all the Republican candidates last night, only Huckabee and Paul weren't horrid.  The 9-year old caught that.  And Beagle Eyes is a perfect name for Huckabee who really does have sincere eyes in a cute, hangdog face. Oily, the name given to Romney, perfectly captures that smoothness about him that strikes me for all the world as a willingness to say almost anything old thing to get what he wants.

The Democratic debate, which followed, was like heaven in comparison. Beyond politics, on the level of demeanor here's how they came across to me: Honest people.  Respectful people.  People able to get beyond irrational fears to articulate the real challenges that face us.

Citizen Steve reported on this at Washington Outsiders: Lawsuit Accuses BIAW of Skimming Millions. Here's the PI article he links to: Builders Lobby Accused of Withholding Refunds from State.

Below are a few Washblog articles that show some of the activities the BIAW funds with the money that it takes out of the pockets of workers and their families.  This is really just a very small sampling.  The BIAW has a strong, continuing, methodical, and unapologetic campaign to reshape politics in this state:

• The Building Industry Association of Washington has too much Power
• Stephen Johnson and the BIAW Team up to Reshape Washington's Supreme Court
• Buying Justice and Lying about it: The Building Industry Association of Washington
• Gravel Mines, Stolen Water, Stinking Carcasses, Tricked Voters: I-933
• Washington 6th in Nation in Special Interest Money Spent to Lobby Legislature
• Slush Fund for GOP Group's Fake Mailings

Last year, when Washblog began a transition to a team-edited blog, Pen stepped up to join in and help.  We've been fortunate to have his collaboration and input during this process.  And it's been not only fun -- but also quite fitting to have the Conceptual Guerilla tradition in the mix here.

Pen has moved on to other things now. Thank you, Pen, for joining in with us. It's been an honor and a pleasure and we look forward to seeing you here in the role of diarist and commenter.  For the road, here are a few stories by Pen that come to mind.... a small selection

• All you need to know about Ron Paul
  This is basically a follow-up to a post by David Neiwert, but it comes first to mind because I refer to it pretty regularly. It's easier for me to find than the Neiwert story. And it highlights what I find to be the elements of Neiwert's story that I find most useful to pass on to others who are thinking about whether to support Paul.
• To YOU Nancy Pelosi, IMPEACH or resign
  Here Pen expresses, back in July, outrage at the actions of Nancy Pelosi that I am just coming to feel right now. He gets attacked in the comments section as an anti-semite for his troubles...
• It's what the DNC forgot to resolve that troubles me
  Again, an on-target critique of the national Democratic party. In this one, Pen is rewarded for his troubles with more gentle reminders to use gender-neutral body references.
• The benchmark will soon be met, will we then withdraw?
  Keeping tabs on the false promises...
• Do our representatives even READ what they're passing?
  A critical question in today's world. With all the fundraising electeds have to do to get into office, who has time to read anything?
• The Usual Suspects: Richard Perle Prince of Darkness
  This is the first in an informative series now featured on the front page of Conceptual Guerilla
• City of Seattle to pay $1 million for illegal arrests at WTO protest - is it enough?
• NASCAR: A Microcosm of Corporate Economics
  This is the first diary of Pen's that I noticed and I thought, ok, this guy's talented...

Check it out:
iMap.

I'd be interested if any of the other counties in Washington offer this kind of detailed information.

Today I received the email copied below from Mike Kreidler, Washington State's Insurance Commissioner.  It contrasts interestingly with the letter full of distortions and false statements that I received from Ray Peretti last week ( Ray Peretti of Renton and the $7.7 million Campaign to Cheat Washingtonians).  Here's the letter from Mike Kreidler.  Consider signing the pledge to vote for R-67 and passing the information on to others:

Dear Noemie, Please join me in voting to Approve Referendum 67 this November. Every year, my office receives thousands of complaints from auto owners, homeowners, property owners, and small business owners about delays and denials of legitimate insurance claims. That's unacceptable -- and that's why I'm urging all Washington voters to Approve Referendum 67. Please join me and show your support for Referendum 67 -- invite your friends and family to sign the Approve 67 online petition now! Consumers just want their insurance companies to honor the commitments they made to them. Referendum 67 will help ensure that insurance companies treat Washington consumers fairly.  It's a common sense ballot measure that's good for the hard-working people of our state. Unfortunately, the insurance industry is threatening to spend nearly $8 million to try to defeat Referendum 67 with a campaign of misinformation.  So let me help set the record straight: Auto and homeowner insurance premiums will not go up because of Referendum 67.  The fact is that if insurance companies treat their own policyholders the way they are required to be treated by law, insurance rates won't change.  The only insurance companies with something to fear are those who make a practice of acting in bad faith with their own customers. Health insurance premiums will not go up because of Referendum 67.  The fact is that health insurance plans are specifically excluded from being covered. Insurers will not be deluged by frivolous claims because of Referendum 67.  Referendum 67 simply requires insurance companies to pay legitimate claims in a timely fashion and makes it illegal if they don't. Insurance companies playing by the rules will not have any additional requirements under Referendum 67. In fact, insurance companies who treat their customers fairly will actually have an advantage in the marketplace because competitors that don't treat policyholders fairly will be subject to court-approved penalties.  What's more, all penalties assessed against an insurance company charged with unfair practices must be court-approved under Referendum 67. Here's the bottom line:  Referendum 67 simply will make sure that insurance companies treat Washington consumers fairly.  Is that really too much to ask? I hope you'll join me in supporting Referendum 67 -- invite your friends and family to sign the Approve 67 online petition now! The insurance industry is spending millions of dollars to defeat this common sense initiative -- but with your support, we can spread the word and Approve 67 this November. Thanks for your help! Sincerely, Mike Kreidler Washington State Insurance Commissioner P.S.  Please forward this email to every Washington voter you know so we can get set the record straight about Referendum 67.  It's easy to do -- and it will make a big difference when people start voting by mail in just a few weeks. Invite your friends & family to sign the Approve 67 petition now!

Rodney Tom, Washington State Senator from the 48th Legislative District, backed out of the race for US Congress today.  He was running in the 8th Congressional District.  Story here on Associated Press, Seattle Post Intelligencer.

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"(Her efforts) led to a unified state Party living under a democratically adopted Charter. She became state chair in 1981, and led us until 1993. She took a weak state Party reeling from Reagan’s victory and statewide Republican successes and turned it into a major force in state politics, always on the side of liberal reforms, and a serious factor in the 1992 victories of Bill Clinton, Patty Murray and Mike Lowry."
From: Remembering Karen by Dick Kelley

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Jeff Smith, former executive director of the Washington State Democratic Party, and Karen Marchioro, Washington State member of the Democratic National Committee and past Chair of Washington State Democratic Party.  Taken on 7/17/07 at the Kickoff for Rodney Tom's campaign for US Congress, 8th CD

August 30, 2007

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF
KAREN MARCHIORO

[Press release from Washington State Democratic Party]

SEATTLE - Washington State Democrats were deeply saddened today by the passing of Karen Marchioro.

Upon hearing the news of Karen's passing, Washington State Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz issued the following statement:

"All of us involved in Democratic politics in Washington State are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our dearest friends, Karen Marchioro. The Washington State Democratic Party would not exist as it does today were it not for Karen's 30 plus years of service. Her wisdom, cool demeanor and loyalty have been integral parts to both our state party, as well as our lives. Karen was a dear friend and she will be greatly missed. We send sincere condolences to Karen's entire family."

Karen Marchioro first became involved in Democratic politics in the 1970's in East King County's 48th Legislative District. She later became chair of the King County Democrats and in 1981, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party where she remained until 1993.

As Chair of the Washington State Democrats, Karen was instrumental in drafting the charter of the state party. Without Karen's leadership, the party would never have attained the technological and financial security it maintains today. She was currently serving as an elected member to the Democratic National Committee, and was the former DNC Western Regional Chair.

Karen's lifetime achievements are best summarized by King County Democratic Chair Susan Sheary, who once said of Karen, "Before Washington State had Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell and Christine Gregoire, Washington State had Karen Marchioro."

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• CNN * YouTube PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
  4-6PM, 7/23/07
• TVW - SEATTLE TIMES POST-GAME SHOW
  Send questions: 4PM +
  Showtime: 6PM

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TVW and Seattle Times plan a "post-game show" after the CNN * YouTube Debates on Monday (7/23).  To tune in, go to the live streaming broadcast on TVW or Seattle Times

David Postman of Postman on Politics says that he and Seattle Times reporter Danny Westneat have some "interesting guests lined up to talk about the candidates' performance as well as to explore whether this really was a revolution in political dialogue."  One guest is Democratic consultant and author/analyst Sandeep Kaushik.  I understand there may be someone representing the tech/web communications angle.

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Many people remain displaced by Katrina -- a substantial number here in Washington state.     Coalitions that formed around organizing assistance to Katrina's victims innovated to meet the needs of a unique situation and are likely to have a permanent impact on the social justice landscape in the United States.  We may see these innovative new approaches further developed as we deal with future storms and climate disruptions.   Recently, in a post on the NW Progressive Conference held last month in Pullman, I wrote about some of the accomplishments of Common Ground Relief:  Common Ground Relief: Filling a Vaccuum.

A couple of Katrina related events are coming in Seattle and Tacoma.  Below are excerpts from a press release from Common Ground Relief

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It has been a year and a half since hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast, forever changing that region and the national political landscape. The media coverage has grown sporadic and shallow. To combat this misrepresentation and to present images of oppressed people organizing/rebuilding in the face of neglect/disenfranchisement, you are invited to a screening of "REMAINS AND REBIRTH: An Evening Around Katrina."

This four part event includes: a screening of the post Katrina documentary "Finding Common Ground in New Orleans"; a screening of "Food, Water Revolution", a short documentary about the Iraq Veterans Against the War march in support of the gulf coast; a presentation by New Orleans-based Common Ground organizer "Suncere Shakur"; and a question/answer dialogue with the filmmaker Walidah Imarisha and Suncere Shakur. PLEASE GO TO WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CHANNELZERO MEDIA FOR UPDATED INFORMATION!

SATURDAY MAY 19TH, 3 p.m.
12th Annual Research Showcase and Resource Fair
"With Liberty and Justice For Whom"
Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus
1210 6th Ave. Moot Court
Free, All ages

SATURDAY MAY 19TH, 8 p.m.
Rhymes, Beats, & Media Activism
Sponsored by 2012 Inc.
One Heart Cafe
1117 Broadway Ave., Tacoma, WA
Also featuring a Hip-Hop Performance by Canary Sings of Seattle
$5 general admission, $3 with student ID, All ages

MONDAY, MAY 21ST
Hidmo, 2000 S Jackson St.
Time and price TBA

Karl Rove is scheduled to give the keynote speech at the annual Republican Lincoln Day Dinner at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 14, at the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center in Sea-Tac.

Goldy's got a piece on it: Welcome Karl Rove

The Seattle Peace and Justice calendar mentions it briefly as a free speech opportunity.

Seattle Times has a brief story.

The New York Times reports on Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria.  If Bush and Cheney are impeached, we'll have President Pelosi.  Her move is a mark of statesmanship, a sign to the world that she recognizes her role.  And it's a brilliant demonstration that the Bush administration is on its way out - increasingly less relevant, tho ever more malignant.    

Note to legislature and country: keep on investigating, keep on agitating for impeachment.  

Obama has raised $25 million in the first quarter of the year -- roughly equivalent with Hillary's $26 million.     Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton.  We've had this two-family rule since 1980.  Electing Hillary would give us more than 3-decades of rule by two American families.  Presidents have access to information of the highest level of secrecy and national interest -- and are subject to pressures and influences on a scale beyond any other.  Ain't it a bit dangerous to keep power in two families like that -- particularly families so invested in the health and prosperity of huge multinational corporations?

Crosscut's brand new, owned by "more than a dozen local investors, none of whom has a stake greater than 20 percent" and published by David Brewster, who founded Seattle Weekly and Town Hall Seattle.

It's a "transpartisan solutionist" online newspaper covering the Pacific Northwest.  The name refers to the source of content -- all the "best" local journalism whether traditional, blog, or citizen.  And it refers to the "cut" across "divides of geography, age, big city and small" that its coverage represents.

Knute Berger, former Editor in Chief of the Seattle Weekly, who left after 15 years when the paper was bought by a large chain, has a regular column, today's on "Seattle School District's obsession with racism:.  I recommend his Mossback manifesto.

With Crosscut, it looks like we may get some additional muscle behind meaningful reporting on media -- including the kind of consolidation and unfair practices that I see reflected in the Seattle Times/ PI saga.  Today's top story:

"A former Seattle Times Co. executive claims that Times officials in the mid-1990s secretly violated their joint operating agreement (JOA) with Hearst Corp., owner of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, using unfairly lopsided circulation spending to keep the Seattle Times' circulation lead over the P-I. Times executives then tricked Hearst into giving up their paper's exclusivity in the morning, the former executive claims."

I love it when the cheaters are exposed.

So, it'll be interesting to see where this enterprise goes -- a new, hybrid kind of news source, in what Brewster refers to the "sunrise" news industry -- as opposed to legacy sources like newspapers, I guess.   Congratulations, Crosscut.

This morning I deleted three diaries by Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal.  The first post, "Russia and Saudi Mean Business", can be read at Latest News from Russia and CIS.  The second post, "US empire building in Middle East?", can be read at: Dhaka New Age Daily Newspaper.  The third piece, "Regional Welfare and Corruption in India", can be read on Sulekah.com.

Washblog is a private site, with a focus on Washington State.  So it is not necessary for us to explain in every case when we need to delete diairies, particularly reprints on international issues not directly connected with Washington that are written by people who seem to have no connection with the state.  But it is rare enough that we delete diaries that I think we have the room in this case to note the deletion, to wish Dr. Colachal well, and to note that we don't have the room in our diary section to accommodate posts on international issues from people anywhere in the world -- particularly reprints.  That is outside our scope.