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Bean To Soldiers: Keep Fighting, No Reward.

The US House of Representatives today actually did the right thing and blocked a new funding request for the Iraq war. Your local representative, Melissa Bean, voted for more funding. Democrats finally recognize that the war is misguided and take a small step to end it, but our Republican in Democrat clothing apparently decided that our soldiers need to keep fighting a war that was lost as soon as it began.

You would think that Bean would at least want to reward the soldiers for their hard and dangerous work, right? No. Apparently she does not. The House also voted for an expanded GI Bill that would help returning soldiers get a four year degree. I think this is about the least we can do, but Bean voted "No." Just what does she find so galling about helping our soldiers get education for a job when they leave the armed forces? Does she really want them to suffer like many Vietnam War veterans? I'm sure she doesn't really want them to suffer, but she just doesn't care. She's willing spend our tax money in a give away to defense contractors (i.e. big donors), but not a penny on those who are risking their lives with that money.

George Bush Gave Up Golf For You

George Bush says golf just isn't worth it anymore with people dying in the war he began. This man started a war for the purpose of forcing his brand of global capitalism on the Middle East, and the best he can do is give up golf while our boys are dying in the desert?! 

In case you're wondering, both of my opponents support the war. Melissa Bean vocally supported it during her initial run for Congress and still approves funding for it. Steve Greenberg apparently believes GW is on the right track in a war that we lost as soon as we crossed the border.

No Energy Quick Fixes

All the major Presidential candidates are putting forth their ideas to "solve the gas crisis" or whatever they're calling it. Too bad none of them will work. 

One thing that will help, though, is to build state owned refineries. We should stop subsidizing oil companies, especially while they're making record profits, and have them pay to use our refineries. They keep complaining that there's not enough refining capacity, so let's provide it. As part of the contract companies would be required to refine a certain amount of oil per week. 

This suggestion won't solve the problem, but it will help to stabilize fuel costs, ensure a steady supply and, if surplus funds are generated (they almost definitely will be), that money can go to research renewable energy alternatives. Currently some of you gas dollars are going to lobby AGAINST renewable energy, thereby ensuring the problem continues.

Some folks actually want peace

Jimmy Carter is taking a lot of heat for actually talking to Hamas. Here's his response. If our government is unwilling to attempt to make peace in Israel, and it is unwilling, it is the responsibility of citizens to work for peace where they can. One way is to boycott Caterpillar, another is to support people like Carter who have the means to meet with those our government won't talk to. Yes, they include terrorists. So are a lot of folks we call friends.

Please turn off the lights

Will the last one to leave the Democratic Party please turn off the lights?

I've long felt that the oldest party in America is on the way out. They still have a little life to squeeze out of the American people, but the Democrats are definitely coming apart. Longtime Dem from Georgia, Cynthia McKinney, is running for the Green Presidential nomination while even longer time Alaska Dem Mike Gravel is running for the Libertarian nod.

The party has done much good in their time, but that's in their past and not their current or future.

I have an awesome campaign manager

My campaign is all about how democracy has been stolen from us and how people feel like you have to become part of a machine to participate. My campaign manager just demonstrated how wrong that is. 

I sent an email to him and others about an issue I'd like guidance on how to pursue. Chris responded with a bit about how he disagrees with me, and how he feels I should address the situation based  on my beliefs. Hillary and her peeps have had some very public fallings out over similar. It's all about honesty and trust. Chris knows that I will listen to him and respond as I feel best. I knew that he'd give me his opinion on the issue, and his advice on how to handle my opinion.