The working party

In response to a comment on a previous post by co-worker Scott -

I understand what you're saying, buddy, even though you were drunk, but here's what I'm saying: People are stupid. Unfortunately, in politics, as well as in many other forums of public debate, simplicity amounts to complicity. If someone says something in a simple way, boils it down to its most simple point, and you agree with it, you are more likely to support it. This is the lowest common denominator in some ways, and is clearly a problem. A major issue with Democrats, and for a more vague category, liberals, is that we believe things exist in the gray. Conservatives are all black and white...good and bad, evil and heroic...etc.

Unfortunately, this doesn't work for electoral politics. Catch-phrases and platforms that summarize turn public opinion more quickly and more convincingly than position papers. Is this ideal? Clearly not. But it is reality, and one that we must work in until the country returns to a collective attention span of longer than a music video. Who's to blame? The media...the public...politicians...who knows, who cares? It's reality, and operating in a real world necessitates our compliance with that reality, or we will be working in, as George Bush often does, an imaginary world.

Kos on DailyKos just posted on this, and I like what he says: Democrats are the party for people who work for a living.

If labor could undergo some sort of resurgence (...follow the lead of SEIU and gain some new members...there's an idea...) and we could remove the religious extremists from the debate (...) and instead return the public to pocketbook issues that working people actually care about (health care, education, jobs), we'd be well on our way.

Corruption and corporate accountability, along with a side of anti-religious extremism as campaign themes, along with substantive policy proposals on fixing NCLB and getting rid of the anti-labor administration currently in power. I can see '06 and '08 now.

Bloomberg grrr

Get on your horse, NY Dem mayoral candidates

A Marist College poll shows Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) is leading all Dem rivals in the NYC Mayoral race, outpacing ex-Bronx BP/'01 mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer (51%-38%), Manhattan BP Virginia Fields (47%-41%), Rep. Anthony Weiner (48%-36%) and NYC Council Speaker Gifford Miller (50%-36%) among regis. voters (release)

Splish splash

BUSH ASKS ABOUT 'SPLASH DAY'

President Bush raised eyebrows on Tuesday when he asked locals in
Galveston, Texas: "Do you still have Splash Day?"

"Splash Day" is the annual "adult oriented enormous beach party"
celebration on the Gulf Coast.

BUSH: Do you still have Splash Day?

(LAUGHTER)

BUSH: You have to be a baby boomer to know what I'm talking about.

(LAUGHTER)

BUSH: I'm not saying whether I came or not on Splash Day. I'm just
saying, Do you have Splash Day?

(LAUGHTER)

Bush was unaware "Splash Day" is now a fully gay and lesbian event on
the beaches.
----------------

Oh you crazy gays, going after your "equal rights" and "equal protections." He hates you! But he likes your splash day.

UPDATE

REPUBLICANS ADMIT THEY'VE BEEN UNETHICAL - REVERSE ETHICS COMMITTEE RULES CHANGES - ADMIT THAT THEY'RE PAYING POLITICAL PRICE - WOULD PAY MORE PRICE IF THEY LEFT IT THE SAME WAY

And, the sky is falling

BANG BANG

Anybody else concerned about visiting Florida?

I mean, I understand the need for people to shoot each other in the middle of the street, harkening back to the Wild West days. I was in Deadwood for several months, and I've seen Unforgiven. But, really what the fuck?? The NRA pushes Jeb Bush and the Fla state government, and what do we get? People no longer have to attempt to flee an escalating situation in public, and can "meet deadly force with deadly force." Now, I am not a person that wants to see villainous individuals shooting innocents on the streets. However, I forsee fistfights, gang wars and barfights wherein someone pulls a motherfucking gun from their pocket and, in their defense, claims they were acting legally under this law, even though there was no deadly force from the other person. We live in a society wherein there are some bad people, but we should not be reacting in a way that seems like we're moving back to the days of the wild west. The NRA has too much damn power. The second amendment was enacted during the days of militias and in the shadow of the revolutionary war, not in today's society. This is why we need an interpretation of the Constitution as a living, breathing document, not Scalia's reasoning. People having the right to conceal weapons is a problem on its own, but with the NRA taking this as it's number one issue, I'm going to be (even more) fearful of entering any red states, where this legislation is likely to be enacted.

SS Rally (no not Hitler...we're not the new Pope, I'm talking about social security)

Social security rally today - pretty good turnout - id say over 2,000, mostly AFSCME members wearing green "Don't Privatize Soc. Security" shirts. I'm a fan of the Privatize This shirt with an arrow pointing downwards, but haven't seen them printed yet...would be a good idea. But I think my concern in all of this is twofold. First, the lack of young people. There really weren't that many, save for the congressional staffers and the activists already working for the different progressive organizations. This is one of the only times I'll ever say this, but I agree (somewhat) with George Will, who says that the Soc Sec debate is one old folks should sit out. Why? Because this is not an issue that is going to affect them. Even if privatization passes, their benefits are safe, as far as I understand the issue. It's going to affect people of my generation, and perhaps some early 30 year olds. However, the reality is that old people vote in much higher numbers, so pandering is done to the elderly. If more younger people, those that actually will be affected by this issue, were to stand up, we would have more of a say...but that's a different issue. The second concern over this whole thing is the disconnect between issues like this, like DeLay's corruption, and so forth, and the ballot box. Clearly we've learned that pandering to your base can an election make (see past November), and that swing voters do not always make the difference. Is the increasing public disapproval of this administration on any number of issues at this stage or at a later stage prior to the 2006 mid-terms, actually going to have people voting for the opposite party? Before last year's elections, Bush was at incredibly low approval ratings on Iraq and the economy, yet he was re-elected. This can be attributed to the guns, abortion, and gays on the one hand, but also on a hurting Dem party unable to clearly delineate its own views, and a presidential candidate who screamed blue-blooded liberal even if he wasn't one (...).

Solutions? They've been discussed everywhere, on both the liberal-leaning and more moderate sides. But basically, a major issue is framing the debate on our terms, which I think we've been doing much better since the commencement of the new Congress, a more defined, simpler platform (...still needs work), and a strong leadership. That last factor is one I've discussed in previous posts, and is one that I think we've been doing an excellent job at, and significantly better than our opposition has done.

DC Baseball is awesome

In other news, I'll be attending my third regular season game tonight (only series I haven't seen a game in was the Braves series, which was only 2 games) and fourth nationals game overall with my former roommate and current movie star (he's a dead ringer for Martin Freeman, a British actor who has been in The Office and will be appearing worldwide in The Hitchiker's Guide to the Universe Galaxy (thanks Stephanie)) Hic this evening. And thanks to my ingenuity, we will be dangling over the backstop in Sect 423 row one. Whoo. Zach Day vs. Corey Lidle. F the Phillies!!

James Dobson, my hero.

I don't know if it's just a big news day or that I have nothing better to do at the moment, but here goes another one:

The "activist judge" and "obstructionist" arguments were two that I heard on the trail numerous times, too many to count. It's such a bs argument, one that we had numerous talking points for, but one that people were nevertheless unconvinced by. Now Senator Frist is appearing on religious tv and drawing a line between judicial nominees and religion? WTF?

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist delivered a taped speech Sunday to a nationwide broadcast in which Christian conservatives, during other segments, attacked Democratic senators for blocking judicial nominees described in the program as "people of faith."

Frist (R-Tenn.) avoided religious references in his six-minute video for "Justice Sunday," which sponsors said reached 61 million households. The hour-long telecast drew criticism from Democrats and some religious groups who said its theme inappropriately injected religion into a heated debate over the filibustering of some of President Bush's most conservative court nominees.

You want your court nominees to make it through, that's fine. You want them to be extremely ideological, and on your side, that's fine too. It happens. But you cannot fucking convince me that the Senate, which has the ride to avise and consent, cannot filibuster these extremist judges, so ideologically out of anywhere resembling a mainstream. You also cannot tell me that the Senate's leader is going to go onto a religious television show run by one of the demagogueist of the demagogues, James Dobson, and proselytize. You're going to say that Christians want these judges and no one else does? That Christians believe these judges are right, and that no other religion wants them, or that anyone who does not agree with them are not Christian? Fuck, man. What happened to separation of church and state? Manipulation and demagoguery were supposed to go out of style in the All the King's Men, George Wallace days...not supposed to continue into Reagan and Bush II.

James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the Family, spoke from the church's pulpit and criticized the Supreme Court, seven of whose nine members were named by Republican presidents. The court's majority, Dobson said, "are unelected and unaccountable and arrogant and imperious and determined to redesign the culture according to their own biases and values, and they're out of control."

The court's majority does not care "about the sanctity of life," he said. Pornography is a growing problem, he said, "plus this matter of judicial tyranny to people of faith, and that has to stop."

You hear that Dobson??? 7 of 9 were selected by REPUBLICANS. AND I'm fairly certain several were chosen by a man that you probably wouldn't consider conservative enough, one Ron Reagan.

Frist's role in the broadcast drew criticism.

"I think Senator Frist may have made as big a strategic political blunder in embracing Justice Sunday as he did in the Terri Schiavo case," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He was referring to Congress's effort to intercede in a brain-damaged Florida woman's case, which polls showed to be unpopular.

"The people he's dealing with are not going to rest until there's a constitutional Armageddon in which the religious right controls all three branches of government," Lynn said.

Now there's a Reverend I could hug. There is a religious left, people, and it's good men such as Reverend Lynn, Reverend Jim Wallis, the creator of Sojourners and everyday Christians, Catholics, Muslims and Jews. Not every God-fearing or God-loving religious American falls prey to the endearingly blasphemous, insulting, proselytizing, corrupting, hatred-filled words of Mr. Dobson and his brethren.

But wait, there's more...? Compromise? Why?

Meanwhile Sunday, there were hints of a possible compromise. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, told ABC News's "This Week": "I think we should compromise and say to them that we're willing to -- of the seven judges -- we'll let a number of them go through, the two most extreme not go through, and put off this [rule-change] vote."

Now, I understand the motives behind such a compromise. Save some face. Allow this 'nuclear option' to be pulled off the table...but wtf...these are all extremist judges. All seven. Not just one or two. The republicans are losing this battle. Public opinion from their own polls has been leaked and shows under-40% support. Why give them this one? If I were Reid, I would not be interested in compromising on this issue. Republicans want to attempt to enact the nuclear option? Fine, fuck you. It's hardball, and giving in on this issue should not be an option.

The Wave of the (not so distant) Future

A great analysis piece by that liberal bastion, the Washington Post

The article details Congressional Democrats and the unity they've shown in the 109th Congress under the leadership of Reid and Pelosi. Now, while I'm clearly a fan of Senator Daschle, Reid is doing an excellent job with such a clear minority in the Senate. Down six members, he's managed to win or prolong battles on a number of issues, which has deeply hurt the Republican Party's platform, agenda, and personnel. On Reid and Pelosi's leadership:

Democrats credit House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) with promoting solidarity through pep talks, lectures on loyalty and constant reassurances that Republicans are overplaying their hand. But the GOP has inadvertently helped, they say, by unwisely diving into the Terri Schiavo case and by starting the year with a drive to rewrite Social Security, considered sacrosanct to the Democratic Party.

With the politicization of the Schiavo case by the Republicans, public opinion and the CW (conventional wisdom) that the Republican Party was the 'culture of life' party was turned upside down. In my opinion, the Schiavo case, while motivating the base, will deeply harm the moderate support. Yes, we've clearly learned that moderate support can be overrated (see Election 2004), but the politicization of this issue is a thorn in the side of the "mightier than thou" Republicans. Mel Martinez's memo, in which a senior aide spoke of the support the Repubs would gain from their work in the Schiavo case was a clear instance of over-playing their hand, and a dumbass move, regardless of your political take on it.

More impressive than the Republicans fuck-ups, however, is the resourcefulness of the Dems.

"I think after an extended period of reconsideration and soul-searching [following the 2004 elections], the Democrats have decided they're going to fight back," Baker said. "The sense that they were cowed was very widespread" in January, he said, "but I think they just realized what they suffered was a defeat, not a humiliation."

And from everyone's favorite piece of shit evangelical douche-bag who announces accomplishments in his first 100 days in congress,

"They've sounded to me what is a very surprisingly defiant tone, considering the outcome of the [2004] elections," said freshman Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.).

You mean, you respect us, John? Didn't seem that way on the trail. Although, I do have to get my hands on the video that we have of John Thune dancing at a Nativce American powwow, and then seeing us taping him, smiling for the camera, waving, and continuing to dance...if that footage got out...well...who knows.

Oh...he doesn't really respect us...:

"I think they're getting kind of heady about where they are at this point," Thune said, "but I don't think they can sustain it. . . . Eventually I think that strategy is very dangerous and a miscalculation on their part."

Here's my question: Couldn't the Post get anyone better to comment on this story than a shitty SD senator? Frist wasn't available for the conventional, "we'll beat them down with the nuclear option" quote? I guess they wanted to talk to the guy who beat Tom Daschle...too bad he's more of a puppet than the administration's head...Wadhams should be cackling to himself right now, if I know him at all...and I think I do.

But Thune acknowledged that Republicans at first wrongly assumed a few Democrats would compromise on stalled judicial nominations and that gave Democrats a head start in the public relations battle over federal courts. "I think it probably caught our guys a little off guard," he said.

Don't these quotes from Thune show exactly what the Republicans despise the most: respect for the other party? In the "mightier-than-thou," "our way or no way," "your with us or against us," "your evil" Republican party of today, is John Thune showing respect and admiration for the Democrats that are so evil and secular and not God-fearing as John Thune, his wife, his mistress, and his two 15-year-old annoying daughters who will no doubt be coke whores now that they are out of Rapid City and in DC at least part-time?

Senate Democratic leader Reid, who opposes legalized abortion and has a slightly more conservative reputation than Daschle, has especially intrigued Capitol insiders. Some predicted he would be more willing to deal with Republicans after last year's setbacks, but he has proven them wrong.

Damn straight he has. Reid is perfect for the Democrats' big umbrella. He is from a conservative state, he is relatively conservative, but HE IS A DEMOCRAT. He may not be on the same side of the abortion issue as more liberal Dems, but he is still a fighting Dem, and he can clearly lead, something that is sorely lacking on the other side of the aisle:

In the House, several Republicans privately worry they are losing the public relations battle over ethics, which centers on Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.). The GOP opened the year by changing ethics committee rules, making it harder to investigate complaints lodged against lawmakers. But Republicans have shown hints of retreat in recent days -- first by offering to waive the new standard in order to investigate DeLay, and later by Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) saying he would consider restoring the original rule altogether.

DeLay is going down. Hastert is a hack. Frist is a minion to the religious, extremist right, Santorum is going to lose by 10 points.

The Republicans kicked our ass in 2004, there is no question about it. However, the movement that got off the ground with Dean and the anti-war stance, flustered by abortion an gay marriage, is going to continue. With our strong leadership, at all levels (Dean is doing good work, Emmanuel at the D-Trip is off to a good start, recruiting some nice candidates, and Schumer, well, more on him in a moment...), and the future isn't nearly as bleak as it seemed. I am confident that our current and impending leaders are much more prepared to lead Congress and the nation than the other sides' status quo will be. We have reason for hope in the '05 election cycle, and while '06 is going to be tough, we're laying the foundation for a strong anti-corruption, corporate accountability, anti-religious extremism campaign.

Oh yea, and to sum it up, from that media whore from my home state for whom I interned:

"When we undertook this, we didn't think public opinion would be on our side," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). "But it is."

NFL Draft

A little off topic (but really what the hell is on topic, this is my blog...), but in reference to the NFL draft this past weekend - Giants handled themselves quite nicely for a team without a first-, fifth- or seventh- round pick. Picked up a former top-10 prospect (Webster) at the corner position out of LSU who'd fallen into the second round due to injury concerns, which makes him a huge potential value pick, but just as easily could result in a bust. If he plays as well as hoped for, Will Allen should be on the short list (read: the entire list) to be leaving after this season, and Webster should faithfully fulfill his starting role. Third round we picked up a DE from Notre Dame, last name Tuck. He's apparently pretty fast off the line, and is a potential starter in a year or two, whenever Strahan vacates the premises. With Osi Umenyiora and Mr. Tuck manning the two DE positions, I'd be fairly confident in us getting our fair share of sack opportunities. Fourth round we picked up a big (read: huge) back out of Division I-AA Southern Illinois. As the Star-Ledger says,

It's no secret Giants coach Tom Coughlin prefers big running backs, but this seems a bit drastic.

With their first selection on the second day of the draft yesterday (No. 9 in the fourth round and 110th overall) the Giants took Brandon Jacobs from Division I-AA Southern Illinois -- all 6-4 and 267 pounds of him.

Jacobs is the heir-apparent to Ron Dayne. Aside from their similarly large sizes, I hope the similarities end there, and Jacobs can actually establish himself as an RB capable of gaining the tough yards. He's played alongside Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams at Auburn before transferring to SIU and getting his own PT, so he seems capable of picking up the 3rd and 1's.

7th round we picked up another DE (can't have too many, ever - look what happened this past season...) I'm very happy with the moves we've made this past offseason. Picked up potentially the highest-rated wide receiver free agent in Plax, an MLB coming off a sick season in Antonio Pearce, a nice addition to the OL in Kareem McKenzie (which will allow Pettigout to move back to his natural position), a new kicker, and these players in the draft, all of whom have huge potential upsides. Now, we're clearly still nowhere near the level of the NFC elite, but with a big year out of Eli and Plax making some sick plays and a return to form by Strahan, we may be able to surprise some people and make our way into the playoffs. Regardless, I'm much more optimistic than I was at this point last season, and certainly moreso than the year before.

What about the other teams in the draft? Vikes did a nice job, as did the Cards. And holy shit, what's going to happen if Carlos Rogers stays healthy, Joey Harrington learns to throw, and the Lions receiving corps runs over the NFC. With the addition of Mike Williams, who will complement Roy and Carlos, the Lions have the potential to be the sickest wide receiving corps...ever? Before the draft, my inclination was that Mike Williams was the top WR in the draft. Sure, he's had a year off, but his 2003 season was amongst the better in NCAA history. Braylon Edwards may be faster, and Troy Williamson may be faster than anyone else in the draft, but my money is on Mike Williams as the #1 rookie WR this year.

Any thoughts on other teams?

Ethics? Who needs ethics?

Shit's really falling in on Mr. DeLay. I'm not sure how this is going to play out, but you can't imagine this lasting much longer without him taking some sort of fall...although, with this administration, who the fuck knows?? They'll force Lott to give up his spot over comments about black people, yet they'll support Rumsfeld in the face of incredibly high pressure. However, with the lack of support over Schiavo and the nuclear option, I can't see them supporting DeLay that much longer, especially if anything else comes out. This guy's been admonished three times by the ethics committee and now there is documented proof that a trip he took was paid for illegally by a lobbyist...It's too bad this didn't happen last October or next October. It's gonna be gone from voters' minds, so the campaigns are going to have to work extra hard at maintaining corruption as a leading theme.

It's Called a Finger, but why doesn't it fing?

The finger-gate plot thickens:

Anna Ayala was taken into custody at her home, San Jose police spokesman Enrique Garcia said. He said police would not give any details until a news conference Friday afternoon. Las Vegas police also refused to comment.

The arrest is the latest twist in the bizarre case about how the 11/2-inch fingertip ended up in a bowl of fast-food chili.

She was going to sue Wendy's but found the process too "emotionally taxing." Ha hahaha.

There's actually a relatively sad part to this story:

All the employees at the San Jose store were found to have all their fingers, and no suppliers reported any hand or finger injuries, the company said.

Sales have dropped at franchises in Northern California, forcing layoffs and reduced hours, the company said. Wendy's also has hired private investigators, set up a hot line for tips and offered a $100,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the finger's original owner.

Now, I'm all for litigation and trial lawyers. I don't think a few corrupt people in the system means that the entire system is corrupt. And when the right wing talks about tort reform this and activist judges that, I think it's bullshit. However, when a clearly BS case, like this one, comes up, it does show you that there are problems inherent in a litigious society as ours is. This woman has:

a litigious history. She has filed claims against several corporations, including a former employer and General Motors, though it is unclear from court records whether she received any money. She said she got $30,000 from El Pollo Loco after her 13-year-old daughter got sick at one of the chain's Las Vegas-area restaurants. El Pollo Loco officials say she did not get a dime.

So she's clearly a fucking kook. But what does it say about our system?

Sexy Beasts

All right - this is too funny not to post on. Remember the girl from the first American Pie that is Jason Bigg's friend? And I think she tells people that Finch (or Shitbrick as I recall) has a big dick. Her name is Natasha Lyonne. Anyway, apparently her movie career hasn't been too hot lately or something, because she's take on a new role of being a crazy bitch (which is actually kinda more interesting, anyway:

Lyonne, 26, is charged with criminal mischief, harassment and trespass after an unexplained fit of rage last December when authorities said she banged on the door of her neighbor, stormed into the apartment and ripped a mirror from the wall.

Police called to the scene said Lyonne told the neighbor, "I'm going to sexually molest your dog."

Now come on. Who hasn't threatened to sexually molest a dog? Those poodles have it coming, wearing their skimpy sweaters and stuff.

It's GGGGG-reat!

Seems like the NYC Mayor's race is heating up. First Bob Kerrey, a former Senator from the wonderful state of Nebraska (and a former potential VP and Prez candidate...) and current president of the New School talks smack on Bloomberg, then this, from Gifford Miller (speaker on the city council, and otherwise amusing guy) (from Hotline):

Gee, That's The Stupidest Idea Ever
Council Speaker Gifford Miller (D) spoke with New York Metro's Sargent on his campaign designed to appeal to what it has dubbed "Generation G." Miller, on Generation G: "It's not Generation X or Y. It's a broader group of young people, some of whom got into politics during the last presidential election and are looking to stay involved. ... Many young professionals aren't sending their kids to public schools. They get stuck on the subway because nobody's supporting the transit system. They're paying huge amounts for housing. A mayor can make a big difference on those, but Bloomberg says you can't solve problems. He'll say, It'll take a long time to reform schools. More Miller, on whether he is trying to turn his biggest liability into a strength: "Many cities have elected people in their thirties as mayor. ... But this is not just about my campaign. ... We need young people to value public service again" (4/18).

Now I don't know about you fellow campaign workers and activists, but Generation G sounds G-reat!!!!!!!!! Talk about a savvy media-man. He's got us young kids going. Generation G UNITE!!

Shockingly, 'nuclear option' political

Frist wants to rid the Democrats of the ability to filibuster so he can get what the Senate and the country truly deserves, a straight up-and-down vote on judicial confirmations.

But what about the other side of what the Senate and the country deserves, the right to be free from a tyrannical majority? The filibuster has been in place for so many years in the Senate's rules for that express purpose - when one party or coalition of Senators is pushing hard for something, but an individual or a few individuals disagrees, they have a way to slow down, or stop the majority from doign so. You want straight power of the majority? Go to the House. The Senate is a different story Mr. Frist you tool of the right wing wackos. You insult the Senate and your own party. John McCain, a man who *used* to think on his own (before he blew that up with his own nuclear option of campaigning for the same president who had smeared his background four years ago) even says, "I will vote against the nuclear option . . . because we won't always be in the majority."

Goddamn right you won't always be in the majority. And with people like Bill Frist heading up your party in the Senate for a few more years, that end will be sooner than later. Fuck you, Bill Frist. Enjoy trying to blow up the Senate. Harold Ford here we come.

VA Gov

Gonna be a good one. New reports already show that Kaine and Kilgore have collectively raised over 15 million dollars already, and it's not even summertime. Kaine, the Dem. nominee, and current Lieutenant governor, has outraised Kilgore, the current Attorney General, by an 8 million to 7 million dollar margin, keeping it very close.

A former Daschle staffer friend of mine is on the race - HI Jessica - so I have at least one personal tie to it. She's in the mountains of Roanoake, however, so she's about as far as my DC locale as one gets.

In other news - Friday is going to be a fun Daschle staff reunion party somewhere in Alexandria - should get to see lots of people from the campaign I haven't seen in months, and hopefully the Senator and his family will make it by.

Then Saturday, I will be attending the second ever home Nationals game - couldn't get a damn ticket to tonight's home opener. But look at those Nats go - 5-4 and tied for 1st place with the Braves and the Marlins - good shit.

yea

been a while but i've been busy getting settled into my place. good times over here so far, got to go to a markup session - shockingly interesting. other then that, i'm just getting stuff going over here. learning about the west coast, my branches, and potential competitive campaigns out there in 06. more later.

The government wants to change when you sleep

Falling under the strange and weird category of "what the government is working on" (although recently I guess that's not particularly a category unto itself...) If Reps. Markey (D) and Upton (R) have their way, Daylight Savings Time will be extended from early March to early November. This is actually kind of cool, becuase I rather enjoy sunlight and being outside.

Extending daylight-saving time makes sense, especially with skyrocketing energy costs," said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Michigan, who along with Rep. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, co-sponsored the measure.

I guess that makes sense...

The government wants to change when you sleep

holy geez

It's gonna hit 80 degrees today. Wow am I happy it's spring and summer.

UPDATE...apparently its 85 degrees out

What the fuck that's insane.

Going to my first baseball game of the season tonight - O's A's - good old Baltimore.

In with the new

Well, it's over. My four plus month journey of unemployed-ness and searching for a fit has come to an end. I've accepted the first job I've been offered, because I don't know what other job could top this one. I am going to be in charge of the West region of the country for a 300k union (personally responsible for somewhere around 60k members). What's the West region? Glad you asked. It includes such highlights as Hawaii, California, Alaska, Nevada, Utah, and I assume Oregon and Washington (I'm unclear on the entirety of the region, but I'll find out soon enough).

Oh, and now that I'm not an unemployed democrat, I don't know what to do about the name of this site. I think I'll probably keep it as is, just because it's what I named it when I started it, but am open to new ideas...

huge news

big news - i got a job offer this morning to work for a union. if i accept the job i'll be a regional coordinator, travelling up to 50% of the time over the next year in my region (either northeast or midwest), teaching members of the union labor issues, gaining more union support, and other stuff. then, come next june or so, i'd join a campaign (with a good deal of my input on the choice of a campaign) through election day.

the former DNC political director held this position, as have some other high ups in the democratic party, so it seems to be a really good starting point.

regardless im pumped.