http://andrewjacksondem.com/: May 2006

Commentary from the Washington Post on Democratic Politics

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/21/AR2006052101182.html

Articles and Analysis from the DLC

An excerpt from Joe Klein's new book, POLITICS LOST: How American Democracy Was Trivialized By People Who Think You're Stupid. A must read for all Democrats, it will infuriate the lefties!!!
http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253874&kaid=127&subid=171

Analysis of America's growing communities. Surprising findings from the Democratic Leadership Council's Progressive Policy Institute.
http://www.dlc.org/documents/growing_the_vote.pdf

Hawks in the Democratic Party

Read the following link about Neocons in the Democratic Party from the Los Angeles Times.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-heilbrunn28may28,0,6411415.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

Interesting Article about Barack Obama

A great article from The Chicago Tribune referenced today on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace. This article discusses the possibility of Senator Barack Obama seeking the Presidency in 2008.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0605280261may28,1,1588920.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

Idea of the Week: Internet Predator Classes

Recently, the major news networks have focused on the dangers that children face each day because of internet predators. With a variety of internet sites such as My Space, people of all ages can post personal information and photos for the entire world to access. Though used most by students and their friends to communicate electronically with each other, the sites are not fool proof and have allowed predators to stalk young people.

It is easy to argue that parents should be speaking to their children and monitoring their internet use. I am not in disagreement, but feel extra reinforcement of the dangers of internet predators to our young people is in need. That is why I am calling for the State of North Carolina to require teachers to educate their students on the dangers of internet predators beginning in elementary school. There are many opportunities for schools to incorporate this program into their classrooms (posters, messages, assemblies, classes, etc).

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper is a leader in the fight to protect children. His ideas have become the model that other states are following. Our state's school districts could adopt the resources already employed by the AG for parents as part of their internet safety curriculum. Below, I have linked his site for safety tips for parents, guardians, and teachers.

Schools already provide students with traffic/driving safety courses and provide messages about the dangers of drug/alcohol use. Changing times require adaptation to the issues of the day. The dangers of internet predators is a new threat to our children and one schools need to join the fight in educating our kids!

http://www.ncdoj.com/children/pc_about.jsp

Commentary from The Weekly Standard

The below linked column is from William Kristol of The Weekly Standard. Kristol talks about the President's month of May and concludes it has been a pretty good month for W.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/260gjnfy.asp

June 6, 2006 is the day the United States Senate will vote on the marriage amendment to the Constitution. Read Fred Barnes' commentary in The Weekly Standard.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/268oorcp.asp

The Weekly Standard's commentary on the immigration battle.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/269rgklr.asp

Defending the Border

The below linked article is a good analysis of the men and women who work to defend our southern border. This article is from The Austin American-Statesman.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/05/28border.html?COXnetJSessionIDbuild137=E5hb0KZGKHrftyDEZjUSmgH29T12TmAScVid5TySMTjc1HIjZJgE!-632571722&UrAuth=`N\NUOaN\UbTTUWUXUWUZT[UUUWU_U]UZU\U[UcTYWYWZV&urcm=y

South Carolina Political Legacies seek Office in 2006

A good factoid article from South Carolina's The State newspaper.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/14686142.htm

Ron Brownstein's Sunday Column on Big Ideas

Read the Los Angeles Times' political commentator Ron Brownstein's Sunday column on the big three issues facing our country today. This is a good read for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-outlook21may21,1,6226121.column?coll=la-utilities-politics

Bush vs. House GOP

Another article about the disagreement within the GOP over immigration. This article is from the Los Angeles Times.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-hastert28may28,1,6890679.story?coll=la-headlines-politics&ctrack=1&cset=true

House and Senate Argue over Immigration

The divide between the House and Senate couldn't be much farther. The GOP is split on how to handle this issue. Read the link below about the divide found in the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/27/AR2006052700802.html

Interesting article about Urban Sprawl

The American Enterprise Institute is an organization of conservative thought, but they often publish very thoughtful articles on the issues of the day. The below linked article was a very interesting read and one that any person living in the Triangle of NC must read.

http://www.taemag.com/issues/articleID.19175/article_detail.asp

Lt. Governor of South Carolina Survives Plane Crash

Read the details in the South Carolina newspaper The State.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/14652445.htm

Myrick Won't Seek Governor's Office in 2008

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/442915.html

Judicial Forum Sponsored by the Wake County Young Democrats!

"ASK THE JUDGES"
JUDICIAL FORUM

SPONSORED BY
THE WAKE COUNTY YOUNG DEMOCRATS

Please join us as we find out what some of our judges do for their day jobs
and how the North Carolina judicial system impacts our lives.

Confirmed Participants:
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Bob Hunter
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Robin Hudson
Superior Court Judge Ripley Rand
District Court Judge Vince Rozier
And Several Special Guests

Moderator:
John Burns
You are summoned to appear on:
Thursday, June 1, 2006
7:00-8:30PM
Goodwin House
220 Hillsborough St
Raleigh

Refreshments will be provided!!!!!

Another Monday

Hey y'all! Not too much to report upon this evening. The day was a typical Monday at work and went straight to my second job where I tended bar tonight at the RBC as the Carolina Hurricanes evened the Eastern Conference Finals at 1 game each. It was great hockey and the series with the Buffalo Sabres promises to be a hard fought contest.

Below I have linked the big political story of the day in North Carolina. House Speaker Jim Black's aide Meredith Norris was charged with lobbying law violations today. Read this article that was published in the Raleigh News and Observer.

Until Tuesday, have a great day and I promise to have more posted on a day that promises to be less busy!

Good Night!
http://www.newsobserver.com/100/story/442303.html

Governor Easley's Approval Rating

Click on the link below to view Governor Easley's approval rating by demographic and geographic categories.

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=feeec446-a02e-46e6-a44b-fd3be92cc3e2

Idea of the Week: A Senate Quid Pro Quo

Much debate has been focused this week on the state of immigration in the United States. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives spent much of the week hammering out the finer points of this pressing issue, going as far to introduce English as a national language to the mix.

I have an idea for Democrats. Vote for the English as a national language amendment in exchange for Republican support for Same Day Voting Registration across the entire United States. Democrats have some muscle to earn support for sweeping changes to our electoral process in this debate. The English as a national language would alter the Voting Rights Act and by doing so, Democrats should insist upon making the electoral process more Democratic for all.

South Carolina Political News Stories

Democratic Chances in the Palmetto State
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/14631548.htm

Interesting Article in the Washington Monthly

Doing my weekly reading of political magazines brought me to the Washington Monthly. This article is very thoughtful and will leave you wondering if a true coalition can be formed.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0605.larson.html

Collection of Articles from the American Prospect

Article discussing Democrats and the 2006 election.
http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11527

Article about President Bush's move to the political center.
http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11509

Bush Losing Support in Polls

The Washington Post reports that President Bush is losing support of Hispanics and White conservatives.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/20/AR2006052000964.html

Columns on Blogging and Democratic Politics

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A31492

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/442023.html

A new Deal Idea for the 21st Century

When becoming President in 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt understood the importance of re-building America's infrastructure so that economic growth would be made possible. The programs made sense, people needed work, and America needed the new buildings, bridges, etc. This overhaul of America's infrastructure paved the way for the economic expansion America saw after World War II and allowed the United States to become the leader of the industiralized world.

In 1933, a major infrastrucure improvement was to deliver electric power to rural areas of our country. President Roosevelt made this goal a major part of his New Deal package of reforms and created the Rural Electric Authority. This agency was responsible for bringing electric power to farms and small cities across America, allowing these areas to grow economically as well.

Today, our economy is based on knowledge. The power of one's intellectual capacity will determine their position in the information aged economy. To ensure that all Americans have equal access to knowledge, Democrats should offer a New Deal Idea for the 21st Century. I believe it is time that Democrats back a nation-wide effort to provide wireless internet in every city, town, village, and rural area in the United States.

Many cities are already providing this service to their ctizens, but without a major push from the federal government, this idea will not become reality. I have included a link below to a story intoday's Raleigh News and Observer. The City of Chapel Hill is pursuing this idea and it sparked this web-post.

I first thought of this idea about three years ago while working on the Edwards campaign. I have made it part of a platform development I am working on for the North Carolina Young Democrats Education Caucus and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Have a great Saturday and "Lets Go Canes!!!"

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/441166.html

Interesting Story on Teacher Pay

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley has announced he would like the state legislature to pass an 8% increase in teacher salaries for the upcoming school year. The following article was found in the Raleigh News and Observer. I found it to be interesting and decided to post a link for y'all to read it and become informed on this issue.

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/441669.html

The Dawning of the Religious Left

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/19/AR2006051901813.html?nav=hcmodule

More GOP Seats in Play?

Read the report in today's Washington Post about more GOP seats in play this fall.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/19/AR2006051901921.html?sub=AR

Year-Round Schools from a Different Angle: Education Benefits

Fast growing school districts in North Carolina are faced with the obstacle of over flowing classrooms and not enough space to teach our children. Drive by any school in the Triangle and you sill see mobile units being used as classrooms on a daily basis. The growth issue has caused many to propose year-round schooling. Besides the money issues being made, there are numerous educational benefits for year-round schools.

The world in which we live is changing at such a rapid pace that today’s technological innovations could become tomorrow’s antique collection. In order to prepare our nation’s students for the fast paced economy, it is essential that schools begin to embrace a calendar that goes beyond the traditional requirement of 180 days of instruction.

The new information based economy requires that workers from the United States compete with people from other nations. The nation with the best educated and multi-trained work force will see its position in the global economy expand and will be elevated to a position of leadership. If the United States wants to continue to be seen as a super power, its schools must adapt an information-age school calendar and scrap the traditional 180 days of pupil instruction .

The traditional calendar is based on an agrarian economy that required children to be at home working on the farm. When this calendar was adopted by the overwhelming majority of American schools, 98% of American families lived on farms. The farm provided the family with their livelihood and children, as a source of labor, were a necessity for its success.

In 2006, less than 2% of all American families live and work on farms. Yet, the school year calendar is still based on a time when 98% of Americans lived on farms. Today’s school calendar should reflect this change in the demographic make-up by increasing the amount of school days in the calendar to allow teachers further instruction time with students.

By increasing the number of days in the school calendar, a school district will be able to provide the student with necessary skills that they will need to be successful in the work force. Students in other industrialized nations already receive more instruction time than American students and many researchers point to this as a major reason for these nations’ increase in global productivity.

The changing world requires schools to adapt in order to produce an educated workforce that can compete with the world. By changing the school calendar, the student in the United States will receive more training and a better chance at success in the future.

As a teacher, I am very supportive of year-round schools. I would welcome a 6 week instructional period followed by a two week vacation period. I feel this calendar would allow necessary breaks for students, while having less of a leave time before the next instructional period began.

Thinking outside the traditional norms when it comes to education is not always popular, but neither is failing to prepare our next generation of leaders for life after high school.

Thoughts on Immigration

Last evening, President Bush addressed the nation on the ever popular immigration issue. It is no secret that Latino immigrants are growing in numbers each day. All one has to do is open their eyes and they will see Latinos doing jobs in most every sector of our economy.

I am torn over the immigration issue. I feel the pain of the immigrants trying to earn a better life in the United States. I often think of my Scicillian relatives who migrated to the United States at the turn of the century. The hatred on talk-radio and the conversations in right-wing circles directed at Latinos is heart-breaking for me because it reminds of what my family members went through while trying to assimilate into the American melting pot.

On the other hand, previous immigrants came to our country and were naturalized in a legal manner. They had to study and learn the customs of our country to obtain citizenship. This process is important because it enlightens newcomers to our country about our traditions, a necessity for any person to to be a productive citizen.

The President spoke last evening about illegal immigrants who have lived in the country for many years. He seemed to be giving them a pass for being here illegally and not getting caught. He failed in mentioning the taxes they have never paid and the services they have received at the expense of working Americans. Is this fair to the hard-working American and the millions of immigrants who went through the naturalization process legally?

If the President wants to grant illegal immigrants who have lived in our country( for a yet-to-be-defined number of years) free citizenship, why doesn't he ask Congress to pass an amnesty law that includes tax leans on income of the newly naturalized citizens made in the future to pay for back taxes and services received during the time they were working here illegally. The President is correct, it is not feasible to deport illegal immigrants who have lived in our nation for years, but the U.S. needs to impose a penalty upon those who have broke our laws.

I am puzzled to the reaction of our nation's leaders in debating new laws to combat this problem. I ask them to enforce existing laws before deciding upon new policy. How can we know what new policy to implement if current laws are not being applied?

This issue is not going to be solved overnight. I have offered one idea to the debate. I look forward to your comments.

Senator Edwards to speak to NAACP in Columbia, SC

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/politics/14559540.htm

Analysis of the Immigration Issue from the Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/15/AR2006051501809.html

Washington Post Opinion from EJ Dionne, Jr.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/15/AR2006051501201.html?sub=AR

Minimum Wage Debate in North Carolina

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/440169.html

Ethics Debate Takes First Steps in NC House

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/440149.html

Happy Mother's Day

To my mom and all mother's across the United States:
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

May God Bless each and everyone of you!

Idea of the Week The Future of Family Farms and American Labor

During the late 1800's, the United States was transforming its economy from rural agricultural based to the industrial age which spurred the creation of wealth beyond anyone's imagination. The American economy grew into an economic powerhouse seemingly overnight, but with this growth came problems for the people whose backs were bearing the brunt of the economic transformation.

As the economic revolution was sweeping across the country, workers and farmers united to push for change in our nation's labor and agricultural laws. This unification was especially strong in the mid-west and south where populist/progressive ideals ran wild. Even today, populism is a unifier amongst many people of these crucial electoral areas. The unification was so strong, that some political parties were named Democratic Farmer Labor Parties (Minnesota is still a DFL).

Today we again see the forces of change impacting the American economy. The industrial manufacturing economy is evolving into an information based service economy where knowledge is more powerful than one's muscular physique. Gone also are the days in which people need a centralized work place. Technology has made it possible to work from home and live in suburbia.

The changing economic and social patterns in the U.S. have affected workers and farmers in very similar ways. The loss of manufacturing jobs because of free trade deals has displaced millions of workers. The growth of suburbs and laws allowing corporate farms to undercut the family farmer have forced farmers to leave the agricultural sector.

While these changes have taken place, no real response has come from our labor and farm organizations. It is sad because our country's past has been influenced in a positive manner by these two proud and necessary groups of Americans.

Below I have linked an article from the Columbus Dispatch regarding the plight of family farmers in the state of Ohio. If I have learned anything from moving south, it is that mid-westerners and southerners face many of the same challenges in the global economy. We let the Republicans divide us on religious and social lines hiding the real economic truth by blaming others(Gays, Immigrants, etc.) for the problems that exist at home. If the truth was exposed, it is big business, lobbyists, and the east-coast banking interests that sell out workers and farmers alike.

The problem for workers and farmers is that both political parties are controlled by these interests and until we take the Democratic Party away from these groups, nothing will change.

Please read the link below and feel free to comment on the Idea of the Week.

http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/05/14/20060514-G1-01.html

More Legislative Race Updates from the Southern Political Report

http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/restricted/printed%20editions/SPR676.pdf

Republican Targets in 2006

The Democratic Leadership Council publishes Blue Print magazine, a publication devoted to 21st Century Democratic values and a new type of progressivism. Below I have linked an article about 2006 Republican targets for "New Democrat" candidates.

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253728&kaid=127&subid=171

Column from Rob Christensen in the N & O

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/439553.html

Suburban Republicans Respond to Democratic Attacks

In the changing electoral patterns in the United States, the suburban and ex-urban areas of the country are becoming more important to the political parties. President Clinton was successful at carrying suburban districts in his re-election in 1996, yet Democrats lost the suburbs to President Bush in both the 2000 and 2004 election cycles.

Suburban and ex-urban voters are the most important voting block in the country today. They are crucial to any Democratic victory. Most suburban and ex-urban voters are college educated, of the professional class, and care deeply about the deficit and social issues. They tend to be fiscally conservative and socially moderate and worry about the direction the country is going.

The Democratic Leadership Council has argued over the past 20 years of the importance of suburban and ex-urban voters. The Republicans are now taking note and the article below outlines the efforts Republicans are taking to keep these voters in their fold during the 2006 election cycle.

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/439585.html

Centrist Dems Fighting Back

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/05/the_dem_center_fights_back.html

Dems at Risk List in 2006

Congressional Quaterly's report at the "at-risk" Dems for the 2006 election cycle. Any chance of taking back the House must include saving these embattled districts.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/05/house_atrisk_dems_among_those.html

A Timely article on Democratic Politics

Published in Dissent Magazine in the Spring of 2003, this Benjamin Ross article was sent to me from a Blue Dog listserv in which I am a subscriber. I think it is a very good article and I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/?article=498

The People Prevail over Money in Chatam County

A wonderful article about last week's Democratic Primary in Chatam County from The Independent reporter Jennifer Strom.

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A31465

Part Three of State Legislative Stories from the N & O

The third story from the Raleigh News and Observer may be the best of the series. I found this article to be thoughtful. I hope you will read this and begin to think.

North Carolina needs a full time legislature. We are one of the fastest growing states with an ever-changing population. This growth presents challenges that need sollutions from our elected officials. A part-time legislature that is not representative of the population can no longer meet the demands of its citizens.

The issue of a full-time legislature needs a voice in our state. Please read the N & O article and let's begin the push for a full time legislature in the Tar Heel State.

http://www.newsobserver.com/1223/story/437557.html

A Message to Democrats

Yesterday, I cautioned Democrats to remain focused on the task at hand in regards to the November elections. I worry that the party is feeling so optimistic about the sagging poll numbers dogging President Bush and the Republican Party that our candidates and party brass may lose focus and think that "change" alone will propel them to victory in 2006.

I am very encouraged about the way election 2006 is shaping up across the country. I feel the Democratic Party is in its best position since 1992.

Yet amongst the optimism, I still feel the party is missing the issue/message that can unify the public in support of Democratic candidates. I worry about the Republican Spin Machine and Karl Rove dusting off the playbook of 2002 and 2004 and once again allowing Republicans to prevail.

My challenge to Democrats at all campaign levels is to develop responses to every possible Republican attack and idea. We know what is coming, study 02 and 04! It's not going to change.

In the meantime, read the link below. I think it provides valuable insigt to our quest this year!

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11424

Politics and Money Part Two from the N & O

http://www.newsobserver.com/1223/story/437229.html

Religion and Politics in the Buckeye State

Read this article and view polling data on the state of Religion and Politics in Ohio. This article is from the Columbus Dispatch.

http://www.dispatch.com/?story=dispatch/2006/05/07/20060507-A1-01.html

Caution to Democrats: Election is 6 months Away

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California appeared on NBC's Meet the Press this morning and appeared to be very confident about the coming election. I share her optimism, but want to rremind Democrats to keep foucused on the task at hand. This time two years ago, it was felt that John Kerry would be the next President of the United States. We all know the outcome of that!

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/436839.html

Buckeye State is Bell Weather for 2008

How ironic....last evening I returned home from the thrashing of the New Jersey Devils at the RBC Center by the Carolina Hurricanes and turned my attention to catching up with some old friends in the Buckeye State of Ohio. Eventhough I am living in NC, I try my hardest to keep the political ties with the pols throughout my state of birth. For the first time in many years, I heard excitement in the voices of of Ohio Democrats about the coming election in a state that will prove to be important in the 2008 election year.

The irony of last evening's discussion was found this morning when I opened the Raleigh News and Observer and found an article about the election cycle of 2006 and Ohio's importance. This discussion was had just hours earlier.

Please read the link below about my state of birth and its importance in 2006.

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/436840.html

Commentary about NC GOP Primary Races from the N & O

Click on the link below to read Rob Christensen's column in today's Raleigh News and Observer about last week's defeat of GOP incumbents targetted by the state party. This column is a must read for Tar Heel political junkies.

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/436940.html

Lobbyists and Power in North Carolina

Check out the link below to find out about the power yielded by lobbyists in North Carolina. This article is from the Raleigh News and Observer.

http://www.newsobserver.com/1223/story/436956.html

Education May Benefit under Budget Surplus

http://www.newsobserver.com/644/story/430500.html

Speaker Black is Upset with the loss of Reublican Pal

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/435580.html

April 24, 2006 Southern Political Report from Hasting's Wymann

http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/restricted/printed%20editions/SPR674.pdf

Primary Day Tuesday

Tar Heel voters will goto the polls Tuesday and select nominees for the November ballot. Key races to watch will be:

1. House District 41 in North Raleigh. Ty Harrell squares off against Chris Mintz.

2. Conservative Republicans versus Moderate Republicans in various Senate and House districts.

3. NC 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary. Who will face Robin Hayes in November?

More analysis and commentary will appear tomorrow and Wednesday. Until then, PLEASE VOTE!!!!!

Mid-Term 2006 Commentary from the Washington Monthly

Don't let this one pass by! This article was found in The Washington Monthly and is a must read for anyone who says the mid-term election is not important.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0605.sullivan1.html

Articles from the American Prospect

The links below are part of s series of articles found in The American Prospect. I found them very informative and full of great ideas about the future of our party.

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11435

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11443

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11449

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11455

http://andrewjacksondem.com/

Monday, May 29, 2006