Locations here - PDF.
Some local endorsements for Harris County here.
It is better to vote today - Tuesday could be very crowded.
Warning, if you have not voted in several years you have been removed from the voting rolls by the Republican purge voter effort. Ask for a provisional ballot if you were last registered in Harris County. They will not offer you one. Ask for one if you are a citizen who has registered in Harris County. On Tuesday you must be at your right precinct for your vote to count. Today is the last day to vote anywhere in Harris County for Harris County residents.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Return of the Late-Night Joke Writers
All right. I am holding a post until after the primary and will replace it with this. Click the headline or more below.
Read more late night political jokes.
Read more late night political jokes.
The Big MoThe Nixon-Kissinger Madman Plan On Vietnam
On October 27, 1969 Nixon and Kissinger sent 18 B-52's loaded with the biggest H-bombs racing to the Soviet Union. The goal - to convince Russian leaders that Nixon was a madman who would start World War 3 unless North Vietnam began serious talks at the peace bargaining table.
Jeremi Suri in Wired:
Jeremi Suri in Wired:
On the most obvious level, the mission failed. It may have scared the Soviets, but it did not compel them to end their support for Hanoi, and the North Vietnamese certainly didn't dash to Paris to beg for peace. Nixon and Kissinger believed, though, that their threats opened the door to the arms-control deals of the early '70s. According to this argument, leaders in Moscow recognized after October 1969 that they had better negotiate with Washington, on terms amenable to American interests.That is just part of Wired magazine's Free Month. Free - the new business model.
More than 35 years after Giant Lance, I asked Kissinger about it during a long lunch at the Four Seasons Grill in New York. Why, I asked, did they risk nuclear war back in October 1969? He paused over his salad, surprised that I knew so much about this episode, and measured his words carefully. "Something had to be done," he explained, to back up threats the US had made and to push the Soviets for help in Vietnam. Kissinger had suggested the nuclear maneuvers to give the president more leverage in negotiations. It was an articulation of the game theory he had studied before coming to power. "What were [the Soviets] going to do?" Kissinger said dismissively.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What Republican Fundraisers Talk About
Right now, it is mostly about how McCain is hosed. Here in Texas, we aren't seeing the money advantage so much as the superb ground organization of the Obama team. But the money people are worried about the Obama cash advantage. This is why McCain is desperate to get Obama to agree to use public funding, even if McCain won't use it now. An interesting history from the other side - the side that used to have the political money-making machine.
Patrick Ruffini:
Patrick Ruffini:
The situation right now is that Obama can raise $60 million a month through November, even with $10 million a month online, McCain could do $20-30 million. Think Kerry had a good pitch with Bush outraising him 2 to 1? McCain could be outraised 3 to 1.
....But I think a plausible scenario is that Obama uses a 2 or 3 to 1 cash advantage is to expand the map: to play in 25 states rather than McCain’s 15-20. The most effective TV ads are those that are uncontested. Could Obama run virtually uncontested advertising in Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Georgia to move the numbers starting in March? And organize the African American vote in the South? Or more likely, concentrate on building insurmountable leads in true swing states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota and force him to defend GOP-leaning Missouri and Florida?
All of this — the massive resource advantage Obama now enjoys — is the result of a decision to trust in a fundamentally more deeper and more resilient medium for building support for his campaign: a word of mouth network that can only be corralled online. Hillary Clinton trusted the establishment and is on the brink of losing. The GOP candidates who leaned on the party’s Wise Old Men lost.
For the election projection nerds
New model highlights Obama's better chances to win general election. Clinton does do better in deep South where she has no chance of winning.
That is a better model than this.
That is a better model than this.
New evidence in Robert Kennedy Assassination
New audio evidence implicates second gunman at the Ambassador Hotel. This short article also highlights the numbers of shots fired questions. In 2006, it was also revealed that two CIA operatives, under suspicion by conspiracy theorists over the JFK assassination, were also at the Ambassador Hotel the night RFK was shot.
Pro-Choice the Moral Choice
Kevin Drum questions some of the controversy surrounding Amy Sullivan who promotes an outreach to Democratic Christians. A big part of the controversy is over abortion.
Yes, there are moral choices around abortion. Believing the woman is in the best position to make those moral decisions, not the government, is a moral decision. It is a moral decision some can disagree with.
One things I ask the more extreme anti-abortion opponents is "why don't you also oppose contraception?" You can make moral arguments and religious arguments about that and some do. The official Catholic Church position is that life begins before fertilization, you are going against the will of God to interfere with the chance of pregnancy if that is what he decides.
I also ask "what about those who believe the soul enters the body at the first breath?" Jesus Christ is sure to have believed that as a learned Jewish religious teacher of the time.
I could also ask what about that at the time of America's founding fathers, and for hundred of years before, the dividing line between human or not, was quickening, the first time a woman could feel the baby move. Isn't it a moral and proper choice to keep the government out of these decisions in the gray areas and make the human life and murder legal decision at a clear dividing line? Isn't viability, the ability to survive disconnected from the mother, the best measure of a separate human life?
Obama has a good, reasonable moderate view:
Yes, there are moral choices around abortion. Believing the woman is in the best position to make those moral decisions, not the government, is a moral decision. It is a moral decision some can disagree with.
One things I ask the more extreme anti-abortion opponents is "why don't you also oppose contraception?" You can make moral arguments and religious arguments about that and some do. The official Catholic Church position is that life begins before fertilization, you are going against the will of God to interfere with the chance of pregnancy if that is what he decides.
I also ask "what about those who believe the soul enters the body at the first breath?" Jesus Christ is sure to have believed that as a learned Jewish religious teacher of the time.
I could also ask what about that at the time of America's founding fathers, and for hundred of years before, the dividing line between human or not, was quickening, the first time a woman could feel the baby move. Isn't it a moral and proper choice to keep the government out of these decisions in the gray areas and make the human life and murder legal decision at a clear dividing line? Isn't viability, the ability to survive disconnected from the mother, the best measure of a separate human life?
Obama has a good, reasonable moderate view:
I think that the American people struggle with two principles: There's the principle that a fetus is not just an appendage, it's potential life. I think people recognize that there's a moral element to that. They also believe that women should have some control over their bodies and themselves and there is a privacy element to making those decisions.
I don't think people take the issue lightly. A lot of people have arrived in the view that I've arrived at, which is that there is a moral implication to these issues, but that the women involved are in the best position to make that determination. And I don't think they make it lightly.
Obama Campaign Nearing One Million Donors
Giving away t-shirts to the latest over $25 donors.
Very smart move. The Obama campaign depends on repeat small donors. Now for a donation donors recieve something that publicizes the campaign and the Obama team adds to their database for futher appeals. The people who donate also want the t-shirt. The grass roots Obama campaign is usually out of the normal campaign items that supporters want - buttons, signs, t-shirts, bumperstickers. Can't keep up with demand.
Very smart move. The Obama campaign depends on repeat small donors. Now for a donation donors recieve something that publicizes the campaign and the Obama team adds to their database for futher appeals. The people who donate also want the t-shirt. The grass roots Obama campaign is usually out of the normal campaign items that supporters want - buttons, signs, t-shirts, bumperstickers. Can't keep up with demand.
Former Gov. Mark White endorses Obama
Austin American-Statesman:
Houston lawyer Mark White, one of the two surviving Democratic governors of Texas, says he’s endorsing Barack Obama for president today because he’s "essentially become America’s candidate. You see people from all walks of life, rich and poor, every color reflected, every ethnicity. There’s enthusiasm, hope. He will not only be nominated, he will be elected president. He will be America’s president."
Emergency Petition to Stop Telecom Immunity
Americans speak out against illegal spying and telecom immunity — watch the video! Contact Congress.
Fear, Fear, FEAR! Houston video
Does this still work for GOP candidates? I would guess no, but we will find out March 4.
"Liberal Fascism"
"Tedious, inane; very, very boring; there's no real coherent argument to be extracted here at all." Can I add "one of the worst books in the last 100 years." Read a bit and realize it goes on for over four hundred pages not getting any better and just keeps adding words to make the argument liberals - bad, conservatives - good seem more sophisticated. More and here.
Jon Stewart: wow.
Still, Jonah inspired me to creat my tag "conservative fascism" to deal with similar stuff.
Jon Stewart: wow.
Still, Jonah inspired me to creat my tag "conservative fascism" to deal with similar stuff.
Great Choices vs. Terrible Continuation
Although I have endorsed Barack Obama,
I have a great deal of respect for Hillary Clinton and I have a crush on Chelsea girl. It is time for Chelsea to start thinking of running for office soon or at least taking up with a dirty liberal old man.
Like many Democrats, I would be happy with a Obama/Clinton ticket and adding Bill Richardson and John Edwards to the cabinet. (Despite the role Bill Richardson played ignoring missing votes in New Mexico in 2004 due to an internal NM Democratic fight, he made up for it by instituting paper ballots in 2006.)
I would hate four years of McBush. A thousand year occupation in Iraq, an angry old man who knows nothing of economics, bad Republican judges - no thank you.
Chelsea did come to see my neighborhood the other day at San Jac College.
Last five polls now show Obama surging in Texas - most show ties within the margin of error, however.
SurveyUSA. 2/23-25. (2/19 results)
Obama 49 (45)
Clinton 45 (50)
CNN/Opinion Research:
Obama 50 (48)
Clinton 46 (50)
Rassmussen
Clinton 46 (54)
Obama 45 (38)
ARG
Obama 50 (48)
Clinton 42 (42)
Decision Analyst (Internet balanced poll)
Obama 57
Clinton 43
I have a great deal of respect for Hillary Clinton and I have a crush on Chelsea girl. It is time for Chelsea to start thinking of running for office soon or at least taking up with a dirty liberal old man.
Like many Democrats, I would be happy with a Obama/Clinton ticket and adding Bill Richardson and John Edwards to the cabinet. (Despite the role Bill Richardson played ignoring missing votes in New Mexico in 2004 due to an internal NM Democratic fight, he made up for it by instituting paper ballots in 2006.)I would hate four years of McBush. A thousand year occupation in Iraq, an angry old man who knows nothing of economics, bad Republican judges - no thank you.
Chelsea did come to see my neighborhood the other day at San Jac College.
Chelsea Clinton came out to the foyer filled with students and held a question and answer period that lasted nearly an hour.Vote early and Caucus on Tuesday March 4.
Last five polls now show Obama surging in Texas - most show ties within the margin of error, however.
SurveyUSA. 2/23-25. (2/19 results)
Obama 49 (45)
Clinton 45 (50)
CNN/Opinion Research:
Obama 50 (48)
Clinton 46 (50)
Rassmussen
Clinton 46 (54)
Obama 45 (38)
ARG
Obama 50 (48)
Clinton 42 (42)
Decision Analyst (Internet balanced poll)
Obama 57
Clinton 43
Monday, February 25, 2008
Local Endorsements - Update
Here are some local Pasadena/Deer Park/La Porte/Houston, Texas area endorsements.
VOTE EARLY, CAUCUS on the 4th at 7 PM. Locations at HarrisVotes.Org.
Area 5 Democrats Endorse The Following
Candidates In The March 4 Primary
U.S. Senate – Rick Noriega
U.S. President: Barack Obama
U.S. Senate: Rick Noriega
Railroad Commissioner:Art Hall Dale Henry
Justice, Texas Supreme Court Place 7: Sam Houston
TX House District 140: Armando Walle
TX House District 144:Joel Redmond Joel Redmond
TX House District 145: Carol Alvarado
TX House District 146: Borris Miles
TX House District 147: Garnet Coleman
TX House District 148: Jessica Farrar
UPDATE -Awaiting further word on or from Hall and Redmond.... I like Dale Henry and Joel Redmond is a better choice than the GOP candidates.
Tags: Democrats, Endorsement, Texas, Primary
VOTE EARLY, CAUCUS on the 4th at 7 PM. Locations at HarrisVotes.Org.
Area 5 Democrats Endorse The Following
Candidates In The March 4 Primary
U.S. Senate – Rick Noriega
U.S. Representative Dist 18 -Sheila Jackson LeeI am going to add my two cents.
U.S. Representative Dist 22 – Nick Lampson
U.S. Representative Dist 29 – Gene Green
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 – Susan Criss
State Senator, Dist 6 – Mario Gallegos
State Senator, Dist 11 – Joe Jaworski
State Rep. Dist. 143 – Ana E, Hernandez
State Rep. Dist. 146 - Elias de la Garza
State Rep. Dist. 147 – Garnet Coleman
Civil District Court 80 – Tanner Garth
Civil District Court 125 – Kyle Carter
Civil Dist. Court 152 – Robert Schaffer
Civil Dist. Court 190 – Bruce Mosier
Civil District Court 215 – Steven Kirkland
Criminal District Court 174 – Ruben Guerrero
Criminal District Court 351 – Sylvia Pubchara
County Judge – David Minceberg
County Sheriff – Adrian Garcia
County Tax Assessor- Collector – Diane Trautman
Justice of the Peace Pct. 2, Place 1 – Jo Ann Delgado
Justice of the Peace Pct. 8, Place 1 – Jeff Heintschel
Constable Precinct 2 – Gary Freeman
Constable Precinct 3 – Ken Jones
Precinct Chairman Pct. 696 – Richard Camunez
U.S. President: Barack Obama
U.S. Senate: Rick Noriega
Railroad Commissioner:
Justice, Texas Supreme Court Place 7: Sam Houston
TX House District 140: Armando Walle
TX House District 144:
TX House District 145: Carol Alvarado
TX House District 146: Borris Miles
TX House District 147: Garnet Coleman
TX House District 148: Jessica Farrar
UPDATE -
Tags: Democrats, Endorsement, Texas, Primary
The $3 Trillion Occupation
Most Americans have yet to feel these costs. The price in blood has been paid by our voluntary military and by hired contractors. The price in treasure has, in a sense, been financed entirely by borrowing. Taxes have not been raised to pay for it -- in fact, taxes on the rich have actually fallen. Deficit spending gives the illusion that the laws of economics can be repealed, that we can have both guns and butter. But of course the laws are not repealed. The costs of the war are real even if they have been deferred, possibly to another generation.
Texas's New Energy Gusher - Wind Power
Texas has turned into the the capital of wind power. Over 3% of Texas electricity is now produced on wind farms.
Who's the Patriotic One?
You may have see the photo supposedly showing Obama not putting his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone church-going right-winger has been forwarding it.
Here is the video. It was the National Anthem which doesn't require you to put your hand on your heart. Obama was the only one singing, Not Bill Richardson or Hillary Clinton.
There is a conspiracy to play people for suckers.
Here is the video. It was the National Anthem which doesn't require you to put your hand on your heart. Obama was the only one singing, Not Bill Richardson or Hillary Clinton.
There is a conspiracy to play people for suckers.
Alabama Station Blacks Out 60 Minutes Broadcast
Viewers in Alabama attempting to watch the 60 Minutes story on their former Democratic governor being falsely railroaded into jail by the Republican Party saw a blank screen for ten minutes. The conservative owned station blamed "technical difficulties."
In the 60's, several Southern stations lost their licenses for refusing to show national news programming covering the civil rights movement. The FCC should look into this incident.
CBS Video of the segment - an excellent story.
Scott Horton at Harper's Magazine has much more.
For more on the background of this story see Raw Story - One, Two, Three.
Larisa Alexandrov reports on the White House pressure to kill the story of Karl Rove's political prisoner.
Tags: Conservative Fascism, Siegelman, Alabama
In the 60's, several Southern stations lost their licenses for refusing to show national news programming covering the civil rights movement. The FCC should look into this incident.
CBS Video of the segment - an excellent story.
Scott Horton at Harper's Magazine has much more.
I am now hearing from readers all across Northern Alabama—from Decatur to Huntsville and considerably on down—that a mysterious “service interruption” blocked the broadcast of only the Siegelman segment of 60 Minutes this evening. The broadcaster is Channel 19 WHNT, which serves Northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee. This station was noteworthy for its hostility to Siegelman and support for his Republican adversary. The station ran a trailer stating “We apologize that you missed the first segment of 60 Minutes tonight featuring ‘The Prosecution of Don Siegelman.’ It was a techincal problem with CBS out of New York.” I contacted CBS News in New York and was told that “there is no delicate way to put this: the WHNT claim is not true. There were no transmission difficulties. The problems were peculiar to Channel 19, which had the signal and had functioning transmitters.” I was told that the decision to blacken screens across Northern Alabama “could only have been an editorial call.”
For more on the background of this story see Raw Story - One, Two, Three.
Larisa Alexandrov reports on the White House pressure to kill the story of Karl Rove's political prisoner.
Tags: Conservative Fascism, Siegelman, Alabama
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