Davidson County Young Democrats

Event Reminder: DCYD Membership Meeting TONIGHT & Wine Tasting Thursday

2007-11-06T08:51:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder for those not on the DCYD E-mail List (why you're not on it is beyond us), tonight is our monthly DCYD Membership Meeting. We'll be kicking of the 2008 Campaign Season (364 Days to Election Day!) over at the Tennessee Democratic Party Headquarters down on 8th Avenue North. Check out their website at TNDP.org for directions. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and we'll be cutting it a little early to head over to the Davidson County Courthouse to say hello to our new Metro Council!

Also a reminder that Thursday, November 8th, the DCYDs will be having a Wine Tasting over in East Nashville. Admission is just $15 for members and $30 for non-members (Membership Included). Just a reminder, you MUST to be 21 & up to drink. For more information, contact President Addison Pate at president@dcyd.org.

Finally, for those not on the e-mail list, what the heck are you waiting for? Sign-up to get our weekly Monday Messages over on our website at www.dcyd.org.

See you tonight!

We're Back!

2007-11-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

After a much needed break thanks to the intense Metro Elections, the DCYD Team is back and ready to go. So to start, we throw it over to one of our favorites...Keith Olbermann.

Here we are...phonebanking

2007-09-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Phone banking at the DCDP Headquarters has been cancelled. Thanks to all those interested and we encourage anyone and everyone with a phone to call 10 people you know and make sure they voted!!! Thanks again and we'll see you soon.

We are over at the new Davidson County Democratic Party headquarters tonight calling young voters in Davidson County to remind them to early vote (you can still early vote until Thursday) or vote on Tuesday, September 11th. We are also asking them if they would like to be involved in the Davidson County Young Democrats.

It isn't has hard or intimidating as it sounds so you could come on out to join us! Remember, we are calling people who already vote for Democrats.

If you are interested in helping out we will be here tomorrow night and Thursday from 5:30-7:30 pm. The doors lock after 6 pm so write this number down, call it and someone will come let you in the building. DCDP Headquarters: 354-5400.

Seanna

This phone bank will NOT be to promote or endorse specific candidates but is strictly to encourage and remind young voters to exercise their right to vote in this local election.

Young Voters Mayoral Debate Tomorrow Night

2007-08-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

presents

The Young Voters Mayoral Debate

7 p.m.
Saturday

August 25, 2007

Broadcast LIVE on NewsChannel 5

CLICK HERE

To vote for which question you

would like asked at the debate.

The “Architect” Is Gone, But Still No Satisfaction

2007-08-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

This morning we woke up to find that Karl Rove, the “architect” of George W. Bush’s rise to power, the man who used every dirty play in the book to get his “friend” elected, the guy who helped out a CIA operative, the advisor who decided to play god with the Justice Department, the boy who dreamed of a “permanent Republican majority,” had decided to resign effective the end of August.

Hooray! Hallelujah! Freedom! … Yet, not.

For six and a half years we, along with many millions of Democrats across this nation, have lived with a burning desire for revenge against Karl Rove. It’s no secret the distaste we have for him. He took high school tactics for class president elections and applied them to national politics. He scared voters into believing, he shamed others, and he caused just enough chaos to create the minimum amount to win. He took a C-grade president and got him elected with a C- grade strategy.

And now he’s gone. At the end of this month he walks quietly out of the White House. No handcuffs. No charges. No life sentence for the mayhem and destruction he instrumented. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t THE mastermind behind this entire farce known as the Bush White House. Rove had no care for Iraq policy, he wasn’t interested in the tax cuts destruction of our economy, and No Child Left Behind wasn’t even a consideration for Mr. Rove. No sir, Karl was the man hired by the mastermind(s) to get GWB in the White House and no once, BUT TWICE, Rove delivered.

So today should be a day of rejoicing. The evil “architect” is no more. Yet we feel nothing but regret and frustration. This wolf in “Compassionate Conservative” clothing, abused the Republican Party for his own personal gain and the gains of his select circle. He striped the Democratic Party of its ideals, its backbone by using horrific events like 9/11 as a wedge issue to divide, rather than unite. He lied, cheated, and stole from the American Public, all so he could show the “cool kids” that he was better than them.

And on August 31st he will walk out of the White House a hero in the eyes of those who gained so much over these six years.

Some believe he’s getting out before the handcuffs do find him. Others believe he’s walking out because he’s finally had his fill. Personally, we think he’s leaving because he wants so bad to do what he does best…attack Democrats. He wants to help whoever wins the nomination for the Republican Party, to defeat the Democrats in 2008. But he can no longer do it from the steps of the White House, and he can no longer play ball with a president who has ratings hovering in the 20’s-30’s.

So he quietly walks away, takes his toys and goes home. And Democrats are left wondering if the American People realize the mistake they made in 2004, realize the decision they were robbed of in 2000. Does America understand that the politics of Karl Rove has cost us 3,600+ and counting American lives in Iraq? Do the people recognize that because of the “Rove Playbook” we are now looking down the dark hole of financial crisis in this country? You may blame GWB, his boss Dick Cheney, or even the small group of neoconservatives who crafted this eight year plan. But at the end of the day, one man saw to it that nothing would stop them from moving into 1800 Pennsylvania Avenue: “The Architect”

So we can be glad. Glad that the manipulator of modern politics finally decided to step down. Glad that some of his evil ways have been exposed and that Americans (even some Republican allies) are learning of his deceit. Glad that 2008 may be a time of change and optimism in America.

But today … today is a solemn day. For today we recognize the legacy of Karl Rove, we recognize the troubled world he helped create, and we recognize that he got away with it.

Mayoral Runoff Debate, 7 p.m. August 25th on NewsChannel5

2007-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

The stage is set, the candidates have been narrowed to two, and now it's time for the young voters of Nashville to ask the tough questions of their next mayor.

The Young Voters Debate Series will host a Nashville Mayoral Debate between Karl Dean and Bob Clement on Friday, August 25th, at the Ingram Auditorium on the campus of Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music. The debate will be televised live by NewsChannel 5 and will be moderated by NewsChannel5's Rhori Johnston.

For 60 minutes Dean and Clement will answer questions important to the next generation of Nashville leaders. And on September 11th, Davidson County's young voters will cast their votes from Nashville's next mayor.

To find out more about the Young Voters Debate Series, visit www.nashvilleyoungvoters.org or contact DCYD President Addison Pate at president@dcyd.org.

VOTE!!! ... Then Party (Updated 8.02.07)

2007-07-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

VOTE!!!

We cannot stress enough how important it is that Nashville's Young Democrats head to this polls this Thursday to help elect great leaders for the next four years. But since being young generally tends to mean having fun, here are a couple Election Night parties going on throughout the area. The list is subject to change and more will be added throughout the week.

The DCYDs recommend that you RSVP candidates if possible, and more importantly wear your "I voted!" sticker out and about Thursday night.

Mayoral Parties

Bob Clement

Starts at 7 p.m.

The Maxwell House Hotel

8th Avenue North

http://www.bobclement.com

David Briley
Starts at 7 p.m.
The Standard
165 8th Avenue North
http://www.davidbriley.com/

Howard Gentry
Starts at 7 p.m.
Lowes Vanderbilt, Symphony Room III
2100 West End Avenue
http://www.howardgentry.com/

Karl Dean
Starts at 7 p.m.
Adventure Science Center
800 Fort Negley Boulevard
http://www.karldean.info/

At-Large Parties

Brady Banks

Starts at 8:30 p.m.

Mafiaoza's

2400 12th Avenue South

http://www.bradybanks.com/

Megan Barry

Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Home of Megan, Bruce and Max

2017 20th Avenue South

http://www.meganbarry.com

Richard Exton

Starts at 7 p.m.

Home of Janet and John Exton

1308 Hildreath Drive

http://www.extonatlarge.com

Ronnie Steine

Starts at 7 p.m.

Steine for Council HQ

1814 Church Street

http://www.steinecouncil.com

Peter Westerholm

Starts at 7 p.m.

Plowhaus Artists Co-Op

211 South 17th Street

http://www.peterwesterholm.com

District Races

Fabian Bedne

District 31

Starts at 7 p.m.

El Sombrero Restaurant

6017 Nolensville Pike

http://www.bednefor31.com/

Sean McGuire

District 25

Starts at 7 p.m.

Sportsman's Grille

1601 21st Avenue South

http://www.mcguireforcouncil.com/

Freda Player

District 19

Starts at 7:30 p.m.

2116 Meharry Boulevard

http://www.fredaplayer.com/

The YouTube Debate

2007-07-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it last night, the Democrats squared off with viewers who recorded their questions via YouTube in what was touted as a "revolutionary" new format. While we leave it up to you whether or not this was "revolutionary", here are a few clips from the evening. Oh, and to see every questions head over to YouTube.

How do you address being "black enough" or "female enough"?

Are our "babies" safe?

Does It Hurt Y'alls' Feelings?

So You Wanna Become A Delegate

2007-07-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Tennessee Democratic Party has their delegate selection plan available for the 2008 Presidential primary. Its a fairly complex process, so if you think you are interested in becoming a delegate, please read the (rather lengthy) document.

The Party is going to attempt to promote diversity in the delegation by setting goals (but not necessarily quotas) for the delegates to attend. These goals were based on the 2006 Democratic Primary results (yet another reason why it is important to vote in the primaries...regardless of whether there are contested races).

The party considers "youth" to be 30 and under. The District 5 congressional delegation will consist of 3 males and 3 females, as well as one female alternate.

College Republicans & War

2007-07-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

During the last meal of the 2007 YDA National Convention, this video popped up on the screen. It looks like The Nation's Max Blumenthal is starting to get noticed on the blogs. Must See TV!

From Texas: Day One Thoughts

2007-07-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

So we're being asked to put up a brief journal entry about our experiences here in Dallas, and bring president I was picked to go first. I wish I could say I have a lot of interesting stories to share, but Senator John Edwards and Congressman Dennis Kucinich are not set to speak until tonight, and the election of our new leaders isn't until Saturday. But there is definitely an energy about this group, in this place, at this time.

First off, I never realized that there were so many motivated young liberals in the world. But so far I've been meeting like-minded young men and women from across the world. England, France, Denmark, Russia, Sweden, Canada, they all have a similar belief:

"IFLRY's policies are based on the belief in the universality and indivisibility of human rights. As liberals and radicals we strive for a free and tolerant society without any form of discrimination, with equal opportunities, respect for the individual and the minorities. These goals can only be reached through a democratic system of governance."

So the passion of the Democratic Party sweeps far beyond our borders and that is pretty amazing.

Second, seeing people from Utah, Nebraska, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas who believe they can take back their states for the Democratic Party and make a difference in 2008 is inspiring.

Finally, we in Nashville too often take for granted how easy we have it as Democrats compared to many other places in the US. Our city is a Democratic fortress, surrounded by counties of red. But it will not continue to be a great, blue city if we are not prepared to defend it.

I hope everyone reading this has already or plans to vote in this year's Metro races. We must elect great leaders who will continue to build and protect our great city. And if you're not already involved, I encourage you to contact the Davidson County Young Democrats or the Davidson County Democratic Party to find out more about how you can make a difference in Nashville. (SEE BELOW).

Time to wrap this up. Breakfast is about to be served!

- Addison

Davidson County Young Democrats
Addison Pate, President
president@dcyd.org
(615) 554-4349

Davidson County Democratic Party
Billy Fields, Chair
Seannalyn Brandmeir, Executive Director
executivedir@davidsondemocrats.com
(615) 354-5400

And That's Why We Love Our Congressman!

2007-07-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

Congressman Jim Cooper, of Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, decided to make a statement yesterday for the president's visit. Read between the lines over at the Nashville Scene and you'll see what he calls the president. We'll give you a hint...it rhymes with fryer.

"We can solve these [fiscal] problems before they get out of hand, but it will require honesty from our elected officials. President Bush missed a great opportunity today."
- Statement issued by Congressman Jim Cooper about
President George W. Bush's Speech in Nashville on Thursday

DCYDs In Texas!

2007-07-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

Starting today ten Davidson County Young Democrats are heading down to Dallas, TX for the Young Democrats of America National Convention. We, along with other members from around the state, will be representing Tennessee as well as learning about how we can work together as Young Democrats to take back the White House in 2008.

When possible, we'll be sending back photos and journals about the event. But in the mean time, any Young Dems or YD supporters in Nashville need to remember that early voting has begun and we MUST take action in this year's Metro Elections. Get to know the candidates, ask the tough questions, and make sure to VOTE!

Dinner at Logan's with "Moe"

2007-07-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

This just came in to the e-mail:

Hello Davidson County Young Democrats!

Everything is going wonderful with the campaign. Now is the time that I need your support the most. Early voting is about to start at all locations on Wednesday the 18th - Saturday the 28th . If you haven't been able to help with the campaign thus far, here is your opportunity to come out and show your support. I will also be interacting with supporters and finding out your specific concerns for Nashville. There will also be volunteer opportunities for poll workers and phone banking also.

EVENT : Dinner with Maurice "Moe" Walker
PLACE: Logan's Roadhouse at 2404 Elliston Place
DATE and TIME: Tuesday July 17th 2007 - 5:00- 7:00 pm

There will be a full menu available if you decide to eat with us and I would love if you could just stop by and say hello if you can not stay long. Should be fun dining with the Nashvillians that I intend to represent for the next 4 years. If you can't make it, please email me at Maurice@WALKERforNASHVILLE.com to volunteer to help out at a poll location near you or to place phone calls to perspective voters.

Thanks for all the help and I look forward to serving you. Keep spreading the word . Please forward this to perspective voters and know "Together We Can Make Nashville The Biggest Winner"

Maurice "Moe" Walker
Council At-Large Candidate

www.WALKERforNASHVILLE.com

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org.Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

Dist. 35 Candidate Bo Mitchell is Asking for Young Democrat Volunteers

2007-07-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Bo Mitchell for Metro Council is seeking volunteers for Door-to-Door canvassing in the Bellevue area on Saturday, July 14, 2007. Volunteers are scheduled to meet around 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the Bellevue Mall behind the Amsouth bank.

For more information please email the campaign at

bomitchell@comcast.net

or visit their Web site at

MitchellforCouncil.com.

Dinner with Ronnie Steine & A Summer Celebration

2007-07-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Steine just sent over an invitation to the Davidson County Young Democrats inviting all our members out to dinner on Monday from 5-7 p.m. over at Norman Couser's Country Cooking restaurant.

If you can't make it to dinner, he's also asking all Young Democrats to come out for a Summer Celebration on Saturday, July 21st, from 3-5 p.m. at his campaign headquarters on Church Street.

Candidates Neighbors & Barry Invite the Young Dems Out for Popsicles & Politics

2007-07-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

Just got this invitation in the ol' DCYD Mail Bag and we wanted to share it with all our members.

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org.Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

In Case You Missed It

2007-07-05T07:45:00.001-07:00

Take a listen to Keith Olbermann from Tuesday...

And if viewing video is a "no no" at the office, be sure to check out the text at MSNBC.com.

"Volunteer Sunday" on July 8th with Richard Exton

2007-07-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, July 8th from 4-6 p.m., Richard Exton is inviting all the Davidson County Young Democrats out to learn how a little of your time will make a huge difference in his race for Metro Council at Large.

There will be:
T-shirts
Opportunities to sign up to meet new friends at a poll place.
Postcards
Sample letters to send to friends
Yard signs
Bumper stickers
Palm cards
Mailing lists
Phone lists
Sign-up for our morning and afternoon waves

Even if you can only do a little it will make a big difference. Please stop by for a drink and a bite to eat and learn how you could be the key to victory.

The Home of Richard and Maralie Exton
1313 Tyne Blvd., Nashville 37215
RSVP - 615-383-2114

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

David Briley Announces Wednesdays as "Youth Days" During Early Vote

2007-07-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

The Davidson County Young Democrats just received a request from the David Briley for Mayor campaign to let our members know about "Youth Day" starting July 18th. Briley "Youth Days" will also run on July 25th and August 1st.

"Youth Days" are days during early vote that are specific to young voters. They will have "Morning Wave" visibility from 7-8:30 a.m. and phone banking from 5-8 p.m. The Briley campaign is asking any DCYD supporters to come out and help serve on these targeted days.

To find out more or to sign up to participate, contact Field Director Alex Youn at (615) 332-3337. To learn more about the candidate, visit http://www.davidbriley.com/.

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

Jerry Maynard is asking for a few YD Volunteers!

2007-06-29T12:35:00.001-07:00

The folks over at the Jerry Maynard for Metro Council campaign are asking for a few more volunteers from the Young Democrats. If you have some time and want to help out, please contact Brandee Davis, the Volunteer Coordinator of the campaign, to find out how you can get involved. Some of the opportunities include:

Phonebanking

Visibility Morning Events

Visibility Evening Events

Canvassing

Poll Workers

So be sure to head over the http://www.maynardforcouncil.com/ to find out more about Jerry and how you can get involved in his campaign.

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

PBS Presidential Forum Tonight

2007-06-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

CNN and MSNBC did fine jobs promoting their presidential debates, but a presidential forum you may not have heard about is happening tonight on PBS. The "All-American Presidential Forum" moderated by Tavis Smiley will air tonight, live, on Nashville Public Television at 8 p.m. and feature all the Democratic contenders (Republicans meet September 27th).

What we're hearing is that this forum will require every candidate to answer the same questions, something similar to the mayoral forums you see going on around Nashville. For some that could be quite boring, but for others wanting to hear more from Governor Bill Richardson (Jackson Day's guest speaker), Senator Joe Biden, or the other "second tier" candidates, this forum should allow for more equal time.

To learn more about this forum, visit PBS.org.

Enthusiasm Is On Our Side

2007-06-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

CBS News today released a poll which shows some remarkable figures.

35% of voters 18-29 are enthusiastic about a Democratic candidate, compared to just 8 percent enthusiastic about a Republican. Even among Republicans, Barack Obama scores higher at 8%, than does Washington Lobbyist Fred Thompson or Sen. John McCain.

I think that the challenge for the '08 election will not so much be about getting young people to vote in November, but getting them to vote in February for the primary. If people vote in a primary, they are almost guaranteed to vote in the general election. If they don't vote in the primary, they are more likely to feel that the nominee of the party was "thrust" upon them, and aren't going to get enthusiastic come the general election.

A tremendous opportunity is staring young voters in the face this election cycle. While the Republican side is filled with candidates who want to take President Bush's foreign policy even further to the right, in a way that would make Attila the Hun blush; the Democrats are offering genuine change over the 8 years of the Bush administration.

What I would like to see, is an enormous push by young voters to have an influence over who the nominee of our party is. A general election style turnout among voters would mean that we would have a much larger influence over who the next President is going to be; than would any large-scale turnout in the General.

So come Primary day (or primary weeks in the case of Tennessee); call, text, email, harass, beg, or simply club your friends over the head and drag them to the voting booth. Because this election is too important to be left up to the old guard (no offense) of the Democratic party. The new blood, the young voters, are the ones who are going to be most effected by the decisions of our next President, and we have only ourselves to blame if the right nominee is not chosen.

Update: Even More Good News! Read the New York Times Article on the same poll:

"Young Americans are more likely than the general public to favor a government-run universal health care insurance system, an open-door policy on immigration and the legalization of gay marriage, according to a New York Times/CBS News/MTV poll."

Number 2 More Important Than Number 1

2007-06-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

If you've been following the "Dick: The Fourth Branch of Government" saga unfolding in Washington, D.C., then already know about Vice-President Cheney's claim of being seperate from the Executive Branch of our federal government. This is making every political science and constitutional law professor in the country uneasy and excited all at the same time, what with giving them something original and brand new to deal with in the classroom while at the same time nearly shreading what last bits of the Constitution we have remaining.

But on Hardball yesterday during a debate about whether or not Cheney is running a shadow government, Melanie Sloaner from Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington made an interesting statement involving Google Earth.

"We saw this example on Google Earth. He had his house, the Vice-President's Mansion, taken off Google Earth even though the White House and the Captiol are on there." - Melanie Sloaner

Really? Cheney got Google to block out the satelite to his house? Well that's at least one fact that can be checked out. Here are the results:

The White House

Number One Observatory Circle (Vice-President)

The Pentagon

Sure enough, Google Earth does not allow for detailed images of the Vice-President's residence. But the White House, the Capitol, even the Pentagon are all in crisp detail. So while we political junkies get out our copies of the US Constitution and reread the section on vice-presidents, evidence of Cheney's shadowy powers can already be seen thanks to the help of Google.

Did You Watch the Mayoral Debate?

2007-06-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

What were some of your thoughts about these last two Nashville mayoral debates? Share your thoughts with other Young Dems in our "Comments" section. If you missed these last two televised debates, you can check them out online at WSMV.com and WNPT.com.

Watch the DCYD Blog for more information about the Young Voters Mayoral Debate coming in August between the two runoff candidates of the August 2nd general election. And remember that you have until Tuesday, July 3rd, to register to vote. Your vote DOES make a difference, so be sure to sign up!

Just Do It

2007-06-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to encourage everyone who is even slightly available to volunteer or participate in the DCYD/DCYR Softball Game on July 14th and the Annual Gore Family Dinner on July 28th to do so! They are some of the best annual events in which the DCYDs participate and I, sadly enough, will be in Europe for both :(

Please sign up and hit a home run/say hi to Al with Matia for the softball game (mpowell@vision3.com) and Seanna for the Gore Dinner (executivedir@davidsondemocrats.com).

I promise, you will not be disappointed!

-Rachel

Why Do You Vote For A Candidate?

2007-06-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

2007-2008 DCYD Executive Board

2007-06-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who came out, both in membership and from the campaigns, for last night's elections. The DCYDs also want to thank Z's Deli for providing great food and an awesome space to meet.

Here is the 2007-2008 DCYD Executive Board:

President Addison Pate
Vice-President Matia Powell
Secretary Danielle Norton
Treasurer Priscilla Norman
At-Large Member Anthony Davis
At-Large Member Claudia Weaver
Immediate Past President Seannalyn Brandmeir

(L to R) Danielle Norton, Matia Powell, Addison Pate, Claudia Weaver, Seannalyn Brandmeir, Priscilla Norman, and Anthony Davis

Membership Meeting & Executive Board Elections TONIGHT!

2007-06-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't already heard, the Davidson County Young Democrats will be holding their membership meeting tonight, June 19th, at Z's Deli in East Nashville. We will be electing all positions for the 2007-2008 Executive Board, as well as voting on changes to our By-Laws and Constitution. Food will be provided by the wonderful people at Z's Deli, while drinks are compliments of the DCYD. The meeting starts at 6PM, and elections start at 7PM, so you'll have time to meet and greet, as well as pay your dues if necessary.

Not a member? Become one! Membership is just $25 a year for regular members and only $15 a year for students. With that membership you'll get exclusive invites to some of the most exciting political events in the city. You'll also be helping to strengthen the Young Democratic movement in Nashville, which helps to get great young leaders (and young at heart) elected to local office.

Candidates in the current Metro Elections are invited to attend. Some of the best Democratic volunteers for your campaigns are Young Democrats!

For more information please contact us at president@dcyd.org or call us at (615) 554-4349.

Maurice "Moe" Walker Needs Some Young Dem Volunteers

2007-06-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Maurice "Moe" Walker for Council At-Large, is requesting ambitious volunteers to assist our campaign for Community Awareness by electing Maurice "Moe" Walker for Metro Council At-Large.

We currently have these available opportunities to make the most of your campaign talent. Phone banking, event visibility, meet and greet, and signage.

Please contact Danielle Ross at 615-977-8068 for further details on how you can make a difference!

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

Wide Open Spaces

2007-06-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

The first non-campaign affiliated mayoral poll came out yesterday thanks to Channel 4 News. Here are the numbers:

Mayoral Poll* (Margin of Error = +/- 5 percent)

Bob Clement - 13 percent
Howard Gentry - 11 percent
Buck Dozier - 11 percent
David Briley - 8 percent
Karl Dean - 6 percent
Cheryl Lynn Tisdale - 0 percent
Kenneth Eaton - 0 percent
Don’t Know Yet - 52 percent

*The data regarding the mayoral poll is based on a sample of 403 respondents living in the Nashville, Davidson County area.

52 percent don't know yet who they will be voting for in August! Now Sean Braisted breaks down some of the breakdowns from this poll over at Nashville21.com, but the big news here is that the race is wide open. All of the major five players in this race have a shot at the prize, meaning they will need EVERY young vote possible to put them over the top.

Now is the time to get involved! Now is the time to let them hear your voice! We can help influence the future of Nashville. Stop, Look, Listen, and VOTE!

UPDATE:

"Of those who supported a specific candidate, 50 percent stated there was a chance that they might change their minds over the next couple of months."

Jerry Maynard Seeks Volunteers

2007-05-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Davidson County Young Democrats,

Maynard for Council is looking for volunteers to help with phone banking, visibility at events, or any skill you have to offer. All help is greatly appreciated. Together we can make a difference in Nashville.

To learn more contact Kimberly at 977-2970 or email kimberly@maynardforcouncil.com.

www.maynardforcouncil.com

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

Bob Clement Is Asking for Volunteers

2007-05-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Davidson County Young Democrats:

Bob Clement needs your help to spread the word about his campaign for better schools and safer neighborhoods. We have exciting volunteer opportunities and internships available.For more information, contact us anytime!

Phone: (615)298-2911

Email: bob@bobclement.com

Or visit us online at www.bobclement.com

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

Team Briley Is Looking for Volunteers

2007-05-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

To the Davidson County Young Democrats:

David Briley for Mayor is looking for enthusiastic, young volunteers to help us with our campaign for Nashville's future by electing David Briley as Mayor.

We have phonebanking and canvassing opportunities all during the week as well as on the weekends. If you are interested, please send an email to volunteer@davidbriley.com.

We hope you join us on Team Briley!

(All candidates for Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Metro Council are encouraged to submit their requests for volunteers to the Davidson County Young Democrats at president@dcyd.org. Request postings are placed online at the time they are presented or at a requested time designated by the campaign. The order they are placed on the blog is first come, first serve.)

Councilman Elect Sean McGuire

2007-05-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the election is still a few months away, but one of our own, Sean McGuire of the 25th District, is pretty much guaranteed a spot on the new council as he will be running unopposed for that seat. McGuire is a former assistant to Congressman Cooper, and he has been an At Large member of the Davidson County Young Democrats for nearly a year now. Sean brings with him experience in Government working for the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the private sector at Regions Bank and as a private contractor.

In addition to Sean McGuire, the following are also running unopposed this August:

Walter Hunt - District 3
Mike Jameson - District 6
Erik Cole - District 7
Jim Forkum - District 9
Rip Ryman - District 10
Keith Durbin - District 18
Greg Adkins - District 26
Randy Foster - District 27
Jim Hodge - District 30
Sam Coleman - District 32

Karl Dean Invites Young Dems to a Young Professionals Gathering

2007-05-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last minute invite from the Karl Dean campaign to all the Young Democrats for an informal, neighborhood gathering targeting Young Professionals of Nashville. For more information you can contact Jason Bergeron at (615) 277-5597.

And a reminder to all campaigns for all races in Metro Nashville. If you want to invite Young Democrats out to your events, please e-mail your invitation to president@dcyd.org.

Women for David Briley Invite the Women of the DCYD

2007-05-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

The David Briley for Mayor campaign is inviting all the women of the Davidson County Young Democrats out for the "Women for Briley" event on Thursday, May 10th at 2 p.m. at The Hermitage Hotel. For more information call (615) 332-3337 or email to RSVP@davidbriley.com.

Be sure to stay turned to the DCYD Blog for news, opinion, and invites from all the candidates and issues involved in the upcoming 2007 Metro races.

What's the Point of Saving The Planet if it Means Tough Economic Times???

2007-05-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Story out of Thailand over on MSNBC.com about the issue of Global Climate Change and a meeting of countries to decide what the world needs to do to stop it. 120 countries participated, but guess which one is weary of the recommendations? Yep. You guessed it. US??? Yes, as in the United States.

But James Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, raised concerns about reaching the lowest emission targets proposed in the report, saying "it would cause a global recession."

"Our goal is reducing emissions and growing the economy," he said.

I wonder if that would be the same answer if an asteroid was detected on a direct collision course with Earth, and we only had a decade or two to stop it. I wonder if ol' Jimmy Connaughton from the White House Council would say the same thing about the cost of building a giant rocket designed to blow it up before it kills us all?

Oh wait ... nope ... that would be an increase is defense spending and there would be no argument over that one. Guess we just need Mother Nature to start really kicking our butts before we realize the need to sacrifice a small bit of our economy to save the planet.

Hurricane Katrina, line 1!

**Rocking quietly in the corner** Just 18 months until the election...Just 18 months until the election...Just 18 months until the election.

Get Involved with the Maynard Campaign

2007-05-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Our Next Generation

2007-04-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

In case you don't read the Sunday Tennessean, here is an excellent letter written by Leah Flynn, a junior at Hume-Fogg Academic High School. For some us, high school wasn't all that long ago. These students are our next generation and we need to take time to listen to what they have to say. Hopefully there are many more like Flynn out there.

Tennessee Voices: Don't underestimate this generation
By LEAH FLYNN

The truth is that my generation has the highest level of volunteerism than any generation preceding it.

Despite stereotypes of apathetic teenagers, we really are concerned with the future of our community. We are worried about the health of our environment and the amount of trash that we see in the downtown area, and, in response, we volunteer our afternoons to recycle and to plant trees or other plants. We want more sidewalks and less gasoline fumes.
There has been much discussion lately concerning children's educational environment. Even if we are dressed in the nicest and most professional standard attire, we will still have to walk past the garbage and the litter on our way to school.

We are worried about the conditions of our schools. We want equity in the schools; one school should not have nice hallways, better teachers or more technology than a school in another part of town. We are not going school to simply to pass the time; we want a quality education.
We want more qualified teachers and a stronger curriculum, and if that means higher taxes to make our education a priority, we want that, too. Without a strong education, what chance do we have of being able to make an impact on the Nashville area?

The Oasis Center held its 10th annual PULSE Day last Saturday. This was a day for Nashville's youth to become more invested in their community. The theme for this year was "PULSE Day Every Day," and the 500 teenagers who participated were encouraged to become more involved in serving the community and in being active in the politics of Nashville. PULSE Day allowed the voice of Nashville's youth to be heard when it so often goes ignored.

We live here, and we want to be a part of making the decisions that will have an impact on us. Hundreds of participating youth were asked what issues concerned them. This is what they said:

• Fund schools as Nashville's first priority.
• Take steps to protect our environment.
• Put a stronger focus on graduation and the importance of college.
• Establish strong security at schools and campuses.
• Launch initiatives to clean up our city.

Feeling Good

2007-04-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

After watching the first Democratic Presidential Debate on MSNBC, I'm left feeling a LOT better about our chances in 2008. A majority of the candidates on the stage were intelligent, clever, and look prepared to lead. Sure, there's room for improvement. And once the field gets a bit smaller, we can get a few more details and more intense questioning. But for now the future looks bright and we should all take hope in that.

Just 558 days!

Back from my trip to Atlanta

2007-04-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am back in the DCDP headquarters working away for democrats in Nashville but this weekend I put on my Tennessee Young Democrats Prez hat and headed to Atlanta for the YDA Southeast Regional meeting.

We are the strongest region of YDA (which each state in the region will swear to if you ask us.) We met to coordinate efforts, learn what other states are doing, what works and what doesn’t, to have a general meeting and then of course to network…aka socialize.

We started off the day talking about best practices and what each state organization has been doing. We then moved into credentials (we are all looking forward to chartering before the National Convention in Dallas.) If I seem frustrated and stressed out between our Spring Convention in Omaha and our National Convention in Dallas this could be the culprit. Don’t want any penalties against our great state! We then moved into our training session with our National YDA Political Director Tony Cani. It was an always important topic. Chapter building: How to grow our chapters; the types of people that make up organizations and chapters; how to motivate; how to retain members; and then how do we become an organization that is recognized and taken seriously.

We ended the day with general session. We elected new officers for our region and the winners are:

Regional Director: Robert Hooks from Mississippi
Deputy Director: Nikema Williams from Georgia
Secretary: Benson Manica from Georgia
Treasurer: Pat Grayson from Alabama
Judicial Council Representative: Kirk Miller from Georgia
Judicial Council Rep Alternate: Seannalyn Brandmeir from Tennessee

We ended the evening with a party at Shout! in Midtown Atlanta. All and all it was a great event with a great group of dedicated young democrats.

Want to come to the next event? Register for the YDA Spring Convention in Omaha, NE May 18-20th. www.yda.org

Seanna Brandmeir
President, Tennessee Young Democrats

Also, just up on the web. www.ydasoutheast.org

At Least They Vote

2007-04-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Remember all the hoopla that Conservatives and the Bush Administration created over France not wanting to join the fight to free Iraq? You know, "Freedom Fries" and all that jazz. Well, France just did what America hasn't done in over 120 years: had over 80% voter turnout in a presidential election. 84.6% to be exact.

In fact, the United States of America hasn't topped over 60% since the 1960's. Since 1980, the average turnout among American voters has been 52.37% in presidential years. With over 300,000,000 people now living in the United States (OK, 280,000,000 legally), just barely over half that feels compelled to decide who runs the show. For country that is supposedly "spreading democracy" across the world, we sure are forgetful about exercising it here at home.

With the local elections of Metro Council, Vice-Mayor, and Mayor continuing to draw closer, remember that every vote counts, and every election is important. Each time you vote, you renew your faith in democracy. Our representative government may not be perfect, but it does give all people a voice. When we give up that voice, even on the local level, we lose a little piece of ourselves.

Brave American men and women don't die on the battlefields of this Earth so that we can simply complain about how we don't like our laws, our taxes, our rights or lack there of. They have died so that we could stand up, be heard, and vote for those people who would do the best job possible to make our neighborhoods, our cities, our states, and our country the best they can be.

So from now until Election Day, stop yelling your opinion and start listening to the candidates. Stop assuming they're all the same and start asking the tough questions. Get registered, get involved, and when it comes time: VOTE!

Update From the Ryman

2007-04-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

This just sent out from the Edwards camp:

Dear Nashville,

Due to the tragic campus shootings at Virginia Tech today, in place of his original event, John Edwards will now be holding a community service to honor the victims.

Doors will still open at 3:30pm.

We would like to use this time to come together and send our thoughts and prayers to the students and families of Virginia Tech.

John and Elizabeth sent the following message earlier today:

“We are simply heartbroken by the deaths and injuries suffered atVirginia Tech. We know what an unspeakable, life-changing momentthis is for these families and how, in this moment, it is hard tofeel anything but overwhelming grief, much less the love and support around you. But the love and support is there. We pray that these families, these students, and the entire Virginia Tech community know that they are being embraced by a nation. There is a Methodist hymnthat gave us solace in such a moment as this, and we repeat its final verse here, in hopes it will help these families, as it helped us:" ‘In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;In our doubt there is believing, in our life, eternity,In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.’
“Our dearest wish is that this day could start again, with the promise of these young people alive. Knowing that cannot be, our prayer is for God’s grace and whatever measure of peace can be reached on this terrible day.”

Pancakes and Volunteering with District 34 Candidate Lisa Pote

2007-04-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Metro Council District 34 Candidate Lisa Pote is throwing a Volunteer Kick-off Pancake Breakfast this Saturday and the DCYDs are invited. Not just any pancakes, but official Pancake Pantry pancakes! The Pote Campaign is asking any Davidson County Young Democrats in District 34 or the surrounding areas to come out to learn more about Lisa and hopefully volunteer to help this election season.

To RSVP, e-mail the campaign at contact@votepote.com. Check below for a copy of the invitation as well as a little background on the candidate.

A Brief Biography

"At 46 years old, Lisa values the importance of making a difference. After an extensive career in business, government and serving the nonprofit community, Lisa has grown to love her community and understand the importance of having a voice for Nashville's residents. This commitment to the community has resulted in her run for the District 34 Metro Council seat.

In 1994, she and her family moved to Nashville from the Washington, DC area. While finishing graduate school, Lisa started working for Nashville Career Advancement Center (NCAC), a division of the Mayor's Office. As the lead advocate for high-risk job seekers within the workforce development system, Lisa designed and implemented employment support programs for job seekers facing barriers to employment.

Those job seekers with barriers included individuals moving off welfare, people with disabilities, the working poor and disadvantaged youth. Throughout her 9 years at NCAC, Lisa wrote, received and managed up to 6 million dollars of federal grants. She also coordinated an initiative to improve the capacity of workforce development for nonprofit agencies.

In 2005, Lisa accepted a new challenge as director of consulting for Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM). She is now responsible for "making the match" between the CNM consultant pool and nonprofit and government organizations to improve their capacity to meet and exceed performance. Services include strategic planning, board development, resource development planning, team-building, human resources and performance management. Also, she is responsible for delivering facilitation, program design and performance
improvement services to these nonprofits as appropriate.

Lisa is actively involved in her community as member of West End Synagogue, Nashville CABLE, Nashville Women's Political Caucus, League of Women Voters and serves on the Boards of Hands on Nashville and National Association of Social Workers Tennessee Chapter. Married for 22 years to Michael Pote, she and her husband have 2 children. Ben, age 20, attends Washington University in St. Louis and Max, 17, is a junior at Hillsboro High School."

At-Large Metro Council candidate Megan Barry Invites the DCYDs Out

2007-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

At-Large Metro Council candidate Megan Barry is inviting the DCYDs out to an event on Wednesday. Those that can give are encouraged to do so, but donations are not required. This is a great way to get to know Megan and find out more about her candidacy.

9th Annual Heritage Day a Big Success!

2007-04-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the contributions and ticket sales, the Davidson County Young Democrats were able to raise over $4,000 at Thursday night's 9th Annual DCYD Heritage Day. Below is a list of all the doners who answered the call to support their local Young Democrats chapter. Be sure to thank them for their support as well as our honoree, Congressman Jim Cooper, for his commitment to the Davidson County Young Democrats as well as all the citizens of Tennessee's 5th District.

Congressman Jim Cooper (center) with DCYD Executive Board Members (left to right) Mary Beth Davis, Matia Powell, Priscilla Norman, Addison Pate, Seannalyn Brandmeir, and Rachel Barnhard.

2007 DCYD Heritage Day Sponsors

DCYD Partner

Ronnie Steine for At-Large Metro Council

DCYD Advocates

David Briley for Mayor

Diane Neighbors for Vice Mayor

Edward J. Gross

Howard Gentry for Mayor

Jane Eskind

DCYD Friends

Billy Fields

Byron R. Trauger

Judge Daniel B. Eisenstein

Senator Douglas Henry

Jamie Qualk

Representative Janis Sontany

Jean Carter Wilson

Karl Dean for Mayor

Kathleen Murphy

Megan Barry for At-Large Metro Council

Richard Exton for At-Large Metro Council

Ross Alderman

Will Cheek

9th Annual Heritage Day Celebration Tonight!

2007-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Please join us tonight as we honor Congressman Jim Cooper for his dedication and support of the Davidson County Young Democrats. Tickets are just $25.00 with all proceeds going to support the DCYDs. Those interested in joining can use your ticket purchase as your dues payment for the year. For more information please contact DCYD President Addison Pate at (615) 554-4349.

Neighbors invites DCYDs to Celebration At Cabana

2007-04-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

At-Large Metro Councilwoman and Vice-Mayor Candidate Diane Neighbors has invited all of the DCYDs out to a free ... yep, you heard me, FREE event at Cabana's on Monday, April 9th. The invitation is below. When you go, be sure to thank Councilwoman Neighbors for becoming a sponsor of the 9th Annual DCYD Heritage Day!

What Local Issues Matter to You in 2007

2007-03-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

In the coming weeks and months, the candidates for Metro Council, Vice-Mayor, and Mayor are going to be meeting and greeting with the people to explain why they deserve our votes this summer. Of registered voters in Nashville, over 1/3 are under the age of 35, meaning that young voters are an important part of the voting population.

So we want to know what's important to you. A better, more accessible mass transit system? Protection of more historic areas of town? Better schools with adequate funding? Public access WiFi for all? Kyoto protocols applied on the local level? More tourist focus? More sports teams? More affordable housing? We want to know what you want?

Tell us what issues matter this year and what questions you'll be wanting answered before you push the button in August. Write us your questions and concerns at davidsoncountyyoungdem@gmail.com and help us hold the candidates accountable in 2007.

Shall We Play A Game?

2007-03-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Iranians continue to play games with the 15 British soldiers captured in Iraqi waters last week. First it was about letting the female soldier go, then she was shown apologizing, then a letter from her asks Tony Blair to pull out troops, now another soldier goes on TV to apologize. All of this with a backdrop of Iran building "the bomb" and attempting to take over the area south of Baghdad.

This is what 3,200+ brave American men and women died for? This is why 20,000+ have been injured? This is the reason we are now at our lowest state of readiness in modern history? So Iran can play American Idol with 15 British troops and stoke the fires of anger with America and the UK?

Attempting to put the reasons we went to war in context to today seems almost absurd. The three major people groups (Sunni, Shite, and Kurd) don't want to live together. They would much rather wipe the other one off the face of this Earth. So bringing "democracy" to the region ain't happening anytime soon.

Splitting them up into three separate provinces like Bosnia seems equally absurd, since only two sections of Iraq are habitable for some large masses of people. Plus, once we separate them, Iran will gladly absorb the southern province while the Kurds may look to expand their territory and take back what was taken from them by Turkey and Iran. Of course, Saudi Arabia or Syria may just look to take a bit for themselves.

Actually ... sure ... why not let them just take the scraps and let's just end this experiment that was forged out of World War I? ... And then we are reminded of the fundamental issue that has kept us in Iraq far longer than anyone ever thought.

Oil.

Looked at gas prices lately? That little skirmish and a lack of long-term stability, combined with some good ol' fashioned world market price gouging, has started pushing gas prices back into the ceiling here in America. We can't leave because it will mean that those countries we don't get along with very much will have us by the throat when it comes to oil.

So everyday more soldiers die so that we can try to enjoy gas below $3.00 a gallon. Everyday our friends, our family, they go and try to put the pieces of Iraq back together so we can keep feeding our oil addiction.

President Bush, in his 2007 State of the Union, talked of a serious push towards alternative energy sources with a target of 20 years. Just how many soldiers will die between now and then for oil? How weak will we have become in those 20 years? Mr. Bush, shall we continue to play this game or is it finally time to start acting like a president?

Banks Invites the DCYDs to Mafiaoza's

2007-03-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

At-Large Metro Council Candidate and DCYD Member Brady Banks has personally invited the DCYDs out for a reception at Mafiaoza's Pizzeria and Pub. This is a great opportunity to get to know the candidate and learn more about the issues that are driving him to run. The invitation is below along with a brief biography.

A Quick Biography

As a Nashville native, Brady cares deeply for our city, its citizens, and its families. He wants to work to find ways to make our city better for everyone in Davidson County.

He envisions a Nashville with the best schools, safest communities, most affordable neighborhoods, and access to opportunity for every Davidson county resident. These goals are the essential cornerstones of a high quality of life.

Brady was born at the old Donelson Hospital in the Hermitage-Donelson area. It is in Nashville where he played, learned, and worshipped. Much of his early life was centered around community, school, and church. He attended Dodson Elementary, Wharton Middle, Dupont-Tyler Junior, and McGavock High schools. And whenever the doors were open, Brady was with his family at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, singing in choir or participating in youth activities. It is in school and in church that he learned the values of hard work, civic participation, and caring for one’s neighbors.

After high school, Brady pursued studies in religion and hoped to become a minister. It is during this time that Brady ministered to youth groups and churches stateside and on mission to churches and communities in Brazil and the Middle East. But as he completed his Bachelor of Arts at Mercer University and began his studies for Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, he was called to public service.

While at Harvard, Brady studied religion and public policy. He worked with multiple nonprofit organizations, focusing primarily on faith-based affordable housing efforts. During the summer of 2003, Brady received a grant from the Hauser Center for Nonprofits at Harvard to draft a paper on Nashville’s faith- and community-based affordable housing efforts through the Mayor’s Office of Affordable Housing under Mayor Purcell. This paper eventually was used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “Unlocking Doors” initiative nationwide as a case study for best practices.

Brady graduated with his master’s degree from Harvard in 2005. That same year, he was chosen as a grant recipient for a program at Dartmouth’s Tuck Business School for emerging community leaders across the United States.

Brady has also worked on multiple national and state campaigns. He most recently managed a campaign for a Tennessee State Senate race in 2004. He has continued his work in affordable housing, first working with a local housing nonprofit in Nashville and now as the Appeals Coordinator for Tennessee Housing Development Agency, the State of Tennessee’s affordable housing authority.

When he is not on the campaign trail, Brady enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, listening to music, playing tennis and playing his guitar. He especially enjoys the company of his girlfriend, Kristin Clark, a minister a Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin.

Brady is actively involved in a number or organizations in Nashville, including Habitat for Humanity, Edgehill Center, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Generation TN and the Nashville Symphony. He teaches Sunday School and participates in worship at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Belle Meade.

Understanding the Iraq War

2007-03-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Usually on this blog we deal with local and state issues that affect us here in Nashville and in Tennessee. Occasionally we go federal with those kooky kids in Washington. But one issue that all Americans have been dealing with for over four years now is the Iraq War. Most people have an opinion, but many do not have an educated one.

MSNBC just put out what can only be described as an educational piece about what's happening in Iraq. No spin, no left or right perspective, just a flat out description of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the now in Iraq as told by Richard Engel, NBC Middle East Correspondant.

Take a look, learn a few more facts you may not have known, and use this to better your discussions about the war. Like the continuing fall out of global climate change or the rising cost of our basic needs (health care, education and affordable housing to name a few), the war in Iraq looks to be something our generation will have to deal with for a very long time.

Whether we pull out tomorrow or not, this crisis is here and will be here for a while. At some point we, the American public, have to move on from the blaming and move towards resolution. We know who to blame. President Bush did a bad, bad thing. The neoconservative theory of spreading democracy with military power has failed. This much 60-plus percent of the American public knows now and the rest are continuing to learn.

But what are we going to do about it? How do we fix this problem? When we get past the name calling, what solutions do we have? And if there are no quality solutions from our leaders, then what does that mean on Election Day 2008? Consider these questions as you watch the piece.

Wine and Cheese with Gentry

2007-03-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Big turn out for March Membership Mixer at Flyte

2007-03-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Another successful Membership Mixer took place last night at Flyte. Over 50 people turned out and 14 new members joined. The DCYDs give a big thanks to the candidates and representatives who came out including Juvenile Court Clerk Vic Lineweaver, Metro Council At-Large candidate Ronnie Steine, Metro Council At-Large candidate Brady Banks, and Metro Council At-Large candidate Peter Westerholm. Also attending was District 19 Council candidate Freda Player.

Be sure to visit our website at www.dcyd.org and our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/dcyd to find out more about what's coming next!

Maynard Invites the DCYDs Out to Cabana

2007-03-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

Jamie Qualk, Jason Powell and Shawntaz Crawford

Cordially Invite the Davidson County Young Democrats

to an Event Celebrating the Candidacy of

Jerry Maynard for

City Council At Large

Thursday

March 22nd

from 5 - 7 p.m.

at Cabana

No RSVP required

"Suggested" Donation of $25.00

Weekend Movie Suggestions

2007-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

With all the wacky antics going on in Washington, it seems a good weekend to rent a couple movies from the ol' Blockbuster. Or you could just watch these clips and laugh about how, no matter what the year, the same rules apply. Funny, ain't it? Enjoy!

Man of the Year (2006)

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Wag the Dog (1997)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Sean McGuire Invites the DCYDs Out to Celebrate His Irish Heritage

2007-03-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Sean Patrick McGuire

Candidate for Metro Council – District 25 (Green Hills)

Thursday, March 15th, from 5-7 p.m.

at The Greenhouse in Green Hills

Check out our website at www.mcguireforcouncil.com

Megan Barry Wants to Know What We Think

2007-03-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

The campaign for Megan Barry just sent an e-mail over to the Davidson County Young Democrats and asked for some opinions from DCYD members and supporters. Take a look and be sure to give her some feedback as to whether or not her reasons matter to you. If we are to make a difference, we MUST take part in the process!

My name is Megan Barry and I’m running for Metro Council At-Large.

For many years I’ve been actively involved here in Nashville in civic and community activities that range from schools and neighborhoods to arts and politics. Now I’m ready to take my involvement in our city to a new level.

I’m asking you for your vote, and here’s why:

Leadership Matters: I will tackle the complex issues that confront Nashville – education, public safety, the environment, and social justice – with a bias toward action.

Community Matters: I am a businessperson who understands that a dynamic city needs strong neighborhoods and expanding economic opportunities. As a public school parent, I also understand that those opportunities demand a first-rate public education system.

Integrity Matters: I am an ethics professional and I have mserved on the Metro Council’s Board of Ethical Conduct.

As Nashville grows more economically and culturally vibrant, it confronts both opportunities and challenges. I want to help Nashville continue its forward progress by drawing on my professional experience and my personal commitment to the city’s future.
Feel free to contact me directly anytime at megan@meganbarry.com. Thanks very much for your consideration!
Megan Barry

Megan Barry
for Metro Council At-Large

When Did Being an American Capitalist...

2007-03-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

...mean serving yourself was far more important than honoring, supporting, and protecting the land that gave you your chance at success?

Halliburton will move HQ to Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Oil services giant Halliburton Co. will soon shift its corporate headquarters from Houston to the Mideast financial powerhouse of Dubai, chief executive Dave Lesar announced Sunday.

"Halliburton is opening its corporate headquarters in Dubai while maintaining a corporate office in Houston," spokeswoman Cathy Mann said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "The chairman, president and CEO will office from and be based in Dubai to run the company from the UAE."

Lesar's announcement appears to signal one of the highest-profile moves by a U.S. corporate leader to Dubai, an Arab boomtown where free-market capitalism has been paired with some of the world's most liberal tax, investment and residency laws.

So instead of paying a fair share of taxes, Halliburton is heading off to the UAE to enjoy the benefits of working with an oil-happy Arab nation. Benefits that include:

- 100% foreign ownership of the enterprise;
- 100% import and export tax exemptions;
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits;
- No corporate taxes for 15 years, renewable for an additional 15 years;
- No personal income taxes; and
- Assistance with labor recruitment, and additional support services, such as sponsorship and housing.
- To learn more visit http://www.mideastlaw.com/middle_eastern_laws_uae.html

So the company that our current Vice-President was the former CEO of...a company that holds a slew of contracts to support our troops over in Iraq..a company that has been accused by the federal government of wasting nearly $3 billion dollars of tax payer money...that company is now heading off to Dubai to enjoy a tax-free life in an oil rich nation that needs no taxes because we pay $3 a gallon for gas to the oil-rich Arabs and literally billions of our tax dollars to wealthy Republican CEOs.

Boys and girls, why does it feel like the American people, both Democrats and Republicans, are going to be left holding the check for the capitalists' eating binge? The storm is coming, boys and girls, and I don't know if the levies are going to hold.

At-Large Council Candidate Peter Westerholm Invites the DCYD to his 30th Birthday Bash

2007-03-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

At-Large Metro Council Candidate and DCYD Member Peter Westerholm is turning 30 and inviting DCYD members out to celebrate. Take a moment to read about Peter below and be sure to stop by on Saturday to wish him a happy birthday and to ask him where he stands on issues important to Young Democrats.

A Quick Biography

Born in Texas on March 13, 1977, Peter Westerholm was raised in a civic-minded family that valued service and involvement in the community.

Peter began calling Nashville his home in 1995, when he began attending Lipscomb University to study public administration. Following graduation, he worked for a law firm before pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. Shortly after completing his masters' degree, Peter returned to Nashville where he was worked with budget and strategic planning for the State of Tennessee.

As a community-oriented citizen, Peter has been involved in many projects and organizations, including the Nashville Adult Literacy Council, the Arthritis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the Nashville Symphony, and many others.

Leave It to Keith to Clean Up the Mess ...

2007-03-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so that whole Vice-President Al Gore's big electric bill issue ... well take a look at this fine piece of work from the ever steady Keith Olbermann.

Is this really the kind of politics we want to have in 2008? Sort-of, but not-really non-partisan think tanks making clearly partisan attacks on candidates with "fuzzy facts" similar to the "fuzzy math" of old.

If You Missed It...

2007-02-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

DCYD President Addison Pate appeared with Aaron Dorn, Chairman of the Davidson County Young Republican, on WKRN's "This Week with Bob Mueller." The pair discussed how the Internet and online media is helping shape races locally this year. They also talked about their plan to work together, in a bipartisan effort, in conducting a Young Voters Debate Series among the candidates and to get more young voters to the polls.

If you missed it, below is a grainy version of the segment. For those wanting a higher resolution, visit VolunteerVoters.com and click on This Week with Bob Mueller: 02.25.07 under the video player.

Ordinary to Extraordinary Heroes

2007-02-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

First, let me start off by giving a shout out to Sean. Sorry I am a week late from when I said I was going to blog. Anyway, I am writing, or should I say typing, this because I want to encourage everyone to go and see on of the best plays I have EVER, EVER seen in my 30 yrs on this earth...Ordinary Heroes. The play is running it's last weekend this weekend. Show times are Thurs., Fri, Sat. nights at 07:30 PM and Sunday at 06:00 PM. The place is Fisk's Chapel on Fisk's campus. The price is $5 for Fisk and David Lipscomb student/faculty ID holders, $12 for any other student ID, and $15 for general admission. The play is worth $50....that's how good it is.

The play is about local Nashvillians who took a stand against racial segregation in the early 1960's. For those of you who don't know, Nashville was the FIRST Southern city to desegregate lunch counters and other public places. Nashville has a rich history in the modern Civil Rights Movement. The play gives different perspectives of young and old people, and Black and White people. The play is awesome and I encourage you to go and see it. I am going again this coming Saturday (2/24/07). If you would like to join me, just email me.

After seeing this play a couple of weeks ago, I got to thinking. All the ordinary people in the play became extraordinary heroes. They were just regular folks like you and me. They were fearless, yet fearful. They were courageous, yet scared at the same time. This play encouraged me to be more of a doer than I already am. It is not enough to just talk about something. We as young citizens of this country need to make our voices heard. We need to educate people about paying attention to our government and what things are or are not being done. Find something you are passionate about and learn as much as you can on that subject so you can educate others. Hold our ELECTED congress people accountable, especially those who you didn't vote for but, somehow, some way, they got elected (shout out to porker, I mean Corker). :)

Anyway, please go and see the play. It is well worth the time and money. Until next time, let's start a revolution!!!

Add Rock Star to Gore's long list of titles!

2007-02-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Former Vice President Al Gore just announced a 24-hour concert push scheduled for July 7th called Live Earth.

It aims to have 100 performers and to create 2 billion activists on the issue of Global Climate Change. MSN has also signed on to this and will broadcast it on the internet.

The Live Earth concerts will take place in the Brazil, Shanghai, Japan, Johannesburg, London, Sydney, and the city in the U.S has not been announced yet (somewhere in Eastern United States). I feel a road trip coming on!

Here are some of the musical acts that have already signed onto the concert series:
Pharrell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Snoop Dogg, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, Paolo Nutini, Sheryl Crow, AFI, Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer, Damien Rice, Corrine Bailey Rae, Duran Duran, Snow Patrol, John Legend, Black Eyed Peas, Akon, Enrique Iglesias, Fall Out Boy, ManaKeane, Kelly Clarkson, Korn, Faith Hill w/Tim McGraw, Ray LaMontagne, Robin Thicke, Kenna

Check out the website MSN has created at http://liveearth.msn.com/

Also, check out The Climate Project at www.theclimateproject.org

Let the concert begin!

Seanna

Thank you, Mr. Mayor

2007-02-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday, Mayor Purcell vetoed the ridiculous piece of legislation passed earlier by the Metro Council that would allow something about government business to be conducted only in English, except for some business, but that wasn't really defined... Please write him a thank you note: mayor@nashville.gov.

See below for an article about the veto and his statement to the press:

http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2007/2/12/mayor_to_veto_englishfirst_ordinance

Statement by Mayor Bill Purcell

English is our language. It has been so since before the city existed
more than 200 years ago. It is the language we use to conduct the city's business. In order to
get ahead in Nashville a person needs to be able to speak English. This has been the case for more than 200 years. It is not going to change.

We don't need a law to tell us what language we are already speaking. We don't need a law that will make it harder for a police officer to do his job, for a school teacher to teach or for a doctor to help a patient.

This ordinance was introduced last September and for the last six monthsthe sponsors have been twisting arms and trading votes to get it passed. Some sponsors say it is an important law while other sponsors say it has no effect at all. The truth is that no one knows how this law may ultimately be interpreted. If this law takes effect, this city will be engaged in years of lawsuits testing the effect and constitutionality of the ordinance. That means hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees whether we win or lose, for no good reason.

This is not who we are. At the heart of this ordinance is the issue of immigration. We are dealing with that issue by supporting the deportation of illegal aliens who commit crimes. But this ordinance goes beyond illegal immigration to put at risk our community and its ability to welcome and work with those people who come to our city legally andwant to be a part of our city.

The Legal Department is clear in its opinion today that advised me thatthis ordinance is unconstitutional. The ordinance states that "all communications . . . shall be in English." The exceptions are so broadthat there is no way to know what is and is not allowed.

What do we do when a Kurdish or other refugee wants to take an English class at the Cohn Adult Learning Center?
What do we do when a Japanese company wants to find out about economic development opportunities?
What do we do when a foreign tourist wants to find out how to get to theParthenon?
What do we do when someone who only speaks Spanish wants to reportsuspicious activity in a neighborhood, or a codes violation, or a pothole?

This ordinance does not reflect who we are. When the waves of immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries came to Nashville, they became part of our community. Germantown and the Oktoberfest are reminders of those immigrants.. Most recently the NHL has brought people from all over the world to our city to work and to play.

Last year, the Celebration of Cultures at Centennial Park attracted 15,000 visitors to celebrate the diversity of the many communities and ethnicities in our city. Last year Nashville was chosen as one of three cities to host a World Cup soccer exhibition. Last year we welcomed the Greek Orthodox Church to a national convention here in Nashville, the most successful in history. Then we welcomed Hadassah.

Last year we welcomed the leadership of Nissan Motor manufacturing. This year we are planning to welcome a new Japanese Consulate to our city. In April I will lead a delegation of Nashville business leaders to what is now the fastest growing economy in the world. The great overarching truth in our success in this still new century is that we are a welcoming, inclusive, and friendly people and place.

If this ordinance becomes law, Nashville will be a less safe, less friendly, and less successful city. As mayor, I cannot allow that to happen. Therefore I am vetoing Ordinance 1185 and returning it to the Metro Council where I hope it will remain never to be seen again and that we can turn our full attention once again to education and public safety and quality of life which are the real work of a city and should be the work of its leaders now and forever.

DCYD Membership Mixer a Big Success

2007-02-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Neither the rain nor the cold air could keep people away from last night's DCYD Membership Mixer. The DCYDs invade Bar Car at Cummins Station and enjoy talking politics and Nashville with friends from all across the area.

Guests attending last night's event included Vice-Mayor and Mayoral candidate Howard Gentry, District 17 Councilman and At-Large candidate Ronnie Greer, At-Large candidate Richard Exton, At-Large candidate Jerry Maynard, At-Large candidate Peter Westerholm, District 19 candidate Freda Player, and Davidson County Democratic Party Chairman Billy Fields.

We wish to thank everyone who came out in support of the Davidson County Young Democrats. We look forward to seeing an even bigger crowd next month and in the months to come. Until then keep coming back here to the blog and our main Web site, dcyd.org, to find out the latest news from the Davidson County Young Democrats.

DCYD Memebership Mixer Tonight

2007-02-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Just because the presidential election is still over 600 days away doesn't mean you have to stop socializing with your Democratic friends. So instead of sitting at home tonight, head on over to Bar Car at Cummins Station and the Davidson County Young Democrats for our February Membership Mixer.

This is your chance to meet with other Young Dems from across the street to across the county. In addition to meeting other Young Dems, a couple local Metro candidates and elected officials will also be stopping by to say hello. And if that wasn't enough, we'll be giving away a couple door prizes as well.

Since this is our first mixer of the year, we'll be talking a lot about how the DCYDs look to make a big impact on the August races, what to look for in 2008, and how you can help make a difference in Nashville now!

This event is free and open to the public, so bring your friends!

Community Service Chairman Rachel Barnhard is asking that you show a little love for the Second Harvest Food Bank on this Valentine's Day Eve and bring a few canned goods or a couple donation dollars when you come.

See you tonight!

For more information please e-mail us at davidsoncountyyoungdem@gmail.com

DCYD Membership Mixer

Tonight, February 13th

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Bar Car at Cummins Station

At-Large Council Candidate Richard Exton Invites DCYD Members to Bowl

2007-02-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, long time DCYD supporter Richard Exton is running for one of the five At-Large Council positions available this summer. Richard is holding a Petition Signing Party next Monday, February 19th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Hillwood Strike & Spare and he's inviting all the DCYDs out to join him for the event to help him raise the staggering 25 signatures required. Below you'll find a copy of the invitation.

For those who may not be familiar with Richard Exton, he served as our umpire for the 2nd Annual Davidson County Young Democrats vs. Young Republicans Softball Game and has been an active supporter of our organization. Please take a moment to read over his biography below and be sure to head out for a few frames of bowling next Monday.

A Quick Biography

Richard moved with his parents to Nashville in1963, just before his fifth birthday. He has called Nashville his home ever since. A graduate of Metro Public Schools, Richard attended Glendale, Woodmont and Burton Elementary Schools, John Trotwood Moore Middle School and Hillsboro High School. He graduated in 1976. Richard then received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In June of 1983 Richard joined the real estate appraisal firm William R. Manier, III and Associates, as an Associate and progressed to Senior Associate, before acquiring the firm in January of 1994. The firm then changed its name to Manier and Exton. Richard is engaged exclusively in real estate appraisal work on a fee basis. He is retained by a variety of institutional, governmental, and private clients for the purposes of providing real estate appraisal services for a diversity of property types, including residential, commercial retail and service, industrial, agricultural, religious, and development. In addition to being a State Certified General Appraiser, Richard is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, although he does not represent buyers or sellers.

His professional activities include serving as President of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, as a Director of the Tennessee Association of Realtors, and on the Housing Needs and Appraisal committees of the National Association of Realtors. He served as a Director of the National Association of Realtors in 2006. In 2003 Richard was named Realtor of the Year, and was recognized in 2002 with the GNAR President's Award.

He was President of the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Clinic Bowl State High School Football Championships, served on the Board of Directors of Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and on the Advisory Board of Vanderbilt/Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital. He was a member of the 1994 class of Leadership Nashville. His other civic participation has included working on Habitat for Humanity builds, fundraising for Oasis Center, and helping with his son’s Scout Troop.

Richard has been married to Maralie since 1986. She runs the program training Medical Technologists and the quality assurance programs for the clinical laboratories at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. They have a son, Richard Jr., who is a junior at Hume Fogg Academic High School. He is a member of the rugby and swim teams and the Show Choir. They live in Forest Hills with their pound puppy "Puddles," a yet unnamed black and tan puppy, and their cat Mickey. Richard enjoys scuba, family vacations, and cooking.

UPDATE: Bloggers NOT Sacked

2007-02-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Associated Press is reporting that John Edwards has decided not to sack his bloggers who came under attack for personal postings made on other blogs.

"I talked personally to the two women who were involved. They gave me their word they, under no circumstances, intended to denigrate any church or anybody's religion and offered their apologies for anything that indicated otherwise. I took them at their word," Edwards told reporters during a campaign stop in Charleston, S.C.

To read the entire story visit MSNBC.com.

The Untold Consequences of Blogging

2007-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

For anyone interested in blogging, now or in the future, we recommend you take a look CNN.com to see what just happened with the John Edwards campaign. Turns out Edwards, like many others in the Democratic Party this year, tried to go mainstream and hire a couple professional bloggers to jump start his Internet movement and reach out to more "liberal voters and activists."

Unfortunately the hired bloggers, Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan, also have personal opinions that they feel open to share on other blogs outside of the Edwards campaign. (We're sure it has something to do with that whole First Admendment thing.)

Now the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights is demanding they be fired for personal comments they made against the Pope and the Church's stance on homosexuality and abortion.

Edwards isn't talking and neither are the two bloggers. Yet what happens next could set the standard for professional blogging as well as the blogging community as a whole. But this incident brings up a serious conversation that everyone who blogs need to ask themselves: are we prepared to own up to the comments we post and are we prepared to let people speak freely without consequences?

For example: Should the McDonald's fry cook lose his job because he rails against the company in a blog devoted to fast food industry reform? Can a bank manager be trusted to be objective with Hispanic clients at the bank, when he or she writes paragraphs on blogs about Pro "English-Only" legislation?

On the flip side, should we be giving the blogs that much value or should they looked at them as mere bulletin boards for any Tom, Diane, or Harry to come write a personal message? Should personal names be removed, and pseudonyms be put in their place to protect the livelihoods of those who dare speak out? Does anyone have legal recourse on either side?

There are far more questions than answers and the gray area on this subject is pretty large. But these questions need to be addressed before the blogosphere becomes the birthplace for a 21st Century Spanish Inquisition. So to anyone and everyone who writes on a blog, remember Michael Jackson: "I always feel like, somebody's watchin' me..."

Gore Nobel Nomination Fervor ... A Few Sore Republicans Speak Out

2007-02-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

From The Tennessean, when asking people to comment on former V.P. Al Gore's recent nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize:

"I can't see it, myself," A.J. McCall, head of the Wilson County Republican Party, said of An Inconvenient Truth. "I've read too much about the global warming, and there's no basis for their conclusions, there's no science around it. It's just all politically motivated. I think what that tells us is that the Nobel Prize is a prize for being liberal, and not for doing anything that is productive.

I'd like to refer Mr. A.J. McCall to today's Associated Press story out of Paris:

Scientists from 113 countries issued a landmark report Friday saying they have little doubt global warming is caused by man, and predicting that hotter temperatures and rises in sea level will “continue for centuries” no matter how much humans control their pollution.

A.J., I prefer to take the word of a couple hundred scientists who have been studying this issue for the last couple decades. How about you stick to the furniture business and we'll leave climate crisis analysis up to the scientists. And as far as the Nobel Prize being a "prize for being liberal and not for doing anything that is productive," I guess that means President Theodore Roosevelt, President Woodrow Wilson, Secretary of States Cordell Hull and Henry Kissinger were all just a bunch of tree-hugging, gay-loving, do-nothing, flaming liberals?

Of course, if that wasn't enough, there was the state Republican Party Chairman, Bob Davis:

Plenty of people are worthy of getting the prize, said Bob Davis, head of the state Republican Party. "I guess Vice President Gore has convinced the Norwegians that he meets the standards for receiving this award."

Yes, Bob. He's definitely convinced Norway. He's also convinced a couple million others across the planet Earth as well. But let me make my prediction now. If Tennessee Republicans think like these two, and if Republicans across the country speak like these two, then 2008 looks to be an even better year for Democrats.

The country is tired of this same childish rhetoric coming out of the mouths of political party leaders and members. Far be it from me to say the Democratic Party doesn't have its share or Republican haters and loose-lipped speakers. We have plenty to go around. But the majority of Americans are tired of this "Fox News" style of speaking. Sore losers AND winners are not attractive and do not inspire confidence.

So boys, the next time you get the urge to bash I recommend the phrase "No Comment."

Is Race EVERYTHING?

2007-02-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

Watching the news this morning made me ponder the question, "Does race still matter in America?". I'll get to why I was pondering that question in a minute...

I would love to say "no", but reality always tells me "yes". When will I, an intelligent, educated African-American female, every be looked as just a woman, not just an African-American woman? I listen intently to what people say throughout the day. Just today, I overheard a conversation two people were having. The two were Caucasian and one was describing a person to the other. The one describing started off by describing the person's race FIRST. Now, I thought, "Maybe this is just a coincidence."

I decided to do my own unscientific poll. I had a magazine with me and I asked 2 African-American peers of mine and 2 Caucasian peers of mine to describe the person they saw in the magazine article I showed them. The 2 Caucasian peers started off by describing the person's race FIRST. The two African American peers did mention race, but they described the weight, height, clothes the person had on in the article and then race.

I say all that to say this: This country will not get any better and race relations will stay the way they are if we do not start looking past a person' s color. Now, obviously, if you are describing a person to another person, race will be one of your descriptions, but I think it was interesting where the race description fell in order during my unscientific poll.

Now, back to the reason I was pondering today....Biden, the newest presidential hopeful, made a comment about Barack Obama being (and I am paraphrasing) first mainstream, clean, well articulate, good looking African American running. Now, first off, why Biden is not remembering Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Shirley Chisholm, and Carol Moseley Braun running for the presidency? These people were and are very articulate, clean, and somewhat good lookin. :) Does Biden think the majority of African Americans are not?

What trips me out is, this is not the first time he has said something that puts a race of people in a negative light. Am I suppose put my trust in a man who sees only race when he is looking at a person who looks different than him? I don't care what people say, race is everything (unfortunately). I will always be looked at as an African American woman, not just a woman. Don't get me wrong, I am VERY proud of my heritage. But, when race affects great political people like Harold Ford, Jr. and Barack Obama, I can't just sit by and not voice my opinion.

First an Oscar nod, and now Nobel

2007-02-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

Former Vice-President Al Gore, who's film "An Inconvenient Truth" was nominated for an Oscar, has now been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. For more on the story, visit MSNBC.com to hear about how a Conservative and a Socialist joined forces in Norway to nominate the Vice-President. (Gee, a guy that can bring the political parties together...that sounds like someone who I might want to see run for ...SHHHHHHHHHHHHH)

Congratulations, Al! Always nice to see a Tennessee Democrat getting nominated for an Oscar and a Nobel Peace Prize. All that's left is ... well ... you know ... we'll see you after the Oscars!

A New Terrorist Threat? We're doomed!

2007-02-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

This topic really doesn't have any direct connection to politics, though a few politicians are already speaking out, but it is connected to our generation and I wanted to throw my two cents in on yesterday's "bomb scare" in Boston. Turns out the Mooninites are a new terrorists cell that Homeland Security wasn't aware of, and thanks to a few "Lite-Bright" like promotional boxes Homeland Security now knows more than they ever wanted to know. In case you're not familiar with the Mooninite cell, here is a photo of their two leaders:

Pretty scary, huh? Yeah, they look rather dangerous. So far Homeland Security has been able to determine that only one group of individuals in the United States has had success in stopping the Mooninite threat. They are known as Aqua Teen Hunger Force and are featured in the photo below:

If for some reason you haven't figured out the joke, these photos are from characters in the popular Adult Swim Cartoon, Aqua Teen Hunger Force. It is the story of a "Frylock," his buddy "Shake," and a wad of meat called ... wait for it ... "Meatwad." It would take way too long to explain, but just trust me when I say it's funny.

In an attempt to promote the upcoming "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" movie, Cartoon Network enlisted the help of these electronic devices:

Basically a 80's-style "Lite-Bright" with 4 "D" batteries. This marketing team decided it would be a good idea to place these illuminated boxes at different points throughout a number of major cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and Seattle. (Rather sad Nashville didn't make it.) These devices have been out and viewable for nearly 10 days, but yesterday someone in Boston got a bug up his or her butt and decided to make a call to the police.

After shutting down parts of Boston for up to half a day, and blowing up a few of the "Lite-Brights" for security reasons, the truth of the promotion was discovered. Ok, so egg on the face of the hundreds of Homeland Security personnel who couldn't see this was just too silly to be true.

Oh but wait...no one gets away with making Homeland Security, the city of Boston, or even a few elected leaders look foolish. No no, someone has to pay for this stupid and it won't be the ones who bought into the delusion of terroristic grandure. This from CNN.com (Parent company Turner Broadcasting who, yep, owns Cartoon Network)

Peter Berdovsky, 27, a freelance video artist from Arlington, Massachusetts, and Sean Stevens, 28, were facing charges of placing a hoax device in a way that results in panic, as well as one count of disorderly conduct, said Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. The hoax charge is a felony, she said.
Both men were arrested Wednesday evening. According to his Web site, Berdovsky is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and a founding member of a video artists group called Glitch who goes by the nickname "Zebbler" and sings in a band called "Superfiction."
Authorities believe Berdovsky was "in the employ of other individuals" as part of the marketing campaign, Coakley said. "How exactly this was executed, we are still investigating." Berdovsky is scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. Thursday in Charlestown District Court.

So two young guys are arrested for trying out a clever, if not entirely thought through, idea just because a few people in Boston law enforcement got this one WAY wrong. Ok, where exactly do we draw the line? When do we finally say enough is enough? While I give you that the marketing ploy could have been better researched, perhaps announced via standard media, is it really something worthy of criminal prosecution?

I'm sorry, but I have let my inner punk kid out on this one and say that the Boston AG, Homeland Security, and anyone else who got caught looking foolish on this one needs to chill out and move on.

Our Congressman In Action!

2007-01-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

Just saw this over at VolunteerVoters.com. ACK picked it up off of Think Progress. (Reminds me of the DCYD Book Club days)

And for those who can't see the video:

Transcript:

REP. JIM COOPER (D-TN): Second, let me mention a dinner party I attended about two months ago here in Washington. The honoree was John Negroponte. He was then the director of national intelligence. He was there to receive an environmental award.

It was very interesting because in anticipation of his remarks, word slipped through the crowd he was not allowed to utter the words “global warming,” at least not in the same sentence. Apparently, he was allowed to say the word “global” in a separate sentence, and “warming” in a separate sentence, but not together. So it became a little parlor game during his remarks, to see how closely he would fit the words “global” and “warming” and not incur the wrath of the White House.

I thought this was a sad statement of the current condition of our scientific community when a very eminent statesman like John Negroponte would be so hamstrung by the administration that he would not be allowed to utter the two words in conjunction. I thought that was an indignity to Mr. Negroponte and a sad comment on the level of the Bush administration to so hamstring its talented and capable appointees.

We've Seen This Movie Before, Mr. Bush

2007-01-31T06:15:00.000-08:00

Merriam-Webster defines the term "deja vu" as the feeling that one has seen or heard something before.

As I watched my beloved Countdown with Keith Olbermann last night and woke up to the morning news shows, I had this strange feeling like I was reliving the last couple of years all over again. From the trial of I. "Scooter" Libby replaying the details of the Valerie Plame scandal, to "new evidence" being offered by the Bush's administration that a rogue, Middle East country is attacking or threatening to attack the United States. This time, however, replace the "Q" with a "N." And for good measure, British police apprehended a group of men allegedly planning to conduct "Iraq-style" terrorism in the United Kingdom.

That's when it hit me. I think I've seen this movie already. Yeah, I'm sure of it. Only last time it was Iraq and nukes, not Iran and soldiers. And the round up of alleged terrorists in the UK last time only led to the release of nearly all of them for lack of evidence. But it made many parts of the world nervous again, wondering when the next attack will come.

To the president's displeasure, however, the "breakup" of the cell in Britain didn't do enough to keep Congress in the hands of the Republicans.

But this script, this regular routine of lies and deceit followed by an "event" that causes serious alarm and concern, seems to be the only card this administration has to play and now it's getting to the point where no one knows what's a real threat and what is a politically motivated lie.

You have cried wolf six too many times, Mr. President, and now our country doesn't know who or what to believe.

We are like passengers on the Titanic, realizing that we've hit an iceberg, but are just now coming to terms with the fact that our captain is to blame. But instead of you asking for forgiveness for your deadly mistakes, you just keep the engines churning. And the next iceberg ahead, Iran, may be even more disastrous to this nation.

Stop this madness, King George! Stop this right now. And if you will not stop, then I hope to God that Congress will do it for you.

You have done nothing for this country, for even your own political party, except divide and destroy. You have made this nation focus on the dark and destructive elements of humanity, and not the hope and imagination of this world. You have tried to recreate this country in your own image, but you sir are NOT God. We are one nation under God, not two nations under you.

Those few Republicans reading this, I beg you to write your congressman or senator and ask them to stand up to this Executive Branch. Democrats, we must keep our representatives feet to the fire and make them demand answers.

And while we keep waiting for 2008 and hoping for better days, we must not let this country fall any further into the depths of deception and despair before we get there. We cannot simply hold out until then. This is OUR country and we must take it back!

Be Cool

2007-01-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

What is the next best thing to eliminating Republican obstinance when it comes to Global Climate change? Answer: A marketing firm, a lot of cash, and some young celebrities.

Global Cool is a new organization/movement which is seeking to get people to switch off those lights, turn off that TV, and turn down their heat in order to do their part to reduce Co2 emmissions and reduce the threat posed by global climate change.

Some interesting ideas from their website are:

Unplug that charger - Most gadget chargers eat electricity even when not in use. So once you've powered up your PSP, iPod or mobile, be sure to power down its greedy little charger.

Stuff the freezer - Freezers work best when they are tightly packed - that way, they don't have to work so hard to freeze air space. A great way to justify some extra tubs of ice cream.

Buy local food - Veg from a mile away is just as tasty as veg from half the world away and doesn't have to be flown to you in energy-guzzling airplanes.

It's an interesting approach, one that could help reduce future consumption. Unfortunately, no amount of personal conservation will make up for the trillions of tonnes of Co2 emissions that industry produces every year. But if the campaign can get more people to focus on what they can do to reduce their environmental impact on the world, perhaps it will get them to pay more attention to the environmental views of their elected representatives.

Is it Really All About the Benjamins?

2007-01-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

Financial disclosure week is upon us and Nashville's mayoral candidates are strutting their stuff when it comes to fundraising. But is it really just all about the money? The campaign managers and long time politicos will say "Yes, you idiot!," because without big cash you can't buy ads, make signs, throw big events, and do all the gimics necessary to win an election.

Maybe I'm just an idealists, or maybe I've been watching "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" too much, but to me all this talk of money is really just a big ol' waste of newsprint and blog space. We're already doing it with the 2008 presidential race, and we're doing it for the local mayor's race. But at the end of the day, if "Candidate X" has no vision for Nashville or no platform on which to stand, what do I care if he or she has all the money in the city?

Last time I checked it's still January and we still have six months until early voting begins. Before we start looking for white flags of surrender based on finances, let's first hear a bit more about what these candidates actually have to say rather than how much they plan to raise.

To Learn More About the DCYDs

2007-01-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

Or to sign up for our weekly e-mails please visit our home Web site at www.dcyd.org

I Must Respectfully Disagree, Senator Harper

2007-01-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

I've reread over and over again a quote attributed to Sen. Thelma Harper (D-Nashville) with regards to the TN Lottery scholarship report that shows, from 2004-2006, a decrease in black students receiving scholarships (10% down to 8%), while whites receiving the lottery went up from 85% to 87% in the same time span.

"What it [the report] says is that poor people are sending wealthy kids to school, children that will be going to college anyway," Harper said.

Senator Harper was also heard on WKRN this morning speaking about the report and promised John Dwyer a copy of the report in order to make a better assessment of the information. Senator Harper, I would also like a copy of this report if you don't mind. I think it would be very interesting to know how a decrease in black students applying and receiving the Lottery Scholarship has anything to do with "wealthy kids" taking their money.

While I would absolutely agree that we need to make sure every student in the state of Tennessee knows about and has access to the scholarship, blaming the drop on "wealthy kids" who have taken better advantage of the scholarship program rather than "poor kids" seems political at best and outright inappropriate at worst.

Hate the scholarship because it tends to suck poor people in with delusions of winning, hate the scholarship program because it doesn't allow all Tennessee high school graduates the opportunity to have a tuition free ride to an in-state school. But don't hate the player (i.e. the "wealthy kids"), hate the game (i.e. Tennessee's education system).

If DCYD Polls Decided Elections...

2007-01-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

Then the Democratic nominee for governor in 2010 would be ...

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell 27, 64%
Congressman Lincoln Davis 6, 14%
Former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. 3, 7%
Former State House Majority Leader Kim McMillan 3, 7%
Country Singer Tim McGraw 2, 5%
Other (please list in the comments) 1, 2%
Summary: 42 votes

And the Democratic nominee for president in 2008 would be ...

John Edwards 6, 33%
Barack Obama 5, 28%
Gen. Wesley Clark 5, 28%
Bill Richardson 1, 6%
I'm a Republican, so I'm checking this box so as not to skew the poll. :) 1, 6%
Hilary Clinton 0, 0%
Summary: 18 votes

For those worried about the numbers, remember this is an online poll. About as unscientific as you can get. Out of a population of 600,000+ in Davidson County, only 42 people contributed to the governor's poll and 18 to the presidential. Tell your friends and neighbors to visit the blog to vote and help give a better sample. But until then, read into these poll numbers all you want.

A Conservative Says Canada Does Healthcare Better

2007-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Anyone watching "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" may have had to take a double take during the round table. It seems after trying to tout the new Bush health care tax break as a good thing, George Will showed accidental support for socialized medicine:

"There's a reason why it cost a thousand dollars more to manufacture a car in Michigan than it does across the river in Ontario, Canada and it is the healthcare component of this."

That's right, George, Canada doesn't have a healthcare crisis because Canada provides affordable healthcare to ALL its citizens and yes, that is why it cost a thousand dollars less to build a car there rather than here. But George, the Bush administration and your conservative colleagues are still not addressing the real issue. Let me give you an example my father just offered up to me this weekend.

A friend get a clot in his eyeball that caused his whole eye to turn blood red and him to have vision problems. The doctor charged that man $14,000 for a "specialized" procedure to fix the issue. The private insurance, offered through the company he works for, gets billed by the office $4,000 for the procedure. Exactly where does the $10,000 markup come from? And there in lies the problem.

Socialized medicine would not destroy healthcare in this country, it would simply destroy the healthcare business. Private insurance could still exist, and private practice could still thrive, but not in the current state where prices for medicine and healthcare fluctuate like the price of oil. But unlike the price of oil, the price of healthcare just keeps going up and up. By socializing medicine, offering it to all legal citizens, you provide a more balanced and reasonable approach to healthcare.

The healthcare industry should NOT be a huge cash cow. Vaccines should not be created for the profit of it, but for the good of all mankind. Sure, if someone wants a boob job or a tummy tuck, you're welcome to charge them any and all kinds of cash. But when a child is dying of cancer, the treatments shouldn't come with $100,000 strings attached to them. Not everything in this world, contrary to the capitalist's belief, is about making money.

So yes, George, Canada does make cars for less and its because they have medicine provided for all its citizens. And if the United States provided healthcare to all its citizens US companies would be able to make products for cheaper too. But until we start treating healthcare as a right as citizens, then you'll just have to keep watching our nation fall farther behind in business while the healthcare industry continues to suck dry the finances of this country.

That's How Bad We Want a New President

2007-01-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

The headlines over the last few days have talked about how the 2008 Presidential Primary has started so early (647 days until Election Day) and how this could be the sign of some new trend thanks to instant communication or 24 hour News Coverage. While the Internets (that series of tubes) and MSNBC, CNN, FAUX News, and such may be pushing us to seek more answers, they are not the reason for this sudden urge to start the 2008 race. It's quite simple why we're looking so far ahead: we want a new president.

If it was possible to elect a new president in 2006, the American people would have done it and there would have been massive blue spots in Montana, Missouri, Virginia, and Colorado. This country has had enough with this President. And unlike bad shows on TV, we can't simply throw him out of the White House for consistantly bad ratings.

The American public is looking ahead to 2008 because they are desperate for some hope and direction. Though the indicators may say the economy is strong, the truth is most people aren't feeling it. There are still millions who have no health care and millions more making well below the poverty line. We have an illegal immigration crisis that has nothing to do with immigration itself or the War on Terror (Securing our borders is like airport security ... a red herring) but rather a stigma perpetuated by racism and ignorance. We have spent billions upon billons on a war we should never have started, lost over 3,000 American men and women for a cause that was never right or just, wounded over 22,000 brave soldiers in the hopes of playing God with the Middle East. I can only imagine God sitting up on his throne in Heaven, shaking his head, screaming down to the White House "No, I didn't tell you to become President! I said you had the brains of a pheasant!"

So yeah, I can understand why we're watching with such interest into who will be our next president. With a present as good as this, and the past 6 years as bad as they've been, that only leaves us with the future. And unless we make the right decision in 2008, the Global Climate Crisis facing us now and the continuing destabilization of the Middle East may just make even the future too bleak for hope.

Invitation to Young Democrats

2007-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

My good friend and loyal Young Democrat Claudia Weaver shot over a proper invitation to the Davidson County Young Democrats from Jerry Maynard, former Deputy Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party. Rev. Maynard is officially throwing his hat into the At-Large Metro Council race tomorrow and wanted to invite all DCYDs in Nashville to the event.

The Morning After...

2007-01-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

Last night President George W. Bush laid out the current State of the Union and outlined a laundry list (or as some call it grocery list) of things he believes should happen in America in the coming future. Mr. Bush touched on a host of domestic issues including healthcare, education, immigration, and the economy. Some of his ideas were grand, though greatly lower in scale.

In the past Mr. Bush said we should go to Mars, where as now he'd be happy if we could just cut back on gasoline by 20%. In the past Mr. Bush wanted to spread freedom to Syria, Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Iran. This year he would settle for Cuba, Belarus, and Burma. (How many times do we hear about Burma these days?) In the past Mr. Bush was quite specific on his desires for Social Security reform (aka Private Savings Accounts), but not this year. It's as if he is finally starting to realize the severe limitations of power, especially now that Congress no longer belongs to him.

The point is President Bush, in both his Iraq speech and now his State of the Union address, shows that he has truly entered into the realm of "Lame Duck." The citizens of the United States of America no longer trust the words that come from this president or his administration. On the same day we hear words of hope from Capitol Hill, a federal court down the road is hearing testimony fill with deception and deceit connected to Vice-President Cheney. On the weekend before the State of the Union, 28 soldiers are killed in Iraq along with hundreds of Iraqi citizens. And we're just suppose to believe you when you say this time a mere 21,000 more troops will get the job done? Oh no, Mr. President, I think not.

Perhaps we need to look at what was NOT said in Mr. Bush's speech. No mention of Katrina and the still present disaster zones of New Orleans and the Gulf States. Maybe if we don't talk about it people will forget, eh GW? What about the Kyoto treaty, Mr. President? You're ready to take serious steps towards combating Global Climate Change, yet you don't have the gumption to admit you were wrong and that serious CO2 limits are needed?

Mr. Bush, perhaps it is your lack of vocabulary skills or public speaking presence that ultimately destroys your creditability. Perhaps if you were as suave as a President Clinton or as talented as a President Regan you could sell me. But you're not. You're not even close. In fact, watching you stumble over the name of NBA Superstar Dikembe Mutombo just reminded me of how poor a representative of this nation you are. Mr. Bush, for two more years you are the President of the United States and that means you have two more years to get it right. Either start making a difference or get out of the way, go back to your ranch, and let the new Congress do it for you.

State of the Union Reaction

2007-01-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm watching the President sign autographs and I'm reviewing the highlights of the speech, but here are a few points I took away from the whole event.

- Madam Speaker ... Ahhhhh, that just sounds so good these days.

- Balancing the budget "Good," Without raising taxes "Not Likely" and needs to stop being talked about. We're the second lowest taxed country in the world, so let's stop complaining.

- No Child Left Behind is BAD, so let's stop touting it as a success

- I'm impressed the President acknowledged Global Climate Change. I'm impressed the President suggested that an immediate need for alternative fuels is required. But then again, we heard that last year and what did we get? So can we finally sign Kyoto?

- His health care plan confused me greatly. Exactly how do I get the break? Where do we make back the money we're giving away to pay the government's bills? And how does this tax break lower insurance premiums?

- What's the deal with this new volunteer civil non-military guard? What, we do the work without guns or military training?

- Consequences, consequences, consequences ... Mr. President, you've tried to tell us about the consequences of failure in the Middle East. You put us here, Mr. President with lies ... wait, I'm sorry ... with failures in intelligence. And now, after you gave us "bad information" we're suppose to trust you now? Give it up, GW. The more you talk about it, the more we tune you out. We do not trust you and you need to get that. Change is required, and if we could hold another presidential election, we would.

- NBA Star - Good Story, "Baby Einstein" - Bad Story, Subway Hero - Good Story, Wounded Veteran - Honorable Story but too obvious a political ploy.

- Final Score: 2 out of possible 5

What Historical Character?

2007-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

I keep hearing the back and forth on this proposal for a Westin Hotel in Lower Broadway, downtown between 2nd and 3rd Ave. One side promises to maintain the historical character of Lower Broadway, while the other cries foul and believes the project will destroy all that the Lower Broadway community symbolizes.

Maybe I'm just a cynic, but exactly what image exactly are we looking to protect? The infrequent stores and restaurants peppered along the dirty streets? The overpriced parking strips which do nothing for visual value except to show people what a lot of wasted concrete space looks like. How many Nashville residents frequent lower Broadway on a regular basis "just for the character?"

As some who grew up downtown (Hume-Fogg Class of 1997), worked downtown (Demos', B.B. King's), and played downtown (Dancin' in the District, Predators games, Kats games, etc.) I feel I have a little authority on what the "image" is of downtown. Putting in a 19 story hotel that is state-of-the-art, environmentally "green" in its design, and accepting of the street level shops will not do anything to destroy Lower Broadway.

If the plans proposed by the Westin Company are true to form and they are trying to preserve the street-level world around them, then I have no problem with a company coming in to try and make downtown work again. But for anyone crying foul because of "historical character," I think you need a new rallying cry.

Governor [fill in the blank]

2007-01-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

As Addison pointed out below, there is one really big name in the running for Governor on the Republican side, but what about the Democrats?

Seeing as there are only three statewide elected offices, Governor and two Senators, there isn't a backbench of statewide elected officials that would easily be seen as Presidential contendors. So who do you guys think will be the nominee?The problem with competing with a person like Bill Frist, will be name recognition. In 2002, when Bredesen was elected, he went up against a Congressman and idiot; Frist is neither of these things. Granted, he's said and done some stupid things (spit transmits AIDS?) but he is still a capable politician and will probably be thought more highly of in 4 years, than he is today.

Oh Boy, Here We Go Again...

2007-01-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

As if 2008 speculation wasn't enough, now bloggers and the press have started speculating about 2010! Kleinheider over at VolunteerVoters.com got wind of an article over at The Hill that cites "sources with knowledge" who say Bill Frist has all but decided to run for governor in 2010.

Waiting three to eight years before making a gubernatorial or presidential bid would provide Frist needed distance from his unenviable tenure as Senate majority leader, a period that culminated in the Democrats’ takeover of Congress last November.
Such a significant layoff would also allow Frist to distance himself from allegations of conflict of interest involving his ownership of stock in Hospital Corporation of America, a company founded by his brother and father, allegations that could have further derailed his White House hopes this year.

Lest we not forget last February, when the good doctor from Tennessee did a video tape diagnosis of Terry Schiavo from his Senate office. As quoted from the WashingtonPost.com:

"I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office," he said in a lengthy speech in which he quoted medical texts and standards. "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli."
His comments raised eyebrows in medical and political circles alike. It is not every day that a high-profile physician relies on family videotapes to challenge the diagnosis of doctors who examined a severely brain-damaged patient in person.

Listen, I welcome Bill Frist into the fight that will be the governor's race of 2010. With the stink of Bush all over him, his connection with the fall of the Republican party in the Senate, and his thorough medical knowledge (remember his AIDS comments on "This Week with George Stephanopolous") I'm sure ol' Billy will have no problem taking this state by storm.

But personally, I just wish he'd go back to the non-partisan world of heart surgery where it doesn't matter what your political affiliation is, just what insurance card you have. If you have even any insurance at all.

Clear the Smoke out of the Rooms

2007-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

State Sen. Rosalind Kurita has released a more detailed explanation for her vote against "Democrat" John Wilder in favor of the Republican Ron Ramsey for Speaker of the Senate. Autoegocrat of the Pesky Fly has all the goods, but here are a few excerpts:

This past week I have been asked many times why I voted for a new Lt. Governor. How could I vote for someone who is not a member of my own political party?

The answer is very straightforward: I voted my conscience.

The most basic tenet of democracy is that the majority rules. In the Tennessee state Senate, Republicans have held the numerical majority for three years. Yet, we were in a "peculiar" situation where the minority continued to keep the majority in the form of the Lt. Governor. That is not our democracy.

It was time for a change in the structure. The dedication to keeping a status quo was preventing our state from putting real energy and bi-partisan effort into solving problems and moving Tennessee forward.

True enough. I've heard people this past week say that Kurita cost us the majority in the Senate, but the truth is we lost that three years ago. What we had was a system designed by John Wilder, for the benefit of John Wilder, so that he could maintain control by working deals with a few Republicans. This system had been in place long before the Republicans won the majority of the Senate, and this system kept the Senate Democratic Caucus from having true vision and values.

Kurita seems to think that now this good ol' boy system of favors for votes can finally be put to rest, and that voters will be voting on the ability of that legislator to promote a vision, not simply promote themselves. Whether its Education, Health Care, or Open Government; the truth is the Senate Democrats haven't been leading sufficiently, largely because they were too busy worrying about how to maintain their power without having been given it by the voters.

Nationally, Democrats benefited from being in the minority because it forced our party to hone a message that resulted in the tremendous gains of 2006. I believe we can now use this time to communicate a new message to Tennesseans that will emphasize people over party and benefit our state as a whole.

Every member of the Senate is tired of being 49th in so many areas. I intend to work with my fellow Democrats and Republicans as well as the new Lt. Governor to create legislation that moves our state forward.

The era of the smoke-filled back room is over and we are now free to have a healthy public policy debate that can only benefit the citizens of this great state.

An era is over, that much we know. The question now is what era will replace it? Will it be an era of Republican domination, with Democrats fighting for scraps from the Republican leaders? Or will it be an era where the Democrats band together to fix the problems of our state, and take those solutions to the people for them to decide who is better to lead this State? I am confident that if Democrats stop worrying about power, and start worrying about how best we can fix our state problems, the Democrats will regain a majority in the Senate in order to do so.

Obama Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee

2007-01-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

As reported by MSNBC, CNN, and all the other news websites out there, Senator Barack Obama has filed the paperwork to create a presidential exploratory committee. That means he can start raising money in the pursuit of announcing a bid for the presidency. So for those of you keeping score at home, we have these confirmed candidates for the Democratic nomination:

1. Tom Vilsack, former Govenor of Iowa
2. John Edwards, former US Senator from North Carolina
3. Joe Biden, US Senator from Delaware
4. Christopher Dodd, US Senator from Connecticut
5. Dennis J. Kucinich, US Congressman from Ohio
6. Barack Obama, US Senator from Illinois

And those expected to run but have yet to file the paperwork or announce:

1. Hilary Clinton, US Senator from New York
2. John Kerry, US Senator from Massachusetts
3. Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico
4. Al Sharpton
5. Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander

So, out of these 11 possible candidates, we want to know what you think.

Who would you like to be the Democratic nominee for President?

Tom Vilsack, former Govenor of Iowa

John Edwards, former US Senator from North Carolina

Joe Biden, US Senator from Delaware

Christopher Dodd, US Senator from Connecticut

Dennis J. Kucinich, US Congressman from Ohio

Barack Obama, US Senator from Illinois

Hilary Clinton, US Senator from New York

John Kerry, US Senator from Massachusetts

Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico

Al Sharpton of New York

Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander

Give me someone else...

I'm a Republican, so I'm checking this box so as not to skew the poll. :)

view results

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2007-01-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

"Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When you get a chance, take a few minutes to remember Dr. King's famous 1963 speech "I Have a Dream." And for those wanting to know more, please visit the King Center.

The Friday Dump...The Week's Final Thoughts

2007-01-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Friday is the day most people stop reading the blogs and start planning their weekend, so I figured why not go ahead and throw a little of everything out there to finish up the week.

Local: The Tennessean reports that Councilman John Summers of District 24 believes that Metro teachers raises should mirror the raises of Metro Schools Director, Pedro Garcia. His pay is getting bumped up 8.34% to $216,000. The Tennessean also provided salaries of some of the top paid Metro Schools Administrators, with the bottom of the list starting at $130,021.

It makes me laugh to think that the Governor of our state, who refuses to actually take a paycheck, makes $85,000, while the guy who runs the schools of Metro Nashville makes nearly three times that. Don't that just seem odd to anyone else?

State: I know I said it was time to move on from the Julius Caesar like moment ("Et tu, Brute) that was the State Senate election of a new speaker. But unfortunately a couple bloggers out there continue to miss the point completely and I can't let that keep going on.

Kleinheider from VolunteerVoters.com writes:

That is why most voters and most Democrats won't hold this vote against Kurita. The Republicans hold a numerical majority in the Senate and have for sometime. Wilder was becoming an embarrassment. She did the right thing or at least something that can be reasonable interpreted as the right thing. It needs to happen and it was just that it did.

The reason why most voters and most Democrats WILL hold this vote against Kurita is not because of the reason, or even because of the outcome, but because of HOW the event took place. Sure, there are a lot of state Democrats who believed it was time for a change. Senator Joe Haynes wouldn't have thrown his name out there if there wasn't. And sure, I would go so far as to say there are some in the party who agree with the idea that the majority party should name the speaker.

But what Kurita did was just plain stupid. She looked at best self-serving and at worst like a bitter woman mad that the boys wouldn't let her play. There were a dozen ways she could have handle this situation and she'd be looking like the hero, but she chose to act like a child and cast a vengeance vote.

At the end of the day, when the Republican controlled Senate stops all legislation coming out of the House or, God forbid, attempts to pass abortion legislation or some other wedge-issue bill through, then Kurita will truly see what kind of damage she just did. To her Party, to the state of Tennessee, and to her own political career. That is ... if she's even a Democrat by then.

National: Wow, only a few days in power and the Democrats have already passed a minimum wage increase, enacted the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, expanded stem cell research, and allowed for better negotiations on Medicare prescription drugs. At this rate we might solve all our problems (minus Iraq) by Easter.

Next up on the agenda is the cut in school loan interest rates. This one is a BIG one to many of us in the Davidson County Young Democrats. If you haven't already, be sure to send a quick note to Congressman Jim Cooper asking him to vote in favor of the cuts. Though I have a feeling his vote is one we don't have to worry about.

To steal from the great Garrison Keeler, "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch."

Fresh Off a "This Week" Appearance, HFJ is Tapped to Lead DLC

2007-01-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

For all those Harold Ford, Jr. lovers and haters out there, a little tid-bit off the Daily Kos talking about an article from Radar magazine. Looks like HFJ is about to get himself a leadership position in the DLC. At least, that was the case before the memo was leaked. In any event, from the looks of the memo it shows that the DLC will continue to be a mouth piece for the Clintons, specifically Senator Hillary Clinton and her 2008 presidential run.

"I assume there will be an effort to help Senator Clinton's campaign and I would support such an effort."

Not that we didn't already know she was running, but isn't the bigger news of this memo that HFJ has already decided the DLC is supporting Senator Clinton's presidential bid even though she, herself, hasn't confirmed she's running? Heck, I'm not sure if there is really any news at all in this story, but I know all you HFJ lovers and haters out enjoy good political gossip. We now return you to our regularly scheduled crisis already in progress.

No, Mr. President ... Enough is enough

2007-01-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

(Note: This is an immediate response to the president's speech, without having reviewed the entire text.)

Well President Bush just went double down on Iraq with his latest speech and fell flat on his face. While I must give him credit for taking responsibility with regards to all the failures up until this point, he did nothing to show that he has a clear sense of what needs to be done. If anything he rattled the saber against Iran and Syria. Ok, so we're losing the war in Iraq, we have spent nearly all our quality military power in the region over the last four years, and now we're threatening Iran?

Mr. President, force hasn't worked with Iraq. Do you seriously think force will work with Iran or Syria? All force does in this region is create more violence. The people of Iraq, Iran, and Syria are not asking for our help. The people of the Middle East do not want our form of democracy, so drop the neoconservative theory of spreading freedom across the world with force. It doesn't work!

And for God's sake would you please stop trying to tie September 11th to Iraq. September 11th occurred because a group of extremist wanted to hurt us. Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi government of his reign, while wanting to hurt us as well, had NOTHING to do with "bringing the fight to our streets." Granted, thanks to your flawed and failed strategy terrorism is now a greater issue in Iraq than it was before we invaded. But stop trying to sell that load of bullsh*t. We're not buying!

Finally, and this is for all of us, getting up and leaving is not a viable option. We cannot just leave. We cannot just walk away. We made this mess. We screwed this thing up. Damned if we do, damned if we don't. But like the financial budget crisis looming in the years ahead, our long term security and stability in the region will be a time bomb waiting to explode if we simply walk away and ignore the mess we made.

And by "we" I mean, President Bush and the Bush Administration. While I didn't vote for the man, and never supported this mission, I am an American and my flag is worn on the arm of every brave soldier over there. It is the flag every Iraqi sees. Therefore, it is my responsibility to make sure we fix this mess, regardless of whether or not I personally did anything to cause it.

Mr. Bush, you failed to sway me. In fact, you've scared me even more because you look just as scared as the rest of us. You just put our mortgage on the poker table and are hoping beyond hope that your luck's going to change. For the sake of us all, I hope your luck changes too, but in the mean I'm going to do whatever I can to get that mortgage back before the final card is dealt.

Moving On...

2007-01-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the delay in responding to the dramatic news in our state senate, but unfortunately Blogger.com decided to do maintenance on our site. But in case you didn't already hear, Senator Ron Ramsey (R) is now Speaker Ramsey or Lt. Gov. Ramsey if you prefer. For the first time since the Civil War era (1869 to be exact) a Republican is Speaker of the Senate and second in line behind Bredesen for the governorship. Many Democrats, like myself, were a bit upset about the whole thing. Not because former Speaker Wilder was all that and a bag of pretzels. Hardly. As a younger voter and one still growing into the Tennessee Democratic Party, I was left scratching my head trying to figure out how the man had retained the position this long. No, the reason for my dismay was how this event transpired.

But crying about it won't help, and complaining about it doesn't make things right. If we are truly Young Democrats then we must accept the good with the bad and learn to work with what we've got. The double-edge sword of the Democratic Party is that we each have individual thoughts and beliefs. We do not step in line on issues as easily as our Republican counterparts. The good news is that we have the ability to hear all ideas and cooperate or compromise in getting work done. But as we saw yesterday, it also shows how just one of us can really throw a wrench into the system.

What's done is done. Senator Kurita voted her conscience and, though it may have killed her future chances politically or, at worst, forced her to change her party loyalty, we all must live with that choice and move on. State Republicans now have an opportunity to shake things up, the same opportunity our national leaders have in the Congress. All eyes will be focused on the Speaker Ramsey and his decisions over the next two years.

My hope is that our Tennessee Democratic Party will take this dramatic chain of events as a wake up call for internal reform. My fear is that we'll forget about this in a few days and it will be politics as usual. Either way, it's time to move on.

Then & Now

2007-01-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

A recent post was brought to my attention by Kleinheider of Volunteer Voters, who was informed of this post by The Cracker of the blog LeftWingCracker, who initially read the post found on The Flypaper Theory. (Still learning blog etiquette with regard to sourcing)

Jeff of The Flypaper Theory takes a serious look at the economic differences between his generation, Generation X, and the generation of his father:

For years, I've wondered why my parents, at my age, seemed to be so much better off economically than I currently am. They were already well on their way to having significant retirement savings, and at the same time were able to build a big house, followed by several large editions.
This morning in the shower I figured it out.
In 1966, my parents purchased a two-bedroom house off Perkins for $13,000. During the twelve years we lived there, they managed to add a den, master bedroom and half bath to the house, as well as build a large workshop in the backyard. When we moved into our newly built house, their combined income was five times the original purchase price of their first house.
My wife and I purchased our three-bedroom house off Shelby almost five years ago. For our combined income to match the growth of my parents' income over a 12 year period, as expressed by the original value of our house, in the next seven years our income would have to increase eleven-fold. If our incomes were to match my parents' in pace of increase, in 2014 we would be making almost $700,000 a year.
That's definitely upper middle management salary.

I recommend everyone read the entire blog, because it is absolutely mind blowing to consider the financial differences of a couple generations. For many of us who are Generation X or Generation Y, this post will give you something to think about. For Democrats, deeply rooted in the fundamental ideas of organized labor and education, think about this:

But compare that to my parents' occupations at the end of their 12-year period. My father was maintenance manager of the plant where he worked. My mother taught in the Memphis City Schools. Definitely not upper middle management.

Perhaps I'm just wishing for "It's a Wonderful Life" to come jumping off the screen, and the ol' Bailey Building and Loan to help fight off the corporate evil of Mr. Potter. But maybe the United States has become one great big "Pottersville." If that's true, I think it's time for a change.

The time has come

2007-01-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

The era of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News is starting to end. According to the latest statistics, Fox News ratings plunged last year. As petty and deserving of Jon Stewart's mockery as Time Magazine's Person of the Year (if you didn't hear, it was you . . . yes you!) was, the idea behind it was that people were taking the power of this new information age we are living in into their own hands. Wikipedia, blogs, Media Matters, etc . . . facts are now but a few mouse clicks away from all of us.

But as the Time article suggests, everything is still dependent upon us. We have a responsibility to use this amazing series of tubes (a big thanks to Ted Stevens for explaining that to everyone) called the internet to call out those who would disingenously manipulate information (or if you're old fashioned, lie) to promote an agenda.

Take today's Nashville City Paper as an example. Scanning over the Letters to the Editor, I came across this uninformed rant on Nancy Pelosi:

Who is Nancy Pelosi?

I saw a poll recently that asked people what they thought of Nancy Pelosi, the new Democrat Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nearly 22 percent had a favorable opinion of her while 22 percent had an unfavorable one. It seems most Americans don’t know her very well and the ones who do — well the reviews are mixed.

So, who is Nancy Pelosi? She is the most ultra-liberal leader the U.S. Congress has ever seen. How can you tell? Well, you can’t listen to her. As we have seen, politicians will say anything to get elected. Can you trust the media? Eighty-five percent of the mainstream media vote Democrat, so probably not.

Well, how about her record? According the American Conservative Union who rank Senators and Representatives on the basis of commitment to a market economy, the doctrine of original intent of the framers of the Constitution, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense, Pelosi ranks “zero” out of 100 for 2005. Her lifetime ranking is 3. Essentially this means that Pelosi will vote about 97% of the time for higher taxes, abortion and gun control.

Conversely, she will almost always vote against a strong defense, a vibrant intelligence community and traditional families. Words are cheap but you can’t run from your record.

I was struck by several points the writer made. First, I was extremely interested to know what study had been done to show that 85% of the mainsream media votes Democratic. Had the author just referred to a liberal media bias, I might have brushed right by it. But to quote an actual percentage, particularly one as ludicrous as that, made me think there must be some source . . . however tainted. So I checked it and, sure enough, this is what I found (from Wikipedia):

Indeed, in 1982, 85 percent of Columbia Graduate School of Journalism students identified themselves as liberal, versus 11 percent conservative" (Lichter, Rothman, and Lichter 1986: 48), quoted in Sutter, 2001

That is the only instance in which I could find the 85% number. Now, I'm sure this guy wasn't quoting this study. He was probably quoting some talk radio host he heard . . . which is the real problem. Still, one wonders how a study of a grad school testing where people indentify themselves from right to left from 1982 can turn itself into today's entire mainstream media and for which party they are voting. Some day when I'm older maybe the logic in my brain will turn itself off enough for me to grasp this.

The second thing that struck me was the ACU ranking stuff. Is Nancy Pelosi really an "ultra-liberal" from San Fransisco like everyone is saying? I mean . . . here we have a ranking that proves it. Of course, I learned my lesson about these rankings back in 2004 when somehow John Kerry became the most liberal U.S. Senator in the galaxy.

So I decided to look up the ACU study to see what it was all about. It took about three seconds to confirm all of my doubts. You see . . . in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi was not the only person to score a 0% according to the ACU. In fact, sixty-five Representatives in all scored 0. Now, if you remember that these rankings were from 2005 and make the plausible assumption that everyone who scored a 0 was a Democrat (which is true), you are left with 65 out of 203 Democrats. So essentially these rankings are saying that a third of the Democrats in the House in 2005 scored a 0 and were thus "ultra-liberals." I guess that might make sense to some people . . . on some planet . . . where Iraq's weapons of mass destruction are hidden . . . and Bush is a compassionate conservative.

I sent a letter to the editor of the City Paper explaing all of this, and I invite you all to do the same thing. But don't stop there. Let's make a sincere effort to introduce the world to the reality-based community in 2007.

Is it just me?

2007-01-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Or does it seem a bit ironic that the conservative group Competitive Enterprise Institute in today's Tennessean compares former Vice-President Al Gore's Climate Project, in the words of the director of energy and global warming policy Myron Ebell, to:

"the missionaries sent out to Christianize the world in the 19th century...The former vice president is so convinced that he is the chosen one to save the
world."

Is that like how God told President Bush that he was chosen to be president?

"Bush believes he was called by God to lead the nation at this time, says Commerce Secretary Don Evans, a close friend who talks with Bush every day."

Until the Republican Party seperates itself from the Conservative Christian wing, I don't think conservative organizations like CEI should be using fanatical Christian movements to describe their opposition. Not to mention the fact that Al Gore is preaching ... GASP ... conservation. Oh the irony of it all.