lets look at the 09 pre-midterms- The two Gubenetorial races:
Toss up- Tilt R -
New Jersey (D)- for a while things looked pretty bad for Corzine. He suffered a bit of the New Jersey Democrats "Summertime blues". For some reason for New Jersey Things always look bleak for democrats in august and September (See Menendez '06, Kerry '04, and even a little bit Obama '08) but things always seem to turn around. This time I'm not so sure. Corzine is unpopular and corrupt. He was down by as much as 14 in the summer but has seemed to come back to being down just 5ish to Christie. This election is a referendum on Corzine. It's going to be a 2 point election not a 12 point election.
Virginia (D)- this race has tightened significantly over the last few days. Right now McDonell (R) holds a 4.67 lead (Averaging the last 3 polls). In Virginia, as in the rest of the country, there was a major swing to the right, and unlike New Jersey we are not accustom to it. McDonnel at one point held a 12.33 point lead, this lead has been cut in half. Momentum is on Deeds side at the moment. Unlike New Jersey this is not a referendum on the currant governor (Seeing as Tim Kane is not running) . in 2008 it hugged the national trend line going 53-46 in Obama's favor, so it will be an interesting indicator of the midterms, but still a year and a half is a long time. I have this as tilting republican at the moment because if the election were today McDonnel would win, but the election isn't today and I think at the end of the day this one will end up as a Deed's victory.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Top 10 Most Influential First Ladies Part 2
And now, for the top five.
5. Lady Bird Johnson
My personal favorite, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of Democratic President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was extremely influential in her husband's presidency, and indeed in his life in general. Lady Bird was a counselor and senior advisor (unofficially) and helped to improve her husband's image as well as undertake the duties of First Lady and push the boundaries. She was a well-known advocate and fighter for women's rights and for conservation and wildlife, with the Highway Beautification Act, a bill designed to limit billboards and other junk and to increase flowers and other plantings to improve scenery and help promote conservation efforts, being called "Lady Bird's Bill". She was also a strong supporter and advocate for the Head Start program, which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. She campaigned in the South, by herself, for her husband's 1964 campaign, and she was with him every step of the way. She also has the distinction of having been protected the longest by the Secret Service - 44 years.
4. Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, wife of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, is in many ways a lot like Pat Nixon, only more so. Rosalynn Carter was her husband's closest advisor, and had been since being married. She helped to advocate for mental health, a cause that she had championed for years, and was named Honorary Chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. Furthermore, she was his personal envoy to Latin America during a state visit. She even sat in on Cabinet meetings, and was essentially his campaign manager for all of his elections. She was also, along with Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford, a vigorous campaigner for the Equal Rights Amendment.
3. Betty Ford
One of the most open and frank First Ladies and public officials, Betty Ford, wife of Republican President Gerald Ford, was known to be very influential in advising her husband, as well as in regards to social issues of the day. In fact, a study taken by historians in 1982 listed her as the third most influential First Lady (after Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt). She wasn't afraid to voice her opinion on drugs, premarital sex, marijuana, and women's rights, to name a few. As with Lady Bird Johnson and Rosalynn Carter, Betty campaigned vigorously for the Equal Rights Amendment. Despite her positions (pro-choice, pro-ERA, not anti-marijuana, and unafraid to speak her mind) she remained extremely popular. Her biggest influence, however, was in helping to spread the word about breast cancer, both the disease itself and treatment, and in addiction, both the disease itself and the recovery. 2 months into Gerald Ford's presidency, she discovered she had breast cancer, and talked about getting a mastectomy and other aspects of breast cancer in the hopes of raising awareness and helping other survivors. And she had been suffering with an addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years, and she finally managed to get treatment for it. Determined to help others with similar problems, she opened the Betty Ford Clinic, and remains involved in its affairs to this day.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
Another one of my personal favorites (in fact, the top 5 are all my favorites) is Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She is considered to have set the standard for First Lady activism and broke precedents. She was a savvy political operator, and acted as her husband's "eyes and ears" and traveled the country and saw things for him. She wrote her own newspaper column, and was a key advisor to her husband. FDR's Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins once commented that FDR was an insecure person and, if you were careful, could influence him and make him do things. She also noted that Eleanor was able to do this. She held her own press conferences and worked hard for civil and equal rights. After FDR died, she continued her activism, and was appointed as the United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, and was the first chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and helped to write the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was appointed by President Kennedy to the National Advisory Committee of the Peace Corps and was the Chair of the President's Commission of the Status on Women.
And, the number one most influential First Lady is...
1. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you guessed it. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, wife of Democratic President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, was truly the most influential First Lady. Ever since marriage, they have been a "partnership", with Bill campaigning at one point on the slogan "two for the price of one". Her influence was first seen during her husband's terms as Governor of Arkansas, where she was named Chair of the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee, which reformed the Arkansas education system, and earlier she had been appointed Chair of the Rural Health Advisory Committee. She was also appointed, by President Carter, to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation, eventually becoming the first woman chair of the corporation. Her most well-known role, prior to becoming a Senator and Secretary of State, was her being named the Chair of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform. While most First Ladies had been named to commissions or were honorary chairs, this was the first time a First Lady had been given a serious, hands-on, policy-making position, and she became the target for all of the attacks and criticisms. That, however, did not stop her from remaining, in many cases, the "court of final appeal" on many decisions. After the health care debacle, she continued to remain involved in policy. She helped sponsor and promote the SCHIP bill, which passed with bipartisan support. She helped create the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice, and broke Pat Nixon's record on world travel. One of her most famous and powerful speeches is her address the the United Nation's Fourth World Conference on Women, held in China, where she spoke forcefully and directly about the various human rights violations, and stated that "Women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights". She created an organization called "Vital Voices", which worked and still works to promote women's rights and empowerment of women globally. It is for all of these that Hillary is number one. And it is a testament to the women of America that ten incredible women had such influence on the United States.
But, what about Michelle Obama? Tune in to my next piece. Same duck time, same duck place.
5. Lady Bird Johnson
My personal favorite, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of Democratic President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was extremely influential in her husband's presidency, and indeed in his life in general. Lady Bird was a counselor and senior advisor (unofficially) and helped to improve her husband's image as well as undertake the duties of First Lady and push the boundaries. She was a well-known advocate and fighter for women's rights and for conservation and wildlife, with the Highway Beautification Act, a bill designed to limit billboards and other junk and to increase flowers and other plantings to improve scenery and help promote conservation efforts, being called "Lady Bird's Bill". She was also a strong supporter and advocate for the Head Start program, which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. She campaigned in the South, by herself, for her husband's 1964 campaign, and she was with him every step of the way. She also has the distinction of having been protected the longest by the Secret Service - 44 years.
4. Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, wife of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, is in many ways a lot like Pat Nixon, only more so. Rosalynn Carter was her husband's closest advisor, and had been since being married. She helped to advocate for mental health, a cause that she had championed for years, and was named Honorary Chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. Furthermore, she was his personal envoy to Latin America during a state visit. She even sat in on Cabinet meetings, and was essentially his campaign manager for all of his elections. She was also, along with Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford, a vigorous campaigner for the Equal Rights Amendment.
3. Betty Ford
One of the most open and frank First Ladies and public officials, Betty Ford, wife of Republican President Gerald Ford, was known to be very influential in advising her husband, as well as in regards to social issues of the day. In fact, a study taken by historians in 1982 listed her as the third most influential First Lady (after Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt). She wasn't afraid to voice her opinion on drugs, premarital sex, marijuana, and women's rights, to name a few. As with Lady Bird Johnson and Rosalynn Carter, Betty campaigned vigorously for the Equal Rights Amendment. Despite her positions (pro-choice, pro-ERA, not anti-marijuana, and unafraid to speak her mind) she remained extremely popular. Her biggest influence, however, was in helping to spread the word about breast cancer, both the disease itself and treatment, and in addiction, both the disease itself and the recovery. 2 months into Gerald Ford's presidency, she discovered she had breast cancer, and talked about getting a mastectomy and other aspects of breast cancer in the hopes of raising awareness and helping other survivors. And she had been suffering with an addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years, and she finally managed to get treatment for it. Determined to help others with similar problems, she opened the Betty Ford Clinic, and remains involved in its affairs to this day.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
Another one of my personal favorites (in fact, the top 5 are all my favorites) is Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She is considered to have set the standard for First Lady activism and broke precedents. She was a savvy political operator, and acted as her husband's "eyes and ears" and traveled the country and saw things for him. She wrote her own newspaper column, and was a key advisor to her husband. FDR's Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins once commented that FDR was an insecure person and, if you were careful, could influence him and make him do things. She also noted that Eleanor was able to do this. She held her own press conferences and worked hard for civil and equal rights. After FDR died, she continued her activism, and was appointed as the United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, and was the first chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and helped to write the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She was appointed by President Kennedy to the National Advisory Committee of the Peace Corps and was the Chair of the President's Commission of the Status on Women.
And, the number one most influential First Lady is...
1. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you guessed it. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, wife of Democratic President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, was truly the most influential First Lady. Ever since marriage, they have been a "partnership", with Bill campaigning at one point on the slogan "two for the price of one". Her influence was first seen during her husband's terms as Governor of Arkansas, where she was named Chair of the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee, which reformed the Arkansas education system, and earlier she had been appointed Chair of the Rural Health Advisory Committee. She was also appointed, by President Carter, to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation, eventually becoming the first woman chair of the corporation. Her most well-known role, prior to becoming a Senator and Secretary of State, was her being named the Chair of the President's Task Force on National Health Care Reform. While most First Ladies had been named to commissions or were honorary chairs, this was the first time a First Lady had been given a serious, hands-on, policy-making position, and she became the target for all of the attacks and criticisms. That, however, did not stop her from remaining, in many cases, the "court of final appeal" on many decisions. After the health care debacle, she continued to remain involved in policy. She helped sponsor and promote the SCHIP bill, which passed with bipartisan support. She helped create the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice, and broke Pat Nixon's record on world travel. One of her most famous and powerful speeches is her address the the United Nation's Fourth World Conference on Women, held in China, where she spoke forcefully and directly about the various human rights violations, and stated that "Women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights". She created an organization called "Vital Voices", which worked and still works to promote women's rights and empowerment of women globally. It is for all of these that Hillary is number one. And it is a testament to the women of America that ten incredible women had such influence on the United States.
But, what about Michelle Obama? Tune in to my next piece. Same duck time, same duck place.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Top Ten Most Influential First Ladies Part 1
There's no mention of them in the Constitution. They don't have any official powers or duties, yet they have unparalleled access and are often used as a sounding board. They are close and trusted advisors. They are...the First Ladies. I will present the top ten most influential First Ladies. It is a bipartisan, three part entry. Part One will deal with those I ranked from 10-6. The next entry will be 5-1, and the final entry will deal with Michelle Obama, and what her term as First Lady will be like.
So, let's get down to it.
10. Lucy Webb Hayes
Given the nickname "Lemonade Lucy", Mrs. Hayes, wife of Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes, was a woman who had strong beliefs and enforced them. She helped her husband decide to leave the Whig Party and join the Republican Party. She helped veterans of the Civil War. But perhaps her biggest claim to fame is being an ardent supporter of temperance and enforcing it. Thus the nickname "Lemonade Lucy". She and her husband were known to be devoted to each other, as shown with their 25th wedding anniversary, where they repeated their vows in a ceremony similar to their wedding, only in the White House.
9. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson
Derisively considered the "first female President", Edith Wilson, wife of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, was a traditional hostess and First Lady, who observed strict rationing during World War I to set an example. She even went so far as to have sheep mow the White House lawns! However, she is best known for essentially taking over after her husband suffered a stroke during his campaign to get the Senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. Although there is some doubt as to how influential she was, Mrs. Wilson acknowledged her role as steward or gatekeeper, and merely limited her "decisionmaking" to determining what information Woodrow would receive. However, it is known that she resisted allowing the Vice President to take over, and many believe (they use "know") that she made decisions for her husband and gave orders.
8. Dolley Madison
Perhaps one of the better known First Ladies, Dolley Madison, wife of Democratic-Republican President James Madison, is known for saving the seal of the United States, important papers of state, the Presidential silver, the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, and other historical and governmental pieces. She is described as being the face of American courage in respect to hardship and attacks by others, and when she died flags all across the country were lowered to half-mast in respect for one of the most revered Americans.
7. Pat Nixon
One of the First Ladies who spoke softly and is rarely thought about but was of great help and importance to her husband is Pat Nixon, wife of Republican President Richard Nixon. Graceful and understated, Pat Nixon was remarkable. She decided to initiate what she termed "personal diplomacy", meaning traveling and visiting people in other states and countries face-t0-face. She was often an unofficial Secretary of State or Ambassador for her husband's administration, and championed volunteerism and helping others. She personally went to disaster areas like Peru, which was struck by a massive earthquake, and war zones like Vietnam, being the first First Lady to do both. She became the most traveled First Lady until Hillary Rodham Clinton, visiting 80 countries (Hillary visited 93). And she had been privately fighting to keep her husband from resigning and giving up the tapes.
6. Nancy Reagan
Derisively called "Queen Nancy" and regarded as "out-of-touch", Nancy Reagan, wife of Republican President Ronald Reagan, was highly influential and a close advisor. Known for being the founder of "Just Say No", which aims and aimed to teach mostly children about drugs and drug abuse, she also became her husband's "chief protector" after his assassination attempt in 1981. She went so far as to consult an astrologer in order to determine which days were "safe" or good or "neutral" or "bad". And she managed to take down "Prime Minister" (the term used for the manner of working) Don Regan, White House Chief of Staff and former Secretary of the Treasury under her husband.
So, let's get down to it.
10. Lucy Webb Hayes
Given the nickname "Lemonade Lucy", Mrs. Hayes, wife of Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes, was a woman who had strong beliefs and enforced them. She helped her husband decide to leave the Whig Party and join the Republican Party. She helped veterans of the Civil War. But perhaps her biggest claim to fame is being an ardent supporter of temperance and enforcing it. Thus the nickname "Lemonade Lucy". She and her husband were known to be devoted to each other, as shown with their 25th wedding anniversary, where they repeated their vows in a ceremony similar to their wedding, only in the White House.
9. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson
Derisively considered the "first female President", Edith Wilson, wife of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, was a traditional hostess and First Lady, who observed strict rationing during World War I to set an example. She even went so far as to have sheep mow the White House lawns! However, she is best known for essentially taking over after her husband suffered a stroke during his campaign to get the Senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. Although there is some doubt as to how influential she was, Mrs. Wilson acknowledged her role as steward or gatekeeper, and merely limited her "decisionmaking" to determining what information Woodrow would receive. However, it is known that she resisted allowing the Vice President to take over, and many believe (they use "know") that she made decisions for her husband and gave orders.
8. Dolley Madison
Perhaps one of the better known First Ladies, Dolley Madison, wife of Democratic-Republican President James Madison, is known for saving the seal of the United States, important papers of state, the Presidential silver, the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, and other historical and governmental pieces. She is described as being the face of American courage in respect to hardship and attacks by others, and when she died flags all across the country were lowered to half-mast in respect for one of the most revered Americans.
7. Pat Nixon
One of the First Ladies who spoke softly and is rarely thought about but was of great help and importance to her husband is Pat Nixon, wife of Republican President Richard Nixon. Graceful and understated, Pat Nixon was remarkable. She decided to initiate what she termed "personal diplomacy", meaning traveling and visiting people in other states and countries face-t0-face. She was often an unofficial Secretary of State or Ambassador for her husband's administration, and championed volunteerism and helping others. She personally went to disaster areas like Peru, which was struck by a massive earthquake, and war zones like Vietnam, being the first First Lady to do both. She became the most traveled First Lady until Hillary Rodham Clinton, visiting 80 countries (Hillary visited 93). And she had been privately fighting to keep her husband from resigning and giving up the tapes.
6. Nancy Reagan
Derisively called "Queen Nancy" and regarded as "out-of-touch", Nancy Reagan, wife of Republican President Ronald Reagan, was highly influential and a close advisor. Known for being the founder of "Just Say No", which aims and aimed to teach mostly children about drugs and drug abuse, she also became her husband's "chief protector" after his assassination attempt in 1981. She went so far as to consult an astrologer in order to determine which days were "safe" or good or "neutral" or "bad". And she managed to take down "Prime Minister" (the term used for the manner of working) Don Regan, White House Chief of Staff and former Secretary of the Treasury under her husband.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Giannoulias?!
To vast majority of America, Alexi Giannoulias (juh--NEW--lee-us) isn't a house hold name. But he might be one day, and Giannoulias might be a name you will hear a lot next year. He is the current state treasurer of Illinois as well as a Democrat. So you are probably wondering why I am mentioning this guy... Maybe it's because as his first official act as Treasurer, Giannoulias signed his own executive order to enact the most comprehensive, widest-ranging ethics package of any elected official in the state. Maybe it's because Last summer, Giannoulias launched the "Green Rewards" program, the nation's largest state-funded rebate for hybrid vehicles which gives $1,000 cash back to Illinois residents who purchase a new hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle. Or it could be that he's running for Burris's Senate seat (Obama's seat) and he could have a good shot.
Giannoulias a young attractive greek man (33) who's an excellent speaker. On July 26, 2009, he officially announced his candidacy for the United States Senate at the Hilton Chicago, the same place then-Senator Barack Obama endorsed Giannoulias for State Treasurer in 2006. What makes Giannoulias different from your average Senate candidate is he openly supports gay marriage which is something you don't hear every day. And while Giannoulias said individual states should be able to decide for themselves whether they allow same-sex couples to marry, but that all states should be required to afford legal recognition to same-sex marriages performed in states where they are sanctioned. Giannoulias also would require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages, now prohibited by the Defense of Marriage Act he wants repealed. Not to mention this guy wants to get rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Yeah, it's risky, and he knows it, but in a primary race in Illinois, to the left is where you want to be, and let's get real, a Republican isn't winning Obama's seat. Keep an eye out for this guy because even if he doesn't get the nomination, expect to hear his name in the MSM because of his stance on gay rights and expect him to have some roll as a progressive leader in the future
Giannoulias a young attractive greek man (33) who's an excellent speaker. On July 26, 2009, he officially announced his candidacy for the United States Senate at the Hilton Chicago, the same place then-Senator Barack Obama endorsed Giannoulias for State Treasurer in 2006. What makes Giannoulias different from your average Senate candidate is he openly supports gay marriage which is something you don't hear every day. And while Giannoulias said individual states should be able to decide for themselves whether they allow same-sex couples to marry, but that all states should be required to afford legal recognition to same-sex marriages performed in states where they are sanctioned. Giannoulias also would require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages, now prohibited by the Defense of Marriage Act he wants repealed. Not to mention this guy wants to get rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Yeah, it's risky, and he knows it, but in a primary race in Illinois, to the left is where you want to be, and let's get real, a Republican isn't winning Obama's seat. Keep an eye out for this guy because even if he doesn't get the nomination, expect to hear his name in the MSM because of his stance on gay rights and expect him to have some roll as a progressive leader in the future
Saturday, August 29, 2009
10 Greatest Senators of all time (in honor of Ted Kennedy)
In the wake of Senator Kennedy's death Many have called him the greatest senator of our time, some has even gone as far as to call him the greatest senator in US History; while I would not go that far he is on the short list. Here are my personal top 10:
1. Daniel Webster (Whig-MA) - Without Daniel Webster this nation would not exist today. It's that simple. The Nullification Crisis would have split this country into at least 2 had he not had the famous debate with Haynes. He was the Great Compromiser that kept this nation together in the precivil war era. Though Clay may have been the Idea man Webster rallied the support and saved the country. The only reason the US economy stayed afloat in the 19th century was because of the American System, Clay's Idea But it would have gone nowhere without the support of Webster. The only reason infrastructure developed in America is because of Webster. It is amazing that he never became president. Webster assured that this nation would remain "Liberty and Union, now and for ever, one and inseparable!" and for that he is the greatest senator in the history of this nation.
2. Henry Clay (Whig-KY)- Clay was the greatest thinker in the history of the US Senate. He was the main Antislavery voice in the senate in the run up to the civil war, and the compromises that kept this country together until the civil war could not have been reached without clay. He helped save the country during the nullification crisis and was to some extent the only reason Webster could be as great as he was. He also kept Kentucky from succeeding. The only reason he is not number one is the fact that the war of 1812 would not have happened without clay. even though he was speaker of the house at the time that still subtracts from his senate legacy. He was still an amazing leader.
3. Robert "Fighting Bob" LaFollet (Republican/Progressive-WI)- Had he come at the same time as Webster and Clay Perhaps he would be number one but he was about 70 years too late. the only reason women have the vote is because of LaFollet. He fought corruption from the bottom to the top and was on the extreme opposition of World War I. He opposed the prosecution of Eugene Debbs (Arguably the greatest congressmen ever). Tea Pot Dome, The scandal that ruined Harding, would not have been broken if not for him. He supported Social Security 25 years before American even knew what it was. Had we listened to him there may have been no great depression. He started the progressive party which later merged with the democrats in a sense. If it weren't for the civil war he would be number one easily.
4. Ted Kennedy (Democrat-MA) - Any one who has taken any interest in politics in the last 40 years knows who Ted Kennedy is. The Civil Rights acts of 1964, 1965 and 1968 were all crusades by Teddy. There would be no Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP if not for Teddy. 18-20 Year olds wouldn't be allowed to vote without Teddy. Teddy helped the great society a great deal (this includes such things as the War on Poverty and the National Endowment for the Arts). The only reason we are on the brink of getting Universal health care is Teddy. "The Work goes on, The cause endures, the Hope still lives and the dream will Never Die" . When I get into politics, and hopefully become a senator, I aspire to be like Ted Kennedy was. I don't think I can come up with a better obituary.
5. Robert Wagner (Democrat-NY)- FDR's Right Hand Man in the senate During the most critical time in the history of the world, He helped save the US Economy in the 1930's. He tried to save many Jews from the Nazi's in 1939, but it was rejected because we were not yet at war with the Germans. He was a big Friend of Labor, and really helped save the US During The Depression and WWII.
6. Robert Kennedy (Democrat-NY)- Probably the greatest Ideological thinker this country has ever seen. Arguably the greatest politician in all of American History, among the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. The only reason he isn't number one here is because many of his greatest accomplishments were as Attorney General and Chief advisor to his older brother (JFK if you can't put 2 and 2 together). As AG He saved the world from Nuclear war, Cracked down on organized crime, and made the civil rights movement a major part of the national agenda, but i can't count any of that because he was AG and not a Senator. As a Senator he created the war on poverty, Helped the civil rights movement, was the first senator to admit his mistake in Vietnam, put alot of money towards 3rd world aid, and was a major proponent of the Great Society (which included many good things including a start towards universal Health Care, The war on poverty, Public Transportation and Funding for the arts. He is the greatest politician I can think of but not the greatest senator.
7. Stephan Douglass (Democrat-IL)- I know what most of you are thinking: "Stephan Douglass WTF?" but history often teaches us wrong about him. Yes he was a little bit corrupt, and yes he opposed Lincoln but he was NOT pro slavery by any means. He took the middle way. He was morally opposed to slavery but wanted to gradually phase it out to keep the crazys from succeeding. Funny story about that. If it weren't for his work in the senate the country couldn't have held on long enough for Lincoln to save our asses. The country wouldn't exist if it weren't for Douglass and I am going to say something bold: Douglass could have been a better president than Lincoln. I think he could have prevented the civil war while phasing out slavery by the late 1800's, and prevented the Jim Crow Laws and KKK Spring ups that happened because of Andrew Johnson's Shitty Reconstruction policies. He is controversial, but I think he was good. He was proud to hold Lincoln's hat as he was inaugurated and you can not deny that he Kept our country united after the days of Webster and Clay, and for that he makes the list.
8. Robert Taft (Republican-OH) -I completely disagree with the Ideology of Taft. He was completely wrong when it came to things like The new deal (Which he was a major opponent of) and Labor (where he, lets be honest, screwed workers worse than wallmart) but there are a few things I do admire him for. He only opposed the Keynsian part of the new deal. He supported things that directly helped the poor like Social Security and Public Housing, he was also a major leader in getting the GOP behind WWII. The one thing that I admire him most for is his stance on the Nuremberg Trials. The moral question is "Should people be punished for following orders?". I honestly don't know where I stand on that. Part of me says no but the other part answers back that these were the among worst orders ever given on the face of the earth (The Holocaust in case you don't know what Nuremberg was). He boldly answered no. He opposed the Nuremberg trials and weather or not you agree with him you have to admire him for taking that moral stance no matter how unpopular it was at the time. although I disagreed with him gravely he was an honorable and respectable senator.
9. John Quincy Adams (Federalist/Whig-MA)- as a president he sucked, but as a senator he committed the first real act of party defiance that shaped the future of the US Senate. He changed parties. It took so much balls to do that and it proved that senators were independent of the letter on their name. for that he makes the list.
10. Arthur Vandenburg (Republican-MI)- He was a conservative whack job until 1940 when he was the first GOP Senator to Support FDR's Foreign policy. If not for him there would have been no unity During WWII.
Honorable Mentions
Sam Houston (Independent-TN and TX)
Lincoln Chafee (R-RI)
Lyndon Johnson (D-TX)
Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
Two Notes
1860 Election- History forgets that the bad guy was not Stephan Douglass it was John Breckenridge. Douglass wanted to preserve the union, Breckenridge wanted to exploit Black people. Douglass was an Honorable man with at least respectable views, Breckenridge was a Douche that hated all black people more than anyone. People often mistake Douglass' Ideals for Breckenridges.
John Calhoun- He is often Cited as one of the great senators of all time, but he had some elements of craziness. He was one of the Great Compromisers along with Webster and Clay, but he was the one on the side of Slavery and He was a major Hawk During the war of 1812 so I decided to leave him off. None the less the Country would not have survived with out him and his compromises. He was still one of the Great Triumptive, and helped save the country, but he was the one on the darkside. So I left him off.
1. Daniel Webster (Whig-MA) - Without Daniel Webster this nation would not exist today. It's that simple. The Nullification Crisis would have split this country into at least 2 had he not had the famous debate with Haynes. He was the Great Compromiser that kept this nation together in the precivil war era. Though Clay may have been the Idea man Webster rallied the support and saved the country. The only reason the US economy stayed afloat in the 19th century was because of the American System, Clay's Idea But it would have gone nowhere without the support of Webster. The only reason infrastructure developed in America is because of Webster. It is amazing that he never became president. Webster assured that this nation would remain "Liberty and Union, now and for ever, one and inseparable!" and for that he is the greatest senator in the history of this nation.
2. Henry Clay (Whig-KY)- Clay was the greatest thinker in the history of the US Senate. He was the main Antislavery voice in the senate in the run up to the civil war, and the compromises that kept this country together until the civil war could not have been reached without clay. He helped save the country during the nullification crisis and was to some extent the only reason Webster could be as great as he was. He also kept Kentucky from succeeding. The only reason he is not number one is the fact that the war of 1812 would not have happened without clay. even though he was speaker of the house at the time that still subtracts from his senate legacy. He was still an amazing leader.
3. Robert "Fighting Bob" LaFollet (Republican/Progressive-WI)- Had he come at the same time as Webster and Clay Perhaps he would be number one but he was about 70 years too late. the only reason women have the vote is because of LaFollet. He fought corruption from the bottom to the top and was on the extreme opposition of World War I. He opposed the prosecution of Eugene Debbs (Arguably the greatest congressmen ever). Tea Pot Dome, The scandal that ruined Harding, would not have been broken if not for him. He supported Social Security 25 years before American even knew what it was. Had we listened to him there may have been no great depression. He started the progressive party which later merged with the democrats in a sense. If it weren't for the civil war he would be number one easily.
4. Ted Kennedy (Democrat-MA) - Any one who has taken any interest in politics in the last 40 years knows who Ted Kennedy is. The Civil Rights acts of 1964, 1965 and 1968 were all crusades by Teddy. There would be no Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP if not for Teddy. 18-20 Year olds wouldn't be allowed to vote without Teddy. Teddy helped the great society a great deal (this includes such things as the War on Poverty and the National Endowment for the Arts). The only reason we are on the brink of getting Universal health care is Teddy. "The Work goes on, The cause endures, the Hope still lives and the dream will Never Die" . When I get into politics, and hopefully become a senator, I aspire to be like Ted Kennedy was. I don't think I can come up with a better obituary.
5. Robert Wagner (Democrat-NY)- FDR's Right Hand Man in the senate During the most critical time in the history of the world, He helped save the US Economy in the 1930's. He tried to save many Jews from the Nazi's in 1939, but it was rejected because we were not yet at war with the Germans. He was a big Friend of Labor, and really helped save the US During The Depression and WWII.
6. Robert Kennedy (Democrat-NY)- Probably the greatest Ideological thinker this country has ever seen. Arguably the greatest politician in all of American History, among the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. The only reason he isn't number one here is because many of his greatest accomplishments were as Attorney General and Chief advisor to his older brother (JFK if you can't put 2 and 2 together). As AG He saved the world from Nuclear war, Cracked down on organized crime, and made the civil rights movement a major part of the national agenda, but i can't count any of that because he was AG and not a Senator. As a Senator he created the war on poverty, Helped the civil rights movement, was the first senator to admit his mistake in Vietnam, put alot of money towards 3rd world aid, and was a major proponent of the Great Society (which included many good things including a start towards universal Health Care, The war on poverty, Public Transportation and Funding for the arts. He is the greatest politician I can think of but not the greatest senator.
7. Stephan Douglass (Democrat-IL)- I know what most of you are thinking: "Stephan Douglass WTF?" but history often teaches us wrong about him. Yes he was a little bit corrupt, and yes he opposed Lincoln but he was NOT pro slavery by any means. He took the middle way. He was morally opposed to slavery but wanted to gradually phase it out to keep the crazys from succeeding. Funny story about that. If it weren't for his work in the senate the country couldn't have held on long enough for Lincoln to save our asses. The country wouldn't exist if it weren't for Douglass and I am going to say something bold: Douglass could have been a better president than Lincoln. I think he could have prevented the civil war while phasing out slavery by the late 1800's, and prevented the Jim Crow Laws and KKK Spring ups that happened because of Andrew Johnson's Shitty Reconstruction policies. He is controversial, but I think he was good. He was proud to hold Lincoln's hat as he was inaugurated and you can not deny that he Kept our country united after the days of Webster and Clay, and for that he makes the list.
8. Robert Taft (Republican-OH) -I completely disagree with the Ideology of Taft. He was completely wrong when it came to things like The new deal (Which he was a major opponent of) and Labor (where he, lets be honest, screwed workers worse than wallmart) but there are a few things I do admire him for. He only opposed the Keynsian part of the new deal. He supported things that directly helped the poor like Social Security and Public Housing, he was also a major leader in getting the GOP behind WWII. The one thing that I admire him most for is his stance on the Nuremberg Trials. The moral question is "Should people be punished for following orders?". I honestly don't know where I stand on that. Part of me says no but the other part answers back that these were the among worst orders ever given on the face of the earth (The Holocaust in case you don't know what Nuremberg was). He boldly answered no. He opposed the Nuremberg trials and weather or not you agree with him you have to admire him for taking that moral stance no matter how unpopular it was at the time. although I disagreed with him gravely he was an honorable and respectable senator.
9. John Quincy Adams (Federalist/Whig-MA)- as a president he sucked, but as a senator he committed the first real act of party defiance that shaped the future of the US Senate. He changed parties. It took so much balls to do that and it proved that senators were independent of the letter on their name. for that he makes the list.
10. Arthur Vandenburg (Republican-MI)- He was a conservative whack job until 1940 when he was the first GOP Senator to Support FDR's Foreign policy. If not for him there would have been no unity During WWII.
Honorable Mentions
Sam Houston (Independent-TN and TX)
Lincoln Chafee (R-RI)
Lyndon Johnson (D-TX)
Mike Mansfield (D-MT)
Two Notes
1860 Election- History forgets that the bad guy was not Stephan Douglass it was John Breckenridge. Douglass wanted to preserve the union, Breckenridge wanted to exploit Black people. Douglass was an Honorable man with at least respectable views, Breckenridge was a Douche that hated all black people more than anyone. People often mistake Douglass' Ideals for Breckenridges.
John Calhoun- He is often Cited as one of the great senators of all time, but he had some elements of craziness. He was one of the Great Compromisers along with Webster and Clay, but he was the one on the side of Slavery and He was a major Hawk During the war of 1812 so I decided to leave him off. None the less the Country would not have survived with out him and his compromises. He was still one of the Great Triumptive, and helped save the country, but he was the one on the darkside. So I left him off.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!
As Obama has entered his 8th month as President, and as people have gotten more acclimated to this Administration, it has been getting clearer and clearer as to how Obama will handle things, and what issues will trip him up. One thing that is never far from my mind is that the 2010 midterm elections are coming up. Midterm elections have, historically, been a referendum on the President and the Party in Power at the time. I'll lay out the issues that I believe can or will cause problems for Obama and the Democrats going in to 2010.
Health Care, Health Care, Health Care
This has become the issue for Americans. A majority of Americans want health care reform, with many supporting universal health care or at least a public option. It's quickly becoming clear that how Obama and Congress handles health care reform will have a huge impact on their electoral chances in 2010. It should go without saying, but health care reform was the main issue that caused the Democrats to lose control of Congress in 1994. A lack of party unity, a focused and coordinated opposition, unclear expectations and uncertain results...sound familiar?
But it doesn't stop there: Economy!
It's a no-brainer: If the economy improves, poll numbers for the Party and President in Power go up. If the economy stagnates or goes down, so does the poll numbers. If the stimulus money doesn't get disbursed quicker, or if people don't think it's working, then there will be a problem. Presidents have resorted to desperate, short-term tactics to make the economy improve over the short term for election purposes. While I'm not saying do that, what I am saying is that people vote their pocketbook. If jobs aren't on the rise for Joe Public, then members of Congress may lose theirs.
Auto Industrial Complex
This one is also important. Cash for Clunkers was good, but having the US auto industry competitive and working again would be a big boon for Obama and the Democrats. A shift to less gas-friendly cars (like Hybrids and the like) will also make many Americans smile, since the cost of energy and gas is a major concern. Emphasizing alternative forms of energy couldn't hurt either.
War! Huh, yeah...what is it good for?
Although this one tends to be lower on the list, it's still a vital issue, both in this writer's opinion and in many others. A long, drawn-out conflict in a foreign country doesn't tend to sit well with voters, especially in the cases of Iraq and Afghanistan. Unless some serious improvement is seen, and troops brought home even, this will be a festering wound barely hidden underneath everything.
That's So Gay...
Social problems like same-sex marriage and abortion will constitute a small but important part of political calculations in 2010. The Bush/Gore lawyers will be contesting Prop 8, and many states will still be considering same-sex marriage legislation. Party unity would be nice, but on this issue I would be surprised to see a consistent message.
There are
Health Care, Health Care, Health Care
This has become the issue for Americans. A majority of Americans want health care reform, with many supporting universal health care or at least a public option. It's quickly becoming clear that how Obama and Congress handles health care reform will have a huge impact on their electoral chances in 2010. It should go without saying, but health care reform was the main issue that caused the Democrats to lose control of Congress in 1994. A lack of party unity, a focused and coordinated opposition, unclear expectations and uncertain results...sound familiar?
But it doesn't stop there: Economy!
It's a no-brainer: If the economy improves, poll numbers for the Party and President in Power go up. If the economy stagnates or goes down, so does the poll numbers. If the stimulus money doesn't get disbursed quicker, or if people don't think it's working, then there will be a problem. Presidents have resorted to desperate, short-term tactics to make the economy improve over the short term for election purposes. While I'm not saying do that, what I am saying is that people vote their pocketbook. If jobs aren't on the rise for Joe Public, then members of Congress may lose theirs.
Auto Industrial Complex
This one is also important. Cash for Clunkers was good, but having the US auto industry competitive and working again would be a big boon for Obama and the Democrats. A shift to less gas-friendly cars (like Hybrids and the like) will also make many Americans smile, since the cost of energy and gas is a major concern. Emphasizing alternative forms of energy couldn't hurt either.
War! Huh, yeah...what is it good for?
Although this one tends to be lower on the list, it's still a vital issue, both in this writer's opinion and in many others. A long, drawn-out conflict in a foreign country doesn't tend to sit well with voters, especially in the cases of Iraq and Afghanistan. Unless some serious improvement is seen, and troops brought home even, this will be a festering wound barely hidden underneath everything.
That's So Gay...
Social problems like same-sex marriage and abortion will constitute a small but important part of political calculations in 2010. The Bush/Gore lawyers will be contesting Prop 8, and many states will still be considering same-sex marriage legislation. Party unity would be nice, but on this issue I would be surprised to see a consistent message.
There are
Foreign Policy Pitfalls, Snake Pits, Pit Stops, and Checkpoints
Now, foreign policy, rightly or wrongly, is a make-or-break area of politics and governance. Many Presidents have been defined by foreign policy, lending their names to "doctrines" or ideas. Many of the lasting ones have been considered a success: The Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt Corollary, Truman Doctrine, etc.
And many Presidents have had their dreams dashed on the rocky shore of foreign policy problems: LBJ and Vietnam, Carter and Iran, Ford and the "Last Flight from Saigon".
Each President is unique, and each foreign policy tends to be unique. Carter's foreign policy was different when compared to Reagan's foreign policy.
Obama's foreign policy is exemplified or defined by his Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, who said in her opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
So, let's get our passports ready, our foreign language guidebooks thumbed through, and our money converted. We'll start with a "pit stop", and a relatively easy one.
Foreign Policy Pit Stop: Foreign Aid
Although I listed this as a pit stop (due to the fact that though foreign aid is a tangible and vital part of US foreign policy operations, it tends to be used as a sentence filler in speeches, and is fairly business-like and somewhat mundane), it could also be considered a "snake pit", due to certain groups with a political ideology and affiliation not often in keeping with multilateralism and internationalism tend to use foreign aid as a whipping boy or strawman. Anyway, foreign aid is really very simple: one country, usually fairly well-off, will give another country, usually not very well off or in dire need, monetary assistance or shipments of goods and products. It can be anything from humanitarian aid (meaning disaster relief, like shipments of water and food) to development aid (meaning money or equipment intended to promote economic and social development. It's different from humanitarian aid in that development aid is intended for long term alleviation of social problems, like hunger, poor health, lack of education and inadequate sustainable development, while humanitarian aid is for the here-and-now, emergency stuff). It is partly used as a negotiating tactic in international negotiations. You know "You scratch my back, I scratch my signature into a check for $12 billion for water purification equipment". It's often used to obtain a certain objective. Having the United States give your country a couple billion in money and an agreement to assist with border defense makes a missile shield that much more palatable.
The official "aid" person in the United States Government is, surprise, the Director of Foreign Assistance AKA the USAID Administrator (USAID stands for "United States Agency for International Development0. USAID Admin is a position equivalent to the Deputy Secretary of State. According to the State Department's website, the vision statement for the DFA is as follows:
And many Presidents have had their dreams dashed on the rocky shore of foreign policy problems: LBJ and Vietnam, Carter and Iran, Ford and the "Last Flight from Saigon".
Each President is unique, and each foreign policy tends to be unique. Carter's foreign policy was different when compared to Reagan's foreign policy.
Obama's foreign policy is exemplified or defined by his Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, who said in her opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
"I believe that American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted. We must use what has been called “smart power”: the full range of tools at our disposal -- diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal, and cultural -- picking the right tool, or combination of tools, for each situation.
With smart power, diplomacy will be the vanguard of foreign policy. This is not a radical idea. The ancient Roman poet Terence, who was born a slave and rose to become one of the great voices of his time, declared that “in every endeavor, the seemly course for wise men is to try persuasion first.” The same truth binds wise women as well.
The President-Elect has made it clear that in the Obama Administration there will be no doubt about the leading role of diplomacy. One need only look to North Korea, Iran, the Middle East, and the Balkans to appreciate the absolute necessity of tough-minded, intelligent diplomacy – and the failures that result when that kind of diplomatic effort is absent. And one need only consider the assortment of problems we must tackle in 2009 – from fighting terrorism to climate change to global financial crises – to understand the importance of cooperative engagement.
I assure you that, if I am confirmed, the State Department will be firing on all cylinders to provide forward-thinking, sustained diplomacy in every part of the world; applying pressure and exerting leverage; cooperating with our military partners and other agencies of government; partnering effectively with NGOs, the private sector, and international organizations; using modern technologies for public outreach; empowering negotiators who can protect our interests while understanding those of our negotiating partners. There will be thousands of separate interactions, all strategically linked and coordinated to defend American security and prosperity. Diplomacy is hard work; but when we work hard, diplomacy can work, and not just to defuse tensions, but to achieve results that advance our security, interests and values.
Secretary Gates has been particularly eloquent in articulating the importance of diplomacy in pursuit of our national security and foreign policy objectives. As he notes, it’s not often that a Secretary of Defense makes the case for adding resources to the State Department and elevating the role of the diplomatic corps. Thankfully, Secretary Gates is more concerned about having a unified, agile, and effective U.S. strategy than in spending our precious time and energy on petty turf wars. As he has stated, “our civilian institutions of diplomacy and development have been chronically undermanned and underfunded for far too long,” both relative to military spending and to “the responsibilities and challenges our nation has around the world.” And to that, I say, “Amen!”
President-elect Obama has emphasized that the State Department must be fully empowered and funded to confront multi-dimensional challenges – from working with allies to thwart terrorism, to spreading health and prosperity in places of human suffering. I will speak in greater detail about that in a moment.
We should also use the United Nations and other international institutions whenever appropriate and possible. Both Democratic and Republican presidents have understood for decades that these institutions, when they work well, enhance our influence. And when they don’t work well – as in the cases of Darfur and the farce of Sudan’s election to the former UN Commission on Human Rights, for example – we should work with likeminded friends to make sure that these institutions reflect the values that motivated their creation in the first place.
We will lead with diplomacy because it’s the smart approach. But we also know that military force will sometimes be necessary, and we will rely on it to protect our people and our interests when and where needed, as a last resort.
All the while, we must remember that to promote our interests around the world, America must be an exemplar of our values. Senator Isakson made the point to me the other day that our nation must lead by example rather than edict. Our history has shown that we are most effective when we see the harmony between our interests abroad and our values at home. And I take great comfort in knowing that our first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, also subscribed to that view, reminding us across the centuries: “The interests of a nation, when well understood, will be found to coincide with their moral duties.”
So while our democracy continues to inspire people around the world, we know that its influence is greatest when we live up to its teachings ourselves.
Senator Lugar, I’m going to borrow your words here, because you have made this point so eloquently: You once said that 'the United States cannot feed every person, lift every person out of poverty, cure every disease, or stop every conflict. But our power and status have conferred upon us a tremendous responsibility to humanity.'"
So, let's get our passports ready, our foreign language guidebooks thumbed through, and our money converted. We'll start with a "pit stop", and a relatively easy one.
Foreign Policy Pit Stop: Foreign Aid
Although I listed this as a pit stop (due to the fact that though foreign aid is a tangible and vital part of US foreign policy operations, it tends to be used as a sentence filler in speeches, and is fairly business-like and somewhat mundane), it could also be considered a "snake pit", due to certain groups with a political ideology and affiliation not often in keeping with multilateralism and internationalism tend to use foreign aid as a whipping boy or strawman. Anyway, foreign aid is really very simple: one country, usually fairly well-off, will give another country, usually not very well off or in dire need, monetary assistance or shipments of goods and products. It can be anything from humanitarian aid (meaning disaster relief, like shipments of water and food) to development aid (meaning money or equipment intended to promote economic and social development. It's different from humanitarian aid in that development aid is intended for long term alleviation of social problems, like hunger, poor health, lack of education and inadequate sustainable development, while humanitarian aid is for the here-and-now, emergency stuff). It is partly used as a negotiating tactic in international negotiations. You know "You scratch my back, I scratch my signature into a check for $12 billion for water purification equipment". It's often used to obtain a certain objective. Having the United States give your country a couple billion in money and an agreement to assist with border defense makes a missile shield that much more palatable.
The official "aid" person in the United States Government is, surprise, the Director of Foreign Assistance AKA the USAID Administrator (USAID stands for "United States Agency for International Development0. USAID Admin is a position equivalent to the Deputy Secretary of State. According to the State Department's website, the vision statement for the DFA is as follows:
Ensure the strategic and effective use of foreign assistance resources to respond to global needs, make the world safer, and help people better their own lives by supporting programs that:
- Advance human rights and freedoms;
- Promote sustainable economic growth and reduce widespread poverty;
- Promote and support democratic, well-governed states;
- Increase access to quality education, combat disease, and improve public health;
- Respond to urgent humanitarian needs;
- Prevent and respond to conflict; and
- Address transnational threats.
And that was your crash course in foreign aid! Tune in next time, when I tackle a "snake pit" and a "pitfall"!
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