Archive through May 11, 2001

The ClubHouse: General Archives: June - July Archives: Speak Out for the Future: Archive through May 11, 2001

Zeb

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 01:44 pm Click here to edit this post
Well, I don't tape a newspaper to my face everyday either but I DO know that it is way early in the term to predict future doom.

Ocean_Islands

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 01:45 pm Click here to edit this post
Perhaps you can help us understand his character! Are you game?

Moondance

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 02:51 pm Click here to edit this post
LATEST NEWS
NEW YORK TIMES: GAS PRICE SPIKE PROVING PROBLEMATIC FOR BUSH

Huge price increases at the gas pump may prove problematic for Bush as angry drivers start wondering why he can't do anything to control surging gas prices, the New York Times reports today. "For Mr. Bush, the issue is particularly perilous," writes the Times. "He is trying to defuse a political time bomb while not threatening the oil industry, which once employed both him and his vice president and was a huge source of donations to his campaign."

Bush's predicament has Republicans running scared. Among other things, they're afraid that "the close ties of Mr. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney to the energy industry had cost them credibility. Some also said they were concerned that Mr. Cheney's remarks about conservation last week - that saving energy was a 'sign of personal virtue' but not a basis for 'a sound, comprehensive energy policy' - could invite more recriminations from Democrats and environmentalists."

Get the latest political news every weekday on Democrats.org:
http://www.democrats.org/news/briefings/latest.html

DNC VOTING RIGHTS INSTITUTE HOLDS FIRST VOTING RIGHTS HEARING IN FLORIDA

Continuing the Democratic Party's commitment to electoral reform, the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Voting Rights Institute (VRI) today held its first Voting Rights Hearing at the Suncoast Community High School in Riviera, Florida. DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe and National Development Chair Maynard Jackson mediated the two-hour hearing that addressed voting irregularities and discussed recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions to voter reform.

To read more, visit:
http://www.democrats.org/news/releases/rel050701a.html

DEMOCRATS WIN SAN ANTONIO MAYOR'S RACE

This weekend San Antonio voters elected Democratic candidate Ed Garza to be mayor of San Antonio, Texas, the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest city in Texas. Garza defeated Republican Tim Bannwolf by a large margin. This is a pick-up for Democrats, as the former mayor was also Republican.

"The Democratic Party is on a roll - and in George W. Bush's back yard," Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Terry McAuliffe said. "Electing Democratic mayors across the country this year is a key Democratic Party goal, and with Ed Garza's victory, Democrats have extended our winning streak," McAuliffe said.

To read more, visit: http://www.democrats.org/news/releases/rel050701.html

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ON THE WEB

GEORGE BUSH'S 100 DAYS WEBSITE: WWW.100DAYSOFBUSH.COM

The DNC's www.100daysofbush.com website highlights the disappointing record of President George W. Bush during his first 100 days in office. The website features a detailed analysis of Bush's first 100 days, including a "Bush Day-by-Day" calendar showing what he has done -- and undone -- every day since taking office on January 20, 2001. The website also features ten "Top 10 Lists" of some of Bush's greatest assaults on issues like the environment, women, his budget cuts; as well as, special interest giveaways, contradictions and paybacks to big businesses, and much more.

To learn more click on:
http://www.100daysofbush.com

JOIN A FREEDEM DISCUSSION COMMUNITY!

Check out our new Seniors/Aging Americans discussion community on freeDEM.com! The FreeDem Senior Community - This is your place - to ask questions, to raise issues, to vent, to share experiences and memories.

Click below to join the FreeDEM Senior Community - you do not have to be a Senior to join this community - just someone who shares concerns about the issues facing Aging Americans ... please stop by and say hello!

http://webx.ibelong.com/WebX?50@216.YH43aSupbpX^2@.ee725f4

New Members - join the new freeDEM Welcome Community. Find out what the freeDEM communities are all about and ask questions to experienced members!

To join, click on: http://webx.ibelong.com/WebX?50@139.dvxhaa5tbDm^2@.ee71682

GET INVOLVED

Get involved with the Democratic Party at all levels. Visit our website and find out how you can get involved in your community online and offline to get Democrats elected and get information about registering in your state. Take a first look at the US House and Senate races in 2002 and the Governors' races in 2001 and 2002 and learn more about winning a Democratic House majority in 2002.

http://web.democrats.org/getinvolved/

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 10
Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies
Annual Gala
Washington, DC
contact: APAICS (202) 296-9200
http://www.apaics.org

May 10-12
New Jersey Democratic Party
State Convention
Atlantic City, NJ
contact: NJ DP (609) 392-DEMS
http://www.njdems.org

May 11
Delaware Democratic Party
State Convention
Dover, DE
contact: DE DP (302) 996-9458
http://www.deldems.org

May 11-13
Oklahoma Democratic Party
State Convention
location tbd
contact: OK DP (405) 524-0203
http://www.okdemocrats.org

May 11-16
National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters
nnual Conference
St. Martins, Caribbean
contact: NABOB (202) 463-8970
http://www.nabob.org

May 12
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
12th Annual Media Awards - Washington, DC
Washington, DC
contact: GLAAD (323) 658-6775
http://www.glaad.org

May 13
Mother's Day

May 13-16
National Congress of American Indians
2001 Mid-Year Session
Ledyard, CT
contact: NCAI (202) 466-7767
http://www.ncai.org

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Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-863-8000
http://www.democrats.org

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Moondance

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 02:54 pm Click here to edit this post
If you are game Kady, I would like to understand his character. I promise to try to keep an open mind:)

Zeb

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 03:30 pm Click here to edit this post
Archivist. lol!

Gail

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 03:40 pm Click here to edit this post
I will come out of lurking on this thread for a brief moment.

According to Gallup Polls, GW Bush's Job Approval Ratings so far (The first column is Approve, 2nd, is Disapprove, third is no opinion and last is the date)

Gallup Polls


Approve % Disapprove % No opinion %
2001
62 29 9 01 Apr. 20-22
59 30 11 01 Apr. 6-8
53 29 18 01 Mar. 26-28
58 29 13 01 Mar. 9-11
63 22 15 01 Mar. 5-7
62 21 17 01 Feb. 19-21
57 25 18 01 Feb. 9-11
57 25 18 01 Feb. 1-4


compared with Bill Clinton's Approval Ratings his first 6 months.

Approve % Disapprove % No opinion %

41 49 10 Jul 19-21
45 48 7 Jul 9-11
46 47 7 Jun 29-30
39 50 11 Jun 18-21
37 49 14 Jun 5-6
44 46 10 May 21-23
45 44 11 May 10-11
55 37 8 Apr 22-24
52 37 11 Mar 29-31
53 34 13 Mar 12-14
59 29 12 Feb 26-28
51 34 15 Feb 12-14
54 30 16 Jan 29-31
58 20 22 Jan 24-26

Looks like slick willy had a slow start too. Though, it looks like he had more of a struggle then GW. With a trend like that, it is a wonder Slick Willie didn't get impeached. Oh, wait a minute, he did, didn't he? Never mind.

If you want to speak out about the future, you better be prepared to examine the past.

I don't think some people on this board want to hear other sides of the issues. I don't like getting into heated discussions on politics. You can not change people's minds. We went through all this crap here back when we had to have the Florida votes counted and recounted and recounted and recounted.

I didn't like finding out that I am not interested in the environment - that was a surprise to me. (I think that was near the beginning of this thread.) Makes me feel like those times I spent on "Adopt a Road" picking up trash were a waste of my time.

If all you look for is bad, that is what you are going to find. For example Bush blows it
For really good political discussions, go to CNN's message boards. Those guys will give you a good fight.

Ocean_Islands

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 04:01 pm Click here to edit this post
I'd be happy to see that G. Bush is doing well in the polls, if it was for good reasons; I really don't care about polls. I care about issues. This thread is to discuss the issues and I don't see a problem with that.

I think we can all agree that some of us are independent, some are Republicans, some are Democrats or what have you. All of us know that we are not all going to agree on who should be president and so forth.

This should not prevent us from a civil discussion of issues which I think is what we are doing.

Willi

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 04:04 pm Click here to edit this post
<considering a nick change to slick_willi>

Kady

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 04:22 pm Click here to edit this post
No, I really want to get into a discussion of anyone's character. I am the type of person who does not get into any kind of debates. I like him and nothing I say will change anyone's mind. I will judge the way he does his job after he has been in office awhile.
<back to lurking this thread>

Moondance

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:03 pm Click here to edit this post
YES, what Ocean said!

Highlander

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:15 pm Click here to edit this post
One can find a person likeable and still disagree with his policies just as you can dislike someone and at the same time agree with their policies.

Highlander

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:19 pm Click here to edit this post
Dick Cheney's 10 energy-saving tips!
A few sensible ways not to end up like those losers in California.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
By Tom McNichol
May 10, 2001 | As vice president and head of President Bush's task force on energy, people ask me all the time, "Dick, what can I do to conserve energy?" First, I tell them that conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis, all by itself, for a sound, comprehensive energy policy. We can't simply conserve or ration our way out of this energy crisis, but there are some simple ways we can use power more efficiently, without having to do with less. Here are 10 ways we can all be better energy consumers:

Dick Cheney's 10 tips to conserve energy

Tip No. 1: Replace incandescent bulbs with much brighter incandescent bulbs.
A 250-watt bulb burns brighter than a 100-watt bulb: a lot brighter. Don't listen to the "dim bulbs" who insist that lower-wattage light bulbs are somehow more energy efficient. There's nothing efficient about staggering across a dark room bumping into furniture. Also, remember that 30 percent of the energy consumed by a light bulb is expended when the bulb is switched on. Keeping your lights on all the time is a simple but effective way to conserve energy.

Tip No. 2: Turn the air conditioning down to "medium" when you're not in the room.
By simply turning the air conditioning down to the medium setting (about 62 degrees) before you leave a room, you'll reap significant savings, while you and your family stay comfortable. You can further keep costs down by closing off sections of your house to trap cool air in occupied areas. At my ranch in Wyoming, for example, I like to blast the AC in the living room, family room, parlor, rec room and den, while keeping the AC set to "medium" in the library, conservatory, antiques room and aviary.

Tip No. 3: Wrap your hot water tank with "jacket" insulation.
More than 20 percent of the heat from your hot water tank escapes into the surrounding air. Wrap your water tank with a suitable "jacket" insulator. An old mink coat or chinchilla wrap is ideal.

Tip No. 4: Keep your SUV well-maintained.
SUVs are already incredibly energy efficient, meeting or exceeding federal mileage standards for large trucks and buses. But a little TLC for your SUV can make your mobile home-away-from-home even more energy-friendly. Keep power windows and locks well oiled, slow down to 75 mph on freeways, switch into two-wheel drive whenever practical and consider replacing the in-dash stereo system with a more efficient multiple-CD changer.

Tip No. 5: Replace old appliances with really big new ones. Small appliances mean big energy bills. Think about it: By using an extra-large capacity washer and dryer, you'll only have to do laundry half as often, a 50 percent savings. Replace your current washer, dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher with the largest models you can fit through the door. Don't forget to upgrade minor appliances such as electric knife sharpeners, automatic can openers, juice squeezers, ice cream makers, bagel slicers, golf ball washers, etc.

Tip No. 6: Upgrade your hot tub. Natural gas hot-tub heaters use less energy than electric heaters, cost less to operate and heat water faster, so you won't have to wait as long for the water to warm up. A low-cost motion detector (available at most hardware stores) connected to an appropriately licensed firearm (available most everywhere) will help keep out unwanted guests, further reducing your tub's energy consumption.

Tip No. 7: Be an energy-smart landscaper. Cut down any trees on your property that block the sun, an important source of light and heat. Apply generous amounts of fertilizer and pesticide to your lawn weekly, or instruct the Mexican gardener to do so. Be sure to have your lawn watered at least twice a day. Remember, a green lawn is a "Green" lawn.

Tip No. 8: Don't fall for solar or wind power promises. So-called renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are, in fact, unreliable and even dangerous. During a typical 24-hour period, the sun is "off" 50 percent of the time, while oil, gas and coal still burn brightly. Wind power is practical only when it's windy, and a windmill's revolving blades pose a danger to unsuspecting children and pets. By contrast, there's an almost limitless supply of safe, clean-burning fossil fuels, provided we adopt sensible energy exploration policies.

Tip No. 9: Take control of your power needs. America needs to build 1,300 new power plants over the next 20 years, or one additional plant every week. But don't expect the politicians in Washington to get off their keisters and make it happen. Instead, consider drilling for oil or gas in your own backyard. Many oil companies (including my old shop, Halliburton Co.) offer a Home Drilling Starter Kit, which provides everything you'll need to explore for energy right in your own backyard. Don't let the scaremongers convince you that a natural gas well in your yard is unsafe for children -- statistically, it's far less dangerous than a swing set or a jungle gym.

Tip No. 10: Make your voice heard. Even the best conservation plan won't matter if our country doesn't adopt a coherent long-range energy strategy, one that includes oil and gas exploration in national parks and wildlife refuges, relaxed fuel efficiency standards and "fast-tracking" new oil, coal and nuclear power plants. We can all make a difference. The single greatest contribution you can make to America's energy independence is at the ballot box. Vote Republican.

Moondance

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:19 pm Click here to edit this post
>One can find a person likeable and still disagree with his policies just as you can dislike someone and at the same time agree with their policies. <

Agreed Highlander... I just wish the votes were based on ability instead of personality...JMO

Highlander

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:23 pm Click here to edit this post
I agree with you there Moon. But in the end you have to have a sense of humor. I feel very strongly about my views on the environment and the way the current policies are directed but I wont tell people they are full of doo doo or tell them they dont know what they are talking about. We can respectfully disagree.

Moondance

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:26 pm Click here to edit this post
I don't remember doing any of that... I do take my vote seriously though.

Zeb

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:32 pm Click here to edit this post
ALERT! ALERT! GRAVITY LEVEL REACHING MAXIMUM!! WHOOP! WHOOP! IMPLOSION IMMINENT!!

Yes, you have been sucked into the Democrat Zone.

Highlander

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:32 pm Click here to edit this post
No you didnt Moon. I take my vote seriously as well. I was just saying people on the boards can have good dialogue concerning where the US is going without name calling.

I believe very strongly the policies that have been pushed in the last four months, if enacted, will last long after this administration is gone. It will be too late once the genie is out of the bottle to roll back some of these decisions. In my view putting the planet's few remaining natural resources and wildlife at risk is not worth barrels of oil. There are aslo serious questions in my mind about many of the appointments that have been made. I also question the advisability of such a huge tax.

Moondance

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 05:34 pm Click here to edit this post
I agree completely Highlander

Zeb

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 07:23 pm Click here to edit this post
Ok, so you're saying that all those people who didn't vote for Gore (aka "your candidate") didn't take their votes seriously?

Highlander

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 07:59 pm Click here to edit this post
Absolutely not Zeb, I think anyone who goes to the polls demonstrates their seriousness. However, after you pull that lever or punch that card, I am not sure that sitting back with a wait and see approach is the best thing.

Zeb

Friday, May 11, 2001 - 12:34 am Click here to edit this post
Well, just wait and see. You never know.

Twiggyish

Friday, May 11, 2001 - 07:14 am Click here to edit this post
Highlander..LOL on your 10 tips from Cheney!!

Moondance

Friday, May 11, 2001 - 11:12 am Click here to edit this post
I believe the wait and see attitude is what is dangerous ... rather you agree or disagree with the administration, sitting back and doing nothing is the selfish and dangerous way out! We are all responsible for our world.

Twiggyish

Friday, May 11, 2001 - 11:21 am Click here to edit this post
Exactly.

Max

Friday, May 11, 2001 - 11:36 am Click here to edit this post
Well, Dubya was just on TV holding a press conference that started out as a commentary about the McVeigh/FBI mess and migrated to questions about other things. No matter how questions about the energy crisis are asked, he has the same answer. Following is an example. (I'm paraphrasing, but you'll get the idea.)

Reporter: Mr. President, what do you say to the mom and pop folks who are paying $3 a gallon at the pumps while the oil companies are reporting some of the highest profits ever recorded?

Dubya: I say to Congress--pass those tax reforms now so we can get more money into the hands of the consumer. Oh, and build more refineries since we haven't built any for 20 years.

Several questions were asked in relation to the energy crisis and every reply was essentially the same as this. ARGH!

Just to show I'm not entirely jaded and that I do look at good things, on the plus side, Dubya did commit $200 million to a "global HIV-AIDS fund intended to significantly bolster medical research and treatment efforts and provide aid to families that have been ravaged by the disease."