The Gang of Six

In an effort to reach a Budget deal on increasing the debt ceiling the U.S. Senate has passively consented to turning over all negotiating to six Senators. The "Gang of Six" made up of three Democrats and three Republicans are working with President Obama to strike a balance between cutting the budget and finding ways to generate spending revenue. The new broke today that the "Gang" has put together a package that will make changes to the formula for calculating cost of living for Senior citizens currently on Social Security. The new recalculation in the cost of living equation will result in Seniors bring home appox. $500-$1000 LESS each year. For a Senior citizen on a fixed income (average income of Seniors of Social Security is $14,000 a year) this will be devastating. The ONLY Senator actively shedding light on the impact of the recalculation is Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Below is the speech he gave today on this issue.

Senator Sanders on Increased Oil Prices

As our gas prices go up so do the profits for the big Oil companies. Why is the price of gas going up so fast? Senator Bernie Sanders (VT-I) explains:

Huntsman

Minutes ago the story broke that Jon Huntsman Jr. (former Governor of UT) will officially announce his Presidential campaign on June 21. Not only is Jon Huntsman instantly the most interesting Republican in the field, but he is without a doubt the most qualified GOP candidate and will pose a serious challenge to President Obama's reelection effort. Even President Obama respects Huntsman and his qualifications. In 2009 President Obama appointed Huntsman as the U.S. Ambassador to China (perhaps the most important Ambassadorship in the U.S. right now). Mostly because of his moderate positions I don't know if Huntsman can win the Republican Primary, but even if he can't win in the Primary he will certainly raise the level of everyone's game and IF he can somehow win the Primary he has a realistic chance to win it all on November 6, 2012. No one can predict if he would be an effective President given the enormity of the office, but he is the type of Republican that everyone can respect. What we do know is that Huntsman does not represent the lunatic fringe of the party and has yet to bend on his positions just to win a Republican primary vote (I will be watching this more closely). At the end of the day, if Jon Huntsman and President Obama get a chance to debate each other as to which road is the best way forward for the country I am confident that the nation and indeed the world will get a chance to see the very best of both parties running for the highest office in American Politics. Below are President Obama's own words about Jon Huntsman when the President appointed him as the U.S. Ambassador to China.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good morning, everybody. I am here to announce today the distinguished public servant I'm appointing as our nation's new ambassador to the People's Republic of China. I'm making this appointment mindful of its extraordinary significance.

Given the breadth of issues at stake in our relationship with China, this ambassadorship is as important as any in the world –- because the United States will best be able to deal effectively with....

...global challenges in the 21st century by working in concert with China.

There are few countries in the world with a past so rich or a future so full of possibility as China. With a vast population, a growing economy, and far-reaching influence, China will have a crucial role in confronting all the major challenges that face Asia and the world in the years ahead.

And that's why we're working with the government of China to stem the financial crisis that's devastated economies around the world and help lay a foundation for sustainable growth and lasting prosperity on both sides of the Pacific.

That's why I've spoken with Chinese President Hu Jintao about a number of regional threats, including the situations in North Korea and Pakistan. And that's why we will continue working together with China on a whole host of global challenges -- ranging from energy and climate change to public health; from nuclear non-proliferation to terrorism and violent extremism.

I believe there's much to be gained from a closer, working relationship with China. But improved relations with China will require candor and open discussion about those issues where we don't always agree, such as human rights and democracy and free speech. And it will require that each of our nations play by the rules in open and honest competition.

And that's why this ambassadorship takes on such importance. I can think of no one better suited to take on this assignment than the Governor of the great state of Utah, Jon Huntsman.

When I asked Jon to accept this critical post, I knew it would require a sacrifice on the part of his family, and I want to thank Mary Kaye and all of their children for making this possible. I knew it would require a sacrifice from Jon –- who will be giving up a seat as a popular governor, having just been reelected to a second term.

And I hope the good people of Utah will forgive me and understand how proud they should be of their governor for his willingness to answer his nation's call.

Finally, I knew that because Jon is not only a Republican, but a Republican who co-chaired my opponent's campaign for the presidency, this wouldn't be the easiest decision to explain to some members of his party.

But here's what I also know. I know that Jon is the kind of leader who always puts country ahead of party and is always willing to sacrifice on behalf of our nation. That's what Jon has always done. Throughout his career, Jon has shown a willingness to move beyond the old ideologies and stale debates that all too often bring progress to a standstill. Time and again, he's brought people together across party lines to overcome our common challenges and to move our nation forward.

What Jon brings to this post isn't just a steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of the American people; it's a lifetime of knowledge and experience that will help advance this important partnership. Jon brings to this post experience as a former ambassador to Singapore, who's intimately familiar with many of the most pressing challenges confronting Asia.

He brings experience both in the private sector and as Deputy United States Trade Representative to Asia and Africa, where he stood up for America's economic interests abroad. And Jon is well prepared to build a partnership that reflects a new understanding between our two countries because he's lived in Asia three times and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

That's the kind of ambassador we need in China –- an ambassador who has a respect for China's proud traditions, who understands what it will take to make America more competitive in the 21st century, and who will be an unstinting advocate for America's interests and ideals. With Jon Huntsman representing the United States in China,

I'm confident that we will launch a new era of partnership between our two nations that will advance our shared dreams of opportunity and security in America, in Asia, and around the world.

So I'm extraordinarily pleased to announce that Jon Huntsman will be our ambassador to China, and I can think of no more important assignment than creating the kinds of bridges between our two countries that will determine the well-being not just of Americans and Chinese, but also the future of the world. So, with that, I'd like to have Jon say a few words. Thank you, Jon.

Spain's Revolution (Chapter 1)

Sparked by a 21% unemployment rate, the youth of Spain have taken to the streets of Madrid. Organizers are saying that the decisions made by their government are more and more dictated by what is best for the market and not by what is best for the people. Result: Over 25,000 Spaniards decided to speak out and and act out against this unacceptable situation. Madrid Square is looking more and more like Tahrir Square (Egypt) did back in January and February. You need to be watching this. This is a LIVE feed from Madrid Square. Democracia Real Ya!!!

(UPDATE: Well it didn't take long before the LIVE feed of events at Madrid Square was shut down. I posted the live feed at approx. 10:00am PST and it was no long available at 12:31pm PST).

Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV

2012

One doesn't have to look ahead very far for the 2012 Presidential Campaign. For the past few weeks now every time I get out of bed, poor a cup of coffee, and sit down to read the newspaper I see another article about it. The GOPers are in full swing trying to find a "front runner" for their party to challenge President Obama for the Presidency. I don't know who will come out of the Republican primary, but I do know that it will be fun watching them eat each other alive. I have said before and I still believe the Republican Party is going through an identity crisis that might tear the party apart. One needs only to look at what happened to Thomas Jefferson's party after his Presidency turned out to be less than galvanizing for his party or the rise of the "Stand Paters" after TR left his Republican Party to turn it's sights on none other than itself. Conservatives have always struggled to find leadership that is "conservative enough" for their taste. The issues they have don't look like they will be resolved anytime soon, nor do they concern me very much. My concerns, rest mostly with the voters who were turned for the first time or for the first time in a long time by the 2008 campaign of Senator Barack Obama. HOPE and CHANGE were the main words and feelings that framed the 2008 campaign. I should know, I was a part of it. From 2007-2008 (from the Primary to the National election) I served not only has a Campaign Organizing Trainer for CA, but also as a Congressional District Field Coordinator, Regional Field Organizer and National Delegate to the DNC. I helped train thousands of new voters (young and not so young) that were genuinely excited about the promise of a new era in politics and wanted to do more than just vote. HOPE and CHANGE may have been the words, but it was the people and their excitement that drove the candidacy of Senator Obama all the way to the White House. On election night, as one battle-ground state after the next went blue, I remember people crying, cheering, hugging complete strangers and feeling for the first time in their lives the prospects of progress and possibility. HOPE and CHANGE were more than words. They were possible. That was 2008. I know it's early (May 2011), but I don't see people falling over themselves to get engaged for 2012. When I talk to people who voted for or worked for President Obama's campaign I don't hear anything about HOPE. I don't hear anyone saying that CHANGE is still possible in our politics. I remind people that we have seen some significant changes during his Presidency, but I am always countered by "those things are good, but I don't really understand how that effects me". As I walk away from these conversations I usually walk away thinking two things: I wonder if that guy will make calls for the President, knock on doors for President , reach out to his neighbors, put up a sign, bumper sticker or do anything other than vote (possibly) for the President.; I also walk away hearing the high pitched nasally voice of Sarah Pailin saying: "How's that hopey changey thing workin' out for ya?" I can't stand it, but I wonder what people would honestly say. It honestly concerns me. Using HOPE and CHANGE to frame the 2008 campaign was brilliant strategy, but perhaps it was also dangerous to the future of not just President Obama's 2012 reelection bid, but to all future candidates wanting to run on a similar message. HOPE and CHANGE are what get people up in the morning. HOPE and CHANGE are what get people to the polls. What happens when people don't feel very much if any HOPE. What happens if the CHANGE that is happening isn't very easily seen or felt. I don't sense that people are feeling very much HOPE right now. Nor do I sense that people feel or see the CHANGE the President Obama has made happen during his first term. 2012 is just around the corner and I wonder how hopeful people are that the change we once believed in should be believed in again.

Race To The Bottom

One major problem with "higher test scores = more money for your school" is that there is incentive to "rig the deck" before the exams are officially scored. I know the prospect of teachers and administrators changing answers on their students' exams to be correct is "unthinkable". However, there have been a lot things done that were thought to be "unthinkable" before they were done. Most people know that all levels of Public Education are currently working with their backs against the wall and their heads on the chopping block. Programs have even been created to help relieve some of the pain. A perfect example of such a program: "Race to The Top". The "Race to the Top" program was good in theory, but perhaps in practice it does not take into account one very important variable: The Human Condition. If we do a little digging, perhaps we are beginning to see the Hobbesian idea of man's inherent self-interest come to light in classrooms and schools all across the United States as the "race" gets more and more important. Case in point: DC schools. A great article was written today about DC schools and the "discrepancies" found with their exam scores as their schools were racing to the tip top with Michelle Rhee (Former DC Chancellor) running anchor. I wonder with all this racing around if anyone has stopped to ask: What is lost while everyone is caught up in "the race"? AND What will the state of education look like once we've reach "the top". Personally, all this running around reminds of The Myth of Sisyphus. Absurdity anyone???

The USA Today Article

Women, War and The Libya Strategy

It does not need to said that Women and Men are different. There was even a book written ("Men Are From Mars/Women Are From Venus") highlighting our obvious differences. Perhaps less obvious, although no less important, is that there are also many areas where Women and Men are the same. However, time and time again we seem to only focus on the difference. During the 2008 Democratic Primary there was a lot attention paid to gender difference and its impact on our society. I remember reading an article in the New York Times written by Nicholas Kristof that pointed to many different historical examples of very powerful and very successful Women. Kristof's article spoke eloquently about these women, what they accomplished and how they governed. Kristof's article implied that these examples can serve as indicators as to how Women would govern in the United States. He argues that a female President would govern better and more effectively than her male predecessors because Women work with and lead people differently than Men. Kristof's article was particularly interested in exploring why Women who have been in power have been so successful. Kristof wrote: "Scholars find that women, compared with men, tend to excel in consensus-building and certain other skills useful in leadership." The prospect that Women excel at consensus-building is particularly interesting when you consider who has been the main advocates for the Air-Strikes and No-Fly Zone policies in Libya. It gets even more interesting when examine how they have advocated for these policies. There is no question that Secretary of State HIllary Clinton and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice have worked very hard and very successfully at building an international consensus for the current policies and interaction in Libya. The fact that they are Women and the fact that they have (and presumably continue to work) at building consensus for this effort is, according to the Kristof article, predictable. However, what is less predictable is how quickly these decision have been elevated to the level of mythology. In today's New York Times, Maureen Dowd had this to say about Sec. Clinton and Ambassador Rice: "There is something positively mythological about a group of strong women swooping down to shake the president out of his delicate sensibilities and show him the way to war. And there is something positively predictable about guys in the White House pushing back against that story line for fear it makes the president look henpecked." Ms. Dowd, Let me be clear: There is nothing mythological about anyone (regardless of gender) advocating to GO TO WAR. It is Day 5 of the Air-Strikes in Libya and already hundreds of people have been killed and millions of dollars have been wasted. With all the attention being paid to the international consensus and the power of the Women who worked to build it (despite the push back by Men and their "delicate sensibilities") it is fascinating to consider what we aren't talking about. One thing has been lost is that despite having an international consensus on how to do what we are doing and a consensus that it must be done right now, no one seems to have a clue as to why we built the consensus in the first place, what "victory" looks like, and when it will end. I guess Women and Men aren't that different after all.

Media on Media

8 year ago this weekend the Media got sucked in my "Shock & Awe" and "WMD". The result was that no one asked any really tuff questions relating the build up for the war in Iraq. Now we are confronted with Libya. Here is some very interesting back-and-forth by some CNN analysts on how the Media is, once again, not asking the tuff questions. However, the fact that they are even having this discussion shows some critical self-evaluation and potential promise that we might (emphasis on "might") get some qualitative investigative journalism so we don't have another "WMD" episode.

What's Next?

Dick Lugar appeared on Face The Nation yesterday and drew some interesting implications from our "selective" role in policing the world. Why would we choose intervene in Libya when we have seen similar tyrannical actions by other governments against their people in same region? What is different about Libya? Who's interest does it serve to go after Gaddafi right now? Very interesting analysis.

The "I-Word"

Members of President Obama's own party are using the "I-Word" (Impeachment) today as we learn more about how the orders for U.S. Air-Strikes on Libya were issued two days ago. It's one thing for membership within the opposition party to voice their concern, but when members of your own party are waving copies of The Constitution around and questioning the legality of your decision on National news you might have something to be worried about. Concerning for so many reasons.

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Here We Go Again

Same old song...different country. How long will the "No Fly Zone" last before it turns into a full fledged ground war. Where have I heard this song before? "Shock and Awe" anyone??? How do they say Iraq in Libya? So sad how history keeps repeating itself.

A Glowing Report

Ok, so I've always known that Ann Coulter is f-ing crazy and I've rarely found an instance where I agree with Bill O'Reilly. However, yesterday on O'Reilly's show I found an instance where my position that Ann Coulter is crazy was affirmed by Bill himself. Even Bill couldn't hold back from correcting her craziness at the end of this wonderful little exchange. I particularly enjoyed the way she used Science to justify everything she said. I gotta love Science. Enjoy:

Nuclear Meltdown and Science

This week's nuclear crisis in Japan reminded me of the words I first read over 10 years ago in Hannah Arendt's work "The Human Condition". Here is what Arendt had to say about the scientific development and use of nuclear technology: "For the sciences today have been forced to adopt a "language" of mathematical symbols which, though it was originally meant only as an abbreviation for spoken statements, now contains statements that in no way can be translated back into speech. The reason why it may be wise to distrust the political judgment of scientists qua scientists is not primarily their lack of "character"——that they did not refuse to develop atomic weapons——or their naivete——that they did not understand that once these weapons were developed they would be the last to be consulted about their use-——but precisely the fact that they move in a world where speech has lost its power."

Why does our society want more Scientists and Mathematicians? Look what we've got. We need more Artists, Philosophers and Poets. The reality and consequences of a world where speech has lost its power and Science reigns as ruler:

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Where Are Your Shoes???

In 2007 Presidential candidate Barack Obama had a very clear position on his support for Unions and collective bargaining. A lot of people I personally encountered on the campaign trail said he was "only words". I, of course, defended him and said he was different. After all "Change" was a big part of his campaign. With this in mind, I guess all of us who worked for him and helped turn out a record number of voters shouldn't be surprised that "change" of mind is something that has defined many of his positions as President. Where is the President's support for worker's rights??? Where are your comfortable shoes, Mr. President??? We need you!!!

The Revolution Will Still Not Be Televised.

The changing of mindset is something that can never be documented in media. This kind of revolution will not be televised and it is the hardest to achieve. I hope we are all capable of our own mindset revolutions.