Sarah Palin: "I am Joe Momma"

Vice President candidate Sarah Palin really stepped in it today when she talked about the variations of "Joe the Plumber" she's come across during her campaign. At a Virginia campaign stop, she said:

"I really got to hand it to Joe the Plumber. A lot of folks around the country, they identify with Joe, and we see posters even here today. We saw posters recently: Doug the barber, and Christine the florist, and Cindy the citizen. We've got Joe the plumber's son, Jack the hunter, Vickie the realtor. One of my favorites last night, it was 'I am Joe Momma.'"

Palin should apologize for repeating this bigoted stereotype targeted at African Americans.

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No political tricks in my child's bag! (w/ UPDATE!)

As many people who read this blog know, "member items," or these personal pork-barrel slush funds used by the majority parties in the State Senate and Assembly, are a very big problem. They're something that many of us want cleaned up as soon as we establish a Democratic majority in the State Senate.

However, we also must be reminded that our State representatives are using these funds to insure their incumbency, making it harder to defeat on November 4. One of the most cynical uses of using these public funds for campaigning purposes is the "Halloween safety" flyers distributed in our school districts. These flyers are campaign flyers masquerading as public-service announcements. They use public assets and our children as campaign tools.

In my Senate district (SD-38), I am challenging the legality of GOP State Senator Thomas P. Morahan's distribution of these flyers. And today, I started with my campaign, by sending the e-mail (below) to the Superintendent of Nyack Public Schools. If you live in a Republican Senate district, you're likely getting similar flyers sent home with your children. I urge you to send similar letters to your local school superintendents.

Dear Dr. Douglas,

At about this time two years ago, I opened up my daughter's folder to look over her homework. In it I found a flyer from State Senator Thomas P. Morahan. It was a Halloween safety flyer that had Senator Morahan's name in HUGE type and some common-sense Halloween safety tips in very small, almost agate-sized type. I found it more than curious, in fact, cynical, to get a useless flyer from Senator Morahan in my child's pack just a few days he was to defend his seat. In fact, several parents that I know from Upper Nyack and Liberty Elementary schools were upset by this flyer, which was obviously campaign material paid for by Morahan's "member items" slush fund.

Last year at this time, I made sure to go through my daughter's folder the two weeks before Halloween. There was no such flyer in her backpack. There was no flyer because Morahan wasn't facing reelection. I asked several other parents if they had received the flyer last year and none had.

Furthermore, I have looked over federal and state electioneering laws and this type of electioneering—which is paid by taxpayer funds—is of questionable legality. Using a public resource, like elementary schools, to distribute political campaign materials makes it clearly illegal. If these materials are distributed this year, in another election year, it could be easily proven that these flyers are campaign materials, especially since no such flyers were sent out last year.

I know that Senator Morahan is preparing similar "Halloween" flyers as we speak. I just want to make you aware that if Senator Morahan's political flyer masking as "Halloween Safety Tips" goes out this year with our children, I will be contacting the New York State Board of Elections, the State Attorney General's Office, the local media, and the New York Civil Liberties Union. Be clear that this e-mail is a measured and thoughtful plea to you to do the right thing. I know it to be my civic duty as a both a nurturing parent and as an advocate for clean elections to bring this to your attention.

I implore the district to reject these flyers from Senator Morahan this year and not use its students as a campaign tools as it has in the past.

UPDATE: Dr. Douglas e-mailed me back and said she would do what she can to ensure that this does not happen again. That's one school district down...

I can just imagine one of Morahan's goons carrying a 60 lbs. box of these flyers to the Nyack Schools building and only to be turned away at the door. Folks, this can happen in your school district! Read More......

Memo to a sign stealer

This content below is from my friend Jim who lives in south Orangetown. Having had several of my political signs stolen and knowing who's behind this systematic tactic really makes me mad as well. Here's Jim's take:

Like many of our fellow Americans, we've had a “for sale” sign up in front of our house for darned near a year now. The house isn't any closer to being sold than it was last winter, but we're more fortunate than some. For now, at least, we can swing the mortgage and we still have our jobs. And nobody's stolen the sign.

The Obama sign, on the other hand, lasted about twelve hours. I can only hope it went to a fellow supporter, someone less able to obtain a campaign sign than us. A friend in the local Democratic party tells me they don't give out signs in Rockland County, New York, where we live. We got ours from my mother in law, who lives in Connecticut. In fact, we got two. The other one is still out there, at least for now.

Whoever stole our sign elected to snag the one at the far corner of the property, far away from the house where we might be more likely to catch them in the act.

Whoever you are, sign stealer, I hope you are proud of yourself. Had you had the courage to come to the porch, knock on the door, and discuss politics, I would have welcomed you. If you needed a sign, I'd have handed one over. But you didn't, and whomever you intend to vote for, if you intend to vote at all, will most likely get into office without your help.

Barack represents courage, real change for this country, and a hope for restoration of our economy, security, and recovery from the damage George W. Bush and his cronies have done to the image of this country in the eyes of the world.

Sign stealing, on the other hand, is at best an act of cowardice and worst a violation of free speech. I'll try a bumper sticker next. At least those require some ambition to remove.


The house is still for sale. Thanks for not burning it down.

Jim Travers

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Tips for effective canvassing

I noticed that many people in my groups on BarackObama.com are going to spend their next few weekends canvassing for Barack Obama. I also noticed that others will be canvassing for congressional, Senate, State Senate and State Assembly candidates in their areas.

I have canvassed in four out of the last six presidential elections and I've canvassed in each regional and midterm election over the past six years. Canvassing is how I feel I can contribute best in an election (and it's proven to be one of the most effective GOTV tactics, as 1 out of 12 voters you contact will go to the polls that otherwise would no). Unfortunately, some health problems are keeping me from hitting the streets this year. Still, I've learned a lot about canvassing over time and I feel it would be a waste if I did not share what I've learned with others.

You might have heard many of these suggestions from field coordinators already; I've been told that team Obama has some savvy field ops. But I thought I might share them anyway:

1. Work in teams with people of various ages. Split up the canvassing list by age, if possible. People being canvassed respond much better to their age peers. The Young Voters Project did a study and found that voters under 29 years of age respond better after being canvassed by someone in the same age group. I have always imagined that this theory works with all age groups.

2. Assume it will rain. Have an umbrella, boots, and a raincoat in your car.

3. Take care of your feet. Wear flat rubber-soled shoes that breathe (preferably running shoes). Also, an extra pair of socks helps keep your feet dry in all types of weather (wet or sweaty feet lead to blisters). It doesn't hurt to bring Band-Aids, foot powder, and bunion pads, either.

4. Bring a few dog treats. Use them only if a seemingly menacing dog comes toward you. The treats are not bribes for other's pets, they're purely for self protection.

5. Identify a restroom. Scout out nearby gas stations, restaurants, stores, etc. Never, ever ask to use someone's home bathroom.

6. Shut off your cell phone—or better yet, put it on vibrate—while canvassing. A ringing cell phone turns people off, whether or not you answer it. You'll may need to bring your cellphone, however, to contact other canvassers.

7. Don't jump to conclusions about potential supporters based on the house, the street, or the neighborhood.

8. After ringing the bell or knocking on the door, take a giant step back. A stranger standing too close to the door when it opens can be off-putting to the person opening it.

9. Smile. Smile even if you're getting a tongue lashing.

10. Watch your body language. Don't try to be imposing. Make sure your shoulders are turned to the side an not square to the people that you speak to. Don't make large motions with your hands while you talk and look people in the eye.

11. Get your information out quickly. Practice using the "who, where, what, and why" format. "Who" is you and "where" is where you are from or what group you represent (this is very important and puts people at ease when they know why a stranger is at their door). "What" is the candidate that you're canvassing for. "Why" is when you give them your pitch on why they should vote and why they should vote for your candidate.

12. Talk about the issues until you identify a "hot button" issue with that voter. Many times, they'll tell you what concerns them, but often, you'll have to pick up facial cues like a furrowed brow or a nod. Continue to talk about this issue. If you can't identify which issues are important to them, don't be afraid to ask.

13. Try to reach an agreement on an issue with the potential voter. No matter where people may fall on the political spectrum, it is not difficult to find common ground. Once you do, highlight that you're in agreement with them. I like to use phrases like "that's a problem, don't you think?" or "so we both think we'd better off with...." to establish that we're in agreement. Once you've established this common ground, talk about your candidate's stance on this issue and how it's applicable.

14. Don't talk about your pet issues. Talk with the potential supporter about their important issues. Also, don't offer up your personal theories on issues. If you are unfamiliar with your candidate's position on an issue, tell this to the person and ask them if they would like to talk to someone over the phone about this matter. Most importantly, stick with your candidate's platform.

15. Always ask potential supporters if they have any questions or anything that they'd like to share with you. Demonstrating that you care about someone's thoughts is more effective at swaying voters than reciting the virtues of your politician. In addition, you're likely to get some background on the area that you're in, so that you can better identify with other people that you canvass. For example, you're likely to find out that a school has cut programs, the river is polluted, or the axle plant closed. So, these regional issues give you another opportunity to fine tune your message to either education, the environment, or the economy, respectively.

16. Tell everyone that you've canvassed that you appreciate their taking time to talk to you and that you enjoyed talking to them.

17. Take scheduled breaks with other canvassers and share your experiences (and change your socks while you're at it). Just as you become better at canvassing after your first several houses, you'll become even better after you find what your colleagues have learned.
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The Bishop of Scranton misleads his flock

My sister, who is both a devout Catholic or a devout Conservative, sent me an e-mail of a message from Joseph Martino, the Bishop of Scranton, to worshipers. In his letter, he directs them to vote against those that are pro-choice.

I thanked my sister for the letter, but told her that this internal fight within the Catholic Church does not involve me. I left the Church twenty years ago and have taken my own spiritual journey outside the context of Christianity. However, I was struck by the raw fury of this battle for the soul of the American Catholic and I felt compelled to respond anyway.

This Sunday marks the Roman Catholic Church's "Respect Life" observance and there is internal strife in the Church. More liberal Catholic organizations are urging other Catholics to vote with their conscience, and they recognizes that the while the Republican Party is anti-abortion, it is far from pro-life with its Dickensian viewpoints on the war in Iraq, poor, the sick, and the elderly.

It is a contest for credibility among observant Catholics, with each faction describing itself as a defender of “life.” The two sides disagree over how to address the “intrinsic evil” of abortion.

The escalating efforts by more-liberal Catholics are provoking a vigorous backlash from some bishops and the right.

In Scranton, Pa., every Catholic attending Mass this weekend will hear a special homily about the election next month: Bishop Joseph Martino has ordered every priest in the diocese to read a letter warning that voting for a supporter of abortion rights amounts to endorsing “homicide.”

The text of the Bishop's letter borders on threatening. Here are some excerpts and my comments below:

Forty years ago, Pope Paul VI predicted that widespread use of artificial contraceptives would lead to increased marital infidelity, lessened regard for women, and a general lowering of moral standards especially among the young. Forty years later, social scientists, not necessarily Catholics, attest to the accuracy of his predictions. As if following some bizarre script, the sexual revolution has produced widespread marital breakdown, weakened family ties, legalized abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, pornography, same-sex unions, euthanasia, destruction of human embryos for research purposes and a host of other ills.

I don't understand what contraception has to do with same-sex unions and euthanasia, and I must say that the Bishop doesn't quote a single non-Catholic social scientist to back up his viewpoint. Surveys have shown that marital infidelity has actually decreased in recent years. Sexually transmitted diseases have plagued man for centuries, only to return to the closet for 50 years because the more virulent of them, syphilis and gonorrhea had become easily controlled by antibiotics. STDs reemerged from the closet only when even stronger ones, namely HIV/AIDS and herpes emerged.

You can also ask any woman who's been in the workforce for several decades if we, as a country have become more demeaning towards women. Sexual harassment and discrimination laws—mostly opposed by Republicans—have greatly improved the respect we give women in this country. If there is any party that is demeaning to women, it is the Republican Party, which has consistently blocked equal pay for equal work laws.

And once again, a religious argument bashes homosexuals. This is especially ironic considering that this hate is coming from the Catholic Church, which in recent years has been rife with priestly pedophiles who take advantage of underage boys.

The bishops lies and hypocrisy are stifling.

More from the bishop:

The finest health and education systems, the fairest immigration laws, and the soundest economy do nothing for the child who never sees the light of day. It is a tragic irony that “pro-choice” candidates have come to support homicide -- the gravest injustice a society can tolerate -- in the name of “social justice.”

Once again, the good bishop won't let the facts get in the way of a good argument.

Many people—including myself—are morally opposed to abortion, but recognize that this as a health and safety issue, as women seeking abortion would go back to unsafe abortion methods that would imperil their health, as was true before Roe v. Wade. If abortion would become illegal, it would create a great health crisis in America. Women have been having abortions since before recorded history. If we were to illegalize abortion, some women would go back to drinking bleach, throwing themselves down stairs, trying to abort the baby themselves using crudely fashioned tools, or even go to illegal and dangerous back-alley abortion clinics. In our regard for the life of the unborn, we would disregard the health and well-being of the living. Deaths from botched abortions would again become an epidemic. Do Catholics want this blood on their hands?

A glaring omission from the bishop's message is that he neglected to show due respect for other aspects of life that Catholics should be concerned about, like coming to the aid of the poor and the sick, which is tantamount in the teachings of the New Testament in the Christian Bible. So, using the standards that the Bishop of Scranton used, I would think that any Catholic would also think twice about voting for any party that has shown no regard or pity for the poor, the sick, and the disadvantaged and threatens to do even less going forward. It is probably just as great of a sin for a Catholics to vote for Republicans who want to cut and even eliminate programs like food stamps, medicare, medicaid, unemployment benefits, social security, and welfare. And killing our sons and daughters in an illegal war based on a litany of lies is murder just as well.

The bishop did mention a few issues (economic security, oh please) in short and almost technical comparisons, but he did not call the congregation to act upon them. Nowhere did he mention the atrocity of this war. Who is this bishop to weigh the worth of these problems? He is no greater person than myself or of you. His opinions hold no more significance than many of the Catholic laity that disagree with him. The greatest attribute of man is his ability discern and reason for himself and his greatest freedom is his right to act upon his own reason. To be so dogmatic is to deny Catholics of their own reasoning in regards to their vote.

It is obvious from this homily that the bishop gives too much weight to one moral issue over many others Catholics should consider. But instead of dictating the importance of political issues to his flock, he should ask them to search their own souls before they vote. This is what a spiritually liberated person would do. Religion should not be dictatorial, it should embrace the differences of its believers, even if it disagrees with them.

Relying purely on Catholicism in deciding your vote puts you in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. The teaching of the New Testament says to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and render unto God what is God's.

That's what should be foremost in the minds all people of faith when they vote on November 4.
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Why the media defends Sarah Palin's joke of a candidacy

Sarah Palin did not win last night's debate; she did not score points with the American public. The polls and focus groups conducted by CBS and CNN show that a large majority of Americans thought that Palin was evasive, uniformed, and not ready to lead. However, the spin from the mainstream media is that Palin held her own. Don't believe the media hype.

We have sacrificed thousands of American troops in a war based on a Republican lie and John McCain bought into this lie (or perhaps he was in on it). Meanwhile, Osama Bin Laden isn't any closer to being captured than he was seven years ago, our economy is in a nosedive, and people don't know how they're going to afford their houses or healthcare. And what does Sarah Palin do? She winks at the camera a lot, she says a lot of "you betchas," repeats the hollow "Maverick" term and other catch phrases over and over. More importantly, she outright refused to answer a sincere question that she didn't understand. All that Palin is capable of parroting is the same false and generalized messages that she said five minutes earlier. And this behavior is forgivable to the corporate media?

The media has a horse in this race and it's called ratings. All this drama is good for CBS, ABC, FOX, NBC, FoxNews, MSNBC, and Faux News. Trying to make this presidential race appear closer than it is their way of sucking out higher ratings and getting more advertising revenue. So, it doesn't matter to them that Sarah Palin railed at them and refused to answer the questions posed by Gwen Ifill. Sarah Palin can't damage the media. It will be here long after Sarah Palin is forgotten.

But in a short time, the corporate media and Sarah Palin have forged a symbiotic relationship that will continue through this election cycle. The media monolith feeds off of Sarah Palin as she pretends to fight back; still she uses their cameras to "vogue" to the public. Did we watch a debate or was it Sarah Palin starring in "High School Musical 4?" What a perverse game that's being played here!

Of course, the corporate media monolith doesn't want to kill the latest goose that lays the golden egg just yet. While this goose likes to nip, it's a small price paid for ratings and revenue. There will be other geese and other golden eggs to feed the media after this election is over. And as long as these geese help sell newspapers and attracts viewers, they can squawk and bite all they want as far as the media is concerned.

But despite what they're told by the media, the American public is becoming smarter than the media. Its tuning out the media lectures; it doesn't like to be told what to think by covens of pundits. The public knows this election is different from others. This election is about the issues, and not drama. And Palin didn't address the issues in in last night's debate and they gave her a pass. The media will do anything to keep this race close.
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Clueless Sarah Palin endorses Hamas terrorist organization in interview with Katie Couric

I feel sorry for Katie Couric. And it's not that her ratings remain in the toilet. It's that she's had to put up with some of the most inane answers to very simple questions from Sarah Palin.

This clip, which is not as famous as some of the others, takes the cake. In it, Palin inadvertently tells Couric that she supports the democratically elected Hamas in Gaza, even though that group is a terrorist organization.

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