Bette Midler - From A Distance
This is the original song, not the new revised Christmas version, but the words are basically the same.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Bette Midler's "From a Distance"-- What does it mean?
The other day I saw Bette Midler interviewed on CBS Morning News about her new Christmas album. Why would a funky, brazen, wonderful Jewish woman like Bette Midler put out a Christmas album? Well, she said, with 500 other Christmas albums out there, she thought her fans might like one, too. Now, isn’t that a display of a positive attitude if there ever was one. Watching and listening to Bette on CBS was an inspiration. Here is a woman bold enough to be herself, no apologies. She even likes dirty jokes and admitted it on national television!
The first time Bette was recognized for her singing was at a school contest singing “Silent Night.” She was a little nervous to tell her mother that she won the contest, though, because “Silent Night” was not in her family’s “repertoire of songs.” She did tell her mother, however, and what was her mom’s reaction? Pure pride! I was so impressed by the interview that I succumbed to commercialism and bought the CD within twenty- four hours. It is an enjoyable repertoire of Christmas songs with a special flair of Bette’s individualism. A spunky Jewish woman recording a Christmas CD reflects what is best about America – our freedom of religion and appreciation for one another’s cultures.
I was touched by the revised Christmas version of “From a Distance.” When I heard the words,
“From a distance you look like my friend
Even though we are at war
From a distance I can't comprehend
What all this war is for”
I interpreted it to be a message about our common humanity, a message for hope and peace. Now that I think more about it, though, I am wondering about that interpretation. Is the song also suggesting that if you get a little closer, it will be clear that you are not my friend and war makes sense? According to wikipedia, “Somewhat ironically, much of the song's popularity coincided with the first Persian Gulf War. It received a "Minute Man Award" from the United States Army for inspiring the troops and a "Seven Seals Award" from the Department of Defense.” So now, I’m wondering, is it “ironic” that it’s being released again during another war in the Persian Gulf? Is Bette being nostalgic? Capitalizing on an opportunity? Trying to support the troops? Participating in the propaganda machine? Or simply just being herself?
The first time Bette was recognized for her singing was at a school contest singing “Silent Night.” She was a little nervous to tell her mother that she won the contest, though, because “Silent Night” was not in her family’s “repertoire of songs.” She did tell her mother, however, and what was her mom’s reaction? Pure pride! I was so impressed by the interview that I succumbed to commercialism and bought the CD within twenty- four hours. It is an enjoyable repertoire of Christmas songs with a special flair of Bette’s individualism. A spunky Jewish woman recording a Christmas CD reflects what is best about America – our freedom of religion and appreciation for one another’s cultures.
I was touched by the revised Christmas version of “From a Distance.” When I heard the words,
“From a distance you look like my friend
Even though we are at war
From a distance I can't comprehend
What all this war is for”
I interpreted it to be a message about our common humanity, a message for hope and peace. Now that I think more about it, though, I am wondering about that interpretation. Is the song also suggesting that if you get a little closer, it will be clear that you are not my friend and war makes sense? According to wikipedia, “Somewhat ironically, much of the song's popularity coincided with the first Persian Gulf War. It received a "Minute Man Award" from the United States Army for inspiring the troops and a "Seven Seals Award" from the Department of Defense.” So now, I’m wondering, is it “ironic” that it’s being released again during another war in the Persian Gulf? Is Bette being nostalgic? Capitalizing on an opportunity? Trying to support the troops? Participating in the propaganda machine? Or simply just being herself?
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Rethinking Black Friday
On the biggest shopping day of the year, my husband and I bought only two bagels and two coffees. It was a trip down to the local bagel shop and back. They know us there. We’re regulars. And that was it. No traffic, no stress, just a nice chewy bagel baked perfectly and smothered with gooey cream cheese. Let me tell you. It felt great to be home, to be together, the idea of shopping, the furthest thing from our minds. We are very lucky to have everything we need. And the things we want, no one can buy us – good health, world peace, and more time with each other, our family and friends. Time – the most important gift of all -- and yet we spend so much of our time working to pay for all the stuff we accumulate: stuff we don’t need that begins to clutter up our home and add stress to our lives as we try to find better ways to organize it all.
A few years ago my sister decided to simplify her life and told us all to stop buying her stuff. She introduced a game at Christmas called “Recycled Santa.” At first, we couldn’t understand why she or anyone would want used things for Christmas, but little by little over the years, her decision has helped us think about the things we buy, who made them, and the effect each purchase has on the planet. It took some real impulse control to stop going crazy at all the holiday sales and “Recycled Santa” took a little getting used to, but now our holidays are more focused on being together and listening to each other’s hearts.
Of course, there is always something wonderful about giving that perfect gift to the person you love, and there is nothing wrong with buying someone a gift, but it is also important not to feel pressured by the media advertising to spend needlessly. It takes the average American three months to pay off their credit card debt after the holidays. We are not helping our families by taking on debt. Our spending habits can promote a better world, support injustice, or contribute to global warming, so it is important to think about where our money goes. Nothing can make a bigger statement than how we spend or don’t spend our money!
Some considerations for this holiday season….
1. Really listen to what our loved ones want and need. When someone’s heart has been heard, the price of the gift is irrelevant.
2. Buy local if possible. Buying local keeps the money in the community, helps local retailers in business, and reduces fuel use.
3. Buy products that support your values. If it’s important to you that workers get healthcare or have the right to organize, you may not want to shop at Wal-mart.
4. Consider donating to a charity as a gift.
5. Museums, PBS, and NPR have great gift shops and purchases help support those institutions.
Sometimes we want to shop our values, but it can be challenging! Below are some links that might make it easier.
Shopunionmade.org will help you find products made by union workers.
Powells.com is a great independent bookstore that employees union workers. A great alternative to amazon.com
Justice Clothing sells clothing made by union workers in U.S.A. and Canada.
The Certified Jean Company sells jeans made with organic cotton and by workers who earn a living wage.
Through Oxfam, you can buy a family in the developing world an animal that will help them be self-sufficient.
Dean's Beans sells fair trade coffee and you can design your own blend with your own label for the holidays.
Baby clothes made with organic cotton and adorned with inspirational sayings can be found at littlelefties.com.
Christmas Wreaths and Maine Crafts can be purchased at homecoop.net to help lower income people in Maine.
Hams, cheeses, organic foods, and Appalachian handicrafts can be purchased at supermarketcoop.com to support the rural community.
Coopamerica.org provides a list of green businesses.
Care2.com has a list of well known retailers that will donate to environmental causes if you purchase from them through this site.
Fair trade imported goods such as handicrafts, jewelry, linens, toys, musical instruments can be found at Tenthousandvillages.com and agreatergift.org and Greatergift.org also has wonderful gift baskets.
Divine chocolate is fair trade, delicious and makes a nice hostess gift.
Organicbouquet.com sells beautiful organic flowers and gift baskets.
Equal Exchange sells fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Shoppbs.org sells great dvds and videos and the purchases support public broadcasting.
National Public Radio’s online-shop also sells interesting music, CDs, and other gifts. These purchases also support their programming.
The on-line store for the Metropolitan Museum of Art sells jewelry, scarfs, books, and more. Expensive, but beautiful.
Buying for Equality Guide helps you support businesses that support equal rights for gay people.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Enjoy the preparations!
A few years ago my sister decided to simplify her life and told us all to stop buying her stuff. She introduced a game at Christmas called “Recycled Santa.” At first, we couldn’t understand why she or anyone would want used things for Christmas, but little by little over the years, her decision has helped us think about the things we buy, who made them, and the effect each purchase has on the planet. It took some real impulse control to stop going crazy at all the holiday sales and “Recycled Santa” took a little getting used to, but now our holidays are more focused on being together and listening to each other’s hearts.
Of course, there is always something wonderful about giving that perfect gift to the person you love, and there is nothing wrong with buying someone a gift, but it is also important not to feel pressured by the media advertising to spend needlessly. It takes the average American three months to pay off their credit card debt after the holidays. We are not helping our families by taking on debt. Our spending habits can promote a better world, support injustice, or contribute to global warming, so it is important to think about where our money goes. Nothing can make a bigger statement than how we spend or don’t spend our money!
Some considerations for this holiday season….
1. Really listen to what our loved ones want and need. When someone’s heart has been heard, the price of the gift is irrelevant.
2. Buy local if possible. Buying local keeps the money in the community, helps local retailers in business, and reduces fuel use.
3. Buy products that support your values. If it’s important to you that workers get healthcare or have the right to organize, you may not want to shop at Wal-mart.
4. Consider donating to a charity as a gift.
5. Museums, PBS, and NPR have great gift shops and purchases help support those institutions.
Sometimes we want to shop our values, but it can be challenging! Below are some links that might make it easier.
Shopunionmade.org will help you find products made by union workers.
Powells.com is a great independent bookstore that employees union workers. A great alternative to amazon.com
Justice Clothing sells clothing made by union workers in U.S.A. and Canada.
The Certified Jean Company sells jeans made with organic cotton and by workers who earn a living wage.
Through Oxfam, you can buy a family in the developing world an animal that will help them be self-sufficient.
Dean's Beans sells fair trade coffee and you can design your own blend with your own label for the holidays.
Baby clothes made with organic cotton and adorned with inspirational sayings can be found at littlelefties.com.
Christmas Wreaths and Maine Crafts can be purchased at homecoop.net to help lower income people in Maine.
Hams, cheeses, organic foods, and Appalachian handicrafts can be purchased at supermarketcoop.com to support the rural community.
Coopamerica.org provides a list of green businesses.
Care2.com has a list of well known retailers that will donate to environmental causes if you purchase from them through this site.
Fair trade imported goods such as handicrafts, jewelry, linens, toys, musical instruments can be found at Tenthousandvillages.com and agreatergift.org and Greatergift.org also has wonderful gift baskets.
Divine chocolate is fair trade, delicious and makes a nice hostess gift.
Organicbouquet.com sells beautiful organic flowers and gift baskets.
Equal Exchange sells fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Shoppbs.org sells great dvds and videos and the purchases support public broadcasting.
National Public Radio’s online-shop also sells interesting music, CDs, and other gifts. These purchases also support their programming.
The on-line store for the Metropolitan Museum of Art sells jewelry, scarfs, books, and more. Expensive, but beautiful.
Buying for Equality Guide helps you support businesses that support equal rights for gay people.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Enjoy the preparations!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Why I'm Not Celebrating Democratic Victory
Because I remember October 11, 2002, I am not celebrating. It was early evening and I was driving home from work. My car shuffled ahead slowly in heavy traffic; I put the radio on. It seemed like each time I put my foot on the brake, another Democrat was voting to support House Joint Resolution 114, the joint resolution to use the U.S. armed forces against Iraq. It was a confusing and aggravating drive home. Senator after Senator would list reservations about the war, but then vote “Yea.” I remember it well. It was the day I lost faith in the Democratic Party. So, excuse me, if this Democratic victory doesn’t have me shouting, “Boo ya!” A Democratic victory doesn’t bring back the 2,842 dead American soldiers or the 150,000 dead Iraqi civilians. A Democratic majority in Congress doesn’t give one of the 21,000 wounded soldiers a new limb. I just hope it gives the party some spine.
Here is the list of Democratic Senators who voted to support Resolution 114. Notice the names. Many of them are still leaders in the party: Bayh, Biden, Clinton, Edwards, Feinstein, Kerry, Schumer. And, of course, don’t forget, the former Democrat Lieberman.
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Breaux (D-LA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carnahan (D-MO)
Carper (D-DE)
Cleland (D-GA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Daschle (D-SD)
Dodd (D-CT))
Dorgan (D-ND
Edwards (D-NC)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Hollings (D-SC)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Miller (D-GA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Schumer (D-NY))
Torricelli (D-NJ)
According to NPR’s morning edition on October 11, 2002, New York Democrat Hillary Clinton said she was voting for the resolution even though it did not place enough emphasis on diplomacy and weapons inspections.
In her own words,
Senator Biden argued that the President hadn’t made a strong enough case for war, yet he still voted for the resolution.
According to NPR’s broadcast, Biden said,
Biden said the president assured him that if it came to using military force against Iraq, he would tell Americans what they‘d be in for (NPR).
Would voting against the resolution have been political suicide for the Dems, given the context of the recent September 11th tragedy and a presidential election looming in 2004? Without a majority in either house, would “Nay” votes have been futile? Apparently, 23 Senators and 133 members of the House didn’t think so and had the courage to vote, “Nay!” One of the most outspoken of these was West Virginia's Senator Robert Byrd who called the Senate vote one horrible mistake.
According to NPR, Byrd stated,
Byrd was rebuffed in two attempts to amend the resolution and set limits on its duration (NPR).
These courageous “Nay” sayers were joined by hundreds and thousands of citizens in the U.S. and around the world who spoke out by peacefully protesting the war in demonstrations.
CNN reported:
While I do have hope for the first time since 2002 that perhaps our country will truly live out the values it professes in the Constitution and head in a new direction, I’m not celebrating just yet. As far as I’m concerned, this Democratic Congress has a lot to prove.
Here is a list of the members of the House and Senate who had the courage to vote against the use of the U.S. military in Iraq. I wish them a long career in U.S. government. Notice that Nancy Pelosi, the new Speaker of the House, is on the list (Perhaps, just perhaps, that is cause for celebration)!
Alabama Rep Earl Hilliard
Arizona Rep Ed Pastor
Arkansas Rep Vic Snyder
California Sen Barbara Boxer- Rep Joe Baca- Rep Xavier Becerra- Rep Lois Capps- Rep Gary Condit- Rep Susan Davis- Rep Anna Eshoo- Rep Sam Farr- Rep Bob Filner- Rep Mike Honda- Rep Barbara Lee- Rep Zoe Lofgren- the late Rep Robert Matsui- Rep Juanita Millender-McDonald- Rep George Miller- Rep Grace Napolitano- Rep Nancy Pelosi- Rep Lucille Roybal-Allard- Rep Loretta Sanchez- Rep Hilda Solis- Rep Pete Stark- Rep Mike Thompson- Rep Maxine Waters- Rep Diane Watson- Rep Lynn Woolsey
Colorado Rep Diana DeGette- Rep Mark Udall
Connecticut Rep Rosa DeLaura- Rep John Larson- Rep James Maloney
Florida Sen Bob Graham- Rep Corinne Brown- Rep Alice Hastings- Rep Carrie Meek
Georgia Rep John Lewis- Rep Cynthia McKinney
Hawaii Sen Daniel Akaka- Sen Daniel Inouye- Rep Neil Abercrombie
Illinois Sen Dick Durbin- Rep Jerry Costello- Rep Danny Davis- Rep Lane Evans- Rep Luis Gutierrez Rep Jesse Jackson, Jr- Rep Bill Lipinski- Sen Bobby Rush- Rep Jan Schakowsky
Indiana Rep Julia Carson- Rep John Hostettler- Rep Pete Viscloskey
Iowa Rep Jim Leach
Maine Rep Tom Allen- Rep John Baldacci
Maryland Sen Barbara Mikulski- Sen Paul Sarbanes- Rep Benjamin Cardin- Rep Elijah Cummings- Rep Connie Morella
Massachusetts Sen Ted Kennedy- Rep Michael Capuano- Rep Bill Delahunt- Rep Barney Frank- Rep Jim McGovern- Rep Richard Neal- Rep John Olver- Rep John Tierney
Michigan Sen Carl Levin- Sen Debbie Stabenow- Rep David Bonior- Rep John Conyers, Jr- Rep John Dingell- Rep Dale Kildee- Rep Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick- Rep Sandy Levin- Rep Lynn Rivers- Rep Burt Stupak
Minnesota Sen Mark Dayton- the late Sen Paul Wellstone- Rep Betty McCollum- Rep Jim Oberstar- Rep Martin Olav Sabo
Mississippi Rep Bennie Thompson
Missouri Rep William Clay, Jr- Rep Karen McCarthy
New Jersey Sen Jon Corzine- Rep Rush Holt- Rep Robert Menendez- Rep Frank Pallone, Jr- Rep Donald Payne
New Mexico Sen Jeff Bingaman- Rep Tom Udall
New York Rep Maurice Hinchey- Rep Amo Houghton- Rep John LaFalce- Rep Gregory Meeks- Rep Jerrold Nadler- Rep Major Owens- Rep Charles Rangel- Rep Jose Serrano- Rep Louise Slaughter- Rep Edolphus Towns- Rep Nydia Velaquez
North Carolina Rep Eva Clayton- Rep David Price- Rep Melvin Watt
North Dakota Sen Kent Conrad
Ohio Rep Sharrod Brown- Rep Stephanie Tubbs Jones- Rep Marcy Kaptur- Rep Dennis Kucinich- Rep Thomas Sawyer- Rep Ted Strickland
Oregon Sen Ron Wyden- Rep Earl Blumenauer- Rep Peter DeFazio- Rep Darlene Hooley- Rep David Wu
Pennsylvania Rep Robert Brady- Rep William Coyne- Rep Mike Doyle- Rep Chaka Fattah
Rhode Island Sen Lincoln Chaffee- Sen Jack Reed- Rep James Langevin
South Carolina Rep Gresham Barrett- Rep James Clyburn
Tennessee Rep John Duncan, Jr
Texas Rep Lloyd Doggett- Rep Charles Gonzalez- Rep Ruben Hinojosa- Rep Sheila Jackson-Lee- Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson- Rep Ron Paul- Rep Silvestre Reyes- Rep Ciro Rodriguez
Vermont Sen Jim Jeffords- Sen Patrick Leahy- Rep Bernie Sanders
Virginia Rep Jim Moran- Rep Bobby Scott
Washington Sen Patty Murray- Rep Jay Inslee- Rep Rick Larsen- Rep Jim McDermott
Washington DC Rep Brian Baird
West Virginia Sen Robert Byrd- Rep Alan Mollohan- Rep Nick Rahall
Wisconsin Sen Russ Feingold- Rep Tammy Baldwin- Rep Jerry Kleczka- Rep David Obey
Here is the list of Democratic Senators who voted to support Resolution 114. Notice the names. Many of them are still leaders in the party: Bayh, Biden, Clinton, Edwards, Feinstein, Kerry, Schumer. And, of course, don’t forget, the former Democrat Lieberman.
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Breaux (D-LA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carnahan (D-MO)
Carper (D-DE)
Cleland (D-GA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Daschle (D-SD)
Dodd (D-CT))
Dorgan (D-ND
Edwards (D-NC)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Hollings (D-SC)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Miller (D-GA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Schumer (D-NY))
Torricelli (D-NJ)
According to NPR’s morning edition on October 11, 2002, New York Democrat Hillary Clinton said she was voting for the resolution even though it did not place enough emphasis on diplomacy and weapons inspections.
In her own words,
“A vote for it is not a vote to rush to war. It is a vote that puts awesome responsibility in the hands of our president and we say to him, `Use these powers wisely and as a last resort.”
Senator Biden argued that the President hadn’t made a strong enough case for war, yet he still voted for the resolution.
According to NPR’s broadcast, Biden said,
“He (Bush) has not yet made the case to the American people that the United States may have to solve this problem alone or with relatively few people or has he told us of the sacrifices that such a course of action will involve.”
Biden said the president assured him that if it came to using military force against Iraq, he would tell Americans what they‘d be in for (NPR).
Would voting against the resolution have been political suicide for the Dems, given the context of the recent September 11th tragedy and a presidential election looming in 2004? Without a majority in either house, would “Nay” votes have been futile? Apparently, 23 Senators and 133 members of the House didn’t think so and had the courage to vote, “Nay!” One of the most outspoken of these was West Virginia's Senator Robert Byrd who called the Senate vote one horrible mistake.
According to NPR, Byrd stated,
“This is my 50th year in Congress and I never would have thought that I'd find a Senate which would lack the backbone to stand up against the stampede, this rush to war, this rush to give to the president of the United States, to let him determine alone when he will send the sons and daughters of the American people into war.”
Byrd was rebuffed in two attempts to amend the resolution and set limits on its duration (NPR).
These courageous “Nay” sayers were joined by hundreds and thousands of citizens in the U.S. and around the world who spoke out by peacefully protesting the war in demonstrations.
CNN reported:
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Millions took to the streets of Europe to protest against a war with Iraq in huge demonstrations later repeated in the United States.
In London on Saturday, police said the turnout was 750,000, the largest demonstration ever in the British capital. The organizers put the figure at 2 million. Half a million protested in Germany, and 300,000 in 60 towns and cities across France.
CNN's Alessio Vinci said that the turnout in Rome, Italy -- where Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has publicly backed the stance of U.S. President George W. Bush -- was also said by the organizers to be 1 million. It was certainly in the high hundreds of thousands, he said, with many marchers trapped in traffic on the city outskirts.
The scenes were repeated in the United States, with crowds of anti-war demonstrators jamming into downtown New York and other cities.
While I do have hope for the first time since 2002 that perhaps our country will truly live out the values it professes in the Constitution and head in a new direction, I’m not celebrating just yet. As far as I’m concerned, this Democratic Congress has a lot to prove.
Here is a list of the members of the House and Senate who had the courage to vote against the use of the U.S. military in Iraq. I wish them a long career in U.S. government. Notice that Nancy Pelosi, the new Speaker of the House, is on the list (Perhaps, just perhaps, that is cause for celebration)!
Alabama Rep Earl Hilliard
Arizona Rep Ed Pastor
Arkansas Rep Vic Snyder
California Sen Barbara Boxer- Rep Joe Baca- Rep Xavier Becerra- Rep Lois Capps- Rep Gary Condit- Rep Susan Davis- Rep Anna Eshoo- Rep Sam Farr- Rep Bob Filner- Rep Mike Honda- Rep Barbara Lee- Rep Zoe Lofgren- the late Rep Robert Matsui- Rep Juanita Millender-McDonald- Rep George Miller- Rep Grace Napolitano- Rep Nancy Pelosi- Rep Lucille Roybal-Allard- Rep Loretta Sanchez- Rep Hilda Solis- Rep Pete Stark- Rep Mike Thompson- Rep Maxine Waters- Rep Diane Watson- Rep Lynn Woolsey
Colorado Rep Diana DeGette- Rep Mark Udall
Connecticut Rep Rosa DeLaura- Rep John Larson- Rep James Maloney
Florida Sen Bob Graham- Rep Corinne Brown- Rep Alice Hastings- Rep Carrie Meek
Georgia Rep John Lewis- Rep Cynthia McKinney
Hawaii Sen Daniel Akaka- Sen Daniel Inouye- Rep Neil Abercrombie
Illinois Sen Dick Durbin- Rep Jerry Costello- Rep Danny Davis- Rep Lane Evans- Rep Luis Gutierrez Rep Jesse Jackson, Jr- Rep Bill Lipinski- Sen Bobby Rush- Rep Jan Schakowsky
Indiana Rep Julia Carson- Rep John Hostettler- Rep Pete Viscloskey
Iowa Rep Jim Leach
Maine Rep Tom Allen- Rep John Baldacci
Maryland Sen Barbara Mikulski- Sen Paul Sarbanes- Rep Benjamin Cardin- Rep Elijah Cummings- Rep Connie Morella
Massachusetts Sen Ted Kennedy- Rep Michael Capuano- Rep Bill Delahunt- Rep Barney Frank- Rep Jim McGovern- Rep Richard Neal- Rep John Olver- Rep John Tierney
Michigan Sen Carl Levin- Sen Debbie Stabenow- Rep David Bonior- Rep John Conyers, Jr- Rep John Dingell- Rep Dale Kildee- Rep Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick- Rep Sandy Levin- Rep Lynn Rivers- Rep Burt Stupak
Minnesota Sen Mark Dayton- the late Sen Paul Wellstone- Rep Betty McCollum- Rep Jim Oberstar- Rep Martin Olav Sabo
Mississippi Rep Bennie Thompson
Missouri Rep William Clay, Jr- Rep Karen McCarthy
New Jersey Sen Jon Corzine- Rep Rush Holt- Rep Robert Menendez- Rep Frank Pallone, Jr- Rep Donald Payne
New Mexico Sen Jeff Bingaman- Rep Tom Udall
New York Rep Maurice Hinchey- Rep Amo Houghton- Rep John LaFalce- Rep Gregory Meeks- Rep Jerrold Nadler- Rep Major Owens- Rep Charles Rangel- Rep Jose Serrano- Rep Louise Slaughter- Rep Edolphus Towns- Rep Nydia Velaquez
North Carolina Rep Eva Clayton- Rep David Price- Rep Melvin Watt
North Dakota Sen Kent Conrad
Ohio Rep Sharrod Brown- Rep Stephanie Tubbs Jones- Rep Marcy Kaptur- Rep Dennis Kucinich- Rep Thomas Sawyer- Rep Ted Strickland
Oregon Sen Ron Wyden- Rep Earl Blumenauer- Rep Peter DeFazio- Rep Darlene Hooley- Rep David Wu
Pennsylvania Rep Robert Brady- Rep William Coyne- Rep Mike Doyle- Rep Chaka Fattah
Rhode Island Sen Lincoln Chaffee- Sen Jack Reed- Rep James Langevin
South Carolina Rep Gresham Barrett- Rep James Clyburn
Tennessee Rep John Duncan, Jr
Texas Rep Lloyd Doggett- Rep Charles Gonzalez- Rep Ruben Hinojosa- Rep Sheila Jackson-Lee- Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson- Rep Ron Paul- Rep Silvestre Reyes- Rep Ciro Rodriguez
Vermont Sen Jim Jeffords- Sen Patrick Leahy- Rep Bernie Sanders
Virginia Rep Jim Moran- Rep Bobby Scott
Washington Sen Patty Murray- Rep Jay Inslee- Rep Rick Larsen- Rep Jim McDermott
Washington DC Rep Brian Baird
West Virginia Sen Robert Byrd- Rep Alan Mollohan- Rep Nick Rahall
Wisconsin Sen Russ Feingold- Rep Tammy Baldwin- Rep Jerry Kleczka- Rep David Obey
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Celebrate Election Day: VOTE!
It’s been a while since I’ve written. Overwhelmed with the demands of a new job, I haven’t had time to be too politically active, to blog, or even to cook for that matter. For the last two months, I’ve been surviving on coffee and take out. (The guy who made “Supersize Me” is onto something. My health is slipping, but I’ve managed to fight off two colds.) Nevertheless, I’m taking a brief respite from my basement of books to celebrate what I hope will one day be a national holiday – ELECTION DAY!!!!!!
Tuesday is the big day!!!!! Sometimes voter participation slips in a non-presidential election, but I hope the fight over control in Congress will get people to the polls. So this is just a friendly reminder (not that you need it – it just gives me something to say), that Tuesday is election day, so get out there and vote your conscience, and if you can bring your children and make it a big deal for them, you are doing your part to create an active citizen and to preserve our democracy. Studies show that young people who vote at 18 are more likely to continue to vote throughout their lives. People who do not vote at the age of 18 are less like to ever vote. Taking young children to the polls can help make voting fun and show them the importance of voting when they are 18.
I heard that HBO is showing this month an insightful documentary on electronic voting machines called “Hacking Democracy.” Try to catch it if you can. Click here to read more about it.
If, like me, you have been too busy to read up on the candidates, (especially the more local ones), don’t despair, there are some on-line sources that try to make it easier to find out more about the candidates. Here are some that I have found.
Vote411
Vote-smart.org
League of Women Voters
The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee is trying to encourage women to participate more in the political process through voting and running for office.
If you feel strongly about a particular candidate, but don’t really have time to get involved, just tell everyone you know to go out and vote and tell them why you are choosing to vote for that particular candidate. Studies show that personal contact is the number one influencing factor, when people consider for whom to cast their ballot.
Of course, if you do have time, it is not too late to help. The last few days before an election are a critical time to convince the undecided voter and to get people to the polls. Leaflet dropping or phone banking can be very effective. Some organizations like MoveOn.Org have on-line systems that even allow you to phone bank from your own home. Click here if you are interested in participating.
If you have no idea who to vote for (which I know is unlikely since you are an intelligent person and up on current events) or don’t really care all that much, you can do me a favor and vote for a Democratic Congressional candidate, so that we can restore the vital checks and balances to our national government.
I value education, the environment, healthcare and fair working conditions for all, so I tend to vote for candidates endorsed by teachers’ unions, other unions, and environmental organizations like the Sierra Club. I have listed the endorsements below. Good luck making your very important voting decision and remember to encourage everyone you know to get out there and vote!
New York State United Teachers/United Federation of Teachers Endorsements
GOVERNOR
Eliot Spitzer
LT. GOVERNOR
David Paterson
U.S. SENATE
Hillary Rodham Clinton
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Andrew Cuomo
U.S. CONGRESS
CD 03: Dave Mejias
CD 05: Gary L. Ackerman
CD 06: Gregory Meeks
CD 07: Joseph Crowley
CD 08: Jerrold Nadler
CD 09: Anthony Weiner
CD 10: Edolphus Towns
CD 11: Carl Andrews
CD 12: Nydia Velazquez
CD 13: Steve Harrison
CD 14: Carolyn Maloney
CD 15: Charles Rangel
CD 16: Jose E. Serrano
CD 17: Eliot L. Engel
CD 18: Nita M. Lowey
STATE SENATE
SD 10: Ada L. Smith
SD 11: Frank Padavan
SD 12: George Onorato
SD 13: John Sabini
SD 14: Malcolm A. Smith
SD 15: No Endorsement
SD 16: Toby Ann Stavisky
SD 17: Martin Malave Dilan
SD 18: Velmanette Montgomery
SD 19: John L. Sampson
SD 20: Eric Adams
SD 21: Kevin S. Parker
SD 22: No Endorsement
SD 23: Diane J. Savino
SD 24: No Endorsement
SD 25: Martin Connor
SD 26: Elizabeth Krueger
SD 27: Carl Kruger
SD 28: Jose Serrano
SD 29: Tom K. Duane
SD 30: Bill Perkins
SD 31: Eric T. Schneiderman
SD 32: Ruben Diaz
SD 33: Efrain Gonzalez, Jr.
SD 34: Jeffrey D. Klein
SD 35: Nicholas A. Spano
SD 36: Ruth Hassell-Thompson
STATE ASSEMBLY
AD 22: Ellen Young
AD 23: Audrey Pheffer
AD 24: Mark Weprin
AD 25: Rory Lancman
AD 26: Ann Margaret Carrozza
AD 27: Nettie Mayersohn
AD 28: Andrew Hevesi
AD 29: William Scarborough
AD 30: Margaret Markey
AD 31: Michele Titus
AD 32: Vivian Cook
AD 33: Barbara Clark
AD 34: Ivan Lafayette
AD 35: Jeffrion Aubry
AD 36: Michael Gianaris
AD 37: Catherine Nolan
AD 38: Anthony Seminerio
AD 39: Jose Peralta
AD 40: Diane Gordon
AD 41: Helene Weinstein
AD 42: Rhoda Jacobs
AD 43: Karim Camara
AD 44: James Brennan
AD 45: Steven Cymbrowitz
AD 46: Alec Brook-Krasny
AD 47: William ColtonAD
48: Dov Hikind
AD 49: Peter Abbate, Jr.
AD 50: Joseph Lentol
AD 51: Felix Ortiz
AD 52: Joan Millman
AD 53: No Endorsement
AD 54: Darryl Towns
AD 55: William Boyland, Jr.
AD 56: Annette Robinson
AD 57: Hakeem Jeffries
* AD 58: N. Nick Perry
AD 59: Alan Maisel
AD 60: Janele Hyer-Spencer
AD 61: John Lavelle
AD 62: Vincent Ignizio
AD 63: Michael Cusick
AD 64: Sheldon Silver
AD 65: Alexander B. “Pete” Grannis
AD 66: Deborah Glick
AD 67: Linda Rosenthal
AD 68: Adam Clayton Powell
AD 69: Daniel O’Donnell
AD 70: Keith Wright
AD 71: Herman D. Farrell, Jr.
AD 72: Adriano Espaillat
AD 73: Jonathan Bing
AD 74: Sylvia Friedman
AD 75: Richard Gottfried
AD 76: Peter Rivera
AD 77: Aurelia Greene
AD 78: Jose Rivera
AD 79: Michael Benjamin
AD 80: Naomi Rivera
AD 81: Jeffrey Dinowitz
AD 82: Michael Benedetto
AD 83: Carl E. Heastie
AD 84: Carmen Arroyo
AD 85: Rubin Diaz, Jr.
AD 86: Luis M. Diaz
*NYSUT ENDORSEMENT
Communications Workers Endorsements
Key District 1 Races
Senate Races
New Jersey
Bob Menendez
Rhode Island
Sheldon Whitehouse
Congressional Races
New York
Candidates
David Mejias 3rd District (Long Island)
John Hall 18th (mid-Hudson)
Kirsten Gillibrand 20th (Capitol Region)
Mike Arcuri 24th (Utica Area)
Dan Maffei 25th (Syracuse)
Jack Davis 26th (Western NY)
Eric Massa 29th (Southern Tier)
Connecticut
Joe Courtney 2nd (eastern CT)
Diane Farrell 4th(southwestern CT)
Chris Murphy 5th(central/western CT)
New Hampshire
Paul Hodes 2nd (western NH)
New Jersey
Linda Stender 7th (north-central NJ)
Sierra Club Endorsements
Congressional Voting Records
Tuesday is the big day!!!!! Sometimes voter participation slips in a non-presidential election, but I hope the fight over control in Congress will get people to the polls. So this is just a friendly reminder (not that you need it – it just gives me something to say), that Tuesday is election day, so get out there and vote your conscience, and if you can bring your children and make it a big deal for them, you are doing your part to create an active citizen and to preserve our democracy. Studies show that young people who vote at 18 are more likely to continue to vote throughout their lives. People who do not vote at the age of 18 are less like to ever vote. Taking young children to the polls can help make voting fun and show them the importance of voting when they are 18.
I heard that HBO is showing this month an insightful documentary on electronic voting machines called “Hacking Democracy.” Try to catch it if you can. Click here to read more about it.
If, like me, you have been too busy to read up on the candidates, (especially the more local ones), don’t despair, there are some on-line sources that try to make it easier to find out more about the candidates. Here are some that I have found.
Vote411
Vote-smart.org
League of Women Voters
The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee is trying to encourage women to participate more in the political process through voting and running for office.
If you feel strongly about a particular candidate, but don’t really have time to get involved, just tell everyone you know to go out and vote and tell them why you are choosing to vote for that particular candidate. Studies show that personal contact is the number one influencing factor, when people consider for whom to cast their ballot.
Of course, if you do have time, it is not too late to help. The last few days before an election are a critical time to convince the undecided voter and to get people to the polls. Leaflet dropping or phone banking can be very effective. Some organizations like MoveOn.Org have on-line systems that even allow you to phone bank from your own home. Click here if you are interested in participating.
If you have no idea who to vote for (which I know is unlikely since you are an intelligent person and up on current events) or don’t really care all that much, you can do me a favor and vote for a Democratic Congressional candidate, so that we can restore the vital checks and balances to our national government.
I value education, the environment, healthcare and fair working conditions for all, so I tend to vote for candidates endorsed by teachers’ unions, other unions, and environmental organizations like the Sierra Club. I have listed the endorsements below. Good luck making your very important voting decision and remember to encourage everyone you know to get out there and vote!
New York State United Teachers/United Federation of Teachers Endorsements
GOVERNOR
Eliot Spitzer
LT. GOVERNOR
David Paterson
U.S. SENATE
Hillary Rodham Clinton
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Andrew Cuomo
U.S. CONGRESS
CD 03: Dave Mejias
CD 05: Gary L. Ackerman
CD 06: Gregory Meeks
CD 07: Joseph Crowley
CD 08: Jerrold Nadler
CD 09: Anthony Weiner
CD 10: Edolphus Towns
CD 11: Carl Andrews
CD 12: Nydia Velazquez
CD 13: Steve Harrison
CD 14: Carolyn Maloney
CD 15: Charles Rangel
CD 16: Jose E. Serrano
CD 17: Eliot L. Engel
CD 18: Nita M. Lowey
STATE SENATE
SD 10: Ada L. Smith
SD 11: Frank Padavan
SD 12: George Onorato
SD 13: John Sabini
SD 14: Malcolm A. Smith
SD 15: No Endorsement
SD 16: Toby Ann Stavisky
SD 17: Martin Malave Dilan
SD 18: Velmanette Montgomery
SD 19: John L. Sampson
SD 20: Eric Adams
SD 21: Kevin S. Parker
SD 22: No Endorsement
SD 23: Diane J. Savino
SD 24: No Endorsement
SD 25: Martin Connor
SD 26: Elizabeth Krueger
SD 27: Carl Kruger
SD 28: Jose Serrano
SD 29: Tom K. Duane
SD 30: Bill Perkins
SD 31: Eric T. Schneiderman
SD 32: Ruben Diaz
SD 33: Efrain Gonzalez, Jr.
SD 34: Jeffrey D. Klein
SD 35: Nicholas A. Spano
SD 36: Ruth Hassell-Thompson
STATE ASSEMBLY
AD 22: Ellen Young
AD 23: Audrey Pheffer
AD 24: Mark Weprin
AD 25: Rory Lancman
AD 26: Ann Margaret Carrozza
AD 27: Nettie Mayersohn
AD 28: Andrew Hevesi
AD 29: William Scarborough
AD 30: Margaret Markey
AD 31: Michele Titus
AD 32: Vivian Cook
AD 33: Barbara Clark
AD 34: Ivan Lafayette
AD 35: Jeffrion Aubry
AD 36: Michael Gianaris
AD 37: Catherine Nolan
AD 38: Anthony Seminerio
AD 39: Jose Peralta
AD 40: Diane Gordon
AD 41: Helene Weinstein
AD 42: Rhoda Jacobs
AD 43: Karim Camara
AD 44: James Brennan
AD 45: Steven Cymbrowitz
AD 46: Alec Brook-Krasny
AD 47: William ColtonAD
48: Dov Hikind
AD 49: Peter Abbate, Jr.
AD 50: Joseph Lentol
AD 51: Felix Ortiz
AD 52: Joan Millman
AD 53: No Endorsement
AD 54: Darryl Towns
AD 55: William Boyland, Jr.
AD 56: Annette Robinson
AD 57: Hakeem Jeffries
* AD 58: N. Nick Perry
AD 59: Alan Maisel
AD 60: Janele Hyer-Spencer
AD 61: John Lavelle
AD 62: Vincent Ignizio
AD 63: Michael Cusick
AD 64: Sheldon Silver
AD 65: Alexander B. “Pete” Grannis
AD 66: Deborah Glick
AD 67: Linda Rosenthal
AD 68: Adam Clayton Powell
AD 69: Daniel O’Donnell
AD 70: Keith Wright
AD 71: Herman D. Farrell, Jr.
AD 72: Adriano Espaillat
AD 73: Jonathan Bing
AD 74: Sylvia Friedman
AD 75: Richard Gottfried
AD 76: Peter Rivera
AD 77: Aurelia Greene
AD 78: Jose Rivera
AD 79: Michael Benjamin
AD 80: Naomi Rivera
AD 81: Jeffrey Dinowitz
AD 82: Michael Benedetto
AD 83: Carl E. Heastie
AD 84: Carmen Arroyo
AD 85: Rubin Diaz, Jr.
AD 86: Luis M. Diaz
*NYSUT ENDORSEMENT
Communications Workers Endorsements
Key District 1 Races
Senate Races
New Jersey
Bob Menendez
Rhode Island
Sheldon Whitehouse
Congressional Races
New York
Candidates
David Mejias 3rd District (Long Island)
John Hall 18th (mid-Hudson)
Kirsten Gillibrand 20th (Capitol Region)
Mike Arcuri 24th (Utica Area)
Dan Maffei 25th (Syracuse)
Jack Davis 26th (Western NY)
Eric Massa 29th (Southern Tier)
Connecticut
Joe Courtney 2nd (eastern CT)
Diane Farrell 4th(southwestern CT)
Chris Murphy 5th(central/western CT)
New Hampshire
Paul Hodes 2nd (western NH)
New Jersey
Linda Stender 7th (north-central NJ)
Sierra Club Endorsements
Congressional Voting Records
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
