GOP Fights to Deny Women's Health Care

Posted by The Green Miles

This is probably not the headline Bob McDonnell was hoping for as he starts his weekend.

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) got smacked down by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today when he tried to dismiss maternity care as a luxury. Watch it:



By Sen. Kyl's definition, requiring virtually any medical coverage would be excessive. Cancer? No need for coverage since he doesn't have it. Broken leg? My legs are just fine, thanks -- keep your big government mandates!

But Sen. Kyl's misstep is especially embarrassing to Republicans here in Virginia. At a time when they're desperately trying to refute Democratic points that Bob McDonnell has little respect for women's rights, Kyl's cavalier remarks don't help.

Major Shifts in Climate Politics, Science Fly Under Radar

Posted by The Green Miles

Today's Washington Post takes a look at some polluter-funded front groups that have recently sprung up to fight clean energy & climate legislation. In a classic example of reporting to the controversy, the article tries to paint the debate as getting more and more heated ... but cites evidence that clean energy and climate action are actually getting more and more accepted.

Here's how one section starts:

The new [polluter front] groups join an increasingly fractious debate over climate legislation that has roiled corporate and environmental groups alike.

Yowza! Sounds like the gloves are off, right? Lay it on me! Tell me how this is just the latest battle in that classic war, uncaring businesses versus treehugging environmentalists!

Earlier this month, Duke Energy, Alcoa and Alstom all pulled out of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, an industry group whose ads have asserted that the House climate bill would make energy unaffordable. "We thought [the bill] had evolved in ways to be affordable for our customers," said Duke spokesman Tom Williams.

This week, a group of large corporations -- including New Mexico utility PNM Resources, California utility PG&E, power generator Exelon and Nike -- denounced the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's opposition to climate legislation.

Huh. That's odd. So big businesses are actually joining forces with the environmentalists to stand up against denial and inaction?

Wow. That sounds like a pretty interesting story. But the Washington Post really likes having simple stereotypes -- makes articles so much easier to write! -- so they managed to shoehorn that square peg into the round hole anyway and claim it's all about biz vs. enviros. I'm sure Edward R. Murrow would be proud.

Also, buried on page A4 is something about how climate change is accelerating faster than anyone previously predicted and our continuing inaction is screwing our children, grandchildren, and anyone who manages to survive beyond that. But since it was further down in the paper than four stories about ACORN, two ladies underwear ads, and ran on the page just below "Marmaduke," I'm sure it wasn't important and no one should bother reading it.

Jim Webb: "We have reached a turning point in Afghanistan..."

I just received an email from Senator Webb's office announcing that Webb would discuss U.S. policy in Afghanistan on Meet the Press this Sunday. Here's an excerpt from the email:

In recent weeks, Senator Webb has emphasized that the Obama administration's review of U.S. policies in Afghanistan must contain clear and attainable objectives with a defined and understandable endpoint and warned that the United States runs the risk of being perceived as an occupying force.

Responding to General McChrystal's recommendations, Senator Webb stated that, "we have reached a turning point in Afghanistan as to whether we are going to formally adopt nation-building as a policy."

[...]

Senator Webb has also questioned the wisdom of fighting international terrorism through the construction of large military structures such as those that have been used in Iraq and now in Afghanistan, pointing out that in strategic terms, the billions of dollars spent on such positions tend to tie down U.S. forces, to the advantage of international terrorist units that remain mobile. He cited the departure of Al Qaeda from Iraq as an example, and instead favored "highly maneuverable forces against an intrinsically mobile enemy."

I think that Jim Webb makes some great points here. I've been thinking along the same lines and really starting to wonder whether there's any way for us to "win" - or even to define what a "win" would be - in Afghanistan. If not, then what are we doing there? If it's to prop up the corrupt Hamid Karzai as president or to try and create a Democracy there, I don't think that's a good idea at all. If it's to fight Al Qaeda, then I don't see how we do that without broadening the war into lawless, western Pakistan. But do we really want to do that? Also, we need to look at the money that's funding al Qaeda, fundamentalist madrasas, etc., and the fact that much of this money comes from oil exporting countries like Saudi Arabia. For this reason and many others (economic, environmental), we need to get off of oil ASAP, thus defunding the countries that fund "the terrorists." If not, then I fear we're fighting a losing battle in Afghanistan. Anyway, it will be interesting to hear what Senator Webb has to say on Sunday on this subject...

Comments by Gerry Connolly on Health Care, Eric Cantor, Doug Wilder, Governor 2013

In his discussion yesterday on the Washington Post, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) made some interesting comments. Here are the highlights.

*On health care, Connolly pointed out that we currently "spend 18% of our GDP on health car" and that this "will grow to 34% by 2035 and 48% by 2050." According to Connolly, " That is not sustainable. Doing nothing is not an option." That is correct! :)

*On Eric Cantor, Connolly says that he "is leading his Caucus in a political effort to damage President Obama and has made a strategic decision to oppose major initiatives, rather than find common ground. That's unfortunate." Agreed.

*On Doug Wilder's decision not to endorse either Creigh Deeds or Bob McDonnell for governor, Connolly writes:

I would hope Governor Wilder would reconsider. I was a Delegate pledged to Governor Wilder when our party nominated him for Lt. Governor and for Governor, offices to which he was successfully elected. Had a number of us withheld our endorsement of him, he might never have achieved the political pinnacle in Virginia.

Interesting.

*Finally, on the next governor's race and whether he might be interested in running, Connolly responds enigmatically (but obviously keeping his options open), "After we elect Creigh Deeds in this year's election, we'll all have plenty of time to speculate about 2013." Personally, I'd prefer speculating on Chap Petersen for Governor 2013! :)

Obama: Iran Threatens Nuclear Non-Proliferation Compact

Like President Obama and most everyone else, I am a strong supporter of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation compact that - as Obama says - has "largely held for decades, keeping the world far safer and more secure." Unfortunately, what we've apparently got with Iran is a clear and blatant challenge to that compact, and to the entire world community. The question is, after 8 years of ineffective measures during the Bush administration, what are we doing to do now? Will the world community undertake serious, harsh economic sanctions against Iran, specifically a cutoff of gasoline supplies, which could rapidly bring the country's economy to a standstill? Will we start seeing military moves - e.g., aircraft carriers to the Gulf? - aimed at scaring Ahmedinejad, Khamenei et al? Bottomline: this situation appears to be coming to a head and the options all appear to bad ones. Damn.

Herndon Republicans Cut Off Citizens, Defend "Tea Party" Protests

As the election approaches, It looks like elected Herndon Republicans have decided to suppress citizens' rights to challenge them.

Councilman Dennis Husch repeatedly interrupted several speakers Tuesday night during the public comment portion of the Herndon Town Council's public hearing, and Mayor Steve DeBenedittis tried to stop residents from speaking when they criticized the behavior of some Council members.

Citizens normally have three minutes to discuss anything that's not on the agenda. Ruth Tatlock attempted to use her time to express disappointment and concern that some members of the Town Council were either present or actively participating in a protest last Wednesday outside a campaign event for Democrat Stevens Miller, the candidate challenging Thomas D. Rust in the 86th state house district. Gov. Tim Kaine attended the event.

[...]

Interrupting, Husch elevated his voice to DeBenedittis saying, "Mr. Mayor, this is out of order. This is out of order," while Tatlock continued to read. After continuous attempts to have Tatlock sit down, the mayor asked for her microphone to be shut off so she wouldn't be heard by the viewers at home.

Ah, Democracy. Can you imagine if Jim Moran had done that at his town hall meeting to an 8th District resident who was following the rules and simply asking a question (however misguided)? The "tea party" Republicans - people like Husch and DeBenedittis - would be going nuts. But it's ok, apparently, for them to act like petty autocrats against any Herndon citizen who dares to challenge their behavior as public officials. Nice.

By the way, where is Tom "Abuser Fees" Rust in all of this, aside from remaining dead silent? Does Rust approve of people protesting when the governor of Virginia comes to town? Does he approve of signs like these? Is that what supposedly "moderate" Republicans do?

Or maybe Rust is busy hanging out with his pal Eugene Delgaudio, one of the most extreme right-wingnuts in the country, who has done stuff like this:

Delgaudio was a board member of conservative youth group Young Americans for Freedom. In 1981, he started Public Advocate of the U.S., a conservative activist group known for its street theater and protests opposing taxes and homosexuality. He has staged numerous protests outside the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol including a “Perverts for Cellucci” rally opposing the nomination of Paul Celucci as ambassador to Canada, A man-donkey wedding to support the Federal Marriage Amendment, and a “Kennedy Sobriety Checkpoint” to draw attention to Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy’s (D-RI) car accident. In August 2007, he introduced a resolution asking the county administrator to find out what county services can be denied to undocumented immigrants. He has also controversially asked Muslims if they "come in peace" and whether they pledge allegiance to the United States.

Ah, fun times in Republican-right-wingnut-controlled Herndon...

P.S. Where's that other great "moderate" Republican, Frank Wolf, in all this? Must be too busy taking marching orders from Eric Cantor and John Boehner. Ha.

P.P.S. Needless to say, it's time for new leadership in the 86th HoD district!

Whipple Clip Dozen: Friday Morning

Thanks to Del. Bob Brink (D-48) for finishing up another workweek of Whipple Clips.

1. WILDER DECLINES TO ENDORSE ANYONE FOR GOVERNOR
9. MCDONNELL STILL ON TOP, BUT DEEDS CLOSING
10. GOVERNOR CANDIDATES SPAR OVER ECONOMIC PLANS
11. ROADS COULD DECIDE GUBERNATORIAL RACE
12. VA. GOV: MCDONNELL AND SHEILA JOHNSON HIT HAMPTON ROADS FRIDAY...
13. VIRGINIA TEACHERS UNION BLASTS MCDONNELL IN TV ADS
15. UPDATED: FOP ENDORSES MCDONNELL, GOP TICKET
17. NEW AD FROM BOLLING
31. SAIC TO MOVE HEADQUARTERS TO TYSONS IN ANOTHER COUP FOR AREA
38. EDITORIAL: DEEDS AT LAST IS ON RIGHT TRACK
48. ORANGE VOWS TO FIGHT LAWSUIT AGAINST WALMART
49. VIRGINIA TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR ENERGY PROJECTS

Dave Albo: Abuser Fees are "the way we go"

What an idiot.

-In a remarkable display of out-of-touch politics, Delegate David Albo Tuesday announced his intentions to reintroduce his now infamous Abuser Fees legislation. The legislation, which was repealed in 2008 in the face of overwhelming public opposition, resulted in up to $3,000 traffic tickets on Virginian residents.

"I think that is the way we go, I think we can get enough votes..." Albo boasted at Tuesday's Mason Neck Civic Association Candidates Forum. "It's a plan that I've passed out of the House of Delegates, and it's a plan that can pass again."

The Abuser Fees, which led to thousands of dollars in surcharges for Virginia--but not out-of-state--drivers on even minor traffic infractions led to a widespread disapproval from Republicans and Democrats alike. Nearly 180,000 Virginians signed an online petition against the legislation. At its repeal in 2008 in the face of overwhelming public disapproval, even Albo, author and lead sponsor of the legislation, voted to repeal the fees. Now, he plans to again pursue this unpopular, unfair tax.

Breathtakingly stupid on every level. How has this loser kept getting elected? My god.

Insider Advantage Poll: McDonnell 48%-Deeds 44% (Registered Voters)

Another day, another new poll.

“The race has definitely tightened,” said Matt Towery, CEO of InsiderAdvantage. “Virginia is still very much a state that is up for grabs.”

The poll showed stronger party support for Deeds than McDonnell. Eighty-nine percent of Democrats said they back Deeds, compared to 79 percent of Republicans who would vote for McDonnell. Among Independents, McDonnell leads by a significant margin, 55-33 percent.

Deeds holds a narrow 48-45 percent lead among women voters, whom the Democrat’s campaign has targeted intensely in the wake of news stories about McDonnell’s 1989 master’s thesis, which advocated a number of controversial social conservative stances.

Not bad, but it would be nice if one of these polls would actually show Creigh in the lead for once!

UPDATE: This poll was of registered voters, not likely voters. I'm not sure what to make of that exactly, but it seems to me that a "likely voter" poll would be a bit less favorable to Creigh Deeds than a "registered voter" poll.

Sign of the Times?

McDonnell
4 x 8 in Virginia Beach.