Dean for “DeaNC” Chair

I like the idea of Howard Dean for DNC Chair. Please write your DNC Committee Members before the vote February 12: http://www.newdem.org/assets/pdf/DNC-Roster.pdf.

Minnesotans can also post opinions at http://www.democratslisten.com/dnctour/.

Here’s what I wrote:

"I am writing to urge you to vote for Howard Dean for DNC. I am a Green, voted for Nader, and I think Dean criticized Ralph unfairly about his fundraising, but mostly they agreed on the issues. In addition, Dean pioneered Internet fundraising and was not afraid to take liberal stands against the evil empire.

"Dean is what the party needs right now, and his election could be what it takes to get me thinking about rejoining the fold (I was a DFL activist in the 90’s). At the least, I would be less critical of the Democrats if Dean were in charge.

"For my opinions on the issues, visit http://tomstream.blogspot.com/."

Iraq Vote

A high price has been paid to make the Iraq elections possible. As a freedom loving person, I wish the best for the people of Iraq, and pray for their safety. To the extent the new government can serve its citizens and share the oil wealth equally among all, I will consider it a success.

Armstrong Williams

Sounds like that Armstrong Williams was trying to strong-arm the media by passing off the Bush side as news. I’m glad they said today they weren’t going to do it any more, but I still don’t trust them.

24

Today on the Al Franken show they were talking about the new TV show "24" with Kieffer Sutherland. I saw the first episode. It’s a great show, except it portrays activists as terrorists, and promotes torture.

Clinton and H.W. Bush

Knowing how bad the Republicans are, I would not be part of a joint appearance with a former president of that party. For the sake of the tsunami victims, I would be part of the ad campaign, but I would not sit shoulder-to-shoulder with George H. W. Bush. If I were in Congress, I would not applaud the president when he arrived for the State of the Union speech, and I certainly would not stand. I would only applaud those things I agreed with, and then only quietly. If I were particularly upset, I would turn my back to the president as a sign of utter contempt!

Kerry a “safe vote” against Rice

In a committee vote this week, only two Senators, Barbara Boxer and John Kerry, voted against the confirmation of Condoleeza Rice as Secretary of State. I believe they could afford to do this because other Senators like Democrat Joe Biden voted in favor. Biden has a lower profile and can get away with it, and is very good at explaining away bad votes. If Kerry had voted to confirm Rice, however, I think there would have been cries of outrage among the liberal populace.

Don’t shop Thursday, January 20th

On Thursday, January 20th, to protest the war in Iraq, there will be a national boycott of all forms of consumer spending. So fill the gas tank, pack a bag lunch, and enjoy a quiet evening at home!

Randy's Moon

As a Vikings fan, I’m not surprised. First we had Warren Moon, now we have Randy’s Moon.

Ohio revote

Please urge your U.S. Senators to stand up Thursday and object to the election results in Ohio. As I understand it, the Ohio Secretary of State certified the election results before a recount could be completed. A recount was in order because a number of problems were reported with the vote count. The problems surfaced as people were trying to find out why the results differed from exit polls, which are usually pretty accurate in predicting how people voted.

The paper ballots were counted using electronic methods, and the Secretary of State could easily change the totals, so the proper thing to do next would be to review the paper ballots. However, now that some of the ballots needed for a recount were left in an unsecured location, a revote is in order, similar to what they had recently in Ukraine.

Tsunami aid

It’s good that the U.S. is increasing its aid to the Tsunami victims. Foreign aid is such a small portion of our U.S. budget, something like 1/20 of what we spend on the military.