Thanks to Jamie for sending this! This YouTube PSA of sorts is both amusing and chilling.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Is Will Tallman another Santorum?
--Warning! Rant Ahead! The following post does not necessarily represent the views of the Adams County Democratic Committee, any of the democratic candidates, or anyone else at the East Berlin ACDC office. These are merely the thoughts one particular young woman with an ax to grind.--
According to former Senator Rick Santorum, "Will Tallman has been an ardent conservative activist for many years and was a tremendous asset in Adams County to my past campaigns." This quote is proudly advertised at the top of Tallman's website. But before we play at deconstructing Tallman's campaign message, let's talk Santorum.
First of all, is this really a man you would want endorsing your campaign? Sure, during the 2006 election, Santorum did garner more votes in the 193rd district than Bob Casey, Jr. He only received 10 percent more of the votes votes, however, and for an incumbent senator in a predominantly conservative area, that's actually a poor showing. For instance, compare that to Senator Arlen Specter's election returns in 2004. He received nearly two-thirds of the total vote in our district, rather than just winning a thin majority. He's a moderate, though, and the people of Adams and York counties have demonstrated that they prefer moderation to conservative activism.
So what if Santorum didn't get as many votes in this area as Specter, you may ask. Well, let's explore why he was such a polarizing statesman and why he was ultimately defeated by Bob Casey, Jr. Santorum gave himself a fatal shot in the foot when in 2003, he equated homosexuality with incest, bigamy, polygamy, adultery, bestiality, and pedophilia! The common belief is that roughly 10 percent of the general population is homosexual. Take into account parents, siblings, other relatives, and friends of the homosexual population, and you have a much larger segment of the voting populace that isn't going to appreciate the suggestion that their loved ones are abominations and a threat to society.
So if that's not bad enough, let's see how Santorum feels about the majority of the public: women. In his book It Takes a Family, he made the assertion that in a lot of two-parent households, it's not financially necessary for women to work, and he blamed "radical feminists" for encouraging women to become professionals. The audacity of this statement speaks for itself. When you factor in his claim that birth control is harmful to women, you get the complete picture: Santorum wants us barefoot and pregnant, making food by day and bigots by night.
Rick Santorum is a cautionary tale for what happens when legislators intend to write laws for their faith instead of their constituents. Neil Clifford is a Catholic, but has told me that he respects the separation of church and state. On the other hand, his opponent Will Tallman boasts on his campaign site that he will be uphold traditional families (code for non-gay) and will be guided by Judeo-Christian ethics. He believes that morals within this tradition are best for our state and should be considered in our laws. Not if it includes discriminating against homosexuals, letting your religion dictate what women are allowed to do with their bodies, and pushing a Christian agenda on those do not share your faith, Mr. Tallman. Rick Santorum has taught us that much.
According to former Senator Rick Santorum, "Will Tallman has been an ardent conservative activist for many years and was a tremendous asset in Adams County to my past campaigns." This quote is proudly advertised at the top of Tallman's website. But before we play at deconstructing Tallman's campaign message, let's talk Santorum.
First of all, is this really a man you would want endorsing your campaign? Sure, during the 2006 election, Santorum did garner more votes in the 193rd district than Bob Casey, Jr. He only received 10 percent more of the votes votes, however, and for an incumbent senator in a predominantly conservative area, that's actually a poor showing. For instance, compare that to Senator Arlen Specter's election returns in 2004. He received nearly two-thirds of the total vote in our district, rather than just winning a thin majority. He's a moderate, though, and the people of Adams and York counties have demonstrated that they prefer moderation to conservative activism.
So what if Santorum didn't get as many votes in this area as Specter, you may ask. Well, let's explore why he was such a polarizing statesman and why he was ultimately defeated by Bob Casey, Jr. Santorum gave himself a fatal shot in the foot when in 2003, he equated homosexuality with incest, bigamy, polygamy, adultery, bestiality, and pedophilia! The common belief is that roughly 10 percent of the general population is homosexual. Take into account parents, siblings, other relatives, and friends of the homosexual population, and you have a much larger segment of the voting populace that isn't going to appreciate the suggestion that their loved ones are abominations and a threat to society.
So if that's not bad enough, let's see how Santorum feels about the majority of the public: women. In his book It Takes a Family, he made the assertion that in a lot of two-parent households, it's not financially necessary for women to work, and he blamed "radical feminists" for encouraging women to become professionals. The audacity of this statement speaks for itself. When you factor in his claim that birth control is harmful to women, you get the complete picture: Santorum wants us barefoot and pregnant, making food by day and bigots by night.
Rick Santorum is a cautionary tale for what happens when legislators intend to write laws for their faith instead of their constituents. Neil Clifford is a Catholic, but has told me that he respects the separation of church and state. On the other hand, his opponent Will Tallman boasts on his campaign site that he will be uphold traditional families (code for non-gay) and will be guided by Judeo-Christian ethics. He believes that morals within this tradition are best for our state and should be considered in our laws. Not if it includes discriminating against homosexuals, letting your religion dictate what women are allowed to do with their bodies, and pushing a Christian agenda on those do not share your faith, Mr. Tallman. Rick Santorum has taught us that much.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Local Candidates to Participate in Public Forum Hosted by Democracy for America
In the July 29th edition of the Hanover Evening Sun, Jamie McCune reports that Democracy for America will be hosting a public forum with local candidates on August 6th in Gettysburg. Attending the event will be Phil Avillo, Bruce Tushingham, Neil Clifford, and US congressman Todd Platts. Tallman and Alloway, the Republican hopefuls for state house and senate, will not be in attendance.
The event provides a perfect platform for the public to acquaint itself with its candidates. Although it was refreshing to read about our candidates in the local press this evening, by and large, the local media has dropped the ball when it comes to informing its populace. The DFA forum empowers citizens to find out for themselves what the press is ignoring.
If you are interested in attending, the forum will be held on August 6th at 7:30pm in Valentine Hall of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg.
The event provides a perfect platform for the public to acquaint itself with its candidates. Although it was refreshing to read about our candidates in the local press this evening, by and large, the local media has dropped the ball when it comes to informing its populace. The DFA forum empowers citizens to find out for themselves what the press is ignoring.
If you are interested in attending, the forum will be held on August 6th at 7:30pm in Valentine Hall of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg.
Statement from Clifford Campaign on Sunday's Lake Meade Event
"Over forty people attended the first public forum to ask questions of candidate Neil Clifford for General Assembly House of Representatives District 193rd.
Discussion revolved around current events, energy prices, and the constraints on seniors and others who live on a fixed income; food, gas, and heating bills and the removal of PUC caps.
A retired school teacher and a current professor asked questions about the Pennsylvania public schools pension fund. Pennsylvania policy and current legislation pending along with a continuation of Rep Steve Nickol's positions were talked about and his role on the Board of Directors.
And finally the mandates put on the local and state government bodies by Chesapeake Bay Commission are causing major concerns locally in Adams County. This led to water, sewer upgrades and sludge environmental issues that need to addressed.
On Saturday Neil Clifford attended the Hanover Dutch Festival and made voter contacts, registered voters and enjoyed the fun in the sun with thousands of others who attended the event in downtown Hanover July 26th."
Evelyn Steen took photos of the event that can be viewed at the Adams County Democratic Committee website. There you can see photos of the candidate and supporters, including yours truly and fellow East Berlin HQ volunteer Madeline Adkins.
Discussion revolved around current events, energy prices, and the constraints on seniors and others who live on a fixed income; food, gas, and heating bills and the removal of PUC caps.
A retired school teacher and a current professor asked questions about the Pennsylvania public schools pension fund. Pennsylvania policy and current legislation pending along with a continuation of Rep Steve Nickol's positions were talked about and his role on the Board of Directors.
And finally the mandates put on the local and state government bodies by Chesapeake Bay Commission are causing major concerns locally in Adams County. This led to water, sewer upgrades and sludge environmental issues that need to addressed.
On Saturday Neil Clifford attended the Hanover Dutch Festival and made voter contacts, registered voters and enjoyed the fun in the sun with thousands of others who attended the event in downtown Hanover July 26th."
Evelyn Steen took photos of the event that can be viewed at the Adams County Democratic Committee website. There you can see photos of the candidate and supporters, including yours truly and fellow East Berlin HQ volunteer Madeline Adkins.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Neil Clifford's Open House and Steve Nickol's Environmental Shame
We had a spectacular open house for Neil Clifford yesterday afternoon in Lake Meade, and I'd like to thank everyone who came to show support. The turn out was fantastic. Adams county has a dedicated and passionate base that is sure to give the right wing a run for its money this election cycle!
Our hopefully soon-to-be state representative gave an enthusiastic talk to the gathering's attendees about his campaign and there are several exciting plans in the works which I will share as soon as I get confirmation. If anyone is interested in assisting with fundraising, please contact the Adams County Democratic Committee or come to the East Berlin campaign office to speak with Mr. Clifford directly.
Last Friday, Christina Kauffman wrote in the York Dispatch that PennEnvironment gave local lawmakers a failing grade regarding their votes on environmentally sound legislation. Steve Nickol scored an appalling 22% on his "green report card." In the face of impending evironmental disaster lest we become proactive, there is no excuse for Rep. Nickol's disregard for the safety of our community and planet. It's worth mentioning that the only local state rep who's a Democrat, Eugene DePasquale of York City, received the highest score of 86%. Democrats understand the importance of environmental stewardship, which is all the more reason it is crucial for us to win this November! You can read the YD article here.
Our hopefully soon-to-be state representative gave an enthusiastic talk to the gathering's attendees about his campaign and there are several exciting plans in the works which I will share as soon as I get confirmation. If anyone is interested in assisting with fundraising, please contact the Adams County Democratic Committee or come to the East Berlin campaign office to speak with Mr. Clifford directly.
Last Friday, Christina Kauffman wrote in the York Dispatch that PennEnvironment gave local lawmakers a failing grade regarding their votes on environmentally sound legislation. Steve Nickol scored an appalling 22% on his "green report card." In the face of impending evironmental disaster lest we become proactive, there is no excuse for Rep. Nickol's disregard for the safety of our community and planet. It's worth mentioning that the only local state rep who's a Democrat, Eugene DePasquale of York City, received the highest score of 86%. Democrats understand the importance of environmental stewardship, which is all the more reason it is crucial for us to win this November! You can read the YD article here.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Endorsements, Buttons, and Electricity!
I'd like to congratulate Phil Avillo, Jack Wagner, Rob McCord, and Neil Clifford for receiving the endorsement of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO! You can read the full list of endorsed candidates, including Senator Obama, here. As a reminder, Neil Clifford is having his open house Sunday afternoon, so remember to stop by to congratuate him! Contact Dottie Rowe at 259-0095 for more information. Also, the office will only be open until 2:00 pm on Sunday so that our volunteers can attend the event. Meet us there! I would also like to inform everyone that the last Obama platform meeting will be hosted by Chris Goodacre in Gettysburg this Sunday from 2-4:00pm at 105 East Broadway.
In other news, yesterday our W. King St. office received a supply of Obama buttons. The "plain" campaign buttons are going for a one dollar donation, and you can purchase the specialized buttons (Veterans Support Obama, Women Support Obama, People of Faith Support Obama, etc) for a two dollar donation. Also, the ACDC East Berlin HQ will now be open on Friday evenings when Neil Clifford will be holding his office hours. Stop by to meet your future state rep or sign up to volunteer!
Yesterday's excitement also included the realization that after four sweaty weeks, we have electricity. With electricity comes telephones, so I will definitely post the phone number once we have it.
Last, but definitely not least, yesterday's topic du jour was Obama's speech in Berlin, so in case you didn't watch it because, like me, you were watching the X-Files marathon instead (oops), here are some clips. Enjoy!
In other news, yesterday our W. King St. office received a supply of Obama buttons. The "plain" campaign buttons are going for a one dollar donation, and you can purchase the specialized buttons (Veterans Support Obama, Women Support Obama, People of Faith Support Obama, etc) for a two dollar donation. Also, the ACDC East Berlin HQ will now be open on Friday evenings when Neil Clifford will be holding his office hours. Stop by to meet your future state rep or sign up to volunteer!
Yesterday's excitement also included the realization that after four sweaty weeks, we have electricity. With electricity comes telephones, so I will definitely post the phone number once we have it.
Last, but definitely not least, yesterday's topic du jour was Obama's speech in Berlin, so in case you didn't watch it because, like me, you were watching the X-Files marathon instead (oops), here are some clips. Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Updates
I'm back online after a week in the North Carolina sun and four days of the sniffles. I'm beginning to believe that I'm allergic to Pennsylvania--we need to do something about the air quality here!
First things first, though. While I was relaxing on the beach, the ACDC was hard at work cooking chili, and I'm proud to announce that they won first place! Congratulations are due all around! You can read the ACDC's press release here.
There are also some upcoming events we'd like to share with everyone. Tonight at 7:00 pm in Gettysburg, training classes will be held for committee members. You can attend at the campaign headquarters located at 46 Chambersburg St. Also on July 27, Dottie Rowe will be hosting an open house for Neil Clifford from 2 to 6 pm at 6 Hill Dr, Lake Meade in East Berlin. This is a great opportunity for the community to get to know its future state representative! You can contact Dottie at 259-0095. Hope to see you there!
First things first, though. While I was relaxing on the beach, the ACDC was hard at work cooking chili, and I'm proud to announce that they won first place! Congratulations are due all around! You can read the ACDC's press release here.
There are also some upcoming events we'd like to share with everyone. Tonight at 7:00 pm in Gettysburg, training classes will be held for committee members. You can attend at the campaign headquarters located at 46 Chambersburg St. Also on July 27, Dottie Rowe will be hosting an open house for Neil Clifford from 2 to 6 pm at 6 Hill Dr, Lake Meade in East Berlin. This is a great opportunity for the community to get to know its future state representative! You can contact Dottie at 259-0095. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Best Bedtime Story Ever Told
Yes, it's legit, and available at book retailers nationwide. Sweet dreams guaranteed!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Signs, Stickers, and Chili
I'm happy to reveal that we received our shipment of Obama bumper stickers and yard signs today! You can come in and pick them up for a two or four dollar donation, respectively. We originally anticipated carrying Obama t-shirts, as well, but it's still uncertain whether we will. We did learn, however, that the Obama campaign is looking to open up a location in Gettysburg to offer apparel and other related goodies, so we will definitely keep you updated on where to buy the latest election threads.
Also, if you're not doing anything on Saturday, the ACDC invites you to attend the 1st Annual Gettysburg Cannonball Chili Cook-off! The committee assembled what I am sure is nothing less than an all-star team of democratic chili chefs to show off the party's political and culinary prowess. Unfortunately, I will be in a car on my way to North Carolina, but I would love to be there to cheer them on. For more details or information on how you can help, contact Bruce Neylon at bruceneylon@embarqmail.com.
Also, if you're not doing anything on Saturday, the ACDC invites you to attend the 1st Annual Gettysburg Cannonball Chili Cook-off! The committee assembled what I am sure is nothing less than an all-star team of democratic chili chefs to show off the party's political and culinary prowess. Unfortunately, I will be in a car on my way to North Carolina, but I would love to be there to cheer them on. For more details or information on how you can help, contact Bruce Neylon at bruceneylon@embarqmail.com.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Kucinich takes on Bush
This afternoon, Rep. Dennis Kucinich will put the articles of impeachment back on the table in the House. You can tune into C-SPAN between 3:30 and 4:00 to view live coverage, or go here to sign the petition and show your support.
FISA Amendments Act
The Senate's passage of H.R. 6304, the FISA Amendments Act, has been a source of heated controversy and debate among liberals and conservatives alike, with the Democratic party split down the middle on the issue. The major political news story this morning is about Obama's vote in favor of the bill and whether this will cause him to lose support from his base. So often with the proliferation of pundits, and yes, blogs, we lose site of the issue in the midst of all the spin. I've decided to link to GovTrack's site on H.R. 6304 so we can see the full text of the bill for ourselves, to come to our own informed decisions about the benefits and ramifications of its passage.
Our congressional representatives, Casey, Specter, and Platts, also voted in favor of the bill. GovTrack's website has a feature that allows you to monitor members of Congress, sending you notifications of their votes. This is an incredibly beneficial resource for voters, as we can let the candidates' records speak for themselves and see through the spin and attack ads. I highly recommend that everyone signs up for this service--it's quick and free. I'm also going to add a feed on the right side of the blog that will display how our representatives vote, as well as a feed on Senators Obama and McCain.
In less controversial news, Senator Obama voted in favor of passing the new Medicare bill that halted a cut in funding for physician reimbursement, and I'm pleased to announce that it went through with unanimous consent.
Related Link: Senator Obama's talking points on why he supported the FISA Amendments Act
Our congressional representatives, Casey, Specter, and Platts, also voted in favor of the bill. GovTrack's website has a feature that allows you to monitor members of Congress, sending you notifications of their votes. This is an incredibly beneficial resource for voters, as we can let the candidates' records speak for themselves and see through the spin and attack ads. I highly recommend that everyone signs up for this service--it's quick and free. I'm also going to add a feed on the right side of the blog that will display how our representatives vote, as well as a feed on Senators Obama and McCain.
In less controversial news, Senator Obama voted in favor of passing the new Medicare bill that halted a cut in funding for physician reimbursement, and I'm pleased to announce that it went through with unanimous consent.
Related Link: Senator Obama's talking points on why he supported the FISA Amendments Act
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Rendell Goes Green in York Today
Taken from Adams County Democratic Committee:
July 9, 2008 - The Governor will be in York on Wednesday to sign legislation, the Alternative Energy Investment Act, into law. This law passed in the Special Session on Energy by a 47-3 vote in the Senate and a 172-31 vote in the House. The legislation passed both chambers prior to the passage of the budget.
The bill signing will take place at 4 pm. The location is the Codo building; 241 North George Street - right across the street from the stadium.
I hope you can make it.
Rep. Eugene DePasquale
--You can access the text, history, and votes of this bill at the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This appears to be a great bipartisan effort to develop green technologies in Pennsylvania, offering tax incentives and support for r&d, while also helping out low-income citizens with their energy costs by offering assistance in efficiency projects. This is a wonderful step in the right direction for our state and our country. Great things can happen when we work together!
July 9, 2008 - The Governor will be in York on Wednesday to sign legislation, the Alternative Energy Investment Act, into law. This law passed in the Special Session on Energy by a 47-3 vote in the Senate and a 172-31 vote in the House. The legislation passed both chambers prior to the passage of the budget.
The bill signing will take place at 4 pm. The location is the Codo building; 241 North George Street - right across the street from the stadium.
I hope you can make it.
Rep. Eugene DePasquale
--You can access the text, history, and votes of this bill at the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This appears to be a great bipartisan effort to develop green technologies in Pennsylvania, offering tax incentives and support for r&d, while also helping out low-income citizens with their energy costs by offering assistance in efficiency projects. This is a wonderful step in the right direction for our state and our country. Great things can happen when we work together!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
We're Here!
The Adams County Democratic Committee Headquarters in East Berlin, Pennsylvania officially opened its doors on June 28. There are still a few minor kinks to iron out, but by and large thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of delegate Patricia Manning, office manager Jamie Antoun, and members of the greater ACDC, we are up and running! I'm also happy to report that we are in all likelihood one of the greenest offices in the state, due to our temporary lack of electricity (we liberals have a way of finding the silver lining), and as of today, our recycling receptacle. East Berlin borough has no municipal recycling program, so we're proud to be one of the first in town to set an example and make a change.
These past few days our primary goal has been to let the community know that we're here. Jamie has already acquainted herself with the Republican antiques dealer across the street, who has a wonderful sense of humor and already concedes McCain's defeat in November. We bought a mirror from him, so I think as long as we keep going over there, he won't mind having Democrats across from him. We've also been taking advantage of the weather lately to go outside and greet citizens as they pass. We've received encouraging support from the people on the street, be it through a wave, a smile, a honk of the horn, or words of enthusiasm. In fact, out of the hundreds of people who have passed our office and saw us outside, only two have had any words of discouragement. Unfortunately, both comments were quite wretched, and one of them was disgustingly racist from a man driving a John Parichuk Paving truck. I'll do his words no justice by repeating them, but I would advise local consumers, liberal or conservative, to be careful which companies they patronize. Such intolerance shouldn't go rewarded. Despite these isolated displays of ignorance, though, the people of East Berlin seem excited that we're here, and we undeniably share in that excitement.
Over the coming months, our goal is to bring liberals and moderates alike out of the woodwork and get progressive hearts and minds back into office at every level of government. Our office will be working closely with Neil Clifford, who is running for the PA State House of Representatives. We will also be working to ensure that Todd Platts is finally sent home and that Phil Avillo can take his place as someone who listens to his constituents and votes for their best interests. Obviously we are thrilled to support Barack Obama in his bid for the Presidency, but it's also important to pay attention to the other candidates running for other democratic offices; it's far too easy to overlook them in a Presidential election cycle.
We promise to keep you updated on local ACDC events, as well as developments on a national scale. Our own Patricia Manning will be attending the Convention next month, so I'm sure she will have several amazing experiences to share with us. In the meantime, stop in to say hello or to pick up bumper stickers and yard signs for a small donation (everything is non-profit--your donation covers the cost of the merchandise). We have a shipment of Obama apparel on the way as well, and it should be in any day now. Also, volunteers are always needed--the more the merrier! So stop by, pick up a snazzy t-shirt, and sign up to help out! If there was ever a time to get involved, this is it.
These past few days our primary goal has been to let the community know that we're here. Jamie has already acquainted herself with the Republican antiques dealer across the street, who has a wonderful sense of humor and already concedes McCain's defeat in November. We bought a mirror from him, so I think as long as we keep going over there, he won't mind having Democrats across from him. We've also been taking advantage of the weather lately to go outside and greet citizens as they pass. We've received encouraging support from the people on the street, be it through a wave, a smile, a honk of the horn, or words of enthusiasm. In fact, out of the hundreds of people who have passed our office and saw us outside, only two have had any words of discouragement. Unfortunately, both comments were quite wretched, and one of them was disgustingly racist from a man driving a John Parichuk Paving truck. I'll do his words no justice by repeating them, but I would advise local consumers, liberal or conservative, to be careful which companies they patronize. Such intolerance shouldn't go rewarded. Despite these isolated displays of ignorance, though, the people of East Berlin seem excited that we're here, and we undeniably share in that excitement.
Over the coming months, our goal is to bring liberals and moderates alike out of the woodwork and get progressive hearts and minds back into office at every level of government. Our office will be working closely with Neil Clifford, who is running for the PA State House of Representatives. We will also be working to ensure that Todd Platts is finally sent home and that Phil Avillo can take his place as someone who listens to his constituents and votes for their best interests. Obviously we are thrilled to support Barack Obama in his bid for the Presidency, but it's also important to pay attention to the other candidates running for other democratic offices; it's far too easy to overlook them in a Presidential election cycle.
We promise to keep you updated on local ACDC events, as well as developments on a national scale. Our own Patricia Manning will be attending the Convention next month, so I'm sure she will have several amazing experiences to share with us. In the meantime, stop in to say hello or to pick up bumper stickers and yard signs for a small donation (everything is non-profit--your donation covers the cost of the merchandise). We have a shipment of Obama apparel on the way as well, and it should be in any day now. Also, volunteers are always needed--the more the merrier! So stop by, pick up a snazzy t-shirt, and sign up to help out! If there was ever a time to get involved, this is it.
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