Panel studies county keg registration

Panel studies county keg registration

"Acknowledging that underage drinking is an integral part of Iowa City culture, Richard Dobyns, the co-director of a local alcohol-awareness group, said Wednesday the key is restricting access to alcohol."

How about someone "acknowledging" that the 21 year old drinking age is an unenforcable law that flies in the face of the concept of 18 as the age of majority? Until elected officials acknowledge that publicly, I'm not ready to sign on to anything.

Ooops, forgot; Dobyns ISN'T an elected official, he lost. In fact, if you look at the narrow margin and the numbers from the student precincts, he lost on this issue, or the 21 bar variant thereof. Maybe more of that needs to happen before this can be discussed rationally.

I'm not even saying keg registration is a bad thing. It's just that I see so much disingenuousness and hypocrisy around the issue. I'm not willing to listen to a word you have to say about the alleged "underage" problem till you acknowledge - publicly - the problems with the 21 year old drinking age. (I've had a lot of politicians admit this to me in private.)

Alcohol abuse and the drinking age are DIFFERENT THINGS. We need to address alcohol abuse but not by gutting principles of adult rights. Especially with a draft just around the corner. (And not a drinkable draft either...)

Kos: No love for Iowa

Kos: No love for Iowa

Writing about the DNC's latest scheduling moves, Kos sez:

Iowa and New Hampshire are not representative of the nation. Not in the least. Their exhalted roles will not last for eternity.

This is a tiny change, a caucus before New Hampshire which would still retain the "first primary" designation. That New Hampshire is freaking out so much will only harm them long-term. Let them move up their primary. The DNC should retaliate by stripping that primary of its delegate-assigning ability.

Delegates? We ain't got no delegates. We don't have to show you any steenkin' delegates. Delegates don't matter. Media matters. If New Hampshire becomes an unsanctioned beauty contest, but the candidates are looking for anything they can to gain a toehold, they'll show up with the scrum of cameras and New Hampshire wins. If the candidates stay away, it's a non-story, no news, and the DNC wins.

What Kos is really pissed about, of course, is that Iowa killed Howard Dean (remember, The Scream was AFTER the third place finish) and inflicted John Kerry on the nation. Which gives me as an Iowa Deaniac profoundly mixed feelings.

Sales Tax Now A Done Deal

Sales Tax Now A Done Deal

Unanimous. That's disappointing. It seems the only way to get the school board to do the RIGHT thing - supporting progressive tax reform - is to vote this down.

Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan, who voted against seeking a county share of the tax, said he would continue to campaign
against the tax because it would disproportionately affect low-income residents.
``Should Kirk Ferentz pay the same as a homeless guy?'' he said, referring to the University of Iowa football coach whose annual salary recently was put at some $2.8 million. ``I don't think so.''

More in PC and DI.

THis one's likely to be a Democratic party-splitter on the local level, just like public power was. A word to my friends: I'm really going to resent it if you tell me I'm "against the kids." Yes, we know it's your only way to raise money under present law. That doesn't make it right. Ibnstead of taxing the poor, you should be lobbying the legislature - or better yet working to CHANGE the legislature.

2006 HOUSE RACE RANKINGS: Iowa-01 Is Now The Most Vulnerable

2006 HOUSE RACE RANKINGS: Iowa-01 Is Now The Most Vulnerable

National Journal ranks Braley-Whalen the hottest race in the country. 40 of the top 50, and all of the top 9, are GOP held. Boswell at #10 is ranked most vulnerable Dem.

Looks like we're ground zero again...

Autry in Register: Culver Diss?

Autry in Register: Culver Diss?

James Autry writes a deep and thoughtful column in today's Register on gay issues, church, and state. The core:

We need to separate the two aspects of marriage, one of which is the business of the state and one of which is the business of the church.

One of those aspects is the contract of marriage, the other is the covenant of marriage.

Clearly the contract part — property rights, tax issues, inheritance rights and so on — is an appropriate concern of the state. But the covenant part — love, commitment, emotional, psychological and spiritual bonds and support — is not an appropriate concern of the state.

Thus I believe we should separate the two aspects and call the contract part a civil union, and call the covenant part a 'marriage.'

The state can legitimately continue to issue licenses for civil unions, but let the churches address 'marriage' as a sacrament of the church and in accordance with the churches' own policies.

I like this approach: get government out of the marriage business, treat everyone equally by making EVERYTHING a civil union, and let churches decide what's a "marriage." If you want to be in a bigoted church, that's your business, but don't inflict that on the rest of us.

Autry is identified as "an author and consultant." He is NOT identified as the partner (or to use the socially sanctioned hetero term, "spouse") of one Sally Pederson, lieutenant governor and Iowa Democratic Party chair. Do the two partners share this vision? And how does this mesh with Chet Culver's stated opposition to civil unions?

This looks to me like a smack upside Culver's skull, a public shot in the internal debate still raging across listservs and at booze-n-schmooze events across the state. Will he take the hint, or will he ignore the base in favor of pollsters and consultants?

---

Also in the Register, the presidential wannabees are sending staffers to Iowa, hoping to earn points with the county chairs and legislators so important at caucus time. Mostly GOP, but buried deep is a gem from the Where Are They Now Department:

Vilsack, who would be expected to win the Iowa caucuses (sic), announced Monday the addition of two staff members in Iowa.

Former Vilsack administration policy adviser Dusky Terry and Heather Matson, who ran Terry's losing primary bid for Iowa agriculture secretary this year, have joined Heartland PAC in Iowa, said the organization's Iowa political director Jeff Link.

So Dusky's prepping for the future. Another campaign, or über-operative?

Tuesday's headlines: Connecticut, Texas, Hogwarts

Tuesday's headlines: Connecticut, Texas, Hogwarts


Oh so much goodness to pass along that's NOT Iowa-centric.

In Connecticut, Ned Lamont releases a Godzilla ad: W talks, Lieberman's words come out. And you can't tell the difference. That's the point. Hotline: "If Lamont wins this thing, this ad will become legendary."

Texas: Kinky Friedman is in second place in the latest poll. Granted, it's essentially a three way tie for second. But if Friedman and hapless Dem Chris Bell can somehow unite forces, they can knock off the GOP. Pardon my slanted language and apparent lack of party loyalty here; seeing the guy who wrote "Asshole from El Paso" win an election would be too good a story.

We don't wipe our asses on Old Glory,
God and Lone Star beer are things we trust.
We keep our women virgins till they're married
So hosin' sheep is good enough for us.

OK. So I'm a Harry Potter geek. I'm alerted to incoming email by the sound of an owl. JK Rowling says she's killing off "at least two" characters in the Harry Potter conclusion due next year. I assume that means two among the Good Gals And Guys in addition to the demise of He Who Must Not Oh What The Hell VOLDEMORT Stop Saying The Name Harry.

THIS ending would be a bit of the downer:

Ron turns traitor, Voldemort kills Harry, Evil triumphs, Hermione dies in the Mudblood holocaust, the end. Ha! Gothcha, kiddies, now I'll take my billion dollars and buy a country.

No, somehow I expect better. Speculation will no doubt ensue at geeky places.

Speaking of Harrys, we welcome to the world one Harold Charles "Harry" Deeth, who joined the Michigan Deeths late Sunday night! My tribe of nephews and nieces now numbers five...

More Sales Tax Talk from Sullivan

More Sales Tax Talk from Sullivan

From Supervisor Rod Sullivan's weekly newsletter this morning:

As regular readers know, I do not support the use of sales taxes. Sales taxes shift the burden for funding government from the rich to the poor. I see them as politically expedient, but frankly immoral.

So, it is with great interest that I watch the ICCSD Board of Directors struggle with a Local Option Sales Tax proposal. Proponents were dealt a blow when the cities knocked on the door, suggesting that the money be split. Johnson County followed up with a similar request. (I voted against the motion, but it carried 4-1.)

I know many people who would swallow hard and vote for a sales tax "for the kids"; the same empathy does not exist for the cities (or the County, for that matter). I think a sales tax solely for schools might pass; I think including everyone else will guarantee failure.

So, the ICCSD is placed in a difficult position. Include the municipalities and put the passage in serious jeopardy (see previous failed attempts), or leave them out and be criticized for not being a team player.

I feel for the School Board members who are faced with this difficult choice. I only wish it would cause them to reconsider this tax increase on the poor.

Nice talk. He throws a nice party too: never seen so many politicos in one place with NO SPEECHES.

---

Other key weekend events:

Went to an open house at my former home. Looks nice, but not as much more nice as they're asking.

And Nicole Kidman got married (not to me).

Bush III: Dynasty Watch

Bush III: Dynasty Watch

USNews Washington Whispers:

"Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has made it clear that he doesn't want to run for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008, but that hasn't stopped friends from talking him up for vice president. In fact, allies are pushing him as the perfect match for several Republicans already running for president, including Virginia Sen. George Allen, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. 'I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes vice president,' said a Bush friend and Florida lawmaker. After all, it was good enough for his dad. The two reasons cited: Jeb is wildly popular in Florida, a key electoral state, and he is often called the smarter Bush brother."

Local votes and local shopping

Schools consider tax votes

Gazette reporting yesterday board member by board member on the sales tax:

Most Iowa City school board members said they were leaning toward voting to put the measure on the ballot but wanted to stay openminded and hear what the public might say Tuesday night before they vote.

Iowa City board member Aletia Morgan joined others in saying her vote rides on how a school sales tax would be applied to a list of needs in the district.

‘‘I will support it when I see a list of what it’s going to be used for,’’ Morgan said. ‘‘I want to see a statement of, in general, where it would be applied. I know we need it, but I want to have some clarity of purpose.’’
Community members have told Morgan they wish the Iowa Legislature would give schools ‘‘a better way to do this that is less potentially regressive,’’ Morgan said.

She said she ‘‘sympathizes’’ with those who say sales taxes hit low-income people the hardest, ‘‘but I want to make sure we offer the resources that benefit all our students.’’

Board member Patti Fields agreed.

‘‘Sales taxes are hard on individuals, but people are willing to do that to support education,’’ Fields said. ‘‘They’re not as willing to do that to support cities.’’

Both the Iowa City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors have asked the school district to share some of the sales tax revenue with those bodies.

Other Iowa City board members characterized the community as generally opposed to schools sharing sales tax money with cities.

The board will talk about that issue on Tuesday but will be in no rush to make a decision, board president Peter Wallace said.

‘‘We haven’t passed the (vote to put the tax on the ballot) yet,’’ Wallace said. ‘‘It is premature to speculate whether it is going to be shared’’ with cities.
‘‘If we were going to share, we would tell the citizens as soon as possible. We would insist that the cities (in Johnson County) stipulate what they spend it on. We want to be upfront and transparent in this process.’’

Wallace said only a few of the 97 Iowa counties with the school tax, called a School Infrastructure Local Option tax, share the income with cities.

School board members in both counties said they would want to use a sales tax for technology, infrastructure and/or property tax relief.

Janet Leff put Iowa City’s school district infrastructure repair needs in perspective.

‘‘We have a list of physical plant improvements that need to be done in our school district that is more than $60 million,’’ she said. ‘‘We have $3 million per year’’ from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy tax levy that is used to improve buildings.

Elizabeth Crooks said she would like to see what a sales tax would fund and then put it on the county ballot for voters to decide. Before the community vote, the board could gather community input more precisely about where the money would go, Crooks said.

Gayle Klouda also favored letting voters decide whether to have a tax. Toni Cilek couldn’t be reached for comment.

Also looking toward a local vote: Wal-Mart? Local activist and Wal-Mart suer Gary Sanders says vote; Steve Atkins says we can't.

While Johnson County is voting locally and maybe voting on shopping, Louisa County is shopping locally, or at least starting to since they have the lowest retail sales in the state. Brouught back a few memories as Louisa was the bulk of the district I ran in ten years ago. My favorite Louisa business - El Charro restaurant in Conesville - is now closed. But La Reyna grocery of Columbus Junction, metioned in the article, also has a branch on the south side of Iowa City.

My own local shopping was at garage sales this weekend where I acquired the wretched excess of computer number seven, plus a couple spare monitors. Anyone need a Linux box?

1-cent tax may be up for vote in December

1-cent tax may be up for vote in December

They're going to try to get this through on Tuesday:

If it votes to pursue the issue, district officials would meet with those from other Johnson County school districts to set an election date, tax rate and the ballot language that would be used, according to a memo from Iowa City School District administrative executive director Paul Bobek.

In September, the School Board would then vote on a resolution calling for an election to be held as early as Dec. 5.

Which would mess up my Thanksgiving because I'll be too busy working for Vote No.

---

National-type stuff: the Register rounds up the summer travel plans of the presidential wannabees. And Quad-City Times looks at the latest on Iowa vs. New Hampshire 2008. I'm sticking with my prediction: whatever the DNC decides, the Granite State will leapfrog. It then becomes a question of whether the candidates and media treat New Hampshire as legit or not.

Song of the day: Elvis Costello

Song of the day: Elvis Costello

Riot Act. The end of the hyperactive Get Happy!! which crammed, so the sticker said, 20 HITS 20 two to three minute songs onto one vinyl LP. I was listening to this when it was new in 1980.

Forever doesn't mean forever anymore
I said forever
But it doesn't look like I'm gonna be around much anymore
When the heat gets sub-tropical
And the talk gets so topical

Riot act - you can read me the riot act
You can make me a matter of fact
Or a villain in a million
A slip of the tongue is gonna keep me civilian

Why do you talk such stupid nonsense
When my mind could rest much easier
Instead of all this God damned insolence
I would be happier with amnesia

They say forget her
Now it looks like you're either gonna be for me or against me
I got your letter
Now they say I don't care for the colour that it paints me
Trying to be so bad is bad enough
Don't make me laugh by talking tough
Don't put your heart out on your sleeve
When your remarks are off the cuff

Riot act - you can read me the riot act
You can make me a matter of fact
Or a villain in a million
A slip of the tongue is gonna keep me civilian

Outrage: Finley nurse fired for appearing in union ad

Outrage: Finley nurse fired for appearing in union ad

From Ice T's Freedom Of Speech Watch What You Say Department:

The vice president of a nurses union was fired Wednesday by Finley Hospital, one day after the union announced plans to strike next month.

Alice Weick, 55, fought back tears as she told reporters that her 30-year career at the hospital ended because she participated in a radio advertisement sponsored by the Service Employees International Union Local 199.

The union, which represents more than 300 nurses at the Dubuque hospital, had been in contract negotiations since March and issued a strike notice Tuesday night as the nurses’ contract expired.

“It was not about my nursing skills that I was fired,” Weick said at a press conference at union headquarters in Dubuque. “It was not about what I did for my patients. It was all about because I chose to speak my concern.”

In the ad, Weick claims that Finley “isn’t always putting patients first.” She also encourages listeners to call Finley executives and show their support for the nurses.

Weick said she was exercising her right to speak publicly about issues that affect Finley’s patients, but “apparently Finley does not think I can.”

Matt Glasson, the union’s legal counsel, said Weick had the right to participate in the ad under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which prohibits employers from firing employees for gathering or discussing workplace issues with co-workers.

He said the union will soon file an unfair labor practice charge against the hospital.

“I’ve been representing unions for over 25 years and, in my experience, this is one of the most blatant and deliberate violations of the law that I’ve seen,” Glasson said.

Finley officials refused to comment on Weick’s firing, instead issuing a three-sentence statement on Wednesday: “Employee discipline or termination is confidential information.”

The statement also says that the matter leading to the termination “was fully investigated prior to making a termination decision.”

Weick said the “investigation” lasted about an hour and began when she was called into the office of Kathy Ripple, Finley’s vice president of nursing services.

Ripple played a recording of the ad for Weick and asked the nurse if she still believed in what she said. After answering yes, Weick was dismissed from the office and learned 40 minutes later she was fired, Weick said.

“I felt very betrayed,” said Weick, who was taken to clean out her locker and escorted from the premises.

Full Weekend Ahead

Full Weekend Ahead

When I was teaching, Thursday night was the de facto start of the weekend and here I am already looking ahead.

Joe Bolkcom's campaign kickoff tonight, 5-7, his place (728 2nd Ave.) Ride your bike, it's the Joe kind of thing to do.

Dave Zollo rocks the Ped Mall for free tomorrow night, don't miss it.

Break out the Spock ears for Trekfest in Riverside. Mark Nolte's parading; line up at 9:00 on River St. near People's Bank. My computer geek reputation has occasionally gotten my compared to Data. That plus I have a cat named Spot.

JC Dems throw a HQ grand opening a headquarters grand opening Saturday downtown from 1-3 p.m. Patty Judge is there.

Pass the Geritol: Rod Sullivan turns 40. Friends of Rod welcome at City Park Saturday afternoon 4ish.

Dave Loebsack's throwing a yard sign party Sunday 1-3 at four sites including City Park. "We will be serving Dave's famous sloppy sloppy Joes and yellow cake cupcakes (non uranium-enriched). "

Register has a couple interesting notes this AM:

Iowa's Little Limbaugh Steve King is holding up Voting Rights Act renewal because he doesn't like voting en español.

Mike Whalen and Jeff Lamberti show their true colors and bring in Karl Rove.

Also, the Reg had an interesting column about Mike Mauro the other day. Quoting Republicans on his qualifications:

"I've been working with Michael on elections a long time," Blair said. "Michael has forgotten more about elections and election law than Chet Culver ever knew."

"If he wins," Blair said, "I expect him to be a very good secretary of state."

Then he laughed.

"But that isn't an endorsement."

Oh, I don't know.

SurveyUSA - 50 State Senate Ratings

SurveyUSA - 50 State Senate Ratings

I always like to pass this along. Kent Conrad tops the charts this month with Ben Nelson in 3rd. They may not be perfect Dems but we're damn lucky to have them up for re-elect on the reddest parts of the plains this year.

Meanwhile, the GOP is in miserable shape on the bottom of the charts with Conrad Burns, Rick Santorum and Mike DeWine all in net negatives.

As for Iowa's polar opposite Senators, Harkin's right in midfield with Grassley ranked 18th.

In the brick of time

In the brick of time

The DI finds my street newsworthy but misses my angle: it's an adventure riding a bike on a brick-paved street.

"It definitely adds character to the neighborhood that really contributes to its historic feel," he said, joking that the noise can be annoying at times.

That could describe either the pavement OR my apartment complex.

Heart and Soul of the Iowa GOP

Heart and Soul of the Iowa GOP

Krusty was at the Republican convention and has some perhaps inadvertently revealing comments.

On Steve King:

The second his name was announced, everyone stood up. It wasn’t a few people at first, and then the rest joined in. It was krazy. If you’re the type that chuckles when you hear that King might run against Sen. Tom Harkin in 2008, it’s obvious that King is beloved by the Republican base...

e said that when Saddam was captured, he went out and celebrated Iraqi style by going outside a shooting his shot gun in the air. The reason it’s so funny is you don’t really know if its true or not, because you can see him doing it.

And of course the "72 virgins in hell" quote that's getting picked up nationally.

Meanwhile, he praises Jim Leach but notes:

95% of the delegates think he is the worst thing in the Republican party.

A nice measure of the tectonic rightward drift of the Republican Party in the last 30 years.

---

Leach has been showing his true colors in committee lately:

On Wednesday June 14, the House Financial Services Committee rejected an amendment offered by Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to the Export-Import bank reauthorization that would have required export companies seeking financing to sign a pledge that says: “We believe in employing United States workers at livable wages.” The amendment was rejected 33-34. Had Leach voted “Yes,” the amendment would have passed.

When it's close, they can always count on him. A vote for Leach is a vote for more close calls like this, and a vote to keep folks like Steve King in charge.

From the In Box

From the In Box

Did human being, Dad's day stuff yesterday (I'm entitled, being a dad and all.)

Couple local items this AM.

Joe Bolkcom:

You're invited to my rescheduled Re-election Campaign Committee Party on Thursday, June 22, 5:00-7:00 pm at my home at 728 2nd Avenue, Iowa City.

This is not a fundraiser. It's a time to relax, chat and learn about my 2006 re-election efforts.

Refreshments provided. Special prize for every person that rides a bike, walks or carpools to the party.

Rod Sullivan's weekly roundup includes great Why I'm A Dem stuff:

The election this
November is vital. The most important issues are NOT immigration and civil
unions.
Yes, these issues matter. Yes, the parties differ on these issues.
Personally, I fear neither Mexicans nor Gays.
So do not let the fear mongers blur your focus. The REAL issues in Iowa are
jobs, education, healthcare, the environment, needless war, civil liberties,
and personal values. The Democratic approach to each of these issues is
simply better for Iowa.
Everything you care about is on the line. Class warfare IS going on. It HAS
been going on. The middle class and poor are the ³collateral damage² in this
class warfare.
Mexicans and Gays have not started a needless war, run up record deficits,
endorsed torture, spied on Americans, trashed the environment, cut funding
for human services, attacked Social Security, backed big corporations over
people, under funded veterans, and done nothing to address the healthcare
crisis.
Rather than scapegoating Mexicans and Gays, perhaps we should be electing
them. They could not fare any worse.
The differences between the Republican and Democratic Parties have never
been clearer. And I am proud to be a Democrat! I hope you will join me in
supporting Democratic candidates this fall.

---

Studies in contrast in the Register in yesterday morning's convention roundups.

The GOP Story is headlined Republicans speak out on tough election issues and focuses on the national pezzonovanti in attendance. But the Dems are labeled with Democrats rally for unity after primary battles and has stuff like:

Some rank-and-file party activists said the healing in the roughly two weeks since Secretary of State Chet Culver edged his two main rivals in a sometimes heated primary campaign was not complete.

Bias or reality? There was some great liveblogging from both Political Forecast and the JC Republicans (yes, they deserve the link love), but this is one of those rare cases where some old fashioned mythical Objective Journalism could have helped. Kay Henderson provides some but it's speech-oriented.

Few But Proud at Pride Parade

Few But Proud at Pride Parade

I did squeeze a little politics in on what was supposed to be a human being day; part of my exercise involved walking a few blocks in the Pride Parade. There always seems to be a schedule conflict with state convention but a few of us were there representin' for the JC Dems including Bob Dvorsky, Joe Bolkcom and Mary Mascher.

Also seen at Pride Fest: folks collecting postcards for Chet Culver re: his opposition to civil unions. I'm just sayin'.

Meanwhile, Chris and Dien are doing loads of convention liveblogging so I'm sure I'm not missed.

Interleague: The Work Of Satan

Interleague: The Work Of Satan

If God had meant the White Sox and Reds to play He would have put them in the World Series like in that most infamous of all fall classics, 1919. At least that curse was lifted last year... World Champion White Sox. Still sounds weird.

Same goes for the Cubs, Tigers, and 1945. Unfortunately for the Cubbies, Hank Greenberg got back from the war just in time for the Series, and they threw the billy goat out. A curse that lives on.

Don't even get me started on the designated hitter rule.

And, though the pole beans on the Smallest Farm are 4 1/2 feet tall, I'm really jealous of Dien Judge's garden.

Skipping State

Skipping State

Decided that with all the driving and sitting time, my Saturday is better spent on human being stuff than on being a face in the crowd at the state convention. We've got the pride parade in Iowa City and convention will cut into our party presence. Also, while the laptop is alive and the data is safe, my software and settings are shot so I have all that work ahead of me.

Press-Citizen has a brief overview of both parties. Notes that the GOP has big names (Allen, Pataki, Romney) and the Dems do not.

Party spokeswoman Erin Siedler said that wasn't because of an attempt to avoid overshadowing Gov. Tom Vilsack, who is exploring a presidential bid of his own.

One thinks they doth deny too much...

As for the work of the convention, the platform is a big part of it. Dennis Roseman, Johnson County's platform co-chair, offers a link to the book and his thoughts:

The rules make it very difficult to introduce changes/additions from the floor. The petitions need to be submitted by 9:00am on Saturday. (Which is an hour before alternates are officially seated.) There are several rules of the convention whose purpose seems to be to severely limit platform debate.

Each of you may have your own special interest in some particular issue, but let me just mention a few things that might be of general interest.

Note the "minority reports". There are quite a few of these - a substantial number initiated by a single member of the Platform Committee. These are guaranteed to come up for vote on the floor.

There are two controversial topics that may come up, each of which was dealt with by the chair or co-chair in a contoversial manner.

Both of these were originally put forth as platform planks but were forcefully changed to resolutions.

1) There was a resolution to the effect of asking candidates to support a large portion of the platform. That was removed by the Chair after it had been voted on and approved by the Committee.

2) My personal concern is the following item. At the end of the special resolutions has been put:

Investigation of the Bush Administration

We call for an investigation into crimes that may have been committed by President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and their Administration

Judging by how such resolutions have been opposed in other States (and noting the oppposition of the Co-chair on this matter) I would guess that this might well be the focus of challenges - by ordinary debate or extra-ordinary parlimentary manouevering.

If you support this be alert and ready to defend/support it.

BACKGROUND:

1) This item was (basically) in our County Platform as a plank, and in our District Platform as a resolution.

2) This resolution (in various wordings) has been approved by ten state Democratic party organizations: Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Colorado and Hawaii.

This and similar resolutions are to be considered in Iowa, Minnesota and (even) Texas.

Very brief history: The IDP platform process was essentially shut down in 1996, after the 1994 platform endorsed gay marriage (yes, twelve years ago) and Bonnie Campbell went out of her way to denounce the platform (rather than just ignoring it which usually happens). Now we get to make vague noncontroversial statements like "baseball and apple pie are good." Not worth a whole day of my life.