January 2008 promises to be very significant regarding election news. Everyone is aware of the caucuses and primaries occurring but we should be sure to put January 9 on the radar screen. An Indiana voter ID case, perhaps the most important voting rights case since Bush v. Gore, will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court that day. Indiana law requires residents to present a government issued photo ID at the polls in order to vote. Previously, Indiana only required a signature to vote. The Indiana law is the nation's most restrictive ID law. Opponents are concerned that it prevents many eligible citizens from voting. Studies have shown that this type of requirement targets elderly, poor and minority voters. Supporters argue that this approach is a reasonable hurdle in order to prevent voter fraud. For details about this case, amicus briefs and other legal documents visit Brennan Center for Justice NYU School of Law: Crawford v. Marion County Election Board
As the world's leading democracy we should be looking for ways to enfranchise citizens. Establishing arbitrary barriers such as a government issued photo ID should be rejected.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Bhutto's Assassination Leaves US with No Options
It has been another sad and tragic day as Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan and head of the Pakistan Peoples' Party, was assassinated in Rawalpindi . Bhutto's life was under constant threat since she returned to the country in October as part of a last ditch effort to bring new direction and strong leadership to the country.
The death of Bhutto is yet another significant blow to the Bush administration's foreign policy and War of Terrorism. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was instrumental in convincing Bhutto that a power sharing agreement was in the country's best interest and could be reached with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The U.S. promised increased aid as an incentive for Bhutto and Musharraf to work out an arrangement. When that failed and Musharraf did not or could not provide the necessary security for Bhutto, this outcome was most unfortunately -- predictable.
Pakistan is (and has been) the true frontline in war on terror. It is Pakistan, not Iran or Iraq, that is under siege by both the Taliban and Al Qaeda -- Pakistan is the country that has nuclear weapons. Pakistan, under Musharraf, suffers from weak leadership and with the jihadist forces exerting influence, there should have been a greater focus on bringing stability to this country.
The Bush Administration's reliance on Musharraf continues to be a disaster. Now it seems we are left with no options. Musharraf can not be allowed to fail because the country will fall further into chaos and that is unacceptable.
Many people criticized Barack Obama this fall when he spoke out against Musharraf and was critical of the Bush policy, but he was absolutely correct.
The NewsHour as always had solid coverage of the story.
The death of Bhutto is yet another significant blow to the Bush administration's foreign policy and War of Terrorism. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was instrumental in convincing Bhutto that a power sharing agreement was in the country's best interest and could be reached with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The U.S. promised increased aid as an incentive for Bhutto and Musharraf to work out an arrangement. When that failed and Musharraf did not or could not provide the necessary security for Bhutto, this outcome was most unfortunately -- predictable.
Pakistan is (and has been) the true frontline in war on terror. It is Pakistan, not Iran or Iraq, that is under siege by both the Taliban and Al Qaeda -- Pakistan is the country that has nuclear weapons. Pakistan, under Musharraf, suffers from weak leadership and with the jihadist forces exerting influence, there should have been a greater focus on bringing stability to this country.
The Bush Administration's reliance on Musharraf continues to be a disaster. Now it seems we are left with no options. Musharraf can not be allowed to fail because the country will fall further into chaos and that is unacceptable.
Many people criticized Barack Obama this fall when he spoke out against Musharraf and was critical of the Bush policy, but he was absolutely correct.
The NewsHour as always had solid coverage of the story.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The weather extremes of the past few days kept us home bound. However, the connectedness we share is ever with us and is particularly intense as we reflect on the meaning of today's celebration.
The Holiday Season, from Thanksgiving to New Year, is a time of reflection, re-dedication and committing oneself to embark on new journeys. We wish you the best, God's peace and grace!
Over the next few days as you reflect on the holidays, I hope you will have time to look at some of the linked articles and share your thoughts and comments about the subjects and points being made by the authors.
In particular, I'd like to read your comments regarding:
Jesus as radical and what those implications are for us in today's society...According to accounts of Pope Benedict XVI's Christmas message he encouraged followers to make time for God, be more involved with those in need. AP quotes the Pope saying, "Man is so preoccupied with himself, he has such urgent need of all the space and all the time for his own things, that nothing remains for others, for his neighbor, for the poor, for God," Additionally the Pope used his homily to highlight environmental concerns. Ah, now we're getting into the political realm. The Dallas Morning News ran this OpEd today discussing politicians' and their use or misuse of the "Jesus Card." What are your thoughts about how William McKenzie essentially re-phrases the question, "What would Jesus do?" and then cautions political leaders to not condense "Jesus down to the candidate of the left, right or middle."
Why are Christians, who supposedly have the most powerful force in the universe living inside of them, fearful of the power of retailers and others in the public square who choose to be more inclusive in their marketing and approach to a season where there are a variety of traditions... An online poll taken by WSET-TV in Dansville, VA found that 62 percent of 7,464 people responding (this is FAR from scientific polling) were offended if stores don't say Merry Christmas? Here's what Creflo Dollar has to say on the matter...Do you agree or feel like I do that Dollar doesn't make any sense on most religious questions.
A Musical Tribute to Oscar Peterson who died this week
One one most amazing piano meetings of all time! Two of the greatest pianists, the incredible Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock play "Billie´s Bounce."
There is also NPR's "Oscar Peterson's 'Jazz Odyssey' -- Pianist Looks Back at His Life Among Legends"
The Holiday Season, from Thanksgiving to New Year, is a time of reflection, re-dedication and committing oneself to embark on new journeys. We wish you the best, God's peace and grace!
Over the next few days as you reflect on the holidays, I hope you will have time to look at some of the linked articles and share your thoughts and comments about the subjects and points being made by the authors.
In particular, I'd like to read your comments regarding:
Jesus as radical and what those implications are for us in today's society...According to accounts of Pope Benedict XVI's Christmas message he encouraged followers to make time for God, be more involved with those in need. AP quotes the Pope saying, "Man is so preoccupied with himself, he has such urgent need of all the space and all the time for his own things, that nothing remains for others, for his neighbor, for the poor, for God," Additionally the Pope used his homily to highlight environmental concerns. Ah, now we're getting into the political realm. The Dallas Morning News ran this OpEd today discussing politicians' and their use or misuse of the "Jesus Card." What are your thoughts about how William McKenzie essentially re-phrases the question, "What would Jesus do?" and then cautions political leaders to not condense "Jesus down to the candidate of the left, right or middle."
Why are Christians, who supposedly have the most powerful force in the universe living inside of them, fearful of the power of retailers and others in the public square who choose to be more inclusive in their marketing and approach to a season where there are a variety of traditions... An online poll taken by WSET-TV in Dansville, VA found that 62 percent of 7,464 people responding (this is FAR from scientific polling) were offended if stores don't say Merry Christmas? Here's what Creflo Dollar has to say on the matter...Do you agree or feel like I do that Dollar doesn't make any sense on most religious questions.
A Musical Tribute to Oscar Peterson who died this week
One one most amazing piano meetings of all time! Two of the greatest pianists, the incredible Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock play "Billie´s Bounce."
There is also NPR's "Oscar Peterson's 'Jazz Odyssey' -- Pianist Looks Back at His Life Among Legends"
Saturday, December 22, 2007
U.S. Rep. Julia Carson (D-Ind.) Laid to Rest
U.S. Rep. Julia Carson was laid to rest today surrounded by hundreds of family, friends, colleagues and supporters who turned out to observe her burial. The Indy Star has multimedia coverage. A special election will be held to fill Carson's seat. Carson was the first African-American and first woman to represent Indianapolis in Congress.
Three Tickets Out of Iowa
Conventional wisdom says that only three candidates from each party will emerge from Iowa with a legitimate chance for the presidency. Those three tickets on the Democratic side of course will be punched for Clinton, Obama and Edwards. The Iowa Republicans will only advance two candidates, Huckabee and Romney. While McCain will have a solid third place finish, his efforts will ultimately fall short as his stock drops in future contests.
The major story coming from Iowa will be "Huckabee Populism." The governor is connecting with the Republican voters that enabled "W" to win two terms in the WH. Romney, who should be the clear front runner in this race, has morphed into John Kerry - and we all know how that candidacy ended.
In the past few weeks and months, Huckabee has hit his stride. The contrast between the two campaigns could not be more apparent than in the way they talk about their personal religious beliefs. Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, is very much at ease with his religion and in the evangelical wing of the GOP. His recent Merry Christmas ad is a demonstration of that and was a stroke of genius in a campaign that emphasizes candidates being authentic.
In contrast, Romney, with his long-awaited speech "Faith in America," missed an opportunity to put the real issue of his candidacy behind him. The larger issue for Romney is what do you believe? Not, religiously-speaking, but what are your core convictions. His "faith of my fathers," line did not cut it. The outline for his speech should have been: JFK answered the question over 40 years ago and I stand with him. Yes, I am a Mormon. I'm very proud of the virtues and values my faith has taught me. This is what I believe, this is how it has shaped my view of the world. I am not running as a Mormon, but as Mitt Romney. The real outline was not far from this, but he failed to lay out the bedrock principles guiding his beliefs. If had gone deeper into what he believes, perhaps that would have provided insight into why he is not a flip-flopper -- which is the real issue he needed to answer coming out of Iowa.
The secondary story out of Iowa
The historic nature of the Clinton/Obama candidacies will automatically garner significant media coverage, but neither candidate will gain much advantage. However, the under-reported story out of Iowa will be the impact of Oprah.
In some cases, polls will over-estimate the popularity of African-American candidates. It goes by many names, some call it the 15 percent factor or the Wilder effect (after Gov. Doug Wilder in VA). In other words a significant number of voters will say they are likely to vote for an African-American candidate but when it comes time to vote, they choose the white candidate. So, assuming that Obama's tight lead in the opinion polls is inflated by some voters who want to be politically correct, he'll need to draw in people who are not likely voters. No one is saying that people will vote of Obama because of Oprah's support. However, the "O-Factor" may have attracted enough voters into the process to correct the margin of error in the polls. See Oprah's rally in Des Moines
The major story coming from Iowa will be "Huckabee Populism." The governor is connecting with the Republican voters that enabled "W" to win two terms in the WH. Romney, who should be the clear front runner in this race, has morphed into John Kerry - and we all know how that candidacy ended.
In the past few weeks and months, Huckabee has hit his stride. The contrast between the two campaigns could not be more apparent than in the way they talk about their personal religious beliefs. Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, is very much at ease with his religion and in the evangelical wing of the GOP. His recent Merry Christmas ad is a demonstration of that and was a stroke of genius in a campaign that emphasizes candidates being authentic.
In contrast, Romney, with his long-awaited speech "Faith in America," missed an opportunity to put the real issue of his candidacy behind him. The larger issue for Romney is what do you believe? Not, religiously-speaking, but what are your core convictions. His "faith of my fathers," line did not cut it. The outline for his speech should have been: JFK answered the question over 40 years ago and I stand with him. Yes, I am a Mormon. I'm very proud of the virtues and values my faith has taught me. This is what I believe, this is how it has shaped my view of the world. I am not running as a Mormon, but as Mitt Romney. The real outline was not far from this, but he failed to lay out the bedrock principles guiding his beliefs. If had gone deeper into what he believes, perhaps that would have provided insight into why he is not a flip-flopper -- which is the real issue he needed to answer coming out of Iowa.
The secondary story out of Iowa
The historic nature of the Clinton/Obama candidacies will automatically garner significant media coverage, but neither candidate will gain much advantage. However, the under-reported story out of Iowa will be the impact of Oprah.
In some cases, polls will over-estimate the popularity of African-American candidates. It goes by many names, some call it the 15 percent factor or the Wilder effect (after Gov. Doug Wilder in VA). In other words a significant number of voters will say they are likely to vote for an African-American candidate but when it comes time to vote, they choose the white candidate. So, assuming that Obama's tight lead in the opinion polls is inflated by some voters who want to be politically correct, he'll need to draw in people who are not likely voters. No one is saying that people will vote of Obama because of Oprah's support. However, the "O-Factor" may have attracted enough voters into the process to correct the margin of error in the polls. See Oprah's rally in Des Moines
Thursday, December 20, 2007
What's in the News This Week...
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has an interesting report that makes the point that "Despite relatively strong economic growth since 2001, poverty has remained stubbornly high, and today’s poverty rate is higher than it was during the last recession." As the report points out, with today's fragile economy this should be of concern to us all. Read the report IN THE NEWS Poverty and Hardship Affects Millions of Americans .
Jesse Jackson is right on point with his comments, “It is an outrage that Chairman Martin continues the FCC’s shameful legacy of rewarding Big Media companies at the expense of communities of color and the public. The idea that the FCC is permitting further media consolidation without first addressing the appalling lack of media diversity is a slap in the face to the communities that have been excluded too long." Read his statement IN THE NEWS Rev. Jackson’s Response to the FCC’s Vote .
Harvard professor and pastor Peter Gomes discusses his latest book on NPR. Gomes as always has an interesting perspective, but you can be judge of that, listen to him talk about the book IN THE NEWS Gomes Preaches 'The Scandalous Gospel' .
Jesse Jackson is right on point with his comments, “It is an outrage that Chairman Martin continues the FCC’s shameful legacy of rewarding Big Media companies at the expense of communities of color and the public. The idea that the FCC is permitting further media consolidation without first addressing the appalling lack of media diversity is a slap in the face to the communities that have been excluded too long." Read his statement IN THE NEWS Rev. Jackson’s Response to the FCC’s Vote .
Harvard professor and pastor Peter Gomes discusses his latest book on NPR. Gomes as always has an interesting perspective, but you can be judge of that, listen to him talk about the book IN THE NEWS Gomes Preaches 'The Scandalous Gospel' .
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