Progressive documentaries

Via FireDogLake:

This primary season has been tough on progressives. Unfortunately, the dynamics of the Obama-Clinton battle have tended to highlight the somewhat disparate nature of the coalition that has been forged over the years, particularly between the racial-minority and women-voter blocs. So it's important at times like these to remember that we're all in this together, and have been for many years.

Robert Greenwald's Brave New Foundation, working with the folks at The Nation, has come up with a terrific way to remind us of this. They've prepared a series of 30-minute documentaries, titled "This Brave Nation," which are essentially two-person conversations between major progressive figures -- some new, some historic, but all of them with shared goals. The icons range from Tom Hayden to Van Jones, and include folks like Dolores Huerta, Carl Pope, Bonnie Raitt, and Pete Seeger, Majora Carter, Naomi Klein, Ava Lowery and Anthony Romero.

Starting June 1, they'll be rolling out the documentaries with an episode per week, available in five-minute highlight videos and the full 30-minute films. The series culminates with a July 13 broadcast from Culver City, California, at which the first Brave Nation Award will be announced. They'll also be available on DVDs.

You can get a preview at the video above or at their website.

Here's hoping the series helps remind everyone that we have mutual goals at stake that extend well beyond any mere election cycle -- even one of historic dimensions like this one.

[Note: I would have linked to the Brave Nation website directly, but it immediately begins loading a video - not a good thing for our dial-up readers. Stephan]

Tie them to Bush

Frank Rich's addition to our weekly reader: McCain Can Run, but Bush Won’t Hide (free New York Times account required)

...It’s the third “safe” Republican House seat to fall in a special election since March.

Party leaders have been haplessly trying to identify possible remedies ever since. It didn’t help that their recent stab at an Obamaesque national Congressional campaign slogan, “The Change You Deserve,” was humiliatingly identified as the advertising pitch for the anti-depressant Effexor. (If they’re going to go the pharmaceutical route, “Viva Viagra” might be more to the point.) Yet for all the Republican self-flagellation, it’s still not clear that the party even understands the particular dimensions of its latest defeat and its full implications for both Congressional races and John McCain in November.

Please read the whole article, it is well worth it. With respect to CD6, we should use this picture as often as we can:

[source: wonkette.com, http://cache.wonkette.com/images/thumbs/0f4a067c335a50ebeaa0f28d81e1faab.jpg]

Being a liberal - a moral commitment

From teacherken at DailyKos

Too often we shy away from labels because they are used to demonize. But to me the word liberal should be reclaimed, as a proud banner, of a tradition of caring and commitment beyond one's immediate needs, one's kith and kin, one's social class. one's religion, one's ethnicity.

I do not condemn those whose orientation is different than mine. I seek to find common ground where we can come together for the greater good.

But I will not shy away from asserting my own beliefs. I am a human being who sees myself not so much in opposition to others as I do in sharing a common world, a common heritage, a common future, which means that we must find some commonality in how we work to ensure that future.

And so I give my reasons, make my explanations. I view the label as explanatory, but as more. It is a moral commitment.

I am a liberal.

Peace.

Honest debate. Maybe someday

Independent Progressive movement

From Digby:

...Congresscritters and Senators care about perception and image and what the opposition (and the media, by the way) will do because their careers depend on it.

This is why it's important to have a strong and thriving *independent* progressive movement, to push from outside the political process to build public support for specific issues.

Another Bill Moyers must see

Bill Moyers from last Friday on torture.

The Defining Moment for Climate Change

An important read and call to action. Citing our circumstances in football terms, Bill McKibben calls for a Hail Mary Pass. Let's hope for a touchdown.

Bill McKibben, The Defining Moment for Climate Change

Already climate change -- in the form of a changing pattern of global rainfall -- seems to be affecting the planet in significant ways. Take the massive, almost decade-long drought in Australia's wheat-growing heartland, which has been a significant factor in sending flour prices, and so bread prices, soaring globally, leading to desperation and food riots across the planet.
A report from the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia makes clear that, despite recent heavy rains in the eastern Australian breadbasket, years of above normal rainfall would be needed "to remove the very long-term [water] deficits" in the region. The report then adds this ominous note: "The combination of record heat and widespread drought during the past five to 10 years over large parts of southern and eastern Australia is without historical precedent and is, at least partly, a result of climate change."

http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174930/bill_mckibben_the_defining_moment_for_climate_change

Federal same-day voter registration proposed

From Feingold's website:

FEINGOLD, KLOBUCHAR, ELLISON WORK TO MAKE VOTING EASIER FOR ALL AMERICANS
Bill Allowing Election Day Registration is Introduced Following Supreme Court Decision Allowing Laws Impeding the Right to Vote

May 1, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) are introducing legislation to help more Americans register to vote by allowing Election Day registration at polling places for all federal elections. The Election Day Registration Act addresses chronic problems with the American electoral process – low voter turnout and archaic voter registration laws. Election Day registration is also seen as preferable to advance registration since voters are actually present when they register, reducing opportunities for fraud. The bill’s introduction comes days after the Supreme Court upheld an Indiana voter ID law that seriously impedes the ability of elderly and low-income Americans to vote. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Jon Tester (D-MT), who represent states that recently enacted Election Day registration, are also cosponsors of the bill.

Calendar

Don't forget to watch the calendar for progressive events!

For example, tonight (May 1st) Dr. Martin Marty will be speaking at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis.

Keynote speaker for this year's event will be Dr. Martin Marty. "Marty" is one of the most prominent interpreters of religion and culture today. He is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinquished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he taught for 35 years.

The title of his talk will be "WHAT IS IT ABOUT RELIGIONS ... That they can be 'killers that heal' and/or 'healers that kill?" Dr. Marty has been pondering this question in light of current events around the world. While today Christians think only Muslims kill, and that they don't heal, they forget that we Christians too have killed --but have also been great healers.

Book recommendation: The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein

From a discussion on FireDogLake:

The basic thesis is that natural and artificial disasters are now being used as triggers to make large social and economic changes that would otherwise not have been palatable to the general public. Civil liberties, defense expenditures, and union busting are some of the examples she offers post-9/11 and Katrina.

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to address judicial elections

A reader received this invitation from Common Cause. Note the luncheon is full, but there is a public viewing area for Justice O'Connor's address.
You are cordially invited to attend an address by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, "Protecting Impartial Courts in a Political Culture." Justice O'Connor will be speaking at 11:45 am on May 2nd, 2008 in the atrium of the Humphrey Center at the University of Minnesota. Unfortunately, the ticketed luncheon is now full. However, Justice O'Connor's presentation can be viewed on a screen in the Cowles Auditorium adjacent to the Humphrey Center atrium. If you are interested in attending the event in the Cowles Auditorium please RSVP here.Justice O'Connor's speech comes just weeks after Wisconsin's very partisan and negative campaign for State Supreme Court. Wisconsin Public Radio said that the "Wisconsin Supreme Court races have come to resemble boxing matches in recent years. That's because special interest groups have been delivering blow after blow with negative campaign ads."Come listen to Justice O'Connor address the need to protect our impartial courts system. A coalition of groups, including Common Cause Minnesota, is working to reform the way that judges are chosen in Minnesota. These changes will focus judicial elections on actual performance on the bench, instead of special interest attack ads. It will also place a renewed emphasis on a public discussion of the quality and performance of judges, rather than on political issues, and will better inform citizens about their choices prior to judicial elections. To learn more about this issue or contact your legislator, click here [unknown link]
.I hope to see you on May 2nd at this very special event.
Sincerely,
Mike Dean
Common Cause Minnesota

An opportunity for public health activism

A reader sends in this opportunity for activism:
In 2007 the Minnesota Department of Health announced that 35 northern MN miners had developed mesothelioma, a cancer associated only with asbestos, for a total of 58 since 1997. From 1988 to 2006, 149 deaths were recorded.  The DOT is using taconite from the same mines to repair MN roads. The taconite and its aggregate is intensely being marketed around the upper midwest for this purpose yet it is coming from the same mines that have produced a deadly cancer. One citizen is asking the leglislature for a moratorium on use until a full mineral analysis is performed and the Mn Department of Health complete their 3 year analysis of the mine workers and is asking others to join in the request.  Read the full report here.

Don't know your legislators? Follow the links here:

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/housemembers.asp

http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_list.php?sort=d&ls=85#header

Don't know who represents you? Follow this link:

http://geo.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/districts/start.html

Tinklenberg

Star Tribune Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:55:34 GMT
Second attempt pays off for DFLer Tinklenberg

The ex-transportation commissioner won the party's endorsement in the Sixth District to take on Rep. Michele Bachmann, two years after losing it. Elsewhere, Reps. Keith Ellison and Tim Walz got DFL support. Two years after being passed over by party activists, former state Transportation Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg captured the DFL endorsement Saturday for bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann. Tinklenberg notched a first-ballot victory over tax attorney Bob Olson at the party's Sixth District convention at Bunker Hills Regional Park in Andover. A former Methodist minister and Blaine mayor, Tinklenberg was viewed as the more moderate choice in the conservative district. Bachmann, a Republican, won the north-metro district seat two years ago over child-welfare advocate Patty Wetterling, who had edged Tinklenberg for the DFL endorsement. DFL Party leaders contend the district is increasingly competitive.

[[keywords: Elections;]]

Bill Moyers: Last journalist standing

Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Amos 5: 23-24

Despite the efforts of lesser pundits (for example, this PBS NewsHour Schields and Brooks segment about 6 minutes in) to minimize and discredit him, Bill Moyers interview with the Reverend Jeremiah Wright on April 25 proved to be riveting.

The teachings of Jeremiah Wright have indeed turned out to be an indictment of a major player in the 2008 presidential election. And that player is the political media.

Moyers' website for the interview, including the transcript, links to the video and more information.

TPT Almanac 4/25/08 - 6th district DFL debate

Elwyn Tinklenberg and Bob Olson appear on TPT's Almanac (April 25, 208)

Find the segment on this page, this week in the current show, later it will be in the archive.

Silver lining

Pioneer Press Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:19:48 -0600
'The Daily Show' to visit St. Paul for convention

A Comedy Central show known for skewering politicians plans to broadcast live from St. Paul during the Republican National Convention.

[[keywords: ]]

Who will take her on?

Pioneer Press Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:26:16 -0600
6th Congressional District / Candidates each claim strong DFL backing

Heading into Saturday's 6th District DFL convention, Elwyn Tinklenberg likes his chances of getting the party endorsement to run for Congress. But Bob Olson likes his as well. After months of campaigning, the two candidates will soon find out which of them will face Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in the November general election. The district, which runs from the St. Croix River through the northern suburbs and past St. Cloud, is widely considered to lean Republican. But both Democrats hope to change that, and they offer contrasting approaches to taking on the first-term incumbent. Tinklenberg is a former state transportation commissioner who jumped into the race last fall, prompted in part, he said, by the Aug. 1 collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis. He said that the nation's roads, bridges and public infrastructure need attention and that he's got the right credentials to address them. Citing endorsements from key political leaders and unions, an experienced campaign staff and successful past political campaigns, Tinklenberg said he's positioned to run a strong campaign. "I know what it takes to build the kind of coalitions you need to be effective and to be successful,'' he said. Olson, a St. Cloud banker, sees things a bit differently, pointing to his background as a tax lawyer, a bank owner and an advocate of sustainable energy. "One of the most critical things we can do for the economy and national security and the environment is to break our dependence on foreign oil,'' said Olson, who advocates a 10-year program of tax incentives and loan guarantees to shift to a cleaner national energy foundation. As for Tinklenberg, Olson said, "He knows sand and gravel better than I do.''

[[keywords: Elections;]]

But NG will last forever... not

Star Tribune Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:09:09 GMT
'Practically free': Utah's network of natural-gas stations has drivers filling up for cheap

SALT LAKE CITY - Troy Anderson was at the gas pump and couldn't have been happier, filling up at a rate of $5 per tank. Anderson was paying 63.8 cents per gallon equivalent for compressed natural gas, making Utah a hot market for vehicles that run on the fuel. It's the country's cheapest rate for compressed gas, according to the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, and far less than the $3.56 national average price for a gallon of gasoline. "I'm totally celebrating," crowed Anderson, a 44-year-old social worker, who picked up a used Honda Civic GX two months ago. "This is the greatest thing. I can't believe more people aren't talking about it. This is practically free."

[[keywords: ]]

Peak oil comes to a pump near you

Star Tribune Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:58:39 GMT
Oil consumption at the tipping point in U.S.?

... "We're seeing a price high enough so that consumers are responding with practical alternatives such as more conservation, more mass transit," said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at St. Paul-based Fresh Energy. "I was just at an Earth Day celebration at Boston Scientific in Arden Hills, and the most popular display was about biking to work."

[[keywords: ]]

Janet O'Connell Questions EL

Please view the following by a new NEMP member. Janet is quoted in the Star Trib as she challenges El Tinklenberg. Can Bob Olson get rid of Bachmann if El is not the Dems candidate? The lesser of evils may be the question to ponder in the Sixth District. Bob Schmitz

STRIB: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/house/18028409.html

MPR: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2008/04/the_daily_diges_405.shtml

Blogs:

http://zaetsch.blogspot.com/

http://buildourparty.blogspot.com/