The Debate

I'd meant to write about the debate last night, but was too tired. And since this is my blog and not an article, I'm going to write about my evening which includes the debate.

After the weekend that I'd had, I was very much looking forward to Tuesday night's debate between Michael Arcuri and Ray Meier. I always have enjoyed listening to Mike speak, but I had the added bonus of traveling with a car load of fellow Democrats who were also volunteers, staff, family kinda supporters. There's always a special charge that comes from being with other like-minded co-workers.

I got to HQ later than I'd planned since work was especially challenging. But the sky was clear and sunny and it was a great day to drive, even the route between Utica and Oneonta. We filled up the cars and headed off.

Enroute, one of the things we talked about was how beautiful New York State and particularly Central NY is. One of the unexpected bonuses of helping with the campaign has been seeing the breathtaking vistas this region has to offer. Whether it's the rolling hills, flatlands, lakes or waterfalls, I've spotted more homes with amazing views than I could ever choose from. One thing this has convinced me of though... when I own my own house, I must have a porch and/or patio.

But we also were pretty quick to comment that the roads we were on would not be pleasant to drive during the winter months. Given that I also found out yesterday that I might have to do so in order to pay bills, making the drive, and one particular comment in the debate took on a new meaning to me.

But we arrived at SUNY Oneonta in plenty of time even including a quick stop for dinner. At least we had plenty of time before the scheduled start of the debate. By 7:00 PM, the Red Dragon Theater in the Hunt Union was pretty filled. More people came than had been expected since folks who came after us were given half sheets of notebook paper instead of the pre-printed forms for audience questions. The Time Warner Cable Channel 23 was there filming the debate and will be broadcasting it later this month. I missed the date and time and searching for information on the Net has proven futile. If anyone can point me the right way, I'd much appreciate it. There was another TV camera there, but I couldn't catch which station.

As it turned out, we could have lingered over dinner or had dessert too, though we wouldn't have gotten seats. Meier arrived 20 minutes late thereby giving us a change to catch up with all the other people who'd made the trip from Utica without carpooling with us.

The debate was moderated by Sam Pollack, Editor of the Oneonta Daily Star. He was introduced by Political Science Professor, Gina Keel. The debate was sponsored by the Political Science Department of SUNY Oneonta and the Coalition for Democracy of Central New York.

Now, remember that this is my blog. The opinions presented here are biased and are in support of Mike. Certainly I will do my best to be fair and civil, but if you seek a different perspective, you'll need to look elsewhere. Mostly, I am paraphrasing, and what I quote is from the notes I quickly took that night.

Having sat on panels where all the speakers and the moderator were all positioned in a straight line, I understand the awkwardness of looking at the person speaking and still remaining seated in the direction of the audience. But typically, polite manner dictate looking at the speaker, especially when it's the moderator setting the format of the debate and introducing the candidates. So it was immediately ironic that though Meier spoke of "civil discourse," it was Mike who actively listened when other's spoke.

I haven't been much involved with debate prep, so listening to Mike's opening comments was rejuvenating. He spoke of the country needing vision and leadership with a direction and how he brought both skills to the District Attorney's office. He ended with a call for the stopping of the attempts to divide Americans against each other.

I'm glad I wasn't drinking or eating anything as I'd have surely choked at Meier's first comment. He stated that "civil discourse is important" and the he looked forward to the opportunity to debate Mike. If I'd known he was going to say that, my question for the evening might have been, "Given your Vice President's dropping of the F bomb on the Senate floor and your President's S word spoken through a mouth fool of food, how would you tell the children in the 24th CD that civility is important and expected?"

The Observer Dispatch said this about his opening statement:

Meier spoke of his experience as a legislator and "independent-minded conservative" who had helped develop successful welfare-to-work legislation, "not by beating up poor people, but by giving them the support they need."

Just last week, I had yet another student in my office seeking help with childcare so that he could complete his education. He, like at least 4 other students that I counseled, were told by Social Services that child care assistance would be available, but only if they dropped out of college. Not only does that frustrate me in trying to support my students, but as a tax payer, I'd rather see public assistance given to someone who's actively trying to get off public assistance rather than someone satisfied with flippin burgers for a career.

He also asked why we should accept from elected officials the kind of behavior that we wouldn't accept from children? I referred to the same thing myself a little while ago. The person who could have best answered that was only in town for less than an hour.

After the opening statements, the candidates answered questions submitted by the audience.

Question 1: asked each candidate to identify the House committees he would like to serve on.
RM: Energy and Commerce because of his experience in the State Senate dealing with Medicare and Medicaid issues.
MA: First choice- Transportation, because the infrastructure of the 24CD could be greatly improved making us more attractive to businesses.
(My ears perked up at this simply for the comments we made in the car of how traveling from Utica to Oneonta in the winter, which looks like a distinct probability in my future, is such an ordeal. Little did we know that our return trip would include everything other than ice and snow and yes indeed, it is a anxious drive in bad weather even in the summer.)

Question 2: Would you support a citizenship path for illegal immigrants?
MA: The more effective route to securing our borders would be to go after the businesses that illegally hire illegals and to increase border security.
RM: No. Technology should be used to secure our borders and also those who entered legally, but became illegal and "we lost track of them" need to also be dealt with.

Question 3: Is the Federal Budget Deficit a problem and what would you cut?
RM: It is a problem, but the answer is not in net reduction of spending but rather in controlling the growth of spending. Also, government consultants getting sent to expensive conferences in expensive cities need to be cut.
(Meier had a curious stumble of words as he started his answer. He first called the President "my president" then thought he corrected himself by saying "our President.")
MA: Tax breaks for the top 1% while we're carrying this deficit that our children will pay and while we are at war is wrong. Ending the war would also stop the financial drain.
(I don't remember if it was later or at this point that Mike's comment about stopping the war was the only time the audience broke the rules and applauded at a comment. Myself and other volunteers refrained from clapping, but we were smiling!)

Question 4: Would you be in favor of raising the Federal minimum wage?
MA: Would vote to raise the wage and has pledged that if elected to the House, he would not vote for a salary increase or accept a salary increase until the wage was also increased.
RM: Voted against raising the NY State minimum wage because it would drive business out of the state. He would vote for the Federal wage increase but only if there was also some kind of relief for small business owners.

Question 5: Would you vote to stay the course in the War on Terror?
RM: Unsure exactly what "stay the course" means, but there were huge mistakes made, such as the dismantling of the police and military and damage to the infrastructure. He said that we'd need to stay in Iraq until they had a standing military and police force and that their infrastructure and Democracy was stable again.
MA: No, we need to get out by having a plan to get out. Not that we'd pull troops out tomorrow, but that they would start coming home sooner rather than later.

Question 6: What role does Congress have in oversight of the President?
MA: There is a checks and balance and an obligation to oversee branches by other branches. Ad a District Attorney, he's requested "more search warrants than there are people in the room." As the DA, he has laws he must follow as does every prosecutor in the country. The President is not above the law. Further, the War on Terror is indefinite. To give blanket authority to the President to do anything he wants forever dishonors the Constitution. We're asking our soldiers to risk their lives to help establish the very ideals this current administration is eroding at home.
(He got passionate enough about this issue what I wasn't sure if the microphone could carry it.)
RM: Getting a wiretap order against a drug dealer is different from getting one against a terrorist. However, he believes that the presidential memorandums Bush has been attaching to Law is unconstitutional

Question 7: Comment on the erosion of Civil Rights, especially in terms for Americans who are Muslim (yea, this is my question. When Cheney came to town, I faced up to the fact that I am afraid of this administration and the attitude they have fostered in this country. And I hate that I am scared of my own government simply because I am Muslim.)
RM: Its a very broad issue, but there are rights in the books and they should be followed. We need to have role models in light of diversity and that he has been one.
MA: We need to make sure that we don't scapegoat any one group. We've done that in the past with things like the Internment camps and people need to speak up and out against that. Better than laughing at a racial joke would be more people speaking up. People can set the tome by speaking out and it's the governments job to protect.

Well, I'm closing for the night since my eyes are shutting. Half the debate remains and I'll try to get here tomorrow to finish up.
Maimun

Ramblings

I think I'm understanding how some people can spent hours on their computer tinkering with the sites they own.

I've been trying to cope with the recent death of a friend's son. It's hard for parents to bury their children, but I've also feel the echo of that when I have to witness the burial of people I call "kids" even if still only in my heart. Guys in their 20's don't like being called that... go figure. ;)

I've spent the last several hours on my computer with the last stop being my PictureTrails account. I had an art piece that needed to be uploaded, but when I did that, I saw that they'd added a "home page" feature.

There's something meditative about tinkering with account settings trying to get it to look the way I want it to. In the Pre-internet days, the same state was usually achieved through the TV or quilting or baking or carving.

But, I did set up a HomePage there. I don't know if I'll keep the page up though. The social networking option is the piece that I'm not too sure of.

I have some of the Best Friends that God put on this planet. I also know a lot of other people who fall somewhere in the continuum between "other people on the planet" to "Friends and Family." Too, I seem to have some people who think we're closer than I think we are. Not that I begrudge them however they perceive our connection, just that it seems to be different from my perspective.

So, I'm not sure if I want to have the option in my life of people I don't know and people who don't know me being able to create links to me.

Not that I think that using the Internet isn't a viable way of connecting. I've made some friends over the years of being wired. But, just as "Real Life" friendships were formed, Online Friendships came about as we chatted and learned about each other no matter what it was that made us first cross online paths. I don't become acquaintances with everyone who's path I cross and few of them eventually become friends, regardless of whether that path was the concrete sidewalk or the amorphous strands on the online web.

But, I've spoken with students who've told me that they have over 200 friends on their various online social networks. Do I know 200 people? Probably. Do I have 200 friends? No.

Last year, I had volunteered to staff an event for work with the understanding that I wouldn't be doing it alone. But the day before the event, I found out that no one else had stepped forward. Before too much time had passed, I found 2 Friends who said that they'd join me even though they didn't work at the same place and didn't know what they'd be asked to do. I mentioned to someone else that I had 2 friends who were going to be helping me out. That person responded with, "Lucky you! I don't know anyone who'd help me out like that."

The rest of the day, the phrase "How sad" kept echoing in me. And how glad I am for having the Friends that I do have.

So, I'm not going to become friends with everyone who leaves a note for me there... or here for that matter. Only the Future knows what's in store there.

Tonight, I'll close with the piece had submitted to the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute's Summer Sidewaok Art Show. Tomorrow, I'll be posting my thoughts on the first debate between Michael Arcuri and Ray Meier assuming I'm not too tired from the trip back from Oneonta.
-Maimun

All Rights are Reserved. Do not copy.

Swiftboating on the Erie Canal

And so it begins.
Swiftboating: it's not how to deal with the recent flooding.

The Huffington Post has a piece entitled, "The Swiftboaters are Back in the Water" It got my attention because Ray Meier's name came up:

Rick Reed of Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm (SRCP) was hired by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. And what have they been up to, you ask? Working with LaCivita at USA Next, for one. From Maine Firm to Help "Dynamite" Opposition to Social Security Privatization:

"The Maine connection comes through Rick Reed, partner at the Maine firm Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm who USA Next is attempting to hire."

And SRCP is continuing to otherwise stir up trouble. March 2005: American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Speak Out Against Misleading Driver's License TV Ad:

"Recently, the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License, released a television advertisement [created by Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm] regarding the issue of illegal immigrants' access to photo IDs and drivers' licenses. The advertisement incorrectly conflates the issues of immigration and national security while also inflaming fears about Arabs, Muslims, and Arab-Americans. In effect, the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License utilizes anti-terrorism rhetoric to push their anti-immigration agenda."

For 2006 campaign SRCP has signed up with two Ohio Republicans, Craig Foltin and Frank Guglielmi, and sending a media consultant with the Ray Meier campaign in New York. Swiftboating is sure to follow.

The article goes into great detail about "swiftboating," how it's done and who is guilty of it.

In the Readers' Digest condensed version, it's the somewhat recent tool of personal, unfounded, highly emotionally charged attacks, typically envoking fear and rage used by Republicans against anyone. Sen. Kerry was a target, and so too was Sen. McCain. They're not opposed to cannibalism.

And it's on its way here.

Not that it'll be the first time we see it here. Just the first time someone's renting it locally.

Don't put your rubber boots away just yet. And start taking your anti-oxidents. When swiftboating's in the air, you're going to need to think to protect yourself.
Maimun

Blue Moon, We're not Standing Alone

I haven't been a big fan of the DNC or DCCC for a while. I'm still a Democratic committee member and am a true believer that if you're not in the game you give up your right to bellyache. And I almost always have an opinion.

So, when the previously named groups ask for my continued financial support, I told them not until they get back to continued support of Democrats and not Repukelican wannabes.

They're getting there. I'm not trustful of rapid, radical change. Anything that's changed that fast can be again changed that fast, so I can live with steps in the right direction.

DCCC took one last week.

Michael Arcuri was named to the "Red to Blue" program, a program launched in February to take back the House majority.

Obviously, the Bandministration thinks that Mike can take the NY 24th into the Blue, too. Why else would the first shot be the Creepy Veep himself?

But, more than red or blue, we've been mostly purple around here.

Most NY24thers believe that we were lied to to get us into a war we shouldn't be in.

Most believe that we should get out, but in a way that doesn't create more harm than we've already done.

Most believe that a minimum living wage should be a national standard.

Most believe that a woman has the right to choose, but how much better if prevention were stronger?

Most believe that we are a nation of immigrants and to be otherwise dishonors our grandparents.

Most believe that everyone should have the chance to go to college.

Most believe that it is a national shame that too many Americans need to choose between food, rent and medicines.

Most believe that national security and civil rights are not mutually exclusive.

Most believe that gas costs unfairly too much.

Most believe that the American government, from city halls to the White House should be open and honest.

These are Democratic values. They are also American Values.

We've been Blue all along.
Maimun

Visitation, Huge Political Contribution, and Dinner

It's going to be a busy day tomorrow here in Utica.

I've previously commented on the Friend of Ray Meier that's visiting tomorrow. Now I'll comment on the visit.

In 2000, I often got a relative up-close-and-personal look at Secret Service, not only when Sen. Clinton ran, but also when she gave the Commencement speech at MVCC. The costs and efforts needed for her to give that speech was stunning. What had the most impact on me, because I always volunteer to act as a Greeter at Commencement, was my additional obligation that day was to confiscate all umbrellas that anyone brought. That was the directive from the Secret Service.

I don't begrudge anyone safety and I was glad that she chose MVCC as the place to give her first commensement speech as a Senator. Students who hadn't considered attending their graduation ceremony did attend because she was speaking. The profit of her visit was students crossing the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma who might otherwise have just waited for the mail to get delivered.

Things will be different tomorrow night.

$1,000 to get a picture with Vice President Cheney. It's $2,000 if you want the little woman in the picture too.

And the profit there goes to Ray Meier.

But that's not all.

Word's out that WKTV will be broadcasting the Veep's speech at the fundraiser as it happens. That's a MASSIVE political contribution Clear Channel is giving Ray Meier. Unless word is wrong and Meier is actually buying that broadcast time from the TV station with some of that $ he's been raising and hording.

Yea... right. I'm not that stupid.

If WKTV does broadcast the Veep speech, I do believe it will be violating FEC rules.
If WKTV does broadcast the Veep speech, I don't believe that it would give Michael Arcuri the same donation.
If WKTV does broadcast the Veep speech, I do believe that the Meier campaign will be knowingly accepting a bad donation.
If WKTV does broadcast the Veep speech... everyone having hissy fits about a so-called "liberal media" can just SHUT UP.

Phew... it was rather nice to get that out of my system.

But it's not a dark day in the Mohawk Valley. We are caring, compassionate, and generous people here. In 1996, when Sherwood Boehlert welcomed Newt Gingrich to Utica and profited by tens of thousands of dollars, many of us gathered for a simple dinner at St. Francis DeSales Church. Now, 10 years later, many will do the same. There is a protest planned for the afternoon prior to the Veep's arrival.

Afterwards, while the less that 30% of the citizenry that still like this Badministration will eat for $150 and buy one soulvenier of the evening for $1,000 (per person), St. Francis DeSales Church will again host a dinner that the other 70% would probably be more interested in. The suggested donation is $2.00 and a dish to share. Proceeds will be donated to an organization which provides assistance to wounded Vets.

Ten years ago, the dinner at St. Francis DeSales was standing room only. Literally. Moving in the room was more like shuffling and wiggling with hope. I'm sure that tomorrow will be the same. And the food will be as satisfying.

Evil works when good people do nothing. So, tomorrow do something. DO. It's not enough to just talk about everything wrong. Words need to become action if anything is to ever change. Don't just stand there. Don't just talk (or write or blog) about how wrong things are. Don't just hope, wish and pray that thing change.

DO SOMETHING

Teach someone new about how we're on the wrong track.
Register a new voter.
Submit a letter to the editor (to EVERY newspaper in the region!)
Put on a bumper sticker.
Volunteer... anywhere that can make a difference.
Get involved in a political campaign.

And I'll ask this of you. If you think this Badministration's taking America in the wrong direction. If you think that things can be a lot better. If you think $1,000 per person for a picture is a but much. (get this... for $60, I can get a picture with Captain Kirk!)

Make a donation to Michael Arcuri.

Remember... the Veep is not here because Meier has so much pull in DC and that the two of them are such buds. No, Cheney is here for one reason only. The NeoCons are desperate to hold on to any and every seat they can. And they'll do everything and anything to do so. Meier's has been bought and sold with this fundraiser. They'll be bringing in even more to deliver him to DC.

I've been active in politics for a long time now. I know that familiarity breeds complacency which too often becomes jadedness. But when it was first announced that Cheney was coming to stump for Meier, my first thought was "oh... oh... god. They've sent the Vice President after us. And people I live and work near are going to pay a thousand dollars a person to get a picture with him."

That's what we're facing. The Vice-President and $2,000 memorabelia.

So, help Michael Arcuri help us.

Click on the Act Blue link in the sidebar... send a check in... donate through Act Blue directly... hey, bring in your pennies (I'll count them myself).

And do something. Volunteer in the campaign. Teach your friends and family about Mike. Spread the word. Send a check. Host a house party or coffee.

Do something so Evil doesn't win.
Maimun

Another voice

Here's another person's perspective on Michael Arcuri.

Lorraine, if you'd like to ring some doorbells, click here. Everyone else also invited!
Maimun

Pushmepulliu

My hard drive is back and my nights of reading, crafting and playing with my cat are on hold again. Well, not so much the playing with the cat... That time's just too precious.

As you probably know by now, Dick Cheney is coming to town. Personally, as long as he doesn't deliver a ticket to Guantanimo with my name on it, I'm thrilled he's coming.

Someone like him standing beside Ray Meier shows me clearly what Ray Meier stands for.

Crude, rude talking that we don't accept from our children. At the very least, it was immature, uncivilized and pointless.

Making profits over pain and suffering.

Leaking the name of an undercover operative.

Uber-macho hunting.

Energy Bills made by energy companies.

Influence peddling.

And the list doesn't stop there.

Two items, I could say was coincidence. But this really is a case of where there's smoke, there's a raging inferno.

Certainly, we are protected from guilt by association... oh, never mind. I'm sure there's a list somewhere with my name on it simply because I'm Muslim along with a lot of other names listed for the very same reason. Once upon a time in America, we used to live under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. By naked Imperial decree, that document has been shredded.

Besides, long before America was born, people where known by the company they kept. Standing with this Badministration also means standing for the immorality of the Badministration.

I do find it hilarious though that the Meier crew is trying to spin this visit as a display of the pull the NY State Senator has with the Badministration.

That ocean-front property down the road is still for sale if you buy that spin.

It's the Orwellian newspeak that Shrub is so fond of in action here. Meier doesn't have that pull. Cheney and buddies have that kind of push. And Meier will goosestep along as he always has.

Honestly... if the pull really went the way they want us to believe, would we have really had to wait DAYS before we in Oneida County were declared qualified for FEMA aid after the local flooding that people saw on CNN?

Honestly... if the pull really went the way they want us to believe, would NYRI, the people who would like to bring us the Power Lines and Higher Electricity Costs, have gone to the Badministration for approval for said plans, thereby skirting around state rights?

Honestly... if the pull really went the way they want us to believe, would the Federal minimum Wage be significantly lower than NY's? After all, Central NY is the proverbial ruptured artery when it comes to population loss. Wouldn't that much clout have qualified to at least try to create a level starting field?

Honestly... if the pull really went the way they want us to believe, wouldn't some of those "powerful and influential people" have even noticed that we existed for the last 6 years?

Honestly... (said with a huff)
Maimun

See How Mike Runs

Well, at least they had a picture of Michael Arcuri running the Boilermaker on the OD web page.

I need a new camera.

Maimun

See How They Run

Well, it took me long enough, but I finally got to view the Utica Boilermaker. It's the largest 15K race in the country and a summertime fixture in the area. I doubt there's a week in the year that goes by without there being something in the paper about the race.

Michael Arcuri has, I believe, usually run the race. This year, Eliot Spitzer also ran. They both ran the 5K this year.

So, I was up at the (insert your own adjective) hour of 5:00 AM and on the sidewalk at 6:30. Democratic supporters from the Mohawk Valley blew up balloons, handed out bumper stickers and palm cards and cheered loudly as our candidates and friends went by.

It was a very early morning for me, especially as I'd spent yesterday at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. It's going to be a while before my legs recover. But it was a lot of fun and inspiring to watch the runners. I was especially struck by the kids who made the run look easy.

I've been working on campaigns for a long time now. I'm having a lot of fun doing new things this year thanks to the Arcuri campaign. Though all the weekend trips next summer will cost me a fortune!
Maimun

Computer scared to death

This week, we get word that Dick "F" Cheney is coming to town to hang with Ray Meier. My computer got an invite to go hunting with them, so it high-tailed it out of town. Therefore, no updates to this site until it's back. Email is also iffy. Will be back as soon as I can. Sorry.
Maimun