Nancy Weinberg's blog: Check It Out!

Please check out Nancy Weinberg's blog: http://nancysnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/. She has some great photos of yesterday's event plus wonderful pictures from the inauguration and last fall's Unity rally plus much more.

That would be REPUBLICAN Orrin Hatch

Some of you may have been as puzzled as me by all the signs protesting Obama's 'mandatory' volunteer service.  It seems the usual suspects on the right think this is an issue that will get the troops all worked up (judging from the signs today - it worked).  Only problem is there ain't no such thing.

HATCH LAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC SERVE AMERICA ACT 

 
WASHINGTON – A historic bill that could put millions of American volunteers to work tackling the toughest challenges facing the nation’s neighborhoods and communities cleared the Senate today. 

Written by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), the bipartisan Serve America Act (H.R. 1388) is the most sweeping overhaul of the nation’s national service programs in more than 16 years. Sens. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) also played an integral role in crafting the bill. 

For his part, Hatch was pleased with the strong bipartisan show of support for the landmark legislation, which the Senate passed by a 79-19 margin. He called the bill a fiscally responsible way to re-enshrine volunteerism in the nation’s pantheon of principles by tapping the genius and resourcefulness of the American people. 

“The passage of the Serve America Act is a significant milestone for our country. By increasing opportunities nationwide for Americans to serve and, thus, enabling private citizens to do more for their communities, personal and community responsibility will take the place of direct government aid,” Hatch said. “Volunteer service is a keystone of our country’s traditions, and it is becoming increasingly important in these troubled economic times that we help our neighbors. I am honored to be a part of the bipartisan group of senators who joined together to support this important legislation.” 

Hatch further noted that the service rendered under this legislation will be strictly voluntary and that the bill enables faith-based groups to compete for program funds on an equal footing with secular nonprofits. 

“More Americans perform volunteer service through church-sponsored and faith-based organizations than in any other venue, and the Serve America Act will enable those groups to continue that longstanding tradition and perform more volunteer service than ever,” Hatch said. 

Moreover, the senator continued, the bill would eliminate waste and bring greater accountability to the nation’s service programs. It also represents a fiscally shrewd investment since every dollar spent on national service returns between $1.60 and $2.60 on that investment. 

“The Serve America Act is founded on the fundamental belief in the power of the American people to improve their country and communities at the local level,” Hatch said. “It is about looking first to community and faith-based institutions to help solve our toughest challenges. It underscores our belief in public-private partnerships that cost the government little and bring a high return on that investment. Most of all, it is about fostering a love of country during a time when Americans’ patriotism has been shaken by a tough economy, failing institutions and scheming individuals who have hurt many people. It is about renewing the confidence of the American people and the can-do spirit that makes this the greatest nation on Earth and the last, best hope of mankind.” 

Congressman Tierney speaking with Plum Island resident (and former City Councilor), Bruce Brown, after the Community Meeting

Report on Congressman John Tierney’s Community Meeting

photo by Nancy Weinberg

Again, for those of you who couldn’t make Congressman John Tierney’s Community Meeting today (Saturday, March 28) at Newburyport City Hall I thought I would provide you with a summary of what happened.

For over two hours Congressman Tierney fielded 34 questions from constituents in a free ranging discussion that covered topics that varied from local concerns (Plum Island deterioration) to the war in Afghanistan. I would guess that there were about 250 people in attendance.

Just before Congressman Tierney began taking questions, the crowd of protestors from the “Tea Party” protest joined other constituents in the crowded room. There was a little bit of tension in the air as it was clear that a large segment of those in attendance strongly opposed the votes Congressman Tierney has taken on the Stimulus Bill. There were a few catcalls but the Congressman asked people to act civilly and respect each other’s opinion. Overall, there was a free, civil and open discussion from a variety of perspectives.

That is not to say that Congressman Tierney softened or backed down on his positions. One person claimed that the meeting was a “charade” in that a majority of Americans had not voted for Obama and the Democrats. Tierney forcefully, but very politely, noted that Democrats had won the election and that the majority of voters had voted for a change from the policies of the past eight years. He also noted a number of times that Republican policies in the previous administration such as de-regulation of the financial sector were largely responsible for the economic mess the Obama Administration had inherited. In response to questions on the ballooning national debt, he noted that President Bush had increased the national debt by more than the sum of all Presidents from George Washington to Bill Clinton. He found it peculiar that those, like Vice President Cheney, who stated again and again during the Bush Administration that the national debt was not a problem, had suddenly rediscovered their ‘balanced budget’ religion.

One person said that he did not see a “major theme” to the Stimulus Bill. Tierney responded that the Bill was designed to stabilize a badly damaged economy and to assure that those Americans who had been most hurt by the Bush recession received the help they needed. These included the unemployed, people who have lost health insurance and those who have not been able to pay their mortgages through no reasonable fault of their own. He also noted that it was necessary to return to a balanced regulatory regime that would place the financial sector on a solid footing. On that note, Tierney reminded voters that he had not supported the de-regulation of the financial sector in 1999 (one of 55 members of Congress who opposed it) and welcomed the acknowledgement of the new majority in Congress that the 1999 de-regulation needed to be reversed and that Glass-Seagall had to be restored.

Other questions or comments from constituents on economic issues addressed the trade deficit (Tierney said he favored the Obama proposal to end tax breaks for companies that moved U.S. jobs abroad) and the role of the Federal Reserve Bank (Tierney is wary of giving them additional authority). 

A number of people expressed strong support for a single-payer national health system although one person said she opposed it. A couple of people requested that Tierney attempt to assure that the Agricultural Bill did not place an undue burden on small farms as the Bush Administration had done.  There was strong support for addressing global warming and reducing U.S. carbon consumption.

Finally, Congressman Tierney, recently returned from Afghanistan, provided the audience with a sophisticated account of the challenges facing the United States. He did not think there was a military solution to the Al Qaeda and Taliban threats but rather the United States, along with the Middle Eastern regional powers, Europe and Asia had to work together to decrease the threat that Al Qaeda and the Taliban pose for all of us. He noted that it appeared as if there were elements of the Pakistani armed forces that supported the Taliban as a means of threatening India.

Oh yeah. I asked whether or not Congressman Tierney supported the Employee Free Choice Act. He does.

As an aside, I would simply like to note that we should all take some comfort in knowing that we have such a thoughtful, intelligent and progressive representative in Washington. One person, suggesting that Congress was corrupt, asked Congressman Tierney whether or not he took money from insurance companies. Please, before you ask questions like that look into the guy’s record. John Tierney is in no one’s pocket and even a cursory examination of his record and financial disclosure information would easily confirm that.

The "Tea Party"

Congratulations to our Republican friends.  They had a great turnout for their protest before Congressman Tierney's Community Meeting.  I took some photos (with their permission) in order to give those of you who couldn't make the event a sense of what our local opponents are about.

On a personal note I would like to say that they all seemed like fine folks.  Some seemed a bit angry but mainly they appeared to be just like us (political junkies) except they hold some rather bizarre notions.

For example, my 401k does indeed feel more like a 201k these days.  Yet, I seem to recall it took a major hit before Obama was elected.  Ditto for "Obama Lied -  The Economy Died."  Do these people really believe that Obama is responsible for this current economic collapse?  If so, that entails some pretty serious denial.  My two favorites are: "Obama Lied - Socialism Thrived" and "Free Markets = Freedom" but for different reasons.  To quote fellow NDCC member Zab Warren: "I won't call you a fascist if you don't call me a socialist."  If free markets equal freedom then I guess the signholder supports the Employee Freedom of Choice Act.  After all, how can we claim to live in a free society when the vast majority of us work in institutions in which we have very few rights and can be fired for "good cause, bad cause or no cause at all?"    

Other than that, we saw the usual anti-health care reform sentiments, opposition to Keynesian stimulus spending (more on that later),  and we were urged to read the U.S. Constitution.  I wonder if the protestors noted that Congressman Tierney provided copies of the Constitution at the event?

The "Tea Party"

 
 

The President's Response to the Prophets of Calamity

A few timid people, who fear progress, will try to give you new and strange names for what we are doing. Sometimes they will call it " Fascism", sometimes "Communism", sometimes "Regimentation", sometimes "Socialism". But, in so doing, they are trying to make very complex and theoretical something that is really very simple and very practical.

I believe in practical explanations and in practical policies. I believe that what we are doing today is a necessary fulfillment of what Americans have always been doing -- a fulfillment of old and tested American ideals.

Let me give you a simple illustration: While I am away from Washington this summer, a long needed renovation of and addition to our White House office building is to be started. The architects have planned a few new rooms built into the present all too small one-story structure. We are going to include in this addition and in this renovation modern electric wiring and modern plumbing and modern means of keeping the offices cool in the hot Washington summers. But the structural lines of the old Executive Office Building will remain. The artistic lines of the White House buildings were the creation of master builders when our Republic was young. The simplicity and the strength of the structure remain in the face of every modern test. But within this magnificent pattern, the necessities of modern government business require constant reorganization and rebuilding.

If I were to listen to the arguments of some prophets of calamity who are talking these days, I should hesitate to make these alterations. I should fear that while I am away for a few weeks the architects might build some strange new Gothic tower or a factory building or perhaps a replica of the Kremlin or of the Potsdam Palace. But I have no such fears. The architects and builders are men of common sense and of artistic American tastes. They know that the principles of harmony and of necessity itself require that the building of the new structure shall blend with the essential lines of the old. It is this combination of the old and the new that marks orderly peaceful progress -- not only in building buildings but in building government itself.

Our new structure is a part of and a fulfillment of the old.

All that we do seeks to fulfill the historic traditions of the American people. Other nations may sacrifice democracy for the transitory stimulation of old and discredited autocracies. We are restoring confidence and well-being under the rule of the people themselves. We remain, as John Marshall said a century ago, " emphatically and truly, a government of the people. " Our government "in form and in substance ... emanates from them. Its powers are granted by them, and are to be exercised directly on them, and for their benefits."

-----Franklin Delano Roosevelt, June 28, 1934

http://millercenter.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3302

Sam Adams Would Not Approve

The “tea party” protests sparked by CNBC’s Rick Santelli’s call for a taxpayer tea party in Chicago are coming to Newburyport courtesy of the newly formed Newburyport Republican City Committee. These “protests” are being promoted by the conservative public relations firm Freedom Works (run by former Majority Leader Dick Armey), by American Solutions For Winning the Future (Newt Gingrich’s group) and by Glenn Beck of Fox News. Apparently, the local event is being organized to protest “out of control” federal spending and state tax hikes and will be held while Congressman Tierney holds a community meeting on the Stimulus Bill with constituents at Newburyport’s Public Library.

It is clear why the Republicans have appropriated the imagery of the Boston Tea Party: they wish to wrap their protests in a patriotic veneer. This is old news for our Republican friends and we must admit they have been very successful at doing so. But, like most of their past efforts, a little knowledge goes a long way to exposing their efforts for what they are. 

What’s wrong with the tea party imagery?

The real Boston protesters in 1773 were protesting “Taxation Without Representation.” Note the emphasis. It is an enormous stretch to claim that the Congress and President elected last year are not representative of the American public. Democrats, especially President Obama, did not hide his agenda during the election. Quite the contrary. Voters had a real choice between a continuation of the “government is the problem” agenda Republicans have promoted for the past thirty years and the progressive, activist agenda of Democrats. They knowingly and overwhelmingly voted for an activist government that would step in and do what was necessary to fix the mess created by Republicans. To claim any correspondence to the justified protests of the original Tea Party participants is simply bizarre. As a matter of fact, to draw such a correspondence is decidedly unpatriotic in that it implies that the effort to bring representative democracy had failed. It did not.

In my next post I’ll address the substance of the Republican protests.

Divided We Stand

The Sunday Globe's Ideas section has an interesting piece by Sam Haselby on partisanship, which you can find at http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/22/divided_we_stand/

Democracy depends on partisanship - the kind of strong and critical advocacy that opens public debate, forces the parties to explain their ideas, and clarifies choices for voters. Partisan causes are often bold ideas that originate outside organized parties. Though such ideas can initially be divisive, they can also offer the electorate a genuinely new path forward. By contrast, bipartisanship can cloak corruption, obscure chasms between politicians and the people they are supposed to be serving, or simply show that the leadership of both parties has become a closed club. In principle and in practice, a serious partisanship - one that brings fresh reason to bear on orthodoxy - is fundamental to a healthy democracy.

It's worth a read!

Fourth Annual Three Towns & Two Cities Democratic Breakfast

The Fourth Annual Three Towns & Two Cities Democratic Breakfast will be held at 9 am on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA. Tickets are $25. Seating is limited.

The Democratic committees of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, and West Newbury join together to invite you to a hearty buffet breakfast with state and local political leaders discussing relevant issues.

Confirmed guests to date include:

• Congressman John Tierney,
  
• State Treasurer Timothy Cahill,
• State Senator Stephen Baddour,
  
• State Representative Harriett Stanley,
• Essex District Attorney Jon Blodgett,
  
• Governor’s Councilor Mary-Ellen Manning, and
  
• John Walsh, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
  

Elias Earls, a Newburyport High School student, will speak briefly about his experiences at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

David A. Tibbetts of Newbury will lend his political insights and wit as the emcee of the event. Bob Allison of Newburyport has agreed to provide musical accompaniment. A straw poll to assess various issues of importance to Massachusetts Democrats will be conducted.

Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to support the sponsoring town and city committees. Sponsorships of $50, $100, and $200 are available. Those interested in sponsoring the event or in purchasing tickets should contact:

• Ann Connolly-King, Amesbury, 978-388-2994
• LuAnn Kuder, Newbury, at 978-270-4816
• Lou Masiello, Salisbury, at 978-465-8741
• Kathy Pasquina, West Newbury, at 978-363-2274
  
• Charlie Tontar, Newburyport, 978-499-2141

Press: For more information about this event please contact Lou Masiello at thesummerwind300@comcast.net or call 978-465-8741.

Congressman Tierney in the Area

Please join Congressman John Tierney for these very important regional meetings.

**************************
SPRING 2009 COMMUNITY MEETINGS
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Saturday 3/14

9:00-10:30: Wakefield
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library
345 Main Street Wakefield, MA

12:00-1:30: Beverly
Beverly Public Library
32 Essex Street Beverly, MA 01915

Saturday 3/21

9:00-10:30: Lynn
North Shore Community College Lynn Campus
MBTA Bldg Room T102 Market Street Lynn

Saturday 3/28

9:00-10:30: North Andover
Stevens Memorial Library
345 Main Street North Andover, MA 01845

12:30-2:00: Newburyport
City Hall (auditorium)
60 Pleasant Street Newburyport, MA 01950

News Flash: Obama Not A Socialist

For those of you who missed this morning's Globe, Scott Lehigh had a great column which will reassure you that President Obama is not leading us into a totalitarian socialist world.

Phew that's a relief!

Platform Testimony Blog

Copied from Arthur Powell's North Shore Democratic Update:

The Platform Blog is an internet website that allows users to give testimony on the platform of the Mass. Democratic Party. The site contains the complete current platform, laid out plank by plank, with a way for users to comment on each plank. There is also a "General Comments Thread" that lets users leave comments that do not relate specifically to a particular plank. This allows users to offer general suggestions on the format of the platform, suggest subject areas that are currently not included, etc.

To access the Platform Blog, you should first visit this page set up by the state party:
http://www.massdems.org/platform2009/pform.cfm

The page asks for basic information (name, address, party affiliation, etc.). Only party affiliation is required -- the rest is optional. Once you have filled out the form, click "submit," and you will be taken to the Platform Blog.

Once at the blog, you can scroll down the page to read through the current party platform. If you wish to leave a comment on any particular platform plank, simply click the link underneath the text of the plank that indicates the number of existing comments (it will read something like "0 comments," "4 comments," etc.). That will take you to a screen where you can read the existing comments, and where you can leave your own comments. Be sure to click the "Post Comment" button when you have finished writing.

If you are particularly interested in a certain portion of the platform (e.g., Education), you can click the "Education" link under "Categories" on the right side of the screen. That will bring up all the platform planks relating to education. You can then leave comments, using the same method described above.

Transportation and Economic Security Hearing in the Merrimack Valley

Last week, the Governor filed his Transportation and Economic Security legislation. This comprehensive legislation addresses the neglect our roads, bridges and rails have received for the past 16 years. This is an opportunity for conversation on an issue that will affect the economic future of the North Shore and the entire Commonwealth.

This legislation is now before the Joint Committee on Transportation Over the next two weeks, the Joint Committee is hosting series of public hearings across the state. On Tuesday, March 10th, there will be a hearing in Methuen at 5:00 PM at Methuen City Hall, Great Hall, 41 Pleasant Street. Please join Governor Patrick and participate in this important debate and bring solutions forward to help our Commonwealth. The hearing is open to everyone.

To learn more about the legislation, please visit mass.gov/youmovemassachusetts.

Transportation and Economic Security Legislation

from Charlotte Golar Richie of the Deval Patrick Committee

Friends,

This week, the Governor filed his Transportation and Economic Security legislation. Because this is a robust and sometimes heated discussion, and to make sure the facts are clear, below is a summary of the reasons for the Governor's proposal.

1. Our transportation system--roads, bridges, rails--has been neglected for over 16 years. For years, both government and the public have deferred the difficult decisions, foisting debt and crumbling roads on to the backs of future generations.

2. Because of this neglect, our system is at a physical and financial breaking point. The Governor has leveled with the public about the desperate need to renew our transportation system as a key engine of economic growth. If we ignore it, we pay the price as a Commonwealth, both now and tomorrow.

3. The Governor proposed a 19-cent gas tax increase, a cost of about $8 per month to the average driver. While the Governor is not eager to raise taxes at a time when we are facing difficult economic challenges, this is the most equitable solution to the problems that affect every community in our Commonwealth. It will prevent toll hikes, MBTA service cuts and fare increases, and make an investment in our roads and bridges and regional transit authorities outside Greater Boston that will position Massachusetts for strong statewide economic growth and competitiveness when we cycle out of the current downturn. If we don't get new revenue, we will continue to be mired in long-term debt that our children will shoulder, and our network of roads and bridges will continue to deteriorate, costing drivers over $718 million in car repairs alone.

4. Ultimately, this is about choices, about facing up to the unpleasant reality we have ignored for too long, and finally bringing solutions that will help move our Commonwealth forward. If, as a Commonwealth, we expect to have smooth roads, safe bridges, and reliable public transportation, we also need to have an expectation that it will require all of us to invest in the building and maintenance of that system. The Governor believes that a 19-cent gas tax, coupled with a series of meaningful, lasting reforms, is the equitable solution to end our long cycle of neglect and inaction and make our roads and bridges a key part of our economic development engine going forward.

5. To be clear, the Governor does not support a tax increase AND a toll increase.

This is obviously a lively debate, and as always the Governor welcomes your input. Please respond to this email if you have any questions and we will get back to you.

Additionally, you can learn more at www.mass.gov/youmovemassachusetts.

Thanks for your continued active participation.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Golar Richie
Executive Director

P.S. Yesterday's Boston Globe featured an op-ed that strongly supports one feature of the Governor's Transportation and Economic Security Plan; namely, the 19-cent per gallon increase in the state gasoline tax. Click here to read Barry Bluestone's and Stephanie Pollack's column.