As noted earlier, the 2008 version of the Wyoming State Legislature convened today. Gov. Dave Freudenthal opened the session with his "State of the State" speech. In his blog on the Casper Star-Tribune's legislative web site, Capitol Bureau Chief Jared Miller noted that the speech was interrupted twice by applause -- at the beginning and at the end. It wasn't one of the Gov's best efforts, as he had to be dragged out of his sick bed to deliver it.
Even the most diehard political junkie should find all he/she/it needs at the Trib site and the state site. And Dems can get plenty to read via Bill Luckett's blog on the Wyoming Democratic Party web site. Get some local info on legislators, central committee meetings, and the March 8 county convention by clicking on Laramie County Democrats.
Now all we need is a webcam in each chamber. That may be a tad too much reality TV.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Wyoming Legislature opens 20-day session
The Wyoming State Legislature opens its 20-day budget session this morning. The governor's budget and an array of bills await their attention during this even-year "short session." Short session, maybe, but long days and nights for legislators.
The Governor presents his state of the state address this morning. You can watch in person at the State Capitol if you get there early. Most of us listen on the radio. While there are rumblings afoot that Wyoming's economy is slowing, Gov. Freuenthal plans to accentuate the positive, according to an AP story in this morning's local paper.
As we know from the national scene, these rumblings and rumors of doom-and-gloom can have major consequences. And it's a stark difference from the past four years, when we've entered the legislative session buoyed by visions of huge surpluses.
We have some major concerns about energy. New coal-fired plants are being scrubbed because of concerns about global warming. Actually, those fears have more to do with corporate paranoia about how a Democratic president might confront the real issue of global warming. Energy companies don't want to build huge coal-fired plants in Wyoming to take advantage of our low-sulphur coal, and then have to retrofit it in a couple years to comply with stricter regulations.
Naturally, carbon sequestering is going to be a big issue this session. Wind power, too, and how to regulate all the huge windmills going up across Wyoming to bring power to Colorado and California. Does Wyoming want to become one big windmill farm for the West? States such as California regulate windmills to deal with NIMBY complaints. Well, Wyoming doesn't want to continue being a cheap-energy plantation -- we've done enough of that already.
To the Legislature's credit, they've provided funds for the Energy Institute at the University of Wyoming. It's turned out to be a great forum for discussing all aspects of energy development, including global warming. Many of us thought it was going to be another good-ol' boys club for the oil, gas and coal industries.
One has to wonder about how much time the Legislature will devote to bills that cater to the Republican Party's pet topics: abortion, illegal immigration, school prayer, etc. There is one Republican bill that makes it a felony to assist illegal immigrants. Not sure what that means. If I give a quarter to an illegal immigrant, am I a felon? I'll have to look at the bill's wording before I ridicule it further.
Get more information about specific bills at http://legisweb.state.wy.us/. And call or e-mail your senator or rep about your concerns. In Wyoming, the best way to do that is when the Legislature is not in session and your legislators are close to home. That's most of the year. But feel free to contact them in the next 20 working days. You'll be glad you did.
The Governor presents his state of the state address this morning. You can watch in person at the State Capitol if you get there early. Most of us listen on the radio. While there are rumblings afoot that Wyoming's economy is slowing, Gov. Freuenthal plans to accentuate the positive, according to an AP story in this morning's local paper.
As we know from the national scene, these rumblings and rumors of doom-and-gloom can have major consequences. And it's a stark difference from the past four years, when we've entered the legislative session buoyed by visions of huge surpluses.
We have some major concerns about energy. New coal-fired plants are being scrubbed because of concerns about global warming. Actually, those fears have more to do with corporate paranoia about how a Democratic president might confront the real issue of global warming. Energy companies don't want to build huge coal-fired plants in Wyoming to take advantage of our low-sulphur coal, and then have to retrofit it in a couple years to comply with stricter regulations.
Naturally, carbon sequestering is going to be a big issue this session. Wind power, too, and how to regulate all the huge windmills going up across Wyoming to bring power to Colorado and California. Does Wyoming want to become one big windmill farm for the West? States such as California regulate windmills to deal with NIMBY complaints. Well, Wyoming doesn't want to continue being a cheap-energy plantation -- we've done enough of that already.
To the Legislature's credit, they've provided funds for the Energy Institute at the University of Wyoming. It's turned out to be a great forum for discussing all aspects of energy development, including global warming. Many of us thought it was going to be another good-ol' boys club for the oil, gas and coal industries.
One has to wonder about how much time the Legislature will devote to bills that cater to the Republican Party's pet topics: abortion, illegal immigration, school prayer, etc. There is one Republican bill that makes it a felony to assist illegal immigrants. Not sure what that means. If I give a quarter to an illegal immigrant, am I a felon? I'll have to look at the bill's wording before I ridicule it further.
Get more information about specific bills at http://legisweb.state.wy.us/. And call or e-mail your senator or rep about your concerns. In Wyoming, the best way to do that is when the Legislature is not in session and your legislators are close to home. That's most of the year. But feel free to contact them in the next 20 working days. You'll be glad you did.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Democrats shine light on Legislature; Republicans operate in the dark
From the Casper Star-Tribune:
Democratic legislators are inviting members of the public to attend their pre-session caucus Sunday at the Hitching Post Inn in Cheyenne.
The caucus begins at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m. people who attend will be invited to briefly address the legislators, caucus chairmen Rep. Ross Diercks and Sen. Mike Massie said in a release.
The Republican legislative caucus traditionally has been closed to the public. This year apparently will be no different. But Sen. Kit Jennings, R-Casper, chairman of the Senate Republican conference, said he will put the question on the agenda for discussion Sunday and see if the Republican legislators want to open the caucus next year.
Rep. Tom Lubnau, R-Gillette, chairman of the House Republican caucus, said he was polling House Republicans on the issue but said the caucus probably will remain closed.
Gov. Dave Freudenthal will talk to the Republican caucus at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, followed by a 2:15 p.m. address to the Democrats.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Romney withdraws, blames Democrats
Mitt Romney withdrew from the Republican race for president today. He took a good hard look at the delegate numbers and decided they didn't add up to victory.
He blamed Democrats (Repubs blame us for everything) for his early withdrawal, blasting Democratic Party candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama as being weaklings on national security. Here are his exact words, according to the New York Times:
So, if Romney stayed in the race, his campaign would aid "the surrender to terror?" His campaign would somehow strengthen the Democrats? Those tofu-eating surrender monkeys would then turn over the keys of American to the terrists, as Pres. Bush so eloquently labels everyone in the Islamic world.
Sounds illogical to me, but Mitt was speaking to the ultra-cons at the Conservative National Action Conference, who later booed the presumptive Republican nominee, war hero John McCain. This group is made up of the 32 percent of Americans who still approve of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq, the sinking economy, and pretty near everything else. Consider the audience....
He blamed Democrats (Repubs blame us for everything) for his early withdrawal, blasting Democratic Party candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama as being weaklings on national security. Here are his exact words, according to the New York Times:
“They would retreat, declare defeat, and the consequences of that would be devastating.” Staying in the race, he said, “would make it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win.” Mr. Romney, who spent tens of millions of dollars of his fortune on the race, added, “Frankly, in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding the surrender to terror.”
So, if Romney stayed in the race, his campaign would aid "the surrender to terror?" His campaign would somehow strengthen the Democrats? Those tofu-eating surrender monkeys would then turn over the keys of American to the terrists, as Pres. Bush so eloquently labels everyone in the Islamic world.
Sounds illogical to me, but Mitt was speaking to the ultra-cons at the Conservative National Action Conference, who later booed the presumptive Republican nominee, war hero John McCain. This group is made up of the 32 percent of Americans who still approve of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq, the sinking economy, and pretty near everything else. Consider the audience....
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Snowpack up, but water fights continue
A quick look at this morning's paper reveals that water (surprise!) remains the number one issue in the Rocky Mountain West.
The Cheyenne-Laramie County Regional Planning Commission yesterday voted down a subdivision of 146 ranchettes west of town due to lack of water. That's a surprise, since concerns about water availability hasn't seemed to slow the steady march of ranchettes across the county. Perhaps this signals a change in attitude, although we can be sure that Wild West Development Corp. of Scottsdale, Ariz., will not go away without a fight.
The state's snowpack is up. It's about 95 percent of average statewide compared to 75 percent of historical average this time last year. Good news for summer water supplies. Some places have more snow than others. There's 380 inches of snow at the top of Jackson Hole Ski Resort. Lots of snow all over the western part of the state. The North Platte drainage in the middle of the state is not as healthy, with snowpack about 90 percent of average.
Meanwhile, Montana and Wyoming continue their wrangling over the drought, mainly water supplies flowing from the Bighorn River. Montana is also concerned about coal-bed methane drilling along the border. Lots of water is pumped out of the ground in the drilling process.
A new report from the Wyoming State Geological Survey might alleviate some of Montana's water concerns. The report said that more than 130 billion gallons of water could be saved through an energy moratarium in two drainages: Clear Creek and Crazy Woman Creek. Water flows out of the Bighorn Mountains through those creeks into the Powder River Basin. The moratorium wouldn't have much of an affect on energy supplies but would have a big impact on water availability. The Powder River Basin Resource Council has been pushing for this. We'll see what happens.
Meanwhile, we can all hope that Wyoming and Montana can kiss and make up.
The Cheyenne-Laramie County Regional Planning Commission yesterday voted down a subdivision of 146 ranchettes west of town due to lack of water. That's a surprise, since concerns about water availability hasn't seemed to slow the steady march of ranchettes across the county. Perhaps this signals a change in attitude, although we can be sure that Wild West Development Corp. of Scottsdale, Ariz., will not go away without a fight.
The state's snowpack is up. It's about 95 percent of average statewide compared to 75 percent of historical average this time last year. Good news for summer water supplies. Some places have more snow than others. There's 380 inches of snow at the top of Jackson Hole Ski Resort. Lots of snow all over the western part of the state. The North Platte drainage in the middle of the state is not as healthy, with snowpack about 90 percent of average.
Meanwhile, Montana and Wyoming continue their wrangling over the drought, mainly water supplies flowing from the Bighorn River. Montana is also concerned about coal-bed methane drilling along the border. Lots of water is pumped out of the ground in the drilling process.
A new report from the Wyoming State Geological Survey might alleviate some of Montana's water concerns. The report said that more than 130 billion gallons of water could be saved through an energy moratarium in two drainages: Clear Creek and Crazy Woman Creek. Water flows out of the Bighorn Mountains through those creeks into the Powder River Basin. The moratorium wouldn't have much of an affect on energy supplies but would have a big impact on water availability. The Powder River Basin Resource Council has been pushing for this. We'll see what happens.
Meanwhile, we can all hope that Wyoming and Montana can kiss and make up.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
March 8 Dem caucus could carry clout
It could be standing room only at the March 8 caucus for the Laramie County Democrats.
With less than 100 delegates separating Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama after "Super Tuesday," each delegate will count as we churn forward to the Dems' national convention in Denver in August. So Wyoming Democrats will have a say, our voices amplified by the tightest presidential race in recent memory.
Even Kos at Big Kahuna Prog Blog Daily Kos sees Wyoming playing a role (although he shouldn't call our state "tiny" until he actually drives through it):
The county convention convenes on Saturday, March 8, at the University of Wyoming Family Practice Center, 821 E. 18th St., Cheyenne. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and activities commence in the auditorium at 9.
And remember: be kind to the volunteers. I'll be there early, working on the nominations committee.
With less than 100 delegates separating Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama after "Super Tuesday," each delegate will count as we churn forward to the Dems' national convention in Denver in August. So Wyoming Democrats will have a say, our voices amplified by the tightest presidential race in recent memory.
Even Kos at Big Kahuna Prog Blog Daily Kos sees Wyoming playing a role (although he shouldn't call our state "tiny" until he actually drives through it):
Hillary's task is to defeat Obama decisively on Tuesday. If she can't manage that, then her plan B is to survive February to fight in March. On Tuesday the 4th, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont go to the polls. Vermont appears the most competitive right now, though that will change with a couple of weeks to campaign in these states. Winning Ohio, in particular will be important for propaganda purposes.... Tiny Wyoming will go on Saturday March 8, with its 18 delegates perhaps actually mattering. Mississippi, with its 40 delegates, should be Obama territory on the 11th. Then...So what does that mean for March 8? Big doins in Cheyenne. A record turnout at the caucus. Drama in the air. If you're a registered Democrat in Laramie County as of Feb. 22, you can come out and have your voice heard. Delegates will be selected to the state convention set for Memorial Day weekend in Jackson.
The county convention convenes on Saturday, March 8, at the University of Wyoming Family Practice Center, 821 E. 18th St., Cheyenne. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and activities commence in the auditorium at 9.
And remember: be kind to the volunteers. I'll be there early, working on the nominations committee.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Democrats gather March 1 for Ross banquet
The Wyoming Democratic Party has announced details for the Nellie Tayloe Ross Dinner and Awards Banquet in Cheyenne. The theme for this year's event is, "A Celebration of Women in Government and Politics." It's scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at the Historic Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne, 1600 Central Ave. Among the featured guests will be Wyo. Gov. Dave Freudenthal and First Lady Nancy Freudenthal, and the keynote speaker this year is U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, the South Dakota Democrat who is the youngest woman serving in Congress.
To reserve your tickets for the events, call 1-800-729-3367 or register online at http://www.wyomingdemocrats.com/.
The WDP has reserved a block of rooms at the Plains for $70 a night ($80 for a parlor room). For further information or to reserve a room, contact the hotel at 307-638-3311.
Gov. Freudenthal, Mrs. Freudenthal, and Rep. Herseth Sandlin will attend a private reception prior to the dinner. Tickets for this exclusive event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Plains Hotel, are $100 a person.
The dinner itself will begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $75 per person, or you and your group may choose one of the options offered for a table of eight.
FMI: Bill Luckett, WDP communications director, 307-631-7638.
To reserve your tickets for the events, call 1-800-729-3367 or register online at http://www.wyomingdemocrats.com/.
The WDP has reserved a block of rooms at the Plains for $70 a night ($80 for a parlor room). For further information or to reserve a room, contact the hotel at 307-638-3311.
Gov. Freudenthal, Mrs. Freudenthal, and Rep. Herseth Sandlin will attend a private reception prior to the dinner. Tickets for this exclusive event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Plains Hotel, are $100 a person.
The dinner itself will begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $75 per person, or you and your group may choose one of the options offered for a table of eight.
FMI: Bill Luckett, WDP communications director, 307-631-7638.
Monday, February 04, 2008
In search of common-sense health plans
Nothing focuses a parent's attention like a kid in distress.
Our teen daughter was in the hospital recently. She's be all right, but I'm still fuming about my dealings with my insurance company. I've had the same health insurance for more than 16 years. The State of Wyoming and I have paid thousands and thousands of premiums over the years. So why is it when we really need it that the insurance company's first response seems to be: How can we get out of paying this? They don't actually say this, but it becomes obvious when you spend hour after hour talking to disembodied voices in Boise and Denver and Phoenix about covering the medical needs of a teen girl.
The system is archaic and stupid. The presidential condidates on both sides have health insurance plans. Not sure about Ron Paul with his libertarian roots. But all the rest do. It's Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama I'm concerned with. I'm going to actually read their health care proposals. Up until now, I've been content to let others describe them to me. But this is a huge issue, one that will become an even bigger monster as time passes and we Baby Boomers start falling apart. Read the candidates' health care plans? What a concept. For contrast, I'm going to check out the plans of Republican candidates. I may even compare and contrast the plans on these pages, provided my brain doesn't explode during the search for common-sense health care solutions.
Wish me luck.
Our teen daughter was in the hospital recently. She's be all right, but I'm still fuming about my dealings with my insurance company. I've had the same health insurance for more than 16 years. The State of Wyoming and I have paid thousands and thousands of premiums over the years. So why is it when we really need it that the insurance company's first response seems to be: How can we get out of paying this? They don't actually say this, but it becomes obvious when you spend hour after hour talking to disembodied voices in Boise and Denver and Phoenix about covering the medical needs of a teen girl.
The system is archaic and stupid. The presidential condidates on both sides have health insurance plans. Not sure about Ron Paul with his libertarian roots. But all the rest do. It's Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama I'm concerned with. I'm going to actually read their health care proposals. Up until now, I've been content to let others describe them to me. But this is a huge issue, one that will become an even bigger monster as time passes and we Baby Boomers start falling apart. Read the candidates' health care plans? What a concept. For contrast, I'm going to check out the plans of Republican candidates. I may even compare and contrast the plans on these pages, provided my brain doesn't explode during the search for common-sense health care solutions.
Wish me luck.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Democrats hold "Super Tuesday" grand opening for new Cheyenne office
Happy Ground Hog Day!
Laramie County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bell emerged from his super-secret bunker this morning, saw his shadow, and announced that the sun will shine on the Democrats during 2008.
That means it's time for The Party to party.
The LarCoDems invites the public to attend the grand opening of its new office at 117 W. 17th St. in Cheyenne on "Super Tuesday," Feb. 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Democrats and others (Independents, for example -- even Republicans) from around the county are welcome to tour the headquarters, watch caucus and primary returns from across the nation, and enjoy snacks, beverages, and discussions about the future of our state and our country.
"This is the biggest presidential primary election day our country has ever seen," said Bell. "Democrats across the nation are energized by our candidates, which we can see in the record turnout out in the voting so far in the early primary states. We are looking forward to an exciting evening, and we are eager to show off our new office to anyone who wants to come by."
The Wyoming Democratic Party recently established the satellite office in downtown Cheyenne, and state party Executive Director Brandon Owens moved to Cheyenne to head up the new office. The official state party headquarters remains in Casper.
The downtown Cheyenne office also serves as the new headquarters for the Laramie County Democratic Party, which is sharing the space with the state party.
Contact: Chairman Mike Bell or Communications Director Nicole Novotny, LarCoDems HQ, 307-634-9001.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Do your duty and spend, spend, spend
The more I hear about the economic stimulus package promoted by Pres. Bush and the U.S. House, the less I like it. The money will have to be borrowed (again), which puts the U.S. deeper into a financial hole caused by the G.O.P.'s misguided policies of the past seven years. Endless wars cause endless expenditures. Corporate pals of Bush & Cheney get rich while the middle class ekes out an existence (if we're lucky) and gets foreclosed on if not.
My family would benefit from the rebate checks as proposed by the House bill. We are a working couple with a kid under-18 still at home, and still claimed as a dependent on our taxes. If I read the bill right, we'd get the largest check. After sending some of the money to Democratic candidates in Wyoming and nationally, we'd spend the rest of the money wildly on paying bills. No spending spree at Wal-Mart for us. Would this stimulate the economy? Would it bring us back from the precipice of recession? Not likely.
Our lone U.S. House rep, Barbara Cubin, voted against the economic stimulus package. I read her rationale on her web site. At first blush, I was impressed with Cubin's position. I rarely am. But on further investigation, found that her misgivings about the bill adhere pretty closely to the Republican Party line. Here's part of her 1/29/08 statement:
Who could these people be? No doubt a coded reference to illegal immigrants. It couldn't be the wealthy who've received deep tax cuts under Bush and who hire sharp lawyers to make sure they get what's coming to them (everything!). Republicans are usually not shy when it comes to demonizing illegal immigrants. Immigration is one of the top three issues among G.O.P. voters, which it barely registers among Dems.
But Rep. Cubin does make some good points about bailing out the housing industry.
There's plenty of blame to go around in the sub-prime mortgage mess. Both borrowers are lenders have contributed to the problem. Rep. Cubin doesn't want the U.S. government ensnared in the mess, which is commendable. But how can we address our economic problems without paying attention to easy credit and the housing industry? For decades, we've been telling each other that owning a home is a right not a privilege. Home ownership stokes the economy. Are we now telling a broad swath of Americans that they can give up on their dreams? Many have already, as their jobs have been shipped overseas by corporate overlords. Job goes, money goes, house goes, especially if you have an adjustible rate mortgage and/or you've borrowed heavily against the equity (if you have any) in your house.
More tax cuts for corporations? If we align our top corporate tax rate with that in the EU, won't it be easier to ship American jobs overseas? I'll have to take a closer look at the Economic Growth Act of 2008 before I can speak about its details. But if the past teaches us anything, it's that the Republicans are good at tagging their proposals with ironic titles. Who can forget the "Clean Skies Initiative" which allowed more air pollution and the "Healthy Forests" plan which called for cutting down more forests? If the Repubs were still in charge of Congress, I'd say that the Economic Stimulus Plan would really be the "Sink the U.S. Economy" plan. But Congressional Democrats couldn't be that cynical, could they?
My family would benefit from the rebate checks as proposed by the House bill. We are a working couple with a kid under-18 still at home, and still claimed as a dependent on our taxes. If I read the bill right, we'd get the largest check. After sending some of the money to Democratic candidates in Wyoming and nationally, we'd spend the rest of the money wildly on paying bills. No spending spree at Wal-Mart for us. Would this stimulate the economy? Would it bring us back from the precipice of recession? Not likely.
Our lone U.S. House rep, Barbara Cubin, voted against the economic stimulus package. I read her rationale on her web site. At first blush, I was impressed with Cubin's position. I rarely am. But on further investigation, found that her misgivings about the bill adhere pretty closely to the Republican Party line. Here's part of her 1/29/08 statement:
The Economic Stimulus Package will allow individuals who do not pay income taxes to receive a $300 check from the government. This provision will allow money earned by hard-working taxpayers to be handed out freely to individuals who pay no income tax.
Who could these people be? No doubt a coded reference to illegal immigrants. It couldn't be the wealthy who've received deep tax cuts under Bush and who hire sharp lawyers to make sure they get what's coming to them (everything!). Republicans are usually not shy when it comes to demonizing illegal immigrants. Immigration is one of the top three issues among G.O.P. voters, which it barely registers among Dems.
But Rep. Cubin does make some good points about bailing out the housing industry.
The package will greatly expand the federal government’s role in the housing market by increasing the amount of money government backed housing agencies can lend to people trying to buy a home. This provision will make it easier for certain individuals to purchase houses they might not actually be able to afford. Experts say a major cause of our nation’s current economic woes is the high number of people defaulting on housing loans. The Congresswoman has remained consistent that she does not believe taxpayer dollars should ever be used to bail out subprime mortgage lenders, who enable individuals to buy homes they may not be able to afford.
There's plenty of blame to go around in the sub-prime mortgage mess. Both borrowers are lenders have contributed to the problem. Rep. Cubin doesn't want the U.S. government ensnared in the mess, which is commendable. But how can we address our economic problems without paying attention to easy credit and the housing industry? For decades, we've been telling each other that owning a home is a right not a privilege. Home ownership stokes the economy. Are we now telling a broad swath of Americans that they can give up on their dreams? Many have already, as their jobs have been shipped overseas by corporate overlords. Job goes, money goes, house goes, especially if you have an adjustible rate mortgage and/or you've borrowed heavily against the equity (if you have any) in your house.
Cubin is committed to getting our housing market back on track, but says the key to doing this is putting more money back into the hands of the American people to ease the financial burden of homeownership. Cubin continues to be an outspoken advocate for permanent tax relief and has joined colleagues in the House of Representatives introducing the Economic Growth Act of 2008 to produce longer-term economic growth. The bill would allow businesses to deduct the full cost on their tax returns of any assets they purchase for their business; simplify and lower the capital gains tax for corporations to be able to invest more money back into the economy; and cut the top corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%, aligning our tax rate with the average rate in the European Union and making American companies more competitive internationally.
More tax cuts for corporations? If we align our top corporate tax rate with that in the EU, won't it be easier to ship American jobs overseas? I'll have to take a closer look at the Economic Growth Act of 2008 before I can speak about its details. But if the past teaches us anything, it's that the Republicans are good at tagging their proposals with ironic titles. Who can forget the "Clean Skies Initiative" which allowed more air pollution and the "Healthy Forests" plan which called for cutting down more forests? If the Repubs were still in charge of Congress, I'd say that the Economic Stimulus Plan would really be the "Sink the U.S. Economy" plan. But Congressional Democrats couldn't be that cynical, could they?
Is this any way to elect a president?
Why is it that, with Super Tuesday still six days away, we now only have two candidates in the Democratic Party race for the presidency? We're lost the best with just a few percent of all registered Democrats voting in a handful of primaries and caucuses. Dennis Kucinich is gone, and so is John Edwards. Principled candidates with great messages, but who didn't get voters in a few states whipped up into a frenzy. They stood up for the middle class and stood against the Iraq War. They didn't have the money or the media coverage to go the distance. That's the problem, isn't it? Money -- the lack thereof. That, and the ridiculous primary system that needs a major overhaul. But who will do the overhauling? Not the next president who, because he/she is the prez, will not want to rock the boat. Not the members of the next Congress, who will be busy beating each other with cudgels -- and carving out earmarks in the latest appropriations bills.
Sour grapes? Sure, but seems to me there are better ways for the world's lone superpower to practice democracy.
Sour grapes? Sure, but seems to me there are better ways for the world's lone superpower to practice democracy.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Local Democrats kick it into high gear
It's great to see new faces at each monthly meeting of the Laramie County Democrats in Cheyenne. The 2008 election season is kicking into high gear -- that accounts for some of the interest. And Laramie County is lucky to have two very active organizations in the LarCoDems (sometimes ominously called "the central committee") and the Grassroots Coalition. Lots of activities on the schedule for the months leading up to the Democratic Party national convention in Denver in August.
The LarCoDems will hold a Caucus/Primary Watching Party on Tuesday, Feb. 5 ("Super Tuesday') at the new county HQ at 117 W. 17th St. downtown. It will start at 6:30 p.m. and last until the cows come home, or until the last state reports its results. For more info, call the HQ at 307-634-9001.
Next meeting of the LarCoDems is Feb. 26 at the Plains Hotel downtown. That Friday, Feb. 29, is the annual legislative reception, followed the next evening (March 1) with the annual Nellie Tayloe Ross banquet (more details in future posts).
The county convention convenes on Saturday, March 8, at the University of Wyoming Family Practice Center, 821 E. 18th St., Cheyenne. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and activities commence in the auditorium at 9. Delegates to the state convention will be selected and the LarCoDems will conduct a presidential preference poll. To vote or to be considered as a delegate, you must be a registered Democrat in the county as of Feb. 22.
LarCoDems meet again on April 29.
The Wyoming Democratic Party state convention will be held May 23-25 in Jackson, which is Memorial Day weekend. Bring your snow gear, as it seems to be a Teton County tradition to feature snow along with its Memorial Day celebration. Two years ago, I sold books outside at the vendor fair as sheets of "sunshine snow" blew in from the West. Be prepared!
The Grassroots Coalition also plans a full slate of activities in 2008. More details in future posts.
The LarCoDems will hold a Caucus/Primary Watching Party on Tuesday, Feb. 5 ("Super Tuesday') at the new county HQ at 117 W. 17th St. downtown. It will start at 6:30 p.m. and last until the cows come home, or until the last state reports its results. For more info, call the HQ at 307-634-9001.
Next meeting of the LarCoDems is Feb. 26 at the Plains Hotel downtown. That Friday, Feb. 29, is the annual legislative reception, followed the next evening (March 1) with the annual Nellie Tayloe Ross banquet (more details in future posts).
The county convention convenes on Saturday, March 8, at the University of Wyoming Family Practice Center, 821 E. 18th St., Cheyenne. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and activities commence in the auditorium at 9. Delegates to the state convention will be selected and the LarCoDems will conduct a presidential preference poll. To vote or to be considered as a delegate, you must be a registered Democrat in the county as of Feb. 22.
LarCoDems meet again on April 29.
The Wyoming Democratic Party state convention will be held May 23-25 in Jackson, which is Memorial Day weekend. Bring your snow gear, as it seems to be a Teton County tradition to feature snow along with its Memorial Day celebration. Two years ago, I sold books outside at the vendor fair as sheets of "sunshine snow" blew in from the West. Be prepared!
The Grassroots Coalition also plans a full slate of activities in 2008. More details in future posts.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Reminder: Laramie Co. Dems meet Jan. 29
Winter blahs got you down? Depressed by the fact that Dubya is still in the Oval Office (or lurking somewhere around the White House)?
Here's an antidote for what ails you. The Laramie County Democratic Party will host the "Wyoming Legislator Panel Discussion: Legislative Issues in 2008." It will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., at downtown Cheyenne's Historic Plains Hotel. This event is free and open to the public. FMI: Contact Nicole Novotny at 307-514-4685.
We have a great batch of Democrats from Laramie County in the Wyoming State Legislature. They always have a lot of good info, and can give us a preview of what's to come in the 2008 session.
Here's an antidote for what ails you. The Laramie County Democratic Party will host the "Wyoming Legislator Panel Discussion: Legislative Issues in 2008." It will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., at downtown Cheyenne's Historic Plains Hotel. This event is free and open to the public. FMI: Contact Nicole Novotny at 307-514-4685.
We have a great batch of Democrats from Laramie County in the Wyoming State Legislature. They always have a lot of good info, and can give us a preview of what's to come in the 2008 session.
Trauner edges Lummis in latest poll
Good news for Democrat Gary Trauner's bid to grab Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat in 2008 (as reported in today's Casper Star-Tribune):
So what are we waiting for -- let's hold the election now, before those "undecideds" get swayed by the Repubs.
The general election race for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat could be another nail-biter, a new Casper Star-Tribune poll shows.
Democrat Gary Trauner, the Teton County businessman who narrowly lost to Rep. Barbara Cubin in 2006, is in a statistical tie with former state treasurer Cynthia Lummis, a Republican, the results show.
The poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18-21, surveyed 625 registered voters from across the state who said they regularly vote in Wyoming state elections. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
If the election were held now, Trauner would receive 41 percent of the vote, while Lummis would get 40 percent, the poll showed. The remaining 19 percent of voters said they were undecided.
So what are we waiting for -- let's hold the election now, before those "undecideds" get swayed by the Repubs.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Between hardrock law and a hard place
I don’t pretend to understand the 1872 hardrock mining law. I do know that it gives mining priority over almost all other endeavors, including living a life free from mine tailings and arsenic and other environmental toxins. I also know that the law dates to 1872. This was seven years after the end of the U.S. Civil War, four years before the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the Black Hills gold rush, and 136 years before much-needed overhauls to this ancient law (finally) are actively under consideration in Congress.
Here are excerpts (including response of our own Sen. John Barrasso in boldface below) from the Jan. 25 article about the situation in the Casper Star-Tribune:
Here are excerpts (including response of our own Sen. John Barrasso in boldface below) from the Jan. 25 article about the situation in the Casper Star-Tribune:
Senators indicated Thursday that they will pass a less-sweeping reform of 1872 hardrock mining law than the House did late last year, imposing royalties on new mines but perhaps not on existing ones.
At a hearing on the issue, senators generally agreed to put in place a royalty on future mines, to create a fund to clean up abandoned hardrock mines and to replace the outmoded patenting system with a more modern practice. But they expressed more reluctance than their House counterparts to impose a royalty on mines already operating.
The House-passed bill would charge an 8 percent royalty on the gross revenue from new mineral production and a 4 percent royalty on existing operations. That includes gold, silver, copper, uranium and more. The royalty would be used for cleanup of abandoned mines.
Under the 1872 law, federal land can be sold for $2.50 or $5 an acre. Congress for more than a decade has annually approved a moratorium on such sales, and the House bill would permanently end them.Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, objected to some of the increased environmental regulations in the House bill. He said that because other national environmental laws already apply, the new rules are "solutions in search of a problem."
But some Democrats and environmental groups want to keep a House-passed provision that gives the Interior secretary the power to veto a mining operation if it would cause undue degradation of the environment.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who also sits on the panel, said he was "troubled" by some of the provisions that came out of the House. He objected to giving future administrations explicit veto authority over mining operations, saying it would add too much uncertainty for investment in mining.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
UW symposium ponders climate change
Here in the land of oil/gas/coal, we too are turning our attention to global warming. Over at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, there's a Climate Change Committee (code name -- C3), described as a "faculty group that works with the UW Research Office and the Office of the President to coordinate a campus-wide initiative on climate change."
To that end, C3 has planned a free symposium Jan. 30-31.
The event is coordinated with more than 1,200 other universities and institutions across the country participating in Focus the Nation. Its goal is "to educate the public about significant aspects of climate change, with special attention to ways that we can mitigate and adapt to anticipated environmental changes at a national and state level."
The symposium on Thursday, Jan. 31 opens at 12:30 p.m. with a panel discussion featuring Mary Byrnes, Wyoming Public Service Commission; Gary Collins, Wyoming Governor's Office, Arapaho Tribal Liaison; Mike Purcell, Wyoming Water Development Commission; Rob Hurless, Wyoming Governor's Office, Energy and Telecommunications adviser; and John Corra, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
At 2:30 p.m., Denise Stephenson Hawk of the National Center for Atmospheric Research will present "Climate Change and its Sphere of Influence: Pathways to Societal Resilience." A 4:30 p.m. workshop on lobbying skills, led by Sarah Gorin of the Equality State Policy Center, will be followed at 6 p.m. with another keynote presentation titled "Climate Change in the Rockies: Global Problems, Homegrown Solutions," by Michelle Nijhuis, a freelance journalist and contributing editor for High Country News in Colorado.
A symposium launch party, featuring free food and live music from the bluegrass band "Head to the Hills," is Wednesday, Jan. 30, in the Wyoming Union Gardens. A live, interactive webcast of "The 2 Percent Solution," hosted by actor and clean energy advocate Edward Norton, begins at 6 p.m.
For more info on the symposium, call 307-766-5310 or e-mail strauss@uwyo.edu.
To that end, C3 has planned a free symposium Jan. 30-31.
The event is coordinated with more than 1,200 other universities and institutions across the country participating in Focus the Nation. Its goal is "to educate the public about significant aspects of climate change, with special attention to ways that we can mitigate and adapt to anticipated environmental changes at a national and state level."
The symposium on Thursday, Jan. 31 opens at 12:30 p.m. with a panel discussion featuring Mary Byrnes, Wyoming Public Service Commission; Gary Collins, Wyoming Governor's Office, Arapaho Tribal Liaison; Mike Purcell, Wyoming Water Development Commission; Rob Hurless, Wyoming Governor's Office, Energy and Telecommunications adviser; and John Corra, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
At 2:30 p.m., Denise Stephenson Hawk of the National Center for Atmospheric Research will present "Climate Change and its Sphere of Influence: Pathways to Societal Resilience." A 4:30 p.m. workshop on lobbying skills, led by Sarah Gorin of the Equality State Policy Center, will be followed at 6 p.m. with another keynote presentation titled "Climate Change in the Rockies: Global Problems, Homegrown Solutions," by Michelle Nijhuis, a freelance journalist and contributing editor for High Country News in Colorado.
A symposium launch party, featuring free food and live music from the bluegrass band "Head to the Hills," is Wednesday, Jan. 30, in the Wyoming Union Gardens. A live, interactive webcast of "The 2 Percent Solution," hosted by actor and clean energy advocate Edward Norton, begins at 6 p.m.
For more info on the symposium, call 307-766-5310 or e-mail strauss@uwyo.edu.
Destination Buy-a-Good-Book
I normally don't read USA Today unless I'm on the road and hotel managment drops a copy at my door. Nothing against USA Today. It's short, bullet-laden news stories get right to the point and out again, perfect reads for the weary traveler. One of my favorite sections is the one that lists a short news item for each state. I always read the snippets for my state of Wyoming, plus those for other states I've lived in, such as Kansas and Maryland. I also like the colorful weather maps.
The paper also likes lists, especially when it comes to travel. Top 10 sushi restaurants in the USA. Best sandy beaches! Top 10 things airline travelers need to know.
A recent list featured the top nine "bookstore destinations" in the USA. Here's the list:
BOOKS & BOOKS: 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, Fla., http://www.booksandbooks.com/
CITY LIGHTS BOOKS: 261 Columbus Ave., San Francisco; http://www.citylights.com/
ELLIOTT BAY BOOK CO.: 101 S. Main St., Seattle; http://www.elliottbaybook.com/
POLITICS AND PROSE: 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington; http://www.politics-prose.com/
POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS: 1005 W. Burnside, Portland, Ore.; http://www.powells.com/
PRAIRIE LIGHTS: 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. http://www.prairielightsbooks.com/
TATTERED COVER BOOK STORE: 1628 16th St., Denver; http://www.tatteredcover.com/
THAT BOOKSTORE IN BLYTHEVILLE: 316 W. Main, Blytheville, Ark.; http://www.tbib.com/
THE STRAND: Corner of 12th Street and Broadway, near Union Square, Manhattan; http://www.strandbooks.com/
I'm pleased to say I've been in four of the nine. I spent the majority of my time during two business trips to Portland at Powell's. But the store that's claimed most of my book-browsing-and-buying time has been Tattered Cover in Denver. When I lived in Denver, a week didn't go by that I didn't drop into the store. I once even lived in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, five blocks from the store. Then the area became chic, rents went up, and many of the old brick bungalows were scraped from the property to make way for townhouse duplexes. Another great thing about the neighborhood: the Cherry Cricket, one of the best sports-watching bars in the city.
Other destination bookstores of note? Sam Weller's in Salt Lake City, Changing Hands Books in Tempe, Ariz., Chapters A Literary Bookstore in D.C., and the modest but fantastic The Book Shop in funky downtown Sheridan, Wyo.
What are your favorites?
The paper also likes lists, especially when it comes to travel. Top 10 sushi restaurants in the USA. Best sandy beaches! Top 10 things airline travelers need to know.
A recent list featured the top nine "bookstore destinations" in the USA. Here's the list:
BOOKS & BOOKS: 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, Fla., http://www.booksandbooks.com/
CITY LIGHTS BOOKS: 261 Columbus Ave., San Francisco; http://www.citylights.com/
ELLIOTT BAY BOOK CO.: 101 S. Main St., Seattle; http://www.elliottbaybook.com/
POLITICS AND PROSE: 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington; http://www.politics-prose.com/
POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS: 1005 W. Burnside, Portland, Ore.; http://www.powells.com/
PRAIRIE LIGHTS: 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. http://www.prairielightsbooks.com/
TATTERED COVER BOOK STORE: 1628 16th St., Denver; http://www.tatteredcover.com/
THAT BOOKSTORE IN BLYTHEVILLE: 316 W. Main, Blytheville, Ark.; http://www.tbib.com/
THE STRAND: Corner of 12th Street and Broadway, near Union Square, Manhattan; http://www.strandbooks.com/
I'm pleased to say I've been in four of the nine. I spent the majority of my time during two business trips to Portland at Powell's. But the store that's claimed most of my book-browsing-and-buying time has been Tattered Cover in Denver. When I lived in Denver, a week didn't go by that I didn't drop into the store. I once even lived in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, five blocks from the store. Then the area became chic, rents went up, and many of the old brick bungalows were scraped from the property to make way for townhouse duplexes. Another great thing about the neighborhood: the Cherry Cricket, one of the best sports-watching bars in the city.
Other destination bookstores of note? Sam Weller's in Salt Lake City, Changing Hands Books in Tempe, Ariz., Chapters A Literary Bookstore in D.C., and the modest but fantastic The Book Shop in funky downtown Sheridan, Wyo.
What are your favorites?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Celebrating Dr. King with a speech
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech (excerpt), delivered in Oslo, Norway, Dec. 10, 1964:
“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept the idea that the ‘isness’ of man’s present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal ‘oughtness’ that forever confronts him.(Found at http://www.leveesnotwar.org/).
I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life which surrounds him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.
I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into a hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.
I believe that even amid today’s mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men.
I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up. I believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive good will proclaim the rule of the land.
‘And the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid.’ I still believe that we shall overcome. This faith can give us courage to face the uncertainties of the future. It will give our tired feet new strength as we continue our forward stride toward the city of freedom. When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds and our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, we will know that we are living in the creative turmoil of a genuine civilization struggling to be born.
Today I come to Oslo as a trustee, inspired and with renewed dedication to humanity. I accept this prize on behalf of all men who love peace and brotherhood.”
Friday, January 18, 2008
Fearful Leader speaks on the economy
I know that Fearful Leader will appear on TV this morning to talk about his ideas to stem the country's recession. His ideas have all been so good and helpful in the past, I can't imagine that he won't offer brilliant solutions to our economic malaise.
But what can get us out of a recession? Dubya sent us some rebate checks early in his presidency. All taxpayers got one. Did I go out and spend it to support our consumer-based economy? No, I paid bills. Most Americans did the same, I'm sure.
That's not going to be enough this time. I don't have any big ideas. It might help to repeal the tax cuts to the rich that was Bush's big idea for stimulating the economy. We also might try to pay back the country's debt. That would mean a plan for energy independence, keeping jobs in the U.S., solutions to the sub-prime mortgage mess, ending the war in Iraq, etc. Since Bush's buddies are petro-moguls (and Saudi princes), CEOs of giant corporation who send jobs overseas to fatten their own bonuses, mortgage bankers and war profiteers, don't look for anything meaningful from Fearful Leader's speech.
Let's hope that the Congressional delegation from Wyoming will be on the side of the angels and come up with a sensible plan. Not likely, as they tend to vote the Republican line, whether it makes sense or not. Mike Enzi, a successful businessman from Gillette, has good ideas and has worked successfully with Dems (even Ted Kennedy!) on other issues. But comity is not a valued commodity during an election year.
FURTHER READING: For some background on the roots of this crisis, read Paul Krugman's column, "Don't Cry for Me, America," in today's New York Times.
But what can get us out of a recession? Dubya sent us some rebate checks early in his presidency. All taxpayers got one. Did I go out and spend it to support our consumer-based economy? No, I paid bills. Most Americans did the same, I'm sure.
That's not going to be enough this time. I don't have any big ideas. It might help to repeal the tax cuts to the rich that was Bush's big idea for stimulating the economy. We also might try to pay back the country's debt. That would mean a plan for energy independence, keeping jobs in the U.S., solutions to the sub-prime mortgage mess, ending the war in Iraq, etc. Since Bush's buddies are petro-moguls (and Saudi princes), CEOs of giant corporation who send jobs overseas to fatten their own bonuses, mortgage bankers and war profiteers, don't look for anything meaningful from Fearful Leader's speech.
Let's hope that the Congressional delegation from Wyoming will be on the side of the angels and come up with a sensible plan. Not likely, as they tend to vote the Republican line, whether it makes sense or not. Mike Enzi, a successful businessman from Gillette, has good ideas and has worked successfully with Dems (even Ted Kennedy!) on other issues. But comity is not a valued commodity during an election year.
FURTHER READING: For some background on the roots of this crisis, read Paul Krugman's column, "Don't Cry for Me, America," in today's New York Times.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Laramie Co. Dems meet Jan. 29; supplies needed for state party extension office
Nicole Novotny, secretary for the Laramie County Democrats, passes along this news:
Hello fellow LCD members. Here is the announcement for the next meeting. Also, we are collecting office supplies for the new state party extension office here in town! If you have any office supplies lying around, especially wastebaskets, notebooks, pens, and pencils, please bring them to the meeting. If you have questions about this "office supply drive" please contact LCD Chair Mike Bell at thomcat@bresnan.net.
The Laramie County Democratic Party is pleased to host the "Wyoming Legislator Panel Discussion: Legislative Issues in 2008." It will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., at downtown Cheyenne's Historic Plains Hotel This event is free and open to the public.
Questions regarding this event can be directed to Nicole Novotny at 307-514-4685.
Hello fellow LCD members. Here is the announcement for the next meeting. Also, we are collecting office supplies for the new state party extension office here in town! If you have any office supplies lying around, especially wastebaskets, notebooks, pens, and pencils, please bring them to the meeting. If you have questions about this "office supply drive" please contact LCD Chair Mike Bell at thomcat@bresnan.net.
The Laramie County Democratic Party is pleased to host the "Wyoming Legislator Panel Discussion: Legislative Issues in 2008." It will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., at downtown Cheyenne's Historic Plains Hotel This event is free and open to the public.
Questions regarding this event can be directed to Nicole Novotny at 307-514-4685.
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