whatsthis's Blog

Observerinvancouver Commented on The Anatomy of Conservative Self-Deception by Ed Kilgore

2008-11-13T19:30:47Z

And Lugar isn't former, IIRC.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Before Recount, GOP Smearing Minnesota Sec Of State]]> by Zachary Roth

2008-11-11T23:14:44Z

You're absolutely right. They are all projecting their own flaws on the SOS. They know what they did and assume he'll be just like them. Ha, ha. It would be great to see Franken win but maybe teaching the Republicans a lesson about running an election honestly even if the other guy wins might be worth the price.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Southern Retreat by Jon Taplin

2008-11-11T19:34:34Z

IMO, an area where grassroots/netroots Democrats can work to keep marginalizing the Republicans is voter registration and election day reform.

I think the SC decision on Indiana's voter ID law stopped pre-emptive action against it. They would not acknowledge prospective harm (ie., we think this law will harm civil rights because ...). Now, isn't it possible to start a new action based on retrospective harm? Here are instances where civil rights have been hurt by this law. One huge difference would be the new administration working to overturn the Indiana law instead of to uphold it.

For election day reform, fighting for optical scanners would be a start. Then fighting for equal distribution of voting machines across a state instead of having far fewer machines in poor neighbourhoods. The ACLU action in Virginia may have been started with a view to getting this to the SC as an equal rights issue.

Even though running elections is a state responsibility, maybe it would be possible to have a federal law setting minimum standards for the number of voting machines available for a certain number of voters?

Another area to work at is electing of Democratic Secretaries of State.

Simply working to create a level playing field will either give the Democrats a natural advantage for the foreseeable future or make the Repulicans realize that their vicious negativity and flouting of the basic principles of democracy are now facing the law of (rapidly) diminishing returns.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Obama Spokesperson: He Doesn't "Hold Any Grudges" Against Lieberman, Won't Take Position On Whether To Oust Him From Committee by Greg Sargent

2008-11-11T17:39:25Z

"Concern trolling" is wonderful.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Obama Spokesperson: He Doesn't "Hold Any Grudges" Against Lieberman, Won't Take Position On Whether To Oust Him From Committee by Greg Sargent

2008-11-11T17:27:42Z

You're right. Strip him of the chairmanship because he did nothing when it would have counted. Don't leave him like a loose end to come unraveled if he suddenly decides to hold oversight hearings of the new administration.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Obama Spokesperson: He Doesn't "Hold Any Grudges" Against Lieberman, Won't Take Position On Whether To Oust Him From Committee by Greg Sargent

2008-11-11T17:20:41Z

You're right about calling Lieberman's bluff. In fact, the Dems should be calling many more bluffs. Make the Pres actually veto something instead of caving when he threatens to.

There's a difference between letting Lieberman continue to caucus with the Democrats and letting him keep his committee chairmanship. Lieberman is threatening to leave the Dems if he loses the chairmanship. Reid should, as they say, tell him not to let the door hit him on his way out. If Lieberman were to announce that he's going to caucus with the Republicans, they'd treat him like a hero for two minutes and like chopped liver after that. And how does he expect that he would get re-elected in Connecticut? Joe's bluffing with a pair of deuces.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Rahm Emanuel Accepts Gig As Obama's Chief Of Staff, Aide Says by Greg Sargent

2008-11-06T19:15:30Z

Well, dang. Now I'm completely confused. But I've got what I want (I hope). FYI, I typed "whatsthis" in "display name" section of sign up sheet.

Observerinvancouver Commented on Rahm Emanuel Accepts Gig As Obama's Chief Of Staff, Aide Says by Greg Sargent

2008-11-06T19:12:37Z

The important thing about the 50-state strategy is Emanuel's opinion now. If he's still opposed to it, that's a problem. If he's on board, it means he can change his mind when confronted with the facts. (Be still, my pounding heart.)

[Re: my name. I just signed up. I didn't know what "display name" meant. I do now. Can this be fixed? I thought I was calling myself observerinvancouver.]