Precinct Chair Training
Saturday, February 9, 2008
9 a.m. to 12 Noon
Location: Bell County Extension Office, 1605 N. Main Street in Belton
Training by Janice Ward, Former Bell County Chair
Topics: What is a Precinct Chair?, How to Hold a Precinct Convention, Top Twelve Voter Contact Activities, How to Find More Democrats, & Getting Help.
*Precinct Chairs from surrounding counties are welcome*
Info: Arthur Resa, Chair
Bell County Democratic Party
254-541-7456 or resatejano@aol.com
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
BCD Valentine Dinner
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
VALENTINE DINNER
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Central Texas Homebuilders Association Building
445 E. Central Texas Expressway
Harker Heights
Guest Speaker:
Judge Susan Criss
Candidate for Texas Supreme Court, Place 8
Meet our CANDIDATES
Brian Ruiz for U.S. Congress, District 31
Dale Henry for Texas Railroad Commissioner
Sam Murphey for State Rep., District 55
Phillip Anelli for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 1
Gil Hollie for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 3
Raffles and Silent Auction
$20.00 donation per person
Social Time 6:30 PM
Dinner 7:00 PM
Chicken OR Ham, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls,
Dessert, Tea and Coffee
RSVP by February 12th with your choice of meat
Call: 254-698-1880
or e-mail: KennethA@prodigy.net
Political Ad. paid for by the Bell County Democratic Party, Kenneth Allen, Treasurer
PO Box 1444, Belton , TX 76513
Not endorsed by any candidate
VALENTINE DINNER
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Central Texas Homebuilders Association Building
445 E. Central Texas Expressway
Harker Heights
Guest Speaker:
Judge Susan Criss
Candidate for Texas Supreme Court, Place 8
Meet our CANDIDATES
Brian Ruiz for U.S. Congress, District 31
Dale Henry for Texas Railroad Commissioner
Sam Murphey for State Rep., District 55
Phillip Anelli for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 1
Gil Hollie for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 3
Raffles and Silent Auction
$20.00 donation per person
Social Time 6:30 PM
Dinner 7:00 PM
Chicken OR Ham, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls,
Dessert, Tea and Coffee
RSVP by February 12th with your choice of meat
Call: 254-698-1880
or e-mail: KennethA@prodigy.net
Political Ad. paid for by the Bell County Democratic Party, Kenneth Allen, Treasurer
PO Box 1444, Belton , TX 76513
Not endorsed by any candidate
Friday, February 01, 2008
Make history...pick up your signs.
The BCTDW has free signs available to all Democrats! This sign strategy works in conjunction with other planned projects in our GOTV 2008 Program. BCTDW's objective is to increase voter participation and energize our base.The sign message is simple yet endorses both candidates.
Available are: 50--4'X4' road signs for high traffic locations and 500--18"X24" yard signs which read:
Make history...V O T E!
Contact Nancy @ 780-9047, 722-5911 or stop by either Democratic Headquarters in Temple or Killeen to pick up signs. We'd like to have as many signs out as possible before early voting begins. Please keep them up through the Nov. 4th election. Help turn Bell County blue!
KILLEEN 304 N 2nd St.
TEMPLE 315 N Main St.
Mon & Wed 11:00-5:30
Tues & Thurs 9:00-3:00
Sat. 11:00-3:00
742-7615
501-3923
Available are: 50--4'X4' road signs for high traffic locations and 500--18"X24" yard signs which read:
Make history...V O T E!
Contact Nancy @ 780-9047, 722-5911 or stop by either Democratic Headquarters in Temple or Killeen to pick up signs. We'd like to have as many signs out as possible before early voting begins. Please keep them up through the Nov. 4th election. Help turn Bell County blue!
KILLEEN 304 N 2nd St.
TEMPLE 315 N Main St.
Mon & Wed 11:00-5:30
Tues & Thurs 9:00-3:00
Sat. 11:00-3:00
742-7615
501-3923
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Formal opening of the BCD Killeen office.
The Bell County Democratic Partyinvites you to the opening
of the
Killeen Democratic Office
304 N. 2nd
Saturday, January 26th
12:00 noon – 2:00 p. m.
Refreshments will be served.
2008 volunteers needed!
2008 volunteers needed!
Publish your democratic thoughts!
More articles are needed for the Belton Journal!! Bell County Dems are looking for a fresh face (and perspective) each week. Please attach your article, author bio, and picture of the author and email to Petra Strassberg at petrakirsten1@sbcglobal.net.
Meet Gil Hollie
You are cordially invited to meet Gil Hollie, candidate
for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 3!!!
When: Friday, January 25, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Come & Go)
Where: Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church
407 E. Ave D, Temple , TX
There is no charge to attend, but contributions to Gil Hollie’s campaign will be accepted.
Gil’s philosophy is if they get to know and trust that person, they will vote because nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream.
for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 3!!!
When: Friday, January 25, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Come & Go)
Where: Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church
407 E. Ave D, Temple , TX
There is no charge to attend, but contributions to Gil Hollie’s campaign will be accepted.
Gil’s philosophy is if they get to know and trust that person, they will vote because nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream.
Paid for Gil Hollie, candidate for Bell County Commissioner, Precinct 3.
Map: http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Voter I.D.s
January 9, 2008
Editorial
The Court and Voter IDs
From the early indications, Americans are feeling enthusiastic about their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. The Supreme Court should encourage, not frustrate, that enthusiasm when it hears a challenge today to a harsh voter identification law adopted by Indiana. The law aims to be an anti-fraud measure, but its main impact will be to disenfranchise large numbers of registered voters. The court should not let it stand.
The idea of asking voters for ID may not sound unreasonable, but the devil is in the exclusionary details. Before the 2005 law, Indiana voters simply had to sign in at the polls and their signatures were compared to the ones on file. Now voters must present a current government-issued photo ID, generally a drivers license.
The impact of that requirement falls unequally. Poor people, racial minorities and the elderly are especially unlikely to have drivers licenses or other forms of ID required under the law. A study in Georgia, which enacted its own voter ID law, found that black voters were more than 83 percent more likely than whites not to have drivers licenses or state-issued ID. Hispanics were nearly twice as likely not to have them.
Another problem is that such laws are often applied in a discriminatory way. A study in New Mexico found that Hispanic voters were significantly more likely than non-Hispanics to be asked to show the legally required ID.
In-person voter fraud is extremely rare, and there is no evidence of it occurring in Indiana. It says a lot about the Legislatures motives that it did not apply the new ID rules to the kind of voting where there has been documented fraud: absentee voting. It is also not a coincidence that the people likely to be disenfranchised are from groups that vote disproportionately Democratic. Voter ID laws have been pushed across the country by Republicans. Despite the anti-fraud talk, the inescapable conclusion is that the laws are an attempt to shave a few percentage points off of a Democratic turnout.
This should not be a difficult case to decide. The court has ruled that the right to vote is so important that the Constitution requires that restrictions on it be given a strict review. The question the court must ask is whether the exclusions are necessary to promote a compelling state interest. Given that in-person voter fraud appears nonexistent in Indiana, there is no compelling interest here.
Even if there were a genuine concern, there are plenty of less-restrictive alternatives, as the courts put it, to keep the process both clean and fair: requiring signatures, allowing poll watchers to challenge voters and imposing severe criminal penalties for anyone who tries to vote fraudulently.
Unfortunately, the court may be inclined to view this case through a political prism. If that happens, it may break down along the same 5-4 fault line that it did in Bush v. Gore. That would be terrible for both the court and the nation. The justices can strike a blow for their own reputation and for democracy by standing up for an obvious principle: that the right to vote cannot be taken away to serve the electoral purposes of a political party.
Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company
Editorial
The Court and Voter IDs
From the early indications, Americans are feeling enthusiastic about their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. The Supreme Court should encourage, not frustrate, that enthusiasm when it hears a challenge today to a harsh voter identification law adopted by Indiana. The law aims to be an anti-fraud measure, but its main impact will be to disenfranchise large numbers of registered voters. The court should not let it stand.
The idea of asking voters for ID may not sound unreasonable, but the devil is in the exclusionary details. Before the 2005 law, Indiana voters simply had to sign in at the polls and their signatures were compared to the ones on file. Now voters must present a current government-issued photo ID, generally a drivers license.
The impact of that requirement falls unequally. Poor people, racial minorities and the elderly are especially unlikely to have drivers licenses or other forms of ID required under the law. A study in Georgia, which enacted its own voter ID law, found that black voters were more than 83 percent more likely than whites not to have drivers licenses or state-issued ID. Hispanics were nearly twice as likely not to have them.
Another problem is that such laws are often applied in a discriminatory way. A study in New Mexico found that Hispanic voters were significantly more likely than non-Hispanics to be asked to show the legally required ID.
In-person voter fraud is extremely rare, and there is no evidence of it occurring in Indiana. It says a lot about the Legislatures motives that it did not apply the new ID rules to the kind of voting where there has been documented fraud: absentee voting. It is also not a coincidence that the people likely to be disenfranchised are from groups that vote disproportionately Democratic. Voter ID laws have been pushed across the country by Republicans. Despite the anti-fraud talk, the inescapable conclusion is that the laws are an attempt to shave a few percentage points off of a Democratic turnout.
This should not be a difficult case to decide. The court has ruled that the right to vote is so important that the Constitution requires that restrictions on it be given a strict review. The question the court must ask is whether the exclusions are necessary to promote a compelling state interest. Given that in-person voter fraud appears nonexistent in Indiana, there is no compelling interest here.
Even if there were a genuine concern, there are plenty of less-restrictive alternatives, as the courts put it, to keep the process both clean and fair: requiring signatures, allowing poll watchers to challenge voters and imposing severe criminal penalties for anyone who tries to vote fraudulently.
Unfortunately, the court may be inclined to view this case through a political prism. If that happens, it may break down along the same 5-4 fault line that it did in Bush v. Gore. That would be terrible for both the court and the nation. The justices can strike a blow for their own reputation and for democracy by standing up for an obvious principle: that the right to vote cannot be taken away to serve the electoral purposes of a political party.
Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company
From Mr. Denton:
Asking voters for ID's other than their voter registration card is being used by Republicans to deny voters all over. In Texas I know of no law that requires anyone to show any other ID than a Voter Registration Card. If you are asked for one ask the person to show you the law that requires that and if he/she cannot then demand he call the Voter Registrar's office and have them read the law to you and the person demanding another ID. Immediately file a complaint against that person because he/she could have turned away qualified voters.
And according to Mary Beth Harrell:
You're absolutely correct - there is no law requiring photo i.d. for voters in Texas. I was at a meeting of the Salado Dems before xmas and someone had the same thing happen to them. What they're trying to do at the voting booth is illegal.
SEND letters to the editor of your local paper about the "fraud" being committed on our voters at the polls by partisan folks staffing the polls.
Sounds like a good topic for the Belton Journal column as we get closer to March 5 primaries.
SEND letters to the editor of your local paper about the "fraud" being committed on our voters at the polls by partisan folks staffing the polls.
Sounds like a good topic for the Belton Journal column as we get closer to March 5 primaries.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Party HQ now open
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Something to think about...(from BCTDW)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Something ugly has happened in our country. Our national dialogue has taken on a tone that is unforgiving, intolerant, and malicious. Our airwaves, newspapers, and bookstores overflow with nastiness, meanness, judgement, and maliciousness. The loudest voices sound their views with self-righteous fervor and vindictiveness. When we disdain and demoralize each other, there is no hope for working together toward a better society.
Protestant theologian, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Democracy demands that little men should not take big ones too seriously; it dies when it is full of little men who think they are big themselves.” Linda Seger, Th.D. and author of Jesus Rode a Donkey suggests that perhaps it is time we denounce this rhetoric, for the sake of democracy.
We are a diverse people, a pluralistic society and as such, our nation requires tolerance, understanding, and accommodation. So, how then do we express our dissent and discuss our differences without being defensive or judgmental of others? And what values do we want in government, in our social and political landscape?
Most people don’t really care at all about the Left or the Right. Most people are tired of political rhetoric and of the endless divisiveness that this discourse generates. People are yearning for a whole different level of discourse. Most people want to see the human race get over its petty struggles, its nationalism and wars, its racism and demeaning of others. Freedom. Equality. Honesty. Justice. Mercy. Compassion. These are the values most of us espouse.
I believe that the Democratic Party’s current agenda: to end the war, provide for the poor, save the environment, protect civil liberties, fight for social justice, respect for the rights of minorities and groups that have faced discrimination or oppression in the past, end torture, respect human rights is consistent with the values of most Americans. We can come together and change and heal our world.
I pray for the well being of our country and all people on our planet. And I ask for God’s blessings not only for those who agree with me but also for those who don’t.
Something ugly has happened in our country. Our national dialogue has taken on a tone that is unforgiving, intolerant, and malicious. Our airwaves, newspapers, and bookstores overflow with nastiness, meanness, judgement, and maliciousness. The loudest voices sound their views with self-righteous fervor and vindictiveness. When we disdain and demoralize each other, there is no hope for working together toward a better society.
Protestant theologian, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Democracy demands that little men should not take big ones too seriously; it dies when it is full of little men who think they are big themselves.” Linda Seger, Th.D. and author of Jesus Rode a Donkey suggests that perhaps it is time we denounce this rhetoric, for the sake of democracy.
We are a diverse people, a pluralistic society and as such, our nation requires tolerance, understanding, and accommodation. So, how then do we express our dissent and discuss our differences without being defensive or judgmental of others? And what values do we want in government, in our social and political landscape?
Most people don’t really care at all about the Left or the Right. Most people are tired of political rhetoric and of the endless divisiveness that this discourse generates. People are yearning for a whole different level of discourse. Most people want to see the human race get over its petty struggles, its nationalism and wars, its racism and demeaning of others. Freedom. Equality. Honesty. Justice. Mercy. Compassion. These are the values most of us espouse.
I believe that the Democratic Party’s current agenda: to end the war, provide for the poor, save the environment, protect civil liberties, fight for social justice, respect for the rights of minorities and groups that have faced discrimination or oppression in the past, end torture, respect human rights is consistent with the values of most Americans. We can come together and change and heal our world.
I pray for the well being of our country and all people on our planet. And I ask for God’s blessings not only for those who agree with me but also for those who don’t.
Bell County Texas Democratic Women Luncheon
BELL COUNTY TEXAS DEMOCRATIC WOMEN
December 2007
Texas Democratic Women promotes the increased political activity and influence of Democratic Women in Texas politics and government. (from the TDW Mission Statement)
***************************************************
December Meeting
Bell County Texas Democratic Women and the Salado Democrats
Christmas Luncheon Buffet
$20 per ticket
Mill Creek Country Club
1610 Club Circle
Salado
254-947-5141
11:30am December 15, 2007
Guest speaker will be the Honorable Diane Henson
Deadline for tickets is December 12.
Contact Miriam Oliver (939-2546) or Aliceanne Wallace (939-8178) or Janice Ward (634-8830) or Laura Calhoun (771-2357) or Wilma Allen (698-1880) or Hulda Horton (947-8300).
Silent Auction table to raise funds for scholarships.
December 2007
Texas Democratic Women promotes the increased political activity and influence of Democratic Women in Texas politics and government. (from the TDW Mission Statement)
***************************************************
December Meeting
Bell County Texas Democratic Women and the Salado Democrats
Christmas Luncheon Buffet
$20 per ticket
Mill Creek Country Club
1610 Club Circle
Salado
254-947-5141
11:30am December 15, 2007
Guest speaker will be the Honorable Diane Henson
Deadline for tickets is December 12.
Contact Miriam Oliver (939-2546) or Aliceanne Wallace (939-8178) or Janice Ward (634-8830) or Laura Calhoun (771-2357) or Wilma Allen (698-1880) or Hulda Horton (947-8300).
Silent Auction table to raise funds for scholarships.
Bell County Poll
From BCD:
Are you disappointed that Bell County Democrats will be voting for their Presidential nominee after the primary race has possibly been decided?
Well, now here's your chance to make your voice heard. Go the BCDP website (http://democratsbellctytx.com) and vote for your favorite nominee. Forward this message to any Bell County Democrat.
Let's make some noise in Bell County!
Are you disappointed that Bell County Democrats will be voting for their Presidential nominee after the primary race has possibly been decided?
Well, now here's your chance to make your voice heard. Go the BCDP website (http://democratsbellctytx.com) and vote for your favorite nominee. Forward this message to any Bell County Democrat.
Let's make some noise in Bell County!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Filing for State House District 55
Monday, December 3rd, 2007 at 11:00 am, Democratic candidate Sam Muphey will be filing his application for State Representative District 55. A brief announcement will be held on the north steps of the Bell County Courthouse in downtown Belton. Murphey, a retired Army officer and 44-year Bell County resident, served as a long-time staffer to Congressman Chet Edwards and is an active community and civic leader. Sam and his wife of 41 years, Peggy, welcome your attendance and appreciate your support.
BIOGRAPHY OF SAM MURPHEY
Sam Murphey retired on March 31, 2007 after working for U.S. Representative Chet Edwards for the past 16 years.
Sam graduated from The University of Texas in 1967 earning a bachelors degree in business administration and a commission in the Regular Army of the United States as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery. Sam later earned his Master of Science degree in Management from the University of Central Texas in 1981 and he has completed an additional 18 post-graduate hours of study in political science.
Following his graduation from the University of Texas, Sam began a 22-year career in the U.S. Army that took him to assignments in the United States, Europe, Korea and Vietnam. He spent his combat tour in Vietnam as a Field Artillery Forward Observer and Liaison Officer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Notable experiences during his military career include a teaching assignment in the Gunnery Department of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School, graduation from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and an assignment at the U.S. Air Force Academy as Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 29. He retired from the Army at Fort Hood, Texas on October 1, 1989.
Immediately after his retirement from the Army Sam became an account manager with the Acacia Group, a financial planning company with headquarters in Washington, D.C. In March 1991, newly elected U.S. Representative Chet Edwards hired Sam as his primary contact for the military and veterans communities in then District 11. Sam became the District Director in January 1996.
Sam is also active in local community affairs. He continues to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union. He is a past president of the University of Central Texas Alumni Association, and has taught government and business classes at the University of Central Texas and Central Texas College as a member of their adjunct faculty. He is a past chairman of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served six years as Commissioner on the Harker Heights Planning and Zoning Commission. He is a co-founder of the Harker Heights Economic Development Corporation and is a past president of the Central Texas – Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and of the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (formerly The Retired Officers Association, TROA). He is a graduate of Leadership Temple and Leadership Killeen and is a co-founder of the Leadership Belton program. He was recently named Chairman of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.
Sam is married to the former Peggy Roberts of Killeen, Texas. They have two children, Steven and Kathleen and five grandchildren, Samantha and Steven Murphey; Hartley, Elle and Sophia Corsi. Sam and Peggy reside in Harker Heights, Texas.
Sam Murphey retired on March 31, 2007 after working for U.S. Representative Chet Edwards for the past 16 years.
Sam graduated from The University of Texas in 1967 earning a bachelors degree in business administration and a commission in the Regular Army of the United States as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery. Sam later earned his Master of Science degree in Management from the University of Central Texas in 1981 and he has completed an additional 18 post-graduate hours of study in political science.
Following his graduation from the University of Texas, Sam began a 22-year career in the U.S. Army that took him to assignments in the United States, Europe, Korea and Vietnam. He spent his combat tour in Vietnam as a Field Artillery Forward Observer and Liaison Officer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Notable experiences during his military career include a teaching assignment in the Gunnery Department of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School, graduation from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and an assignment at the U.S. Air Force Academy as Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 29. He retired from the Army at Fort Hood, Texas on October 1, 1989.
Immediately after his retirement from the Army Sam became an account manager with the Acacia Group, a financial planning company with headquarters in Washington, D.C. In March 1991, newly elected U.S. Representative Chet Edwards hired Sam as his primary contact for the military and veterans communities in then District 11. Sam became the District Director in January 1996.
Sam is also active in local community affairs. He continues to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union. He is a past president of the University of Central Texas Alumni Association, and has taught government and business classes at the University of Central Texas and Central Texas College as a member of their adjunct faculty. He is a past chairman of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served six years as Commissioner on the Harker Heights Planning and Zoning Commission. He is a co-founder of the Harker Heights Economic Development Corporation and is a past president of the Central Texas – Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and of the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (formerly The Retired Officers Association, TROA). He is a graduate of Leadership Temple and Leadership Killeen and is a co-founder of the Leadership Belton program. He was recently named Chairman of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.
Sam is married to the former Peggy Roberts of Killeen, Texas. They have two children, Steven and Kathleen and five grandchildren, Samantha and Steven Murphey; Hartley, Elle and Sophia Corsi. Sam and Peggy reside in Harker Heights, Texas.
Response to blogger
Bell County Democratic Chair Arthur Resa responded to the post regarding the BCD's stance on Hillary:
Repukes are scared to death of Hillary, who is unstoppable and I would bet two to one she will be our next president. Hillary has the ability to use both sides of the brain, which is called critical thinking. Critical thinking is vital to making educated decisions and communicating. Critical thinkers make good leaders and other leaders work well with them.... thus creating harmony. George Bush uses only one side of his brain (non-critical) which makes him a bad decision maker and poor communicator. People who use only one side of the brain are destined to be failures and take down those around them using the blame game. Mike Gravel and Dennis K. are what Repukes and far left Democrats typify as true Democrats, due to their liberal views. What voters need to know is that there are conservative democrats within the ranks. These conservative democrats are quickly promoted due to their ability to reach across party lines and are more electable (critical thinkers). As far as Ron Paul, he is what I would call a conservative democrat. He will come in last among the Republican candidates.
Repukes are scared to death of Hillary, who is unstoppable and I would bet two to one she will be our next president. Hillary has the ability to use both sides of the brain, which is called critical thinking. Critical thinking is vital to making educated decisions and communicating. Critical thinkers make good leaders and other leaders work well with them.... thus creating harmony. George Bush uses only one side of his brain (non-critical) which makes him a bad decision maker and poor communicator. People who use only one side of the brain are destined to be failures and take down those around them using the blame game. Mike Gravel and Dennis K. are what Repukes and far left Democrats typify as true Democrats, due to their liberal views. What voters need to know is that there are conservative democrats within the ranks. These conservative democrats are quickly promoted due to their ability to reach across party lines and are more electable (critical thinkers). As far as Ron Paul, he is what I would call a conservative democrat. He will come in last among the Republican candidates.
Friday, November 30, 2007
No more *gasp* hard thinking!
In just 26 easy questions, you can know who to vote for:
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html
The BCD behind Hillary?
I received this email a couple of weeks ago:
Do you guys support Hillary? The only true Democrats that are running for President are Mike Gravel and Dennis K.. Democrats should truly rally behind Congressman Ron Paul even though he is running as a Republican. What do you think?
The short answer is:
The Bell County Democrats have not yet endorsed a specific candidate. There tends to be many many discussions and disagreements when endorsing a candidate...I personally agree with you about Kucinich and Gravel. I think that Ron Paul is a surprise to Republicans and Dems alike because he represents something entirely opposite than the Bush administration. When the People have had enough, they tend to look for the absolute extreme opposite. He might just be that. In fact, two citizens have filed with the FEC, a Vietnam vet and a truck driver. People are sick and tired, I think.
I have forwarded your question on to the Dem. Chair, Arthur Resa. He should reply shortly. Please send any news you find my way.
Do you guys support Hillary? The only true Democrats that are running for President are Mike Gravel and Dennis K.. Democrats should truly rally behind Congressman Ron Paul even though he is running as a Republican. What do you think?
The short answer is:
The Bell County Democrats have not yet endorsed a specific candidate. There tends to be many many discussions and disagreements when endorsing a candidate...I personally agree with you about Kucinich and Gravel. I think that Ron Paul is a surprise to Republicans and Dems alike because he represents something entirely opposite than the Bush administration. When the People have had enough, they tend to look for the absolute extreme opposite. He might just be that. In fact, two citizens have filed with the FEC, a Vietnam vet and a truck driver. People are sick and tired, I think.
I have forwarded your question on to the Dem. Chair, Arthur Resa. He should reply shortly. Please send any news you find my way.
Candidates you won't hear about
Two candidates who have filed with Federal Elections Commission (FEC):
http://www.danfrancis2008.com/
I am the only Democrat who has seen combat – twice in Vietnam. I know combat. I also was a Marine interrogator my last few years on active duty, and I know about the issue of torture. I can tell you that it does not work under any conditions. As far as NSA domestic spying – all the lipstick in the world can't dress up that mess to try and make it look pretty or legal. It is an infringement on our most basic Constitutional rights. I have to wonder why the courts are so silent.
http://www.krueger08.com/index.cfm
"OUR MILITARY SHOULD BE USED AS A LAST RESORT, AND WHEN IT IS USED IT SHOULD BE VERY FORCEFUL WITH A SHORT AND CONCLUSIVE DURATION."
- Karl Krueger.
http://www.danfrancis2008.com/
I am the only Democrat who has seen combat – twice in Vietnam. I know combat. I also was a Marine interrogator my last few years on active duty, and I know about the issue of torture. I can tell you that it does not work under any conditions. As far as NSA domestic spying – all the lipstick in the world can't dress up that mess to try and make it look pretty or legal. It is an infringement on our most basic Constitutional rights. I have to wonder why the courts are so silent.
http://www.krueger08.com/index.cfm
"OUR MILITARY SHOULD BE USED AS A LAST RESORT, AND WHEN IT IS USED IT SHOULD BE VERY FORCEFUL WITH A SHORT AND CONCLUSIVE DURATION."
- Karl Krueger.
Call for precinct chairs
The Bell County Democratic party has vacancies for Precinct Chairs in many precincts. If you are interested or know someone who might be, browse the website http://democratsbellctytx.com and click on the Precinct News submenu. Follow the instructions in the Importance of Precinct Chairs item. The Precinct News page has a listing of current Precinct Chairs. If your precinct already has a Chair, contact them and let them know you would like to assist.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
12/7 speech from Mr. Bush
I watched Bush's speech today. Three different comments stuck out for me and I'm interested in how to interpret them:
1) "September...er...I mean...December 7th..." (In mentioning Pearl Harbor Mr. Bush insinuated September 11th. Is this an intentional mishap? Does he use his reputation of 'bad public speaker' to insert subliminal messages??
2) "A Democrat recently called for an immediate redeployment of troops..." (Mr. Bush would not say Cong. Murtha's name in his speech. I understand the political slam of not even uttering your nemesis's name, but if Bush wants to pretend enlightenment and subsequently demonstrate he is right in regard to Iraq, wouldn't you want to at least operate beyond a high school maturity level? I remember being a Freshman and refusing to speak my ex-boyfriend's name because I was still mad about something he said. But then I grew up. And human lives were not at my disposal.
3) Mr. Bush's all around presentation was poor. His apathy was apparent in the lack of emotional attachment he portrayed. Bush did not mean what he was saying. Several recent reports are claiming this is the effect of anti-depressants, which can have a sedative effect on the mind and body. Other reports are claiming it is the effect of his falling off the wagon. Even others are reporting that Bush might be exhausted from doing God's work, as he TRULY believes God is working through him. While it could be one big combination (like when you order Chinese food and ask for pork, chicken, and beef in your noodles), I really think media should attribute his attitude to his status as an emotional midget. I really do not believe that Bush has the capacity to understand the consequences of his actions. I believe that when deaths are reported to him, he views them like he is watching a movie: desensitized and separated by a movie screen.
He called us all pessimists while he wore his signature smirk. In fact, Mr. Bush pointed out that ANYONE who agreed with the Congressman-who-shall-not-be-named was a pessimist. Again, either we are with the President or we are against the President. So, what if he is not my President?
It is so difficult to keep up the fight sometimes. Especially when this default of a man spews fear all over the TV cameras. Any comments? I am spinning today.
1) "September...er...I mean...December 7th..." (In mentioning Pearl Harbor Mr. Bush insinuated September 11th. Is this an intentional mishap? Does he use his reputation of 'bad public speaker' to insert subliminal messages??
2) "A Democrat recently called for an immediate redeployment of troops..." (Mr. Bush would not say Cong. Murtha's name in his speech. I understand the political slam of not even uttering your nemesis's name, but if Bush wants to pretend enlightenment and subsequently demonstrate he is right in regard to Iraq, wouldn't you want to at least operate beyond a high school maturity level? I remember being a Freshman and refusing to speak my ex-boyfriend's name because I was still mad about something he said. But then I grew up. And human lives were not at my disposal.
3) Mr. Bush's all around presentation was poor. His apathy was apparent in the lack of emotional attachment he portrayed. Bush did not mean what he was saying. Several recent reports are claiming this is the effect of anti-depressants, which can have a sedative effect on the mind and body. Other reports are claiming it is the effect of his falling off the wagon. Even others are reporting that Bush might be exhausted from doing God's work, as he TRULY believes God is working through him. While it could be one big combination (like when you order Chinese food and ask for pork, chicken, and beef in your noodles), I really think media should attribute his attitude to his status as an emotional midget. I really do not believe that Bush has the capacity to understand the consequences of his actions. I believe that when deaths are reported to him, he views them like he is watching a movie: desensitized and separated by a movie screen.
He called us all pessimists while he wore his signature smirk. In fact, Mr. Bush pointed out that ANYONE who agreed with the Congressman-who-shall-not-be-named was a pessimist. Again, either we are with the President or we are against the President. So, what if he is not my President?
It is so difficult to keep up the fight sometimes. Especially when this default of a man spews fear all over the TV cameras. Any comments? I am spinning today.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Bell County Democrats have new location
The Bell County Democrats have a new location. Democratic chairman Arthur Resa is asking for volunteers to come and help with set-up this Saturday (December 3rd). If you are interested, give Arthur a call at (254) 939-7910.
Fellow Democrats:
We have signed a lease for an office space located at 111 N. East St. in Belton.
We are in need of volunteers to help clean the office space and help load stored furniture onto a trailer for the office. Volunteer(s) will need to mop floor, dust shelves, and arrange furniture.
If you are available to volunteer please let me know. We plan to gather at the office this coming Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
To Belton Office from Killeen:
Merge onto US-190 E.
(16.6 miles)
Merge onto I-35 N / US-81 N / US-190 E.
(0.7 miles)
Take EXIT 294A toward FM-253-SPUR / CENTRAL AVE / DOWNTOWN.
(0.2 miles)
Stay STRAIGHT to go onto I-35 N / US-190 E.
(<0.1>To Belton Office from Temple:
Merge onto I-35 S / US-81 S toward AUSTIN.
(6.3 miles)
Take the exit toward TX-253-SPUR / CENTRAL AVE. / DOWNTOWN.
(0.1 miles)
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto I-35 S / US-190 W.
(0.2 miles)
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E CENTRAL AVE / FM 253 LOOP.
(0.5 miles)
Turn RIGHT onto N EAST ST.
(<0.1 miles)
Fellow Democrats:
We have signed a lease for an office space located at 111 N. East St. in Belton.
We are in need of volunteers to help clean the office space and help load stored furniture onto a trailer for the office. Volunteer(s) will need to mop floor, dust shelves, and arrange furniture.
If you are available to volunteer please let me know. We plan to gather at the office this coming Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
To Belton Office from Killeen:
Merge onto US-190 E.
(16.6 miles)
Merge onto I-35 N / US-81 N / US-190 E.
(0.7 miles)
Take EXIT 294A toward FM-253-SPUR / CENTRAL AVE / DOWNTOWN.
(0.2 miles)
Stay STRAIGHT to go onto I-35 N / US-190 E.
(<0.1>To Belton Office from Temple:
Merge onto I-35 S / US-81 S toward AUSTIN.
(6.3 miles)
Take the exit toward TX-253-SPUR / CENTRAL AVE. / DOWNTOWN.
(0.1 miles)
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto I-35 S / US-190 W.
(0.2 miles)
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E CENTRAL AVE / FM 253 LOOP.
(0.5 miles)
Turn RIGHT onto N EAST ST.
(<0.1 miles)
Justice Staff Saw Texas Districting As Illegal
Voting Rights Finding On Map Pushed by DeLay Was Overruled
By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 2, 2005; A01
Justice Department lawyers concluded that the landmark Texas congressional redistricting plan spearheaded by Rep. Tom DeLay (R) violated the Voting Rights Act, according to a previously undisclosed memo obtained by The Washington Post. But senior officials overruled them and approved the plan.
The memo, unanimously endorsed by six lawyers and two analysts in the department's voting section, said the redistricting plan illegally diluted black and Hispanic voting power in two congressional districts. It also said the plan eliminated several other districts in which minorities had a substantial, though not necessarily decisive, influence in elections.
"The State of Texas has not met its burden in showing that the proposed congressional redistricting plan does not have a discriminatory effect," the memo concluded.
The memo also found that Republican lawmakers and state officials who helped craft the proposal were aware it posed a high risk of being ruled discriminatory compared with other options.
But the Texas legislature proceeded with the new map anyway because it would maximize the number of Republican federal lawmakers in the state, the memo said. The redistricting was approved in 2003, and Texas Republicans gained five seats in the U.S. House in the 2004 elections, solidifying GOP control of Congress.
J. Gerald "Gerry" Hebert, one of the lawyers representing Texas Democrats who are challenging the redistricting in court, said of the Justice Department's action: "We always felt that the process . . . wouldn't be corrupt, but it was. . . . The staff didn't see this as a close call or a mixed bag or anything like that. This should have been a very clear-cut case."
But Justice Department spokesman Eric W. Holland said the decision to approve the Texas plan was vindicated by a three-judge panel that rejected the Democratic challenge. The case is on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The court ruled that, in fact, the new congressional plan created a sufficient number of safe minority districts given the demographics of the state and the requirements of the law," Holland said. He added that Texas now has three African Americans serving in Congress, up from two before the redistricting.
Texas Republicans also have maintained that the plan did not dilute minority votes and that the number of congressional districts with a majority of racial minorities remained unchanged at 11. The total number of congressional districts, however, grew from 30 to 32.
The 73-page memo, dated Dec. 12, 2003, has been kept under tight wraps for two years. Lawyers who worked on the case were subjected to an unusual gag rule. The memo was provided to The Post by a person connected to the case who is critical of the adopted redistricting map. Such recommendation memos, while not binding, historically carry great weight within the Justice Department.
Under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Texas and other states with a history of discriminatory elections are required to submit changes in their voting systems or election maps for approval by the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
The Texas case provides another example of conflict between political appointees and many of the division's career employees. In a separate case, The Post reported last month that a team was overruled when it recommended rejecting a controversial Georgia voter-identification program that was later struck down as unconstitutional by a court.
Mark Posner, a longtime Justice Department lawyer who now teaches law at American University, said it was "highly unusual" for political appointees to overrule a unanimous finding such as the one in the Texas case.
"In this kind of situation, where everybody agrees at least on the staff level . . . that is a very, very strong case," Posner said. "The fact that everybody agreed that there were reductions in minority voting strength, and that they were significant, raises a lot of questions as to why it was" approved, he said.
The Texas memo also provides new insight into the highly politicized environment surrounding that state's redistricting fight, which prompted Democratic state lawmakers to flee the state in hopes of derailing the plan. DeLay and his allies participated intensively as they pushed to redraw Texas's congressional boundaries and strengthen GOP control of the U.S. House.
DeLay, the former House majority leader, is fighting state felony counts of money laundering and conspiracy -- crimes he is charged with committing by unlawfully injecting corporate money into state elections. His campaign efforts were made in preparation for the new congressional map that was the focus of the Justice Department memo.
One of two DeLay aides also under indictment in the case, James W. Ellis, is cited in the Justice Department memo as pushing for the plan despite the risk that it would not receive "pre-clearance," or approval, from the department. Ellis and other DeLay aides successfully forced the adoption of their plan over two other versions passed by Texas legislators that would not have raised as many concerns about voting rights discrimination, the memo said.
"We need our map, which has been researched and vetted for months," Ellis wrote in an October 2003 document, according to the Justice Department memo. "The pre-clearance and political risks are the delegation's and we are willing to assume those risks, but only with our map."
Hebert said the Justice Department's approval of the redistricting plan, signed by Sheldon T. Bradshaw, principal deputy assistant attorney general, was valuable to Texas officials when they defended it in court. He called the internal Justice Department memo, which did not come out during the court case, "yet another indictment of Tom DeLay, because this memo shows conclusively that the map he produced violated the law."
DeLay spokesman Kevin Madden called Hebert's characterization "nonsensical political babble" and echoed the Justice Department in pointing to court rulings that have found no discriminatory impact on minority voters.
"Fair and reasonable arguments can be made in favor of the map's merits that also refute any notion that the plan is unfair or doesn't meet legal standards," Madden said. "Ultimately the court will decide whether the criticisms have any weight or validity."
Testimony in the civil lawsuit demonstrated that DeLay and Ellis insisted on last-minute changes during the Texas legislature's final deliberations. Ellis said DeLay traveled to Texas to attend many of the meetings that produced the final map, and Ellis himself worked through the state's lieutenant governor and a state senator to shape the outcome.
In their analysis, the Justice Department lawyers emphasized that the last-minute changes -- made in a legislative conference committee, out of public view -- fundamentally altered legally acceptable redistricting proposals approved separately by the Texas House and Senate.
"It was not necessary" for these plans to be altered, except to advance partisan political goals, the department lawyers concluded.
Jerry Strickland, a spokesman for Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, said he did not have any immediate comment.
The Justice Department memo recommending rejection of the Texas plan was written by two analysts and five lawyers. In addition, the head of the voting section at the time, Joseph Rich, wrote a concurring opinion. Rich has since left the department and declined to comment on the memo yesterday.
The complexity of the arguments surrounding the Voting Rights Act is evident in the Justice Department memo, which focused particular attention on seats held in 2003 by a white Democrat, Martin Frost, and a Hispanic Republican, Henry Bonilla.
Voting data showed that Frost commanded great support from minority constituents, while Bonilla had relatively little support from Hispanics. The question to be considered by Justice Department lawyers was whether the new map was "retrogressive," because it diluted the power of minority voters to elect their candidate of choice. Under the adopted Texas plan, Frost's congressional district was dismantled, while the proportion of Hispanics in Bonilla's district dropped significantly. Those losses to black and Hispanic voters were not offset by other gains, the memo said.
"This result quite plainly indicates a reduction in minority voting strength," Rich wrote in his concurring opinion. "The state's argument that it has increased minority voting strength . . . simply does not stand up under careful analysis."
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