English Only?

Isn't our state motto in Latin? Does every state university with Latin in their seals have to change it to all English? Wouldn't every government building with a V instead of a U have to alter those letters? The English only agenda is nothing more than a wedge issue to drum of fear and racism towards immigrants.

TDDs: Who's watching the money and who's calling the shots?

TDD or transportation development districts are used by developers to recoup for the cost of the added infrastructure needs their development generates. This is usually by charging an added sales tax to all the patrons of businesses that are part of that commercial development. Many see this is taxation without representation. Proponents of TDDs will tell those opponents they could shop elsewhere. But how many citizens know which developments have these special districts? It is not posted anywhere and only after a purchase is made will the consumer know of its existence. Another problem, brought up by Karl Skala, 3rd ward councilperson of the Columbia City Council during a campaign forum this spring, is that TDDs are dictating how Columbia is growing. He believes that the city should have more oversight and input on how Columbia should expand. So not only is this a taxation without representation issue, it's also an urban sprawl without city oversight issue as well.

What's a metaphor?

A metaphor: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly : figurative language

For instance, when someone says something like "call off the dogs", it does not mean people are dogs. It means to have those people stop hunting or searching for something or someone like search dogs.

It is funny because I heard from a friend that someone they knew with a lot of education took it literal. I hope the voucher people don't hear about this, they would want to privatize every school in Missouri. :)

YouTube and 2008

I am not really sold on the premise that YouTube will be a great influence in this next election. Many say that this might get young adults (18-24) interested in politics. Call me skeptical, but we've been trying to this for years. From Arsenio Hall to Rock the Vote, it seems that this young demographic hasn't realized their political power. If they realized what kind of power students have in other westernized nations, they may try to emulate this country. It seems that most of these students are suburbanites that have been taught that their way of life is ideal and there is nothing to really protest or complain about. It is appalling how many students have such conservative views about economics and life in general. Try to pin them down on a certain economic principle and sadly they will regurgitate Hannity, Rush, or some other talking head. The only way I see young voters coming together as a political force is they must have a common ideal, vision, or nemesis to fight for or against.

Campaign Limits: Will the courts punish those municipal elections?

A lot of the press has been focused on how certain statewide and state legislators will possible have to return some of their campaign contributions. Again I will like to know if further rulings from the Missouri Supreme Court on this issue will take into account the municipal elections that already took place this spring? There are certain city council and school board elections that have run it's course and these campaigns do not have money in their accounts to refund excess contributions. I do agree that those political offices that are to be determined in 2008 should refund excess monies. The reason being is that not everyone has entered the races and technically have till the end of March to run. Those folks will not have the chance to solicit uncapped contributions and therefore those who started the fundraising during the unlimited fundraising period would have an unfair advantage. On the bright side, Matt Blunt will have to refund tons of money. On the not so bright side, Jay Nixon will have to pay back a good chuck of money as well.

Local DFA gets coverage on Michael Moore's Sicko Blog

I'm really excited that Columbia Mo. got coverage on Moore's SICKO Blog. It feels real good that a small but passionate group of activists can make a difference and inspire others to see beyond what the mainstream media has been telling them and to use common sense. I am glad that Moore made this film. My sister told me she hates Moore, but what he said in his film was right on. I really don't care what people think of the messenger, as long as the message gets through.

Missouri Supreme Court Restores Campaign Contribution Limits: What now?

According to a Columbia Tribune article, campaign limits are now back in effect. Now most statewide, state senate, and state rep candidates will be able to return those contribution that exceed the limit. but what happens to those municipal races, city council and school board candidates, who already raised and spent that money. Granted, there are probably not many huge contributions, but most of these campaign committees do not have cash on hand after the election. Though it would probably be nice to see Gov. Blunt give back a $50,000 contribution back. it will be interesting to watch.

Sicko

I just saw the movie Sicko by Micheal Moore Monday night. It is a shame that in this country life and death decisions are based on profit and not need. Many critics will point out that Cuban hospitals are crumbling and not well lit. However the point of the movie is that Cuba is a poor nation, but still provides health care on par with the US. In Missouri as in any state, we have great health care, but if you can't afford it, what good is it to you? People need to stop listening to the talking heads talking about government control of health care and the bureaucracy it will create. guess what folks, there is a huge private, for profit, bureaucracy going strong already. A message to the flag waving working poor. Wake up! As you are going bankrupt trying to pay medial bills, the republicans are enhancing their status with the health care industry. Quit helping the rich get more rich at your expense, time to fix this broken system.

ACTBlue can now help fundraise for county committees and organizations.

ActBlue now can help fundraise for local candidates, organizations, or county committees. You can even set up your own fundraising page.