Action Alert Network

The dangerous constitutional amendment that would take away the right to abortion in Tennessee is back again. This year two resolutions, HJR61 and HJR66, have been introduced and both will be heard on Tuesday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. in the House Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee in Room 30.

Both resolutions begin “Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion…..”

HJR61 by Rep. Henry Fincher (D-Cookeville), calls for exceptions for rape, incest, and the heath of the mother. HJR66 by Rep. Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) does not contain exceptions.

Please contact members of the House Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee (http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/committees/sub-phfa.html) and your own state representative and tell them to vote NO on HJR61 and HJR66. The easiest way to identify your legislator is to go to www.capitol.tn.gov. If you type in your address and city and click “search” you will learn your state senator and state representative.

Talking Points

• HJR61 and HJR66 are both all-out attacks on Tennessee women and seekto rob them of their right to make choices about their own health, safety and personal welfare.
• Historically, the State and United States Constitutions have been amended to expand rights, not to take away rights.
• Despite what the anti-choice forces are telling legislators, there are a number of Tennessee laws which already regulate abortion, including parental consent, a ban on late-term abortions and patient informed consent.
• The number of abortions in Tennessee is declining and the focus should be on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies by providing education and resources, not on taking away privacy rights.

Background

The introduction of HJR61 and HJR66 is the result of the ACLU/Planned Parenthood victory in the Tennessee Supreme Court. We successfully challenged several restrictions in the Tennessee Abortion Statute, including the mandates that a woman seeking an abortion could only receive state-mandated information and counseling from a physician, and that she must subsequently wait 48-72 hours before returning to have the abortion performed. In September 2000, the Tennessee Supreme Court issued a momentous decision affirming a woman’s right to privacy as it pertains to her right to obtain an abortion.

The parental understanding was that by CMCSS decree  “unless the inauguration was directly related to what was being taught in a given class” the inauguration would not be watched. “Are you kidding me?” was quickly followed by feelings that  can best be described as “appalled, irate, embarassed…”

I, as a writer, history lover, activist, parent and grandparent, was, well,  stunned.

“Classroom teachers were not allowed to show the inauguration unless it dealt specifically with curriculum.” The parents in question said their understanding was that some parents did not want their children “to be ‘exposed’” to the  views of the candidate.” Candidate. First of all, Barack Obama stopped being a candidate when he won the election in November, 2008. Having taken the oath of office, he IS the President.

But let’s backtrack: this morning I called the CMCSS and spoke with Elise Shelton of the Communications office, who said she had fielded numerous calls on both sides of this issue, and that “some callers”  did not want these political “views” presented to their children. Shelton said that no school was specifically told that they could not present inaugural viewing, but said that teachers could link viewing to their (subject matter).

Subsequently, I spoke with Dr. Roz Evans, Director of CMCSS high schools, who also stated that no order was given to the schools, but that teachers “were very creative” in finding ways to link their subjects to the inauguration and that in some classes where this connection was not made, students did not watch the events in Washington unfold. Evans said that there were multiple ways that teachers in a variety of subject areas could make the connection: math students could calculate attendance, English classes could study the speeches, government classes had the obvious links, and so on. Evans had no numbers to indicate how many students or classes did or did not view the inauguration.

Rossview High School principal Frank Myers said that many students at his school watched the inauguration as part of history and government classes, but that “turning on the TV just to turn it on” was not something he encouraged. Teachers had “to tie (inauguation viewing) to some sort of curriculum.” Some classes did not watch it. Myers noted that two teachers and some 20 Rossview students went to Washington to view the inauguration.

Jimmie M. Garland Sr.

School Board member and local NAACP president Jimmie Garland was caught off guard Inauguration night by the reported  discrepancy in viewing access in CMCSS schools.

“I thought we were more progressive than that,” he said.  His CMCSS inquiry today found that many students were afforded a view of history as it happened. He said that  “a few” teachers did not  show the inauguration and that may have started the controversy. He was informed that the  district did not put out any instructions to not view the programming, he said, noting that the event came down to about “18 minutes of air time” showing the actual oaths of office taken by President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Nonetheless, he was disturbed by the fact that this obvious opportunity for a lesson  in American history was overlooked by any teacher.

“In past (election) years, there’s been nothing like this,” one unhappy mother said, voicing concern over the fact that parents were not notified that this possibility might happen, and that their children, in AMERICAN schools where AMERICAN HISTORY is taught, might not be allowed the opportunity to view this historic event.

Across America there has been a cry to “register to vote” (it’s your civic right and responsibility) and to cast that vote on election days  (it’s your civic right and responsibility). Virtually all of our students at some point in their tenure in CMCSS schools  are urged in their  History, Civics, Debate  and Contemporary issues classes to study the issues, understand their government, and apply critical thinking to the issues. Many of these same young people registered to vote as soon as they were eligible (age 18), which means many new registered voters are  still in high school. This wishy-washy undefined now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t action denies these same students  an equal opportunity to view the end result of their vote. Most students are required to take American History and Civics/Government; what better way to teach than to let all of them see the election process through to its conclusion. After all, it only happens once every four years — the length of time it takes to go through all those high school subjects.

On the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System website, viewers are greeted with a slide show that opens with a soldier (Fort Campbell connection?) and a child. Children, lots of children whose parents are soldiers,  attend CMCSS schools.  Guess what? Barack Obama is now their Commander-in-Chief, the top gun overseeing the military and the War in Iraq.

And then there is the simple fact of history, unless  some staff of the CMCSS system want to  rewrite it, or pretend it doesn’t exist, or cater to one set of adults (be it parents or teachers) who want to selectively hide history from their children.

America had a Revolutionary War,  Abe Lincoln freed the slaves,  and Martin Luther King Jr. marched for civil rights and spoke of a dream in a historic speech. Desegregation happened, which allows our city’s black and ethnic students to share classes with “the white folks’ children” after centuries of discrimination. And the dream came true for millions as an African-American man became educated, became a senator, maintained an intact family structure, changed the face of political campaigning,  and won the hearts of enough Americans to become their President …  our children are not supposed to watch that part of history as it happens? Shame! What’s next? Cutting out the pages on President Obama’s Inauguration from next year’s textbooks because one group of parents might not approve?

Whatever happened to “inquiring minds…” and “political discourse” and “critical thinking” as part of the learning  process?

The eyes of the world were on Washington.  The eyes of too many students were not. We should all be ashamed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  7:25 p.m. Geneva Bell1)  CALL TO ORDER

2)  PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3)  ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION

4)  ZONING:  PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING

1. ORDINANCE 21-2008-09 Amending the Official Code relative to signs and advertising structures
2. ORDINANCE 38-2008-09  Amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Clarksville, application of Sally Hamilton, Lawson Mabry-Agent, for zone change on property at Wilma Rudolph Boulevard & Trenton Road from R-1 Single Family Residential District  to C-5 Highway & Arterial Commercial District
3. ORDINANCE 39-2008-09  Amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Clarksville, application of Carrie Rives, Jason Daugherty-Agent, for zone change on property at Tracy Lane & Cherybark Lane from R-1 Single Family Residential District  to R-4 Multiple Family Residential District
4. ORDINANCE 40-2008-09  Amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Clarksville, application of Arthur Reynolds for zone change on property at Potomac Drive & Norfolk Drive from PUD-1 Planned Unit Development  to R-2 Single Family Residential District

5)  CONSENT AGENDA

All items in this portion of the agenda are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Council and may be approved by one motion; however, a member of the Council may request that an item be removed for separate consideration under the appropriate committee report:

1. ORDINANCE 20-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the 2009 Legislative Budget for voting system repair or replacement  ($17,320)
2. ORDINANCE 23-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Authorizing eminent domain to obtain rights-of-way and or easements for the marina
3. ORDINANCE 24-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the Official Code relative to mayor’s compensation
4. ORDINANCE 25-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the Official Code relative to relative to water and/or sewer service outside the city
5. ORDINANCE 26-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the Official Code relative to grease management for food service establishments
6. ORDINANCE 27-2008-09  (Second Reading) Amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Clarksville, application of Theodore Johnson, Rufus S. Johnson, III-Agent, for zone change on property at Memorial Drive and Richaven Road from R-1 Single Family Residential District, M-2 General Industrial District, and O-1 Office-Medical-Institutional-Civic District to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, MLUD Mixed Land Use District, and C-5 Highway & Arterial Commercial District
7. ORDINANCE 28-2008-09  (Second Reading) Amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Clarksville, application of Bobby A Long and Ann L. Thaxton for zone change on property at Rossview Road & Old Russellville Pike from R-3 Two & Three Family Residential District to O-1 Office-Medical-Institutional-Civic District
8. ORDINANCE 29-2008-09  (Second Reading) Amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Clarksville, application of David and Lesley Chapman and Harold E. Duetchmann for zone change on property at Clear Sky Court and Stokes Road from R-2 Single Family Residential District to C-2 General Commercial District
9. ORDINANCE 31-2008-09  (First Reading)  Amending the Official Code relative to animal control  (Public Safety Committee:  Approval)
10. ORDINANCE 36-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the 2009 Capital Projects Budget for various capital projects  ($32,324,000)
11. ORDINANCE 37-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the Official code relative to longevity
12. Adoption of Minutes:  October 2nd, November 5th, November 6th

6)  BUILDING & CODES COMMITTEE: Wayne Harrison, Chair

7) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: Wallace Redd, Chair

1. ORDINANCE 30-2008-09  (First Reading)  Amending the 2009 Building & Codes Operating Budget for expenses related to enforcement of sign regulations  ($20,000)   (Finance Committee:  Approval)
2. ORDINANCE 34-2008-09  (First Reading)  Amending the 2009 Fire Department Operating Budget for two Telesquirt fire trucks  ($137,850)  (Finance Committee:  Approval)
3. ORDINANCE 35-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending ORDINANCE 126-2007-08, 2009 General Government Operating Budget, relative to payment of a stipend   (Proposed Amendment)
4. RESOLUTION 29-2008-09     Authorizing disposition of real property located at 504 Elder Street   (Finance Committee:  Approval)

8) GAS & WATER COMMITTEE: Richard Swift, Chair

9) GENERAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Diana Ward, Chair

10) PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE: Marc Harris, Chair

11) PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Diana Ward, Chair

12) STREET COMMITTEE: Wayne Harrison, Chair

13)  TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Barbara Johnson, Chair

14) NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE 22-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Adopting River District Design Guidelines
2. ORDINANCE 32-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the Official Code relative to requirement of sidewalks and underground utilities in industrial districts
3. ORDINANCE 33-2008-09  (Second Reading)  Amending the 2009 Human Resources Department Operating Budget for employee pay study
4. Approval of Board Appointments:

Audit Committee:  Bob Palmer (replace Clark Nicholson-term expired), Nancy Ladd (replace Bob Yates-term expired) – January 2009 through December 2011

Fair Board:  Missy Graham (reappointment) and Dudley Griffin (replace Mike Harrison-term expired) – January 2009 through December 2009

Parking Authority:  Jane Olson (reappointment) – January 2009 through December 2012

15)  MAYOR AND STAFF REPORTS

16)  ADJOURNMENT

Rep. Tom Tancredo

New immigration law change adds conditions for immigrants seeking admission to the U.S. Foreswearing advocacy of Sharia Law to become an additional condition for visa and citizenship. Tennessee legislator co-sponsors anti-sharia law legislation.

During the 110th Congress, Rep. Tom Tancredo, (R-CO) introduced HR 6975, known as the Jihad Prevention Act. He introduced this legislation shortly after the United Kingdom voted to isanction the inclusion of Sharia Law into the English Law system. Tancredo’s bill would require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia Law System in the United States. This declaration would be required of all aliens seeking entry to the United States either via citizenship, naturalization or visa. This stipulation would be added to requirements already in place for all aliens seeking to enter our country. Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp, (R-3rd US District) has signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill. The bill is still before the Judiciary Committee.

The text of the bill is listed below.

HR 6975 IH; 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6975

To require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States as a condition for admission, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 18, 2008

Mr. TANCREDO introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States as a condition for admission, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Jihad Prevention Act’.

SEC. 2. INELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION FOR ALIENS FAILING TO MAKE ATTESTATION.

Section 212(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(G) SHARIA LAW SYSTEM- Any alien who fails to attest, in accordance with procedures specified by the Secretary of Homeland Security, that the alien will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States is inadmissible.’.

SEC. 3. REVOCATION OF VISAS.

Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The visa of any alien advocating the installation of a Sharia law system in the United States shall be revoked.’.

SEC. 4. REVOCATION OF NATURALIZATION.

Section 340(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1451(a)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following: `Advocating the installation of a Sharia law system in the United States shall constitute a ground for revocation of a person’s naturalization under this subsection.’

Rep. Zach Wamp, TN-R

Awareness of the legislation being introduced by our legislators is vital to the people’s ability to monitor and critique that government. Congressman Zach Wamp is a Tennessee legislator. For more information on this bill or to express your concerns, position, contact him at his Washington, DC office: Rep. Zach Wamp; 1436 Longworth House Office Building; Washington, DC 20515. He can be reached on the internet at: <http://www.house.gov/wamp/contact_email.shtm>.

Other members of the Tennessee federal legislative delegation include Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Lincoln Davis. Rep. John Tanner, Rep. Bart Gordon, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. John Duncan, Rep. David Davis and Rep. Jim Cooper.

For Ward 8 City Council candidate David Cutting, political campaigning is a family affair. Photo by Bill Larson.

Normally we look to experience as the reason for retaining an incumbent in our local government. However, we must exercise our right to review the accomplishments within his tenure.

In Clarksville City Council’s Ward 8, the incumbent fails to justify re-election.

He talks of his monthly town hall meetings. However, he holds them in a remote area of the ward, inconvenient to most residents. The local newspaper publicized the meetings, but he did not even attend the last two.

He talks of returning phone messages, but does not return e-mails, even ones with concerns about a subject as serious as absence of tornado sirens. As tornado activity increases in our area, most residents have no warning of impending catastrophe.

He takes credit for cameras on our traffic lights, but fails to research the fact that the cameras actually cause accidents.

He states that property taxes will increase gradually, without concern that many residents cannot afford tax increases in this economic recession.

He talks about improving public safety, yet failed to present justifiable salary increases to our firefighters and police officers.

Thanks to the incumbent, in this large area of our otherwise beautiful city, the only neighborhoods to enjoy the safety of sidewalks are the newly constructed subdivisions.

The Leaf-Chronicle quotes him as opposed to big industry, because the city has seen sustained growth without one. Without industry, where will we find employment, and where will we get our tax revenues?

The Leaf-Chronicle also quotes him as wanting a public library in Ward 8. He apparently does not realize that the library system is a county, not a city responsibility.

He admits, as an authority figure, to an extra-marital indiscretion in June of 2007, which caused embarrassment to our city and disgrace to his office.

Now is the time to replace the incumbent, and I pledge to return dignity to the office and respond to the needs of the residents.

Clarksville-Montgomery County “League Of Voter Empowerment” (L.O.V.E.)

The League’s mission statement says the group “will endorse and vote for the candidates that we believe best support our agenda and we will work to vote out the elected officials that we know do not have the best interest of their constituents in mind.

During the last election season, nine candidates on the ballot endorsed by L.O.V.E. won their races and are still representing their constituency today. The League encourages everyone to cast your their vote on Election Day; “your vote is your voice!”

The League Of Voter Empowerment endorsements are:

• President of the United Sates: Barack Obama
• United States Senate: Robert D. Tuke
• United States House Of Representatives 7th congressional district: Randy G. Morris
• United States House Of Representatives 8th congressional district: John Tanner
• Tennessee Senate 22nd senatorial district: Tim Barnes
• Tennessee House Of Representatives 67th representative district: Joe Pitts
• Tennessee House Of Representatives 78th representative district: David W. Davidson
• City Judge: Charles Smith
• City Council Ward 3: Vincent S. Kruk
• City Council Ward 4: Edward Fowler
• City Council Ward 5: Candy Johnson
• City Council Ward 8: David Cutting
• City Council Ward 9: Joel Wallace
• City Council Ward 12: Jeff Burkhart

The League Of Voter Empowerment does not support the following referendum question:

REFERENDUM: Shall Resolution 08-7-2, which increases the local Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax for Education from Thirty Dollars ($30.00) to Fifty Dollars ($50.00) to be appropriated to the Clarksville Montgomery County School System’s Transportation Fund be approved?

Okay, when McCain first popped on the Election 2008 radar back in that early New Hampshire primary, I was next door in Vermont, wondering with a bit of perverse pleasure how McCain managed to dislodge the likes of Romney, Giuliani, and others in a presidential nomination bid. It just got interesting, I thought. Little did I know…

I know now, though, that his nomination has been a boon to the Democratic Party, a boon magnified orders of magnitude by his choice of Palin as VP. Thank you, John for handing over so many states to the Dems. Three times in a row, I watched the debates, and watched the post debate charts fade from red to pink to yellow to light blue…you get the idea.

Senator John McCain

I am dumbfounded that in three debates, McCain never found his footing, never managed to get the knock-out punch in, not one, not on any subject. All Obama had to do was break even to win. The first debate was not the showstopper it should have been; the subsequent and much heralded town meeting was a colossal bore with more action on the streets of Nashville than the under the lights at Belmont University. In both cases, Obama came out ahead, though not with the power of his early campaign speeches and interviews. One more shot, I thought. They have one more chance to get it right.

Wednesday’s final debate in New York, which was deftly moderated by Bob Schieffer of CBS, was the right format with the right moderator. It was the right fit for Obama, who both looked and sounded presidential, who exuded the right levels of charm and intelligence (not hard considering the competition), who had the answers to the questions, even when the answers were tough for some viewers to swallow. McCain entwined himself in the life of “Joe the plumber” (perhaps not the same Joe six-pack of Palin fame) and hammer that poor man to the ground. Once, twice a mention, maybe. But for heaven’s sake, John, give it a rest.

Senator Barack Obama

What America saw Wednesday night was an articulate educated black man who was at ease with himself, his opinions, his ideas, a man who looks at America with a reality check, not a blank check, and looks and sounds presidential while doing it.

What America saw Wednesday night was a war hero who despite his honorable service to his country was now incapable of staying the subject, unable to pronounce or string words and sentences together without rambling off the issue and changing the subject, a man who resurrected old themes and could not give any genuine assurance that he was not still a participant on the GOP/Bush playing field.

What distressed me the most?

McCain’s opinion that we “need to reward these good teachers.” Hey, nothing wrong with that. Oh wait, here’s the rest of that story:

• “We need to encourage programs such as Teach for America and Troops to Teachers where people, after having served in the military, can go right to teaching and not have to take these examinations which — or have the certification that some are required in some states.” ~~ John McCain
  

And then there was:

• A little detail of McCain’s not knowing the difference between Down’s Syndrome that affects Palin’s youngest son, interchanging that diagnosis for autism, which is an entirely different issue. If he does know the difference, he failed to articulate that.

And then there was:

• That detail of the $5,000 taxable tax credit for health care. Oh, yes, somewhere there is a plan available for $5,800 a year. How many families will actually find a $5,800 plan that covers all their needs? I certainly haven’t found one yet. And probably don’t have the difference to fund a realistic plan that would run me, at my present age/health, somewhere in the vicinity of $10,000-12,000 a year. McCain has also said nothing about pre-existing conditions.Is that $5,000 tax credit something you have to spend before you can claim it and then have it taxed? Or am I missing something here?

And was anyone else bothered by the fact that McCain simply could not stay on point? That he stumbled through words and phrases in a way that rivals George Bush? That he meandered across his own view of the political landscape, which holds a wide disconnect from middle America reality? That he fumbled and stumbled through a number of questions just as Palin did in several of her interviews? McCain simply did not look or sound presidential and that’s a trickle down effect on Palin. Or did it surge up from her?

My belief is that college needs to be made affordable, that the bar in educational standards must be raised significantly higher, that everyone has a right to health care and prescription medications, that we need to build a new economic structure for America that will include green jobs and a return to industry that has for some time been shifted offshore. My belief is that women need to have a right to choose, not have reproductive choices made for them by people who do not have to deal with the realities or circumstances behind these choices.

My belief is that no candidate is going to fix America’s problem in four years of a first term presidency. The only thing a new president can do is start working on the problems we face as a nation, and as individuals. The only thing a new president can do is have a plan rooted in reality that can be implemented in a progressive series of laws and actions for the long term. Investments in education, energy, industry, small business, take time to mature: we have lapsed in many areas, and there is no quick fix, no painless recovery.

What I saw Wednesday night was a candidate, Senator Obama, who had a reality check and a plan to fix what ails America. I’m not exactly sure what McCain was offering that would be of any use to middle America.

Sarah Palin has stated she believes in a literal translation of the Bible; a literal translation of the Bible dates creation of the Earth at 4000 B.C. Is the U.S. prepared to elect someone who truly believes dinosaurs became extinct only 6000 years ago? Forget the fact that science has proven the age of the Earth to be in the billions of years through countless (independent of each other) disciplines. Is the U.S. prepared to give the nuclear launch codes to someone who cannot pronounce the word ‘nuclear’ and refuses to believe in the science that created it?

Sarah Palin stated that it was God’s will to have a pipeline in Alaska; she followed this statement by asking a church full of followers to pray for its manifestation. I may be wrong because I admit I am not a Bible scholar, but it has been my understanding that God’s design for the planet was perfect to begin with and ever since sin man has only been able to ruin it with greater ease. Wouldn’t that include destroying thousands of square miles to drill for oil? Shouldn’t a Christian ask in their prayers to end man’s destruction of the Earth and not to increase it?

Sarah Palin supports making abortions of all sorts illegal under all circumstances, yet when asked up front about it in an interview with Katie Couric she was unable to defend her position other than to say she would advise the hypothetical worst case scenario woman/girl not to seek an abortion. If you stand for something, stand strong, state your case and stand by it. This sort of political meandering is surely a sign of things to come. She supported a bill while mayor that makes rape victims pay for their own rape kits while under the care of the public health system(getting raped in Sarah Palin world= $1200 and 20 to life for an abortion, electing an idiot= Priceless). Is this the sort of compassion America needs in a leader?

When Katie Couric asked Sarah Palin what periodicals she has read that have influenced her world view, first she replied that she had read them again (therefore at least twice), then afterward when asked to give an example said “uh… all of them, uh… any of them” and was unable to give a single example after an awkward moment of silence followed by a diversion about Alaska not being a foreign country…? WHAT? I have heard rhetoric like this before usually immediately followed by my saying in a loud voice “LIAR!” Really, if you cannot answer the question, ‘what magazines do you read’ honestly, what else are you going to lie about?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sarah Palin supports Hamas seriously? She would rather say Hamas needs our support before admitting she doesn’t know what it is? This makes a good leader? Since when is more obfuscation what Americans need?

Basic Geography: You can see Russia from the outermost Alaskan Islands

While commenting on what qualifies her having ‘foreign policy’ experience by way of Alaska’s proximity to Russia, Sarah Palin explained that she could actually see Russia from Alaska. What? So I have seen dozens of countries; does that mean I have dozens of times more experience than Sarah Palin? By her definition it does. If she bases her qualification to be V.P. on such nonsense can we trust her judgment about accepting the nomination for V.P.?

In a discussion about whether or not the U.S. has the right to invade Pakistan to stop Al Queda without the approval of their government, Sarah Palin said she would not even blink before she invaded. This was actually in complete contradiction to John McCain, whose platform has been not to invade without prior approval and should in no way be acceptable to the American people. Are we about to elect a V.P. who thinks we have the right to invade any sovereign nation in the world without blinking?

Sarah Palin spent 48 million dollars on a road that literally goes nowhere! Yet she gave her speech dozens of times claiming to have championed the fight against useless spending: is it ignorance or boldface lying? Which is worse?

Unfortunately, we should all know where this is headed. After eight years of leadership(or something), Bush has brought the U.S. success and pride in the Justice system, Iraq, the writ of habeas corpus, the hunt for Osama bin Laden, the hurricane Katrina disaster, preventing terrorism, the economy, torture, interpretation of the constitution, and general overall prosperity and good fortune across the globe (when was the last time Americans were so well liked?). If Sarah Palin, oops, I mean when Sarah Palin becomes President I am sure more great successes just like these are in store for Americans and the rest of the world, God bless.

70 is the new 40, vote Mccain 08!

The lines to vote were as long as last weeks' lines to register; early voting is off to a heavy start!

The Obama/Biden McCain/Palin bout is the headliners, presidential tickets that read like a history-making vote for change with a man who could be the country’s first African American president or what some fear will be a Bush redux, same old same old, in the top slot and America’s first potential female in one of the top two federal slots.

Senator Kurita explains the write-in process to a voter

In Clarksville, it’s the Kurita-Barnes race that has the locals fired up. Senator Kurita spent the day with her political shirtsleeves rolled up, campaigning face to face with the first round of voters taking advantage of Tennessee’s early voting. Kurita, who is running a write in campaign, said today she will continue her hands-on campaigning through the November 4th election, as she works to retain her Senate seat. Although Kurita won the primary race by 19 votes, that part of the election was overturned; subsequent action and a 61-4 vote by tri-county Dems executive committees put Barnes on the ballot. A Kurita lawsuit in this matter was squelched, but Kurita, who was barefoot after eight hours of on-her-feet politicking, and her ardent supporters, aren’t giving up without one last battle, and it is being waged one voter at a time. Her opponent, Atty. Tim Barnes, had a cadre of campaign workers on the scene as well. His blue “Barnes” signs on the right, Kurita’s red signs on the right, as cars entered and left the plaza lot.

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Here are the days and times when registered voters can go to the Election Commission office to cast their votes:

Early Voting: October 15 -30, 2008

Wednesday, October 15,Thursday, October 16, and Friday October 17: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, October 18: 8 a.m. to noon.

Monday, October 20, Tuesday, October 21, Wednesday, October 22, Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, October 25: 8 a.m. to noon.

Monday, October 27, Tuesday, October 28, Wednesday, October 29, Thursday, October 30: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting ends on October 30, at 6 p.m., to allow Election Commission officials to set up local polling places for the formal election on the first Tuesday (11/4) of November, 2008.

For more information, call (931) 648-5707.

Sen. Barack Obama

Sen. John McCain

The Montgomery County Democratic Party will host the third and final debate watch party at MCDP headquarters, 534 Madison Street,  on Wednesday, October 15 at 8 p.m. (CST).  Refreshments will be served.

The first debate, held in St. Louis, Missouri, gave an edge to Senator Obama, while the second debate, deemed “lackluster” by viewers and political pundits alike, nonetheless also gave Obama an edge.

The global fiscal crisis underwent a volcanic eruption in the intervening week and has given both candidates new urgency when it comes to calming voter fears and offering a strong economic platform rather than feinting off accusatory blows and personal attacks. The American public wants a steadfast candidate with a solid plan to resurrect the US economy, keep jobs afloat and keep enough money coming in to pay bills and mortgages, and put food on the table.

For additional information call 931-552-5523.

Gov. Sarah Palin

The verdict is in: Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin “abused her power as Alaska’s Governor” when she tried to get her former brother-in-law, an Alaskan state trooper, fired. This ethics issue and the investigation it spurred has dogged Palin throughout her vice-presidential bid.

Palin allegedly dismissed Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan fired after he refused to fire trooper Mike Wooten, Palin’s former brother-in-law. Wooten had gone through a bitter divorce battle with Palin’s sister.

The news flashed across international television and the internet this evening after a bipartisan Legislative Council, which had authorized the investigation of Palin’s actions in this case, adopted the 263-page public report with no dissenting votes following a lengthy executive session today. An additional 1,000 pages of this report remain confidential.

The report clearly states that “Gov. Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda”  and that Monegan’s refusal to fire Wooten was “likely a contributing factor” in Monegan’s dismissal. As governor, Palin had the authority to fire Monegan.

The report, however, states that Palin’s attempt to get Wooten fired “violated state ethics laws” that prohibit public officials from using their authority to pursue a personal agenda.

Pre-presidential debate event is well attended with diverse community population. Hispanic/Latino community activists speak out on election, progress, and issues facing all voters.

The Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters, 534 Madison Street, served as the host site for the Latinos For Obama House Party. As a prelude to the 2nd presidential debate, the gathering was a well attended affair that drew participants from beyond just the Latino/Hispanic community.

Fabian Bedne, making a point...

Fabian Bedne, an architectural engineer, was the guest speaker for the event. Bedne is a founding member and President of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democrats, founding member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Tennessee Hispanic Voters Coalition PAC, and member of the Executive Committee of the Davidson County Democratic Party.

Bedne has been featured various times in news print, television and recently spoke to Latino Democrats from around the country as an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Fabian Bedne addresses voters at MCDP headquarters

Bedne is also a board member of Habitat for Humanity, a founding member of Metro schools’ Comité de Padres Latinos (COPLA) Committee of Latino Parents, member of the Community Relations Committee of the Nashville Jewish Federation, and member of the Tennessee Delegate Selection Plan Committee of the Tennessee Democratic Party. He has also mentored students in the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program.

Parents listen intently as Bedne speaks.

Bedne stated that he is a supporter of educational achievement and economic development. In the past, the Black community and the Latino/Hispanic communities have both received the same political consideration in American politics, namely that of being ignored or taken for granted, marginalized.

“Like the Black community, we know what it is to only see or hear from politicians during an election cycle and after the election, they disappear for four years and forget your name until the next election rolls around.”~~ Fabian Bedne

During his address he noted that issues of concern to the Latino/Hispanic community are the same as with the Black community. He stated that many assume that immigration is the top concern of Latinos and Hispanics but that is incorrect. “We care about the economy, education, the war and then immigration, in that order.”

He also told the gathering that “Hispanics being seen as the largest minority in the United States has resulted in efforts targeting Latinos and Hispanics for specialized intimidation and voter suppression.” Flyers and rumors pour into the communities with misinformation and untruths designed to scare Latinos and Hispanics from seeking to register or go to the polls to vote. Bedne stated that many Latinos and Hispanics come from a background where law enforcement is not an true agent of public service for the common citizen but rather an extension of the power structure to suppress the people.

“It takes an intensive education effort to undo that kind of conditioning. Sadly there are political operatives here in this country who prey upon the immigrants ingrained fears of police to discourage our community from fully participating in the American system of government.” ~~ Fabian Bedne

Bedne stated that education is important, on many levels. “You can’t educate the child if the parents aren’t involved. Yet many Latinos/Hispanics have many issues which prevent them from being involved in their children’s education. Lack of English language proficiency and the quest for profitable employment are chief among these issues.”

“This is a great country. For us, prior to coming here, we only know what we see in the movies. But when we get here, we stay here because we see just how great life is in the United States. The Latino/Hispanic community is not trying to tear down this country, quite the opposite.”~~ Fabian Bedne

They recognize the promise that is America and seek to participate in that ideal.

During the question and answer session that followed his address, an audience member asked, ” “How do you answer someone who tells you vote your biblical heritage?” Another individual responded saying, “I would tell them, my biblical heritage tells me to vote for someone who will help the poor, who will feed the hungry, who will shelter the homeless and clothe the naked and drive the moneychangers out of the temples. Someone who will do unto his fellowman as he or she would wish done for himself.” This response was soundly applauded.

Other Latino community activists in attendance were also introduced to the gathering.

Yoland Echezarria (at left), a Fort Campbell Middle school teacher, is also a voter registration volunteer in the Hispanic community, indicating the value she places on the rights and responsibility of individuals to not only register to vote but to show up at the polls and vote.

Angel Natal, (at right with Frankie DeJesus), is a member of the Clarksville Fire Department and is also active in voter registration activity, promoting educational achievement and community organizing.

Frankie DeJesus is a student at Austin Peay State University, a member of the APSU College Democrats, and Director of Minority Affairs for the State Federation of College Democrats Outreach to the Minority Community.

Candidates for public office were then acknowledged.

Candy Johnson (at right), candidate for City Council Ward 5, David Cutting, candidate for City council Ward 8, Tim Barnes (above right), Democratic candidate for State Senate District 22 and State Rep. Joe Pitts, State House District 67 were presented to the gathering. Socializing followed with refreshments being served as everyone waited for the second presidential debate, live from Belmont University to begin.

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SDS: "Youth are not Cannon fodder"

As a global audience tuned in on the second presidential debate, held at Belmont University in Nashville, all the action was happening on the streets surrounding the campus. Political commentators and pundits agreed that the town hall debate format simply didn’t work, that the hoped for verbal battles failed to detonate any real excitement. Outside, it was another story.

I opted out of specific local debate coverage, and with CO writer Debbie Boen instead headed to Nashville to make our own voices heard. Debbie, founder of the FreeThinkers for Peace and Civil Liberties, and I (a devout member) headed for 21st and Blakemore, two blocks from the Debate Hall, center of the Nashville Peace Coalition et al rally and press conference. The Coalition the night before sponsored “an alternative debate” featuring the other candidates in the running for the US presidency. The ones without the political machine and the super-sized budgets.

Nearing Nashville on I-24 we were greeted with traffic signs directing debate trackers to the proper exits, so naturally, we made a wrong turn, got slightly misdirected and ended up exactly where we needed to be. Serendipity can be wonderful.

As we navigated Nashville, we were amazed at the sheer volume of Obama and issue-oriented activism; the streets were overflowing with energized people, male, female, old, young, diverse economic backgrounds. All motivated and more than ready to have their voices heard. At 4 p.m., the streets had already been layered with activists for hours. At 5 p.m., the press conference and public statements that had lured us to Nashville began.

“We have seen what Nashville looks like during a small gas crisis — tempers flaring, people irate — long lines. What would happen if it lasted a week? A month? A year? If the power shut down? How about if the food ran out in the grocery stores? If nobody removed your trash? How would people react? We’ve seen a taste of things to come in New Orleans? Welcome to the next Miramax movie.”

Then cam a quoted from a 9.8.08 Army Times article, barely a blip on the media radar, that reported:

“The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat team that has spent 35 of the last 60 months in Iraq patrolling in full battle rattle, helping to restore essential services and escorting supply convoys has now been ordered to come home and be under the command of the US Army North, an on-call federal response force for natural disasters or manmade emergencies including terrorist attacks.

“The 1st BCT’s soldiers will learn how to use ‘the first ever nonlethal package that the Army has fielded’” states 1st BCT Commander Col. Roger Cloutier — referring to crowd and traffic control equipment and non lethal weapon designed to subdue unruly or dangerous individuals without killing them.”

As this voice boomed through the crowd and across Nashville streets, listeners were reminded of  how these weapons were used most recently at protests during the Republican national Convention. Pepper spray, tazers, assault weapons and sound grenades used by police in tandem with federal officials and task force. The result? Dissenting opinions were silenced. News commentator Amy Goodman and her news crew were arrested.

“Iraq is the practice grounds for what is coming to America.” That statement summed up part one of this presentation.

One perspective on the Iraq War...

When I took the microphone, I recounted my feelings at seeing a fairly recent film, Across the Universe, which is one of the better anti-war films I’ve seen. Advertising as “the new Beatles music movie,” it begins with the Camelot/Kennedy era innocence, until the scene, circa 1965 or so — frames two soldiers speaking to a mother who crumples to the stoop, having learned her son was killed in Vietnam. Scene shift: young women in little black dresses, white gloves, pearls, standard mourning garb.  I had that dress, those pearls, the pristine gloves. In 1965. ‘66. ‘67. ‘68. ‘69. And ‘70. More than once in some years. I protested the war then. Same peace symbol. Same songs. Same handmade signs. I watched this film with a sinking feeling of memory in my gut, a “deja vu” across the decades to now.

New recruits carry Lady Liberty across napalm'd fields of Vietnam in "Across the Universe"

I told my listeners how I grew up outside a major northeastern Air Force Base. Years later I became complacent, and moved through midlife and yes, through that earlier Gulf War, taking care of family, work, and all the mundane things.

“When I moved to Tennessee in 2004, I found myself outside another major military base, with another war raging, and suddenly the same symbols, signs, songs and outrage surged. I never thought I’d be doing this again. Not at 58. Forty years, and apparently we haven’t learned too much. This time, though, we’ve added economic disaster to the mix.”

Members of the SDS speak out against war

I watched as the new incarnation of the SDS (Students for a Democratic Society – and yes, there is an SDS group at APSU too) stepped up to the microphone, calling for young voters to be a “catalyst for change.”  Joey King of Veterans for Peace spoke, followed by Liz Barger of the Code Pink ladies. Senate Candidate Chris Lugo. Eric Schechter. Brian Moore, Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. Roger Clark of the Nader/Gonzalez presidential ticket. Green Party Senate candidate John Migllietta.

‘Debate Ralph Nader’ signs were everywhere. As were “Christians for Planned Parenthood.” And “‘Forecloz’ Wall Street.”

The song “I Miss America” was sung to the melody of God Bless America, substituting civil liberties losses among other losses American citizens have endured.

The line may have seemed thin at times, but it was "never-ending"...

Across the street, a steady line of Obama supporters marched toward Debate Central. A French documentary filmmaker filmed and interviewed our group, among others. The C-Span, CNN and NEA buses passed by, the latter scrolling statements of what Iraq war funding could buy for Americans on the home front. The NEA bus was, for me, the “best of show.” Police presence was everywhere, but thankfully not in an aggressive stance. We haven’t apparently reached a  point requiring RNC response tactics — yet.

Cars passing by waved, honked their horns, gave the “V” for victory sign. The rain held off. The crowds remained steady, heavy and true.

As Debbie and I left Nashville, the streets were still alive with people carrying signs and banners, with the dozens and dozens of young Green Power group toting pristine white windmills from their designated protest site through downtown.

What was refreshing was the eclectic of mix of people, and more importantly, the energized young people blasted out of complacency by war and economics to take action and stand up to have their voices heard. In them, I saw pieces of myself from forty years ago. It was an honor to share the streets of Nashville not just with those who have done this before, but with those who are finding their political voice for the first time.

The lackluster debate may have meandered over old territory, but it was a brave new world beyond that forum.

All Photos by Debbie Boen. “Across the Universe” frame from Revolution Studios/Sony Pictures.

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With just hours to go, prospective voters wait in line to register at the Montgomery County Election Commission.

Kandi Johnson and Adam Green politicking at University Drive and Madison Street on Monday.

Given the appalling primary turnout (12%) in Montgomery County, this burst of energy and interest in the upcoming election is, to say the least, both refreshing and inspiring.

Political pundits are accustomed to voting records and voter histories to predict the course of any given election. It remains to be seen what this surge of “new blood” will bring to the politcal battlefield. What it does say is that initial interest sparked over the Iraq conflict and issues such as immigration has exploded into serious concern about the U.S. economy.

Hey, Washington. Pay attention. The people you represent are about to speak. Loudly. In greater numbers, it seems, than we have seen in decades.

The line was 80-deep at mid-afternoon at the Election Commission office.

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