Just in case people can't come up with enough reasons on their own why John McCain is not the choice for women, ABC News reports on how one Texas oilman, Clayton Williams, who is a McCain supporter slipped up:
ABC's Rick Klein reports: Sen. John McCain on Friday abruptly cancelled a Monday fundraiser that had been scheduled at the home of a Texas oilman, after ABC News contacted the campaign inquiring about a verbal blunder the Texan made during an unsuccessful 1990 campaign for governor. Clayton Williams stirred controversy during his 1990 campaign for governor of Texas with a botched attempt at humor in which he compared rape to weather. Within earshot of a reporter, Williams said: “As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”
McCain's campaign is on the record for nixing the event due to those comments:
McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers said the Monday event was being cancelled, given the offensive comments. He said he could not yet say what McCain would do with donations brought into the campaign by Williams. "These were obviously incredibly offensive remarks that the campaign was unaware of at the time this event was scheduled," Rogers said. He added that Williams apologized for the comments back in 1990, but he said that does not excuse them.
But, there's one more thing, from the ABC item:
Williams told the Midland Reporter-Telegram recently that he had already raised more than $300,000 for McCain and the fundraiser to be held at his home in Midland. Williams said that he needed to help McCain raise money to stop an Obama campaign that would enact “socialist” policies if elected to office.
Really now? Tracy Russo of Rural Votes has this suggestion:
It’s not enough that Senator McCain cancels an event because the media got wind of it. It’s not enough. Senator McCain should publicly reject and denounce this man. He should donate every single dirty dollar that this man has raised for him - all $300,000 - to an organization working to combat rape in our society - like RAINN or RVA. And he should apologize immediately and completely to his female supporters for daring to entertain the thought of keeping company with this despicable, disgusting individual. Rape isn’t something that’s funny, it’s tragic. It’s a blight on all of society. Women should be able to trust Senator McCain to recognize that, and to do the right thing.
I completely agree. Cross-posted at Writes Like She Talks and The Moderate Voice.
GO RUN LEAD Training Program
Columbus Ohio
June 6 - 8, 2008
"If it takes a village to raise a child, the likelihood is slim that a woman would be governing that village in Central Ohio."
That statement is the conclusion of recent research conducted by Laralyn & Associates on Women's Political Presence. For decades Ohio has received failing marks on women's rights and representation and currently we are losing ground on the precious little territory we do occupy.
• Ohio ranks a dismal 43rd among the 50 states for the number of women in state legislature
• Only 12 of 59 judges on the bench in the 7 county Central Ohio area are women
• Women represent 51% of the population and only 28% of key elected and appointed positions
The Whitehouse Project is working to change that. Read More »
It is indeed puzzling that so many Republican members of Ohio's congressional delegation voted no on H.R. 1113, “Celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day” (full warm and fuzzy text here).
...until you consider the origins of Mother's Day.
Julia Ward Howe, who penned The Battle Hymn of the Republic, also authored a mothers' Declaration calling on women to oppose war, and worked to get recognition of a Mother’s Day for Peace. Says Code Pink: "Were she alive today, Julia probably would have told her kids to dispense with the roses and chocolates, and instead join her in an anti-war rally. Yes, Julia Ward Howe was a peacenik."
[Howe] saw some of the worst effects of the [civil] war -- not only the death and disease which killed and maimed the soldiers. She worked with the widows and orphans of soldiers on both sides of the war, and realized that the effects of the war go beyond the killing of soldiers in battle. She also saw the economic devastation of the Civil War, the economic crises that followed the war, the restructuring of the economies of both North and South.In 1870, Julia Ward Howe took on a new issue and a new cause….She called in 1870 for women to rise up and oppose war in all its forms. She wanted women to come together across national lines, to recognize what we hold in common above what divides us, and commit to finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts. She issued a Declaration, hoping to gather together women in a congress of action.
Howe failed in her attempt to get formal recognition of a Mother's Day for Peace, but her effort was carried on by Anna Jarvis, who had organized women during the Civil War to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides, and then toward reconciliation of Union and Confederate neighbors.
Jarvis’ daughter, of the same name, then took up the campaign for Mother’s Day. After the custom spread to 45 states, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day in 1914.
Julia Ward Howe's Mothers' Declaration:
Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."
From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe our dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God -
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.
Maybe Pryce, Schmidt, Tiberi, Chabot, Boehner, Regula, LaTourette, Hobson, and Turner have a thing against moms. But YOU can make this Mother's Day a Mother's Day For Peace.
Help CodePink help Iraqi refugee moms here.
Send a MomsRising Mother's Day card and tell the presidential candidates to fight for family-friendly policies. here.
Oh and don't forget to call the Congressional Switchboard at 1-800-839-5276 to give the above members of Congress a piece of your mind about H.R. 1113.
Do you have another suggestion for honoring Julia Ward Howe's Mothers' Declaration? Are you a mom working for peace? Leave a comment below.
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER.
David Robinson ran an amazing campaign, in the face of an endorsement of Russ Goodwin by Franklin County's Democratic Party, and last minute Ohio Democratic Party funding for Goodwin slate cards, to come out victorious. David Robinson has run a clean and positive campaign from day one, and it is now time to rally behind Mr. Robinson as we head towards our ultimate goal of removing Pat Tiberi from office. David Robinson has shown that he is our party's best shot in November.
I want to thank all of the wonderful people that I have encountered along this long journey that begun back in October. To all of the volunteers and contributors that dedicated their time and funds to this campaign, I am forever indebted to you. I am truly proud of the hard work that so many people have put into seeing this campaign through.
I urge you all to throw your full support behind our candidate for the OH-12, and our next Congressman from Ohio's 12th congressional district, DAVID ROBINSON.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO WORK POLLS ON ELECTION DAY!
We are down to the nitty gritty! The time is now to affect change for tomorrow! Together WE CAN DO THIS!
I thank you all for your support thus far, but the mission is not over just yet. We are in the final days of this tight race, and every minute counts. "The Call For Change!" needs you to get us through March 4th.
We are currently scheduling volunteers to work polling sites on election day! The task is easy and makes a large difference in the race. Your dedication for change has got us this far and now to get us over the hump we need volunteers to stand at polling sites handing out literature on March 4th!
If you are interested in volunteering please e-mail the campaign at:
dagres4congress@yahoo.com
Thank you so much for your help and dedication to seeing this through to the finish!
UPDATE
The Campaign has been rolling on with multiple events daily.
Thank you Utica for your wonderful meet the candidates night on the 26th!
Thank you Delaware Democratic Womens Club for your wonderful event night on the 25th.
Thank you Mike Cole for the WVKO 1580 radio interview on the 26th.
Thank you LICOPAC for the Pataskala meet and great feb 24th.
Thank you Worthington area Dem Club for the candidate night on the 20th.
Thank you Newark Advocate for your unbiased coverage this election cycle.
Thanks you everyone that attended the Rally at VFW 4719 on feb 17th!
Thank you Delaware Gazette for your unbiased coverage.
Thank you Senator Barack Obama's campaign staff for all of your help along the way!
Thank you Congressman Tim Ryan for your guidance
Thank you Councilman Kevin Boyce for your advice as well.
Special Thanks to the League of Women Voters for all of your wonderful events and coverage.
Special Thanks to the endorsements that have come rolling in.
MOST OF ALL thanks to all of you out there whom individually endorsed me on your early voting ballots and that are yet to endorse me on March 4th!
With your support we will achieve greatness in the 12th, in Ohio, and in this Great Nation! I can not do this alone, this is not about me. Instead this is our campaign, our "Call For Change"! Join up, unite, and together we can make a difference.
Thanks again for your support!
Victory does not come until the votes are counted on March 4th and then again on November 4th.
Your small contribution goes along way!
TONIGHT 2-26-08 RADIO INTERVIEW 1580 AM
Ladies and gentleman I encourage you to tune into the "Whats What" With Mike Cole show on 1580 A.M. Progressive talk radio tonight at 5:30PM for a live interview with your favorite candidate Aaron J. Dagres
Hello, my name is David Robinson and I'm running for Ohio's 12th Congressional seat. I'd like to speak with you about a policy initiative that is central not only to my candidacy, but far more importantly-- to the future well-being of our country.
I'm calling this policy initiative the Apollo II program. By Apollo II I'm not referring to sending humans back to the moon or onward to Mars, but about a different kind of journey with a supremely important destination. I'm referring to the mission now before us of freeing ourselves from foreign oil, protecting our planet from dangerous climate change, and rebuilding our industries and jobs here in Ohio.
Here on American soil.
These three challenges: energy security, protecting the planet and creating good American jobs-- they all come together in the Apollo II program.
Three challenges, with one common solution.
At the heart of Apollo 2 is a bold, sustained national commitment to the creation of a clean-energy, sustainable economy. In this new economy wealth will be created and retained here in America.
The energy that fuels out lives will be in our hands, and we will once again control our own future.
A future we can look forward to with hope and faith that we are leaving a better world to our children.
With Apollo II, I am not suggesting merely small or incremental changes to existing systems but rather a game-changing, paradigm-shifting movement towards renewable energies and an efficient, sustainable, made-in-America economy.
Apollo II needs to be of a scope and of an intensity like the first Apollo program, leading to nothing less than a second INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
Through robust research /development and pilot deployment, focused incentives and smart trade pacts, we can reward those who work and produce in ways that serve the national interest.
Instead of subsidizing-- as we do now, those that pollute, that keep us dependent and offshore jobs out of their short-term interest.
Specifically, Apollo II establishes the goal of complete energy independence by 2030, and an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
These goals-- once firmly committed to, will unleash tremendous innovation in our country creating whole new industries and jobs--jobs that cannot be exported, raising the standard of living for millions of Americans.
We will immediately rewrite the rules with OPEC and foreign oil producers and we will assume the role of global leadership on combating climate change.
This is the kind of America that I believe in and that I know is possible. We the people want this, and so it's time to elect a President and a Congress that will lead us in this new direction.
I hope that you will join our campaign and that you will Vote: David Robinson for Congress.
Thank you very much.
I am David Robinson and I approve this message.
Tiberi has also violated his only oath of office...to defend the Constitution. Tiberi repeatedly votes to support torture, rendition, warrant-less wiretapping, and to remove humanity's basic right to habeas corpus.
ROBINSON is different. A strong defender of the Constitution and Veterans' rights, ROBINSON believes supporting our troops means fighting for responsible and sustainable policies.
A tireless advocate of the environment, ROBINSON has plans for economic development in bio-fuel and bio-mass technologies. He envisions a non-petroleum-based future, reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Not only will ROBINSON's vision of new green industries rejuvenate Ohio's declining job market, it is also a responsible global position.
Honest and brilliant, ROBINSON has his Ph.D. in Theology and Psychology as well as an honors accounting degree from The Ohio State University. ROBINSON is the Vice President of a small local manufacturing company so ROBINSON understands the struggles of our country's largest employer, small businesses.
This "Progressive Republican" supports David ROBINSON -- a Democrat who will defend Americans far better than Tiberi.
2-18-08 YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
I had the pleasure of working with Staff at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, OH for Senator Barack Obama's rally. It was a privilege to be a part of this great moment in history. I also was blessed to be seated 15ft from the stage for the speech which was breath taking as always.
The lines were hundreds of people deep by 10 A.M. and by 1 P.M. when doors opened they wrapped around the campus out on to Fifth ave. The building was filled well beyond normal capacity for the event. It truly was amazing. The city of Youngstown and the university only scheduled this 72 hours prior and the turnout at the University I once called home in one of the hardest hit cities in the Country that I once called home, showed up in droves for CHANGE.
People came from across the country to hear the Senator. People from the 12th congressional district were also present in numbers. I was shocked and honored to have people from Columbus come up to me and ask me about how the campaign was going and tell me that I have their support.
Enjoy the pictures at my website! LINK BELOW TO IMAGES
The time has come for CHANGE!
Cast your votes today at your board of elections!
CLICK BELOW FOR IMAGES OF EVENT!
Join us for the DAGRES FOR CONGRESS 2008 Kickoff Celebration!
WHERE: VFW POST 4719
75 W. JOHNSTOWN RD. GAHANNA, OH
WHEN: FEBRUARY 17TH 6 PM
Aaron J. Dagres is your Democratic Candidate bound for Washington D.C. representing Ohio's 12th Congressional District!
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS SCHEDULED
Come at 6 P.M. for PASTA AND POLITICS
Together we can change the landscape of politics in Washington D.C.
The time has come for sensible, accountable, and honorable leadership in Washington.
Join "The Call For Change!"
Together we can rebuild this great country for all of our children.
SUGGESTED DONATION $20
Actor and leading conservationist Ed Begley, Jr.'s visit to central Ohio was more than an opportunity to talk with students about pressing environmental issues, it was an opportunity for him to meet with and encourage local activists and candidates.
The Emmy-nominated, award-winning actor was in central Ohio as the featured speaker for Otterbein College's Distinguished Lecture Series. Begley knows there are two possible responses to our environmental challenges: forget it and hope that government and corporations will figure it out, or take action yourself.
In the "take action yourself" camp, a few individuals are leading the way. One such person is Ed Begley, Jr.
Environmental lawyer and long-time friend, Bobby Kennedy, Jr. has said "Ed has a greater sense of social obligation than anyone I know. He's like a West Coast cadet who gets up every morning and says 'reporting for duty'".
Another tireless environmental activist is one of the three democratic candidates for the 12th Congressional District, David Robinson. Robinson went to listen to Begley's talk and afterwards, the two struck a kinship over their shared environmental interests. Having delivered many pro-bono presentations on the science of climate change and energy independence to many civic organizations and area universities, Robinson felt right at home with Begley. Robinson shared his dreams of helping create new jobs in industries to foster an energy independent future for Ohio, and Begley liked what he heard.
After their meeting, Begley stated officially, "I feel a sense of responsibility for our environment and our future generations to endorse a candidate like David Robinson. His common sense approach is exactly the kind of representation we need in Washington, D. C."
Join us for the DAGRES FOR CONGRESS 2008 Kickoff Celebration!
WHERE: VFW POST 4719
75 W. JOHNSTOWN RD. GAHANNA, OH
WHEN: FEBRUARY 17TH 6 PM
Aaron J. Dagres is your Democratic Candidate bound for Washington D.C. representing Ohio's 12th Congressional District!
Come at 6 P.M. for PASTA AND POLITICS
Together we can change the landscape of politics in Washington D.C.
The time has come for sensible, accountable, and honorable leadership in Washington.
Join "The Call For Change!"
Together we can rebuild this great country for all of our children.
SUGGESTED DONATION $20
Volunteers Needed!
We are currently recruiting Volunteers in preparation for Election Day March 4th, 2008!
Join "The Call For Change!" This is your opportunity to make a difference in politics. Your assistance will help spread the word about our change mission. With your help we can change the scope of politics!
We are looking for dedicated individuals to work polling sites distributing literature (Local and OBAMA!)as well as to assist in phonebanking! If interested please contact the campaign at dagres4congress@yahoo.com to learn more.
As always we appreciate your assistance on our road to victory!
BLUE DUBLIN CANDIDATES NIGHT SUMMARY.
Another wonderful event hosted this time by Blue Dublin and specifically Al Gabel. It went off without a hitch. There were probably 30 candidates present in a crowd of about 130. Everyone whom attended had the opportunity to see candidates that will be running in several races affecting the Dublin area.
Candidates were given each 3 min to talk to the crowd, and then after all candidates spoke questions were asked from the audience. The bulk of the questions at the conclusion of the evening were geared towards the 12th congressional candidates and ranged from No Child Left Behind to Social Security and Global Climate Change.
Great questions and the answers varied from the candidates for the seat. Mr. Goodwin felt that movement towards bio fuels (corn ethanol) would lead to global hunger, and his proposal to combat global climate change focused around changing light bulbs and buying energy efficient appliances, he also spoke about the solar panels he found on Japanese roofs while living in Japan. Robinson had wonderful answers focusing in on specifics of research and development, carbon emissions and on down the line. I took this question to focus on freeing our country of dependency on foreign oil. It is time we pull billion dollar subsidies from big oil and move them towards the American farmer in pursuit of bio fuels, and alternative energy sources like wind power. I also addressed the coal to fuel oil production legislation introduced by congressman Space of OH-18. That legislation provides assistance to Ohio companies taking part in coal conversion programs.
On the Topic of social security both Mr. Robinson and Mr. Goodwin felt that the social security structure in place was sufficient, and opposed privatization. I addressed this issue with a legislative plan for change. Not only do I oppose privatization of the system, but the unfair tax base that it represents is also a problem. It was true as Mr. Goodwin points out that the current plan may be solvent until 2042, but my plan of putting a bubble in the cap would increase solvency beyond 2100. The basis which I discussed is that the current structure has every American being taxed on their first $97,000 of income. If you make over $97,000 none of that income is taxed. The proposal I plan to pursue would restart the tax on all earnings above $250,000. This would not increase taxation on the middle class but apply the tax again on those individuals earning over $250,000. This plan would not only extend social security's solvency beyond 2100 but also allow better payments and a decrease in the retirement age over time, instead of our steady increase.
Thanks again Blue Dublin for hosting the wonderful event! A special thanks must also go out to all of the concerned and active citizens of the Dublin area that showed up to this event in an attempt to become more informed on the issues and their candidates. With your help we truly can achieve a BLUE Dublin!
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