Exploring U.S. politics through opened eyes
Source: Liberty’s Last Stand – The Future of Our Country
I just finished watching the debate on PBS. Kudos to PBS, Tavis Smiley, and their crew for having the most interesting debate so far.
I loved that they had empty podiums where Fred Thompson, Rudy, Romney, and McCain should have been…had they shown up. That sent a message.
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Over the past two weeks, we have discussed the status of the potential Newt Gingrich campaign, first with his mention that he would like $30 Million in campaign pledges to enter the campaign, and then again when he prepared to kick off his “Solutions Day” workshop. Today, however, the decision was made. Newt says No.
Citing the McCain-Fiengold Act, Newt would be in violation of election laws if he formerly entered the race while still chairing his American Solutions committee, since it is a tax-exempt political organization. Since Gingrich has financial ties with the organization, through his consulting work and published articles, he would have to disassociate himself with the committee completely, leaving much of his resources behind.
Also today, he announced that he has no intention on being a vice-presidential pick either, preferring to focus more on his work with American Solutions and the Center for Health Transformation. Through these groups, he can continue his work to search for solutions to the problems facing America today. To share his views, he will continue his work with Fox News and daily radio broadcasts.
Source: CNN – 9/27/2007
Thoughts: Newt Gingrich continues to be a conflicted individual. If he were truly serious about running for President, he would have done so already. Maybe his conscious and subconscious minds are not talking to each other. In any case, Newt makes a great catalyst to the discussion. The topics to be covered on his Solutions Day include:
- Green Conservationism (including biodiversity, hydrogen, nuclear power, clean coal, and improving the local environment)
- Tax reform (fair tax and flat tax discussions)
- “Illegal immigration”
- Individual citizenship (local, state, government)
- Social security reform
- Health care
- Space exploration
- Public education
- National security and intelligence
The presenters on the issues come from a diverse political field, including Congressman Brian Bilbray (R), former Congressman Robert Walker (R), former Mayor Stephen Goldsmith (R), Congressman John Linder (R), former Congressman Dick Armey (R), Governor Roy Romer (D), Elaine Kamarck (D), and Governor Mike Huckabee (R). In addition with presenters from the public and private sectors, Newt has gathered a sizable and talented group of individuals to discuss and debate these issues to find a common ground solution to improve the current state of our nation. I almost hope that Newt decides not to run for office if he continues to work on these issues.
Article: “Gingrich edges closer to run”
By Alan Duke
MARIETTA, Ga. (CNN) — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich edged closer Thursday to launching a possible run for the GOP presidential candidacy in 2008, telling supporters that if they pledge at least $30 million to his campaign over a three-week period starting Monday and ending Oct. 21, he will compete for the nomination.
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Source: National Journal – 9/25/2007
Thoughts: What qualifies as disenfranchisement? Is requiring a valid form of identification an infringement on an individuals access to the ballot? These are some of the questions that will be considered when the Supreme Court hears the latest voter law case this year. In my opinion, I do not believe it is an overwhelming burden to require voters to show a picture ID when they come to the ballot. How can you protect the institution of voting from fraud without some level of control? It is not like they are requiring you to register months in advance before Election Day. Consider it to be similar to buying alcohol. If you cannot verify your age, you cannot make your purchase. Why not the same on Election Day?
I will have a more detailed discussion on this topic in the future with some recommendations to ensure that the only true voter disenfranchisement, that being the devaluation of their valid vote being nullified by fraud from others, is minimized along with clarifying the process for all. But in the end, this is a state issue, and the states have to determine what level of control their want to place on the election process.
Article: “Voter ID Case To Be Decided Before Election ‘08″
By Jane Roh
Among the cases granted cert by the Supreme Court today is a highly anticipated appeal concerning one of the strictest voter ID laws in the land.
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Source: Meng Bomin – News and views
As I said on Sunday, I concur with Lee Bollinger’s decision to invite the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to speak before students and faculty of Columbia University because I believe that a free flow of ideas is a central tenet of American culture, and for good reason.
We are a democracy, where voters are responsible for choosing representatives that they feel suit their interests. The best voter decisions are, in my opinion, those made by informed voters. Inviting Ahmadinejad to speak allowed a less filtered view of his positions for Columbia University’s students. But the event benefited more than just those in the auditorium.
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