The Pennsylvania Progressive

Obama: Pennsylvanians Are Bitter

Update:  I regret to inform readers of this blog I have been forced to suspend it.  More information is in this article.

Barack Obama told a fundraising event in San Francisco that Pennsylvanians are bitter.   According to The Huffington Post:

"You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them," Obama said. "And they fell through the Clinton Administration, and the Bush Administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

He could easily be talking about Northeast and Southwest PA and all the closed factories and lost jobs.  Saying these people are bitter though and implying they are turning to guns and God and against immigrants is insulting and simplistic.  I don't see these people as bitter.  Exasperated, but not bitter.  They are exasperated that their old ways of life are long gone, replaced by low paying jobs at warehouses and the service sector.

His message goes against the message of hope he's spent all these months conveying to voters:  that there is hope.   I've seen some pundits calling his comment elitist.  I'm not sure that's how I see it.  Perhaps out of touch with Pennsylvania is closer to the mark.  Pennsylvanians have always loved their guns and religion, especially in Pennsyltucky, is ingrained in these communities.  Lancaster Countians don't drive horses and buggies because jobs left 25 years ago.  The culture of hunting has been here for centuries.

The immigration hysteria hasn't been fueled by the economy as much as a demagogue from Hazleton who saw the issue as a ticket to Washington.  This issue is fueled by racism more than economics. 

Are Pennsylvanians bitter?  Not that I've seen.  Unfortunately many people here, like those elsewhere across the country, voted against the pocketbooks in 2000 and 2004 through slick campaigns based on fear.  These Republican efforts separated working people from their financial security by telling them they had more to fear from gays, lesbians and terrorists. 

No one I've met turned to guns and God because they lost their job.  It's tough to afford to hunt when you're unemployed.  It isn't cheap to buy ammo, gear and gas to go upstate to their hunting cabins.   I think it undervalues the mettle and intelligence of Pennsylvanians to accuse them of embracing guns and bitterness because of bad economic times.

The coal regions have been in bad shape for many years.  The former steel towns in western Pennsylvania got hurt badly.  A lot of our youth left the state looking for brighter futures and good jobs.  I was one of them coming out of college in 1974.  Many remained and built up new industries and new economies in these towns.  The mills sometimes were replaced by new firms like Arrow International.  The towns survived and survived without bitterness. 

I'm sad to see Barack Obama confuse bitterness with exasperation.  Exasperation that many politicians have failed them.  Exasperation that Washington forgot them.  Exasperation that their sons and daughters were sent to Iraq to die for a war based on lies.  Now there is bitterness about that.  Still, these folks haven't embraced guns or turned against immigrants.  The racists against the immigrants have always hated immigrants.

Hillary Clinton responded to the remarks this afternoon in her stump speech.

Update:  Here is Obama's explanation concerning his San Francisco comments.    This was given in Terre Haute, Indiana last evening.  Maybe it's just me but I think he needs to be in Pennsylvania, speaking directly to Pennsylvanians, to explain these statements.  I'm so darned bitter I'm going to grab a gun, go to church then shoot me some immigrants.

Hillary responds:

Cordisco, McCord Clash in Treasurer Race

One of the biggest races on the Pennsylvania primary ballot is the one for State Treasurer.  The post was vacated by Bob Casey when he was elected U.S. Senator.  Robin Weissman was appointed to the position temporarily on the condition she not run for the office.  This way Gov. Rendell was able to appoint someone qualified and be confirmed by the Republican controlled State Senate.

Four Democrats are vying to run against GOP candidate Tom Ellis, a man with a very questionable ethics record as Montgomery County Commissioner.  Jennifer Mann is seeking the women's vote but the State Representative's financial credentials don't compare with the three men running.  Dennis Morrison-Wesley is one of three candidates with an extensive financial background along with Rob McCord and John Cordisco.

All four are from eastern Pennsylvania which is unusual.  Statewide elections here normally split east/west.  Since western PA doesn't have a horse in this race it's harder to handicap.  McCord has raised $4 million from his Wall Street buddies (he's from the private equity, venture capital arena) and is the only one on television.  John Cordisco, a lawyer from Bucks County with extensive Democratic Party ties (he's the Chair of the Bucks County Democratic Committee), is challenging McCord's Wall Street connections.

Cordisco is claiming Rob McCord will have conflicts of interest when it comes to investing state revenues due to his many campaign contributions from investment bankers.  These people normally contribute to such campaigns in anticipation of getting business.  It's one of the areas where the Treasurer's office has been stuck in the muck and mire of politics.  McCord says he will recuse himself on investment decisions involving his contributors.  If he'll have to recuse himself why elect him in the first place?  The job of Treasurer IS to make these decisions and if we elect McCord he won't be able to do the job properly if he keeps to his promise.  If he doesn't has the Treasurer's position been, again, bought by Wall Street?

Nutter Defies State On Guns

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed five bills today in an attempt to stem the violence costing his city 400 murder victims a year.  Things have been so bad the City has a new nickname:  Killadelphia.  The refusal of the state legislature to pass common sense gun safety legislation resulted in Philadelphia going on its own.  Mayor Nutter cited the historical precedent of citizens defying established authority in his City, the location of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

This is the same place where the Bell rang and proclaimed "liberty throughout the land," a document was read which claimed that "all men have inalienable rights, among these life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  Harrisburg's refusal to control gun trafficking has led to the denial of the inalienable rights for citizens of Killadelphia.  As such Michael Nutter has taken the initiative on his own.

Lobbyist John Hohenwarter of the NRA promises quick legal action against the ordinances.  Recall this is the same man I witnessed laughing at residents of Philadelphia rallying outside the Capital during  a prayer commemorating their killed family members.  He has no regard for their lives, liberty or pursuit of happiness.

Beth Hafer For Congress

Congressman Tim Murphy of PA-18 is one of the worst and most extreme Member of Congress.  Pittsburgh media caught him using his federal government staff to run his campaign in 2006.  Taxpayer funded employees and equipment are not allowed to be used for partisan political campaigns.  When confronted Murphy snatched incriminating documents from the reporter.

His voting record is almost as bad as his constant staff turnover.  A change is needed in the 18th and one of the primary contest on April 22nd will determine which Democrat will knock him off in November.  Murphy is going to be tough to beat and we need our best candidate for that race.  Beth Hafer, teacher, ecological researcher, and, now, Vice President of her mother's firm Hafer & Associates, this daughter of a former Pennsylvania Auditor General and State Treasurer was born to be a leader.

I have gotten to know Beth Hafer and she has shown she can raise the funds and the issues necessary to beat Tim Murphy in November.   When it comes to name recognition few Pennsylvania families can compete with the Hafers.  Please support Beth, contribute to her effort and volunteer on election day.

Anne Dicker For State Senate

Anne Dicker is running for the Pennsylvania State Senate from the First District in Philadelphia.  This was the seat held by indicted Sen. Vince Fumo.  Anne was the first candidate to step forward and challenge the powerful and influential Fumo following his 139 federal indictment.  That took great courage and is emblematic of her efforts to combat the old machine style politics of Philadelphia.

Anne led Philly For Change, a Democracy For America movement which grew out of the Howard Dean presidential campaign.  I got to know her when I was the organizer of Berks For Change, my local DFA group.  Anne led an effort to organize the disparate and independent DFA groups in Pennsylvania and was also active in Neighborhood Networks.

She has two remaining primary opponents following Fumo's withdrawal from the race.  One is an old style machine union leader and the other is a center city lawyer.  Dicker will bring progressive reform to Harrisburg.  She needs volunteers for election day so please sign up at her website if you're available.

Meanwhile In Iraq...

I saw another war supporter on television today (CNN) repeating the mantra that the generals on the ground should be trusted to give the President advice.  This is wrong because these aren't generals but sycophants.  Every general who told George W. Bush what he didn't want to hear has been fired.  Their replacements, for the most part, have been incompetent.  Gen. Petraeus may be the notable exception.  Does anyone remember General Shinseki?

Secondly the military in this country is run by civilians.  Our system is one of civilian decision making rather than having the military make all final, strategic decisions.  This mentality turns that inside out.  It is the President's job to listen to his military generals and admirals but then to make his own decisions based on ALL the advice available.  George W. Bush's failures stem from his refusal to allow any dissent or dissenting opinions in his White House.  No on eis allowed to play devil's advocate because Bush equates that with disloyalty.

Unfortunately this means 4,000 Americans have died in vain in Iraq.  That is one of the most horrible facts of this conflict and why we need to withdraw.  No amount of further deaths will bring  honor to this illegal war.  The President has stated that we must continue killing and dying so those already dead "will not have died in vain."   How many more dead soldiers will that require?  Even the President cannot answer that question.

FBI Intimidating Wecht Jurors

Pittsburgh U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan isn't a good loser.  She has sicced FBI agents on some of the jurors who deadlocked on the Cyril Wecht trial.  The jurors contacted say they feel intimidated.  Buchanan targeted the famous Coroner and indicted him for the improper use of his staff for personal purposes.  Testimony showed he made his taxpayer financed staff for personal errands.  The U.S. Attorney herself however, according to a confidential source, used her government paid staff to write her speeches which she gave to the right wing Federalist Society.  According to Buchanan what's good for the goose isn't good for the gander.

Large Donors Half of Obama's Total

The Washington Post today is debunking the belief that Barack Obama's campaign is funded by small owners in a grassroots effort.  In actuality half his money has come from people donating more than $200 and 79 bundlers have raised at least $200,000 apiece.  Five of them are billionaires.  These 79 have recruited 27,000 contributors who gave Obama the maximum allowable amount.  Among them are 21 Wall Street executives and "power brokers" from Fortune 500 companies according to The Post.

This is a far cry from the image created by campaign press releases describing the Obama phenomenon as grassroots when it also is heavily grasstops.   While the Illinois Senator decries the influence of lobbyists and special interests The Post notes this:

"Among the group are businessmen such as Kenneth Griffin, a famously private 39-year-old billionaire who threw his support behind Obama's presidential campaign just as he hired a team of lobbyists to urge Congress to preserve a lucrative tax loophole.

A year ago, Griffin invited Obama to speak to employees of his Chicago hedge fund, Citadel Investment Group, and in subsequent months, employees and their families gave the candidate nearly $200,000. Griffin had previously backed Republicans, including Obama's initial U.S. Senate opponent.

Obama resisted Citadel's lobbying push, but a hedge fund executive who knows Griffin said he suspects Griffin's continued support owes to more than a desire to sway the senator on the tax issue. "Ken's a smart guy, and I guess he's done the math and decided that Barack is the best candidate," said Daniel Loeb, the chief executive of Third Point Management in New York."

They also reveal the presence of a slots casino developer and a Director of General Dynamics, a major defense contractor and war profiteer.  Bundlers have an inordinate effect on campaigns and Administrations. They generally want something or expect something from a victorious candidate.  Over 100 of George W. Bush's bundlers either got a job in his administration or an appointment (23 of them ambassadorships).

This raises questions about Obama's rhetoric and lends credence to those who claim he is all rhetoric and no substance.  It also reminds me of the instances where it has been shown he said one thing on the stump while seemingly believing something else.  The case of homophobe Donnie McClurkin immediately comes to mind.   While talking a good game on gay and lesbian issues Barack Obama still used this so called "ex gay" to stand on the stage at an Obama fund raiser and spew his homophobic rhetoric.  Obama knew McClurkin would be controversial, was warned not to use him but chose to do so anyway.  I suppose that's why 71 GLBT leaders across Pennsylvania have endorsed Hillary and released this statement yesterday:

"The     LGBT community deserves a President who talks to our community and to the     issues we care about," said Kevin Lee, Lansdowne Borough Councilman.     "Hillary Clinton has a proven track record of doing that.  As a     Senator, Hillary Clinton worked with LGBT groups to develop the smart     strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment and championed the     Early Treatment for HIV Act. As a candidate, she continues to talk to the     community.  That matters to me, and it matters in this election."

 

“I     am proud to be from Pennsylvania,     I'm proud to be a Democrat, and I'm proud to support Hillary Clinton. She     has always been a supporter of our community and even more importantly she     is someone who has the experience, heart and intelligence that would make     her someone I would be proud to have as President of the United     States.," said Carson Kressley, actor, fashion expert, and host of     Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

 

Hillary     has been a longtime ally of the LGBT community. She fought against the     Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) both times and has worked on legislation     that would promote equality for LGBT Americans.  As President, Hillary     will work to ensure that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships     have the same legal rights and responsibilities as all Americans. She will     also work to end discrimination in adoption laws, sign hate crimes     legislation and ENDA into law, and put an end to the failed policy of Don't     Ask, Don't Tell.

 

“I     am proud to receive the support of such a dynamic group of leaders in the     Pennsylvania LGBT community,” said Clinton.     “LGBT Americans have been a part of this campaign from the start and     I look forward to continuing to work with the community in the Keystone     state to ensure we end the divisive politics of the current administration.     As President, I will do just that and will continue fighting for equality     for all Americans."

                       

"Wind, Not Windfalls"

This is the theme of the Sierra Club's new initiative to begin transferring federal tax subsidies from old technologies to new.  Concentrating on the current Pennsylvania primary they are attending campaign events with petitions and organizing an election day/Earth Day (they are the same this year) effort to work the polls and increase awareness.  Poll workers armed with Sierra Club petitions can volunteer at their website.

Last year, the country’s five largest oil companies made $123 billion in profits, while benefiting from billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies.  Meanwhile, critical renewable energy tax incentives are set to expire at the end of this year.  The America Wind Energy Association estimates that up to 75,000 America jobs could be lost if these incentives are not renewed early this year.

“Right now, Pennsylvanians have choices to make.  We can either support subsidies for Big Oil, or support creating a new energy future for America, built on clean renewable energy’” said Rachel Martin, Sierra Club Regional Representative.  “Taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies have brought us nothing but soaring gas prices and inflation.  Shifting to renewable sources of energy like wind and solar, however, will help build our economy, create good, green jobs, and help solve global warming.”

 
Over the next two weeks, Sierra Club activists will be circulating petitions and raising awareness about this issue at candidate events and at polling places, and holding major events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

“Soon, Senators McCain, Clinton, Obama, and Specter will have the opportunity to vote on redirecting subsidies from the oil companies to incentives for job-creating renewable energy, and to demonstrate whether they stand for PA’s working families, or for big oil companies,” said Martin. “It’s time for the Senators to move forward and vote for clean energy, not Big Oil. We are asking them to vote yes on HR 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008.”

Cathy Duvall, the Sierra Club's National Political Director, called on Congress "to put its money where its mouth is" and fund wind, solar and other renewable energy sources instead of continuing to subsidize the oil industry.  They are attempting to influence the many United States Senators in and campaigning through Pennsylvania this month.

It's difficult to argue that at $112/barrel the oil industry continues to need corporate welfare from taxpayers.  It is the renewable, clean energy industry which should be receiving these funds and the Sierra Club is pushing legislation in the Senate to do just that.  The bill currently in the Senate is not enough and long term tax subsidies are needed according to the organization.

Sierra Club volunteers and activists are seeking to do three things:  attend candidate events to circulate petitions and increase visibility on these issues, do media events at gas stations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to create awareness, and recruit volunteers to work the polls on Earth Day which coincides with the Pennsylvania primary election April 22nd.

Meanwhile In Iraq...

President Bush just announced his new policy direction for Iraq:  stay the course.  I understand this news may come as a shock to some people but, well, it's true.  After allowing two days to pass where what the president had decided on Monday was not at all affected by what happened Tuesday and Wednesday during the Petraeus/Crocker dog and pony show to Congress, nothing changed.

Dana Perino, White House press spokesperson, appeared on TV this morning and was asked to define victory.  She responded with a statement which said an Iraq which is stable enough to govern and defend itself.  My what a comedown this is from George Bush's earlier definition of victory: a democratic Iraq which would be a beacon for democracy and catalyst for a domino effect of democracy throughout the Middle East.

Instead we're getting a domino effect of war and instability.  Iran's influence is greatly enhanced and ours greatly diminished.  Five years into this war and we're no nearer the more modest goal of a country capable of even providing essential services to its people.  Food, water and electricity remain as scarce in Iraq as security.

What we have achieved in Iraq is this:

A government incapable of policing itself and rooting out war profiteering and massive corruption.

A government incapable of making substantive progress on reconciliation and cooperation.

Leaders installed under an American written constitution who are ineffective and regularly replaced.

An ineffective native army equipped and trained by us which refuses to fight for itself or defend itself.

Local populations unwilling to assist us except against a worse common enemy.  Once that enemy is routed guess who they'll turn on again?  Their occupying force?

Guess what this reminds me of?  Yup, Vietnam.  History holds that should we refuse to learn from it we are fated to repeat it.  Either we're too stupid or too insane to look at Iraq, see the same mistakes we made in Vietnam and change our policy.  Therefore the results are the same:  defeat.  Bush outlined the tragic consequences of loss in Iraq during today's speech.  They speak to his massive and historic policy failures as President.

George W. Bush lost Iraq because he never had an effective plan to win.  He lost the peace because he didn't have a plan to secure the peace and win the people.  He's more concerned with sealing our border with Mexico than the one which is far more important:  Iraq's.  We are weaker for this war.  Announcing that new troop deployments to Iraq will max out at twelve months is, I suspect, something our soldiers even doubt is possible.  If the surge is successful, as Bush claims, why would he cease it as this policy will do?  We cannot maintain the surge with twelve month troop deployments.  He is inconsistent and contradicts his own policy.  No wonder they fail.