As usual per Sunday I would like to talk about Bill O'Idiot's column in the Los Angeles Daily News. Today, he wonders why the "far left" wants fair income distribution instead of the tax cuts that Bush passed that most people will not get to benefit from.
Well it's like this. I don't own any multi-million dollar companies, I'm an employee. I contribute to the economy when I purchase products like anyone else. The only benefit I saw from Bush was when the he decided to give each american $300 or so dollars of the surplus (wonder if that could have helped say fight the war in Iraq which we all knew would have come no matter what).
So when I see Bush give tax cuts to the top percentage of the country (where by the way is the sacrafice of all americans during war but that's another story) I wonder what, if anything, would be done to low to middle class families who are hard working people but have seen no benefits of these tax cuts?
So I guess Mr. O'Idiot doesn't care about common folk does he?
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Same Denial
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060609/ap_on_go_co/delay_s_replacement
So Democrats are trying to keep DeLay's name on the ballot in Texas. I'd like to give a quote from Gretchen Essell, communications director for the Republican Party of Texas
"The Democrats have resorted to their usual method of turning to the courthouse if they can't win at the ballot box,"
So I'm not sure if anyone remembers 2000 but who sued to stop the counting of all the votes? Oh yeah it was Republicans.
They live in such denial toward everything don't they?
So Democrats are trying to keep DeLay's name on the ballot in Texas. I'd like to give a quote from Gretchen Essell, communications director for the Republican Party of Texas
"The Democrats have resorted to their usual method of turning to the courthouse if they can't win at the ballot box,"
So I'm not sure if anyone remembers 2000 but who sued to stop the counting of all the votes? Oh yeah it was Republicans.
They live in such denial toward everything don't they?
A favor Please
Ladies and gentlemen I wanna talk serious for a bit. Several months ago I told you about my niece, all of 10 years old, being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma disease. As you know my family was devastated by the news.
It's been a little over 6 months since that day and thankfully my niece Megan is doing well. She is currently taking her last round of chemo (which scared me as much as anything) and will have her tests in July where we are of course hoping that we are going to be told she is in remmission.
The reason I bring this up is this: On October 8th, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is sponsoring the Light The Night Walk. My family and myself are going to participate this worthy cause.
I have never asked for you to give me money as other sites do nor will I. This is not for me. This is for my niece and any child that has to go through this. If you can I would like you to donate through their site and through my mothers page there.
http://www.active.com/donate/ltnLosAn/1880_lzumoffLTN
I don't wish to see any child suffer at the hands of this. Any donation whether it's $.01 to $1,000,000 would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
It's been a little over 6 months since that day and thankfully my niece Megan is doing well. She is currently taking her last round of chemo (which scared me as much as anything) and will have her tests in July where we are of course hoping that we are going to be told she is in remmission.
The reason I bring this up is this: On October 8th, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is sponsoring the Light The Night Walk. My family and myself are going to participate this worthy cause.
I have never asked for you to give me money as other sites do nor will I. This is not for me. This is for my niece and any child that has to go through this. If you can I would like you to donate through their site and through my mothers page there.
http://www.active.com/donate/ltnLosAn/1880_lzumoffLTN
I don't wish to see any child suffer at the hands of this. Any donation whether it's $.01 to $1,000,000 would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Good Job. Move On
Congrats are in order for the killing Al-zaqawi. While that's good news no doubt just a few observations:
Why is Bush taking any credit? Someone correct me if I'm wrong but he didn't gather any intelligence. He didn't bomb the where Al-zaqawi was he had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with it.
I hope Bush doesn't get stingy with the $25 million dollar reward to any Iraqi citizen who helped. They were truly heroes.
Where does this leave Iraq? Will the violence ease with his death or will it lead to more violence? Will whoever takes his place have the same philosophy or want to talk peace?
Will Bush try harder to get Bin Laden or will it be the same "I don't think about him anymore" stuff.
The answers will play out themselves all we can do is watch.
Why is Bush taking any credit? Someone correct me if I'm wrong but he didn't gather any intelligence. He didn't bomb the where Al-zaqawi was he had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with it.
I hope Bush doesn't get stingy with the $25 million dollar reward to any Iraqi citizen who helped. They were truly heroes.
Where does this leave Iraq? Will the violence ease with his death or will it lead to more violence? Will whoever takes his place have the same philosophy or want to talk peace?
Will Bush try harder to get Bin Laden or will it be the same "I don't think about him anymore" stuff.
The answers will play out themselves all we can do is watch.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
A Reality Check
Just letting all you people who believe what Bush said about activist judges and gay marriage yesterday some facts.
First only 1 state has Gay Marriage. Massachusetts.
45 States states have either state statutes or constitutional ammendments banning gay marriage. 45 states.
There is only 1 state that had it's gay marriage ban overturned. That's Nebraska CAUSE the law passed barred EVERY type of same sex relationship. That is under appeal.
Now who is living in denial now?
First only 1 state has Gay Marriage. Massachusetts.
45 States states have either state statutes or constitutional ammendments banning gay marriage. 45 states.
There is only 1 state that had it's gay marriage ban overturned. That's Nebraska CAUSE the law passed barred EVERY type of same sex relationship. That is under appeal.
Now who is living in denial now?
Ann Coulter
You wonder why I put Ann Coulter on my enemies list. Found this quote from her at thinkprogress.org this is from her new book.
These broads are millionaires, lionized on TV and in articles about them, reveling in their status as celebrities and stalked by grief-arazzies. I have never seen people enjoying their husbands’ death so much.
Nice person isn't she?
These broads are millionaires, lionized on TV and in articles about them, reveling in their status as celebrities and stalked by grief-arazzies. I have never seen people enjoying their husbands’ death so much.
Nice person isn't she?
Just so you know
The Staff of Steve Westly was kind enough to respond to my email so he gets my vote. How you vote today is up to you but make sure if you have an election in your city/state you do vote. It's the most important thing you can do.
Monday, June 05, 2006
One
Here is the first response I got from Steve Westley. This is copied word for word.
Dear Erik,
Thank you for your interest in Steve Westly’s policy positions. Steve is a problem-solver with a long history of getting results in both business and government. His successful programs to crack down on tax cheats have brought in $4.8 billion in new and accelerated tax revenues without raising a nickel in taxes. His top priorities are fixing California’s education system and cleaning up California’s environment. We’re happy to address your questions.
Steve believes that California represents the future and that where Washington has failed, California must lead. Steve’s top priorities are improving public education, protecting the environment, and restoring fiscal discipline.
Too often partisan bickering gets in the way of real problem solving. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would work with members of both parties, but then he pushed a partisan special election attacking teachers, nurses, and firefighters, he cut funding for our schools, and he turned away 20,000 students from the University of California. Steve is running because we need a Governor who can work across the aisle and get things done for the people of California.
Education
California's prosperity depends on a world-class public education system. That's why our schools will be Steve's top priority as Governor. A California native who attended public schools growing up and as the father of a daughter in public school, Steve understands that we need to renew our focus on public education to meet our obligation to our children.
Steve believes very strongly that education policy should be made in consultation with California’s teachers. He opposes any efforts to reduce school funding, expand vouchers, or threaten the integrity of public education. If you are a teacher, Steve would like your help: please sign up for Teachers for Westly here.
Steve’s agenda includes proposals to:
Fully Fund Our Schools. Steve fully supports the voter-approved commitment to public education funding, Proposition 98, which he considers a floor not a ceiling for school spending. When cost-of-living is considered, California still ranks near the bottom in per-pupil spending. That needs to change. Governor Schwarzenegger reneged on his promise to restore school funding and schools are now underfunded by billions of dollars. Although additional resources are not the only way to improve our schools, they are a crucial first step toward reform. Additionally, Steve believes we should fund a system of universal preschool, which is why he supports the preschool initiative headed for the June ballot.
Invest in Our Teachers. Great schools start with great teachers. California must renew its commitment to teachers by giving them the resources they need to succeed. Too many talented individuals leave the profession and that means fewer experienced teachers in our classrooms. Steve will institute a teacher training program including workshops and mentoring to guide teachers through the tough initial years of teaching and beyond. But training and mentoring aren’t enough. Steve will give California teachers the resources they need to excel in the classroom and treat each child as an individual.
Build 21st Century High Schools. California’s high schools need to be reinvented for the new century. They must address the growing drop-out problem, teach students basic reading and writing, and prepare graduates for the careers of tomorrow. That’s why Steve will lead a redesign of high school education, focusing on basic skills and outcomes, community partnerships, and career and technical education. Students who aren’t going to four-year colleges deserve a chance to succeed too.
Expand Local Control. Education decisions are best made by parents and teachers at the community level, not bureaucrats in Washington D.C. or Sacramento. That’s why Steve will empower schools that show improvement in student achievement to spend categorical funds as they see fit. Steve will reduce burdensome state mandates, give local districts the flexibility they need to meet performance goals, and increase the number of charter schools. Steve also supports reducing the threshold for approving new parcel taxes, so local communities can decide to invest more in their schools.
Steve also recently delivered a keynote speech to the Education Trust-West. In it he focused attention on the serious achievement gap in California’s schools and offered some concrete steps to begin to address it. Chief among them is a plan to move the best principals to those schools most in need of improvement. Read Steve’s speech here.
If you haven’t already, check out our Teachers For Westly website where you can learn more and share your ideas, click here.
Budget and Taxes
California suffers from a persistent structural budget deficit. In response, Sacramento politicians offer us only two solutions: raising taxes or cutting essential services. Steve has a better way. He knows that the state doesn’t collect all the tax revenues it is owed, and doesn’t spend the money it has in the most effective way. Until government does a better job of those two tasks, it has no right to tell people they should go without important services or pay higher taxes. Tax increases should be the last resort, not the first.
Based on his experience as a businessman and high-tech innovator, Steve will transform state government for the 21st century. As Governor, Steve will reinvent how government collects and spends money, delivers services, and provides benefits.
§ Collect Money Already on the Books Before We Raise Taxes. Some $6 billion in unpaid taxes is lost every year, money that could fund roads, hospitals, and schools. When fraud artists cheat the state, the rest of us pay more or do with less. That’s why Steve will crack down on the underground economy, empower investigators with new technology to go after tax cheats, expand the successful tax amnesty program, and close tax loopholes. As Controller, Steve is one of the only state officials who has successfully raised revenues without raising taxes through his successful tax amnesty program and voluntary compliance initiative. Together these programs have already brought in $4.8 billion dollars of new and accelerated revenues.
§ Get Smart about Government Reorganization. Everyone agrees California has redundant departments and overlapping agencies, but Governor Schwarzenegger hasn’t shown the political will to get serious about reform. It’s not a job for an action hero pledging to “blow up boxes,” but for a business leader from one of the most successful 21st century companies. Steve will demand every department head in his Cabinet meet tough performance goals, use best practices from the private sector, and consolidate outdated systems.
§ Make Better Use of Technology. As a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Steve understands that technology can transform state government. That’s why Steve will streamline the process for tech procurement, hire talented personnel instead of relying on expensive short-term consultants, and use technology to increase accountability.
§ Audit for Outcomes, Not Just Finances. Too often, the state bureaucracy worries more about how money is spent than whether it’s used effectively. Steve will shift the focus onto measurement and performance. Audits must determine whether the state is using taxpayer money effectively to improve people’s lives.
§ Transform How Government Buys Goods and Services. California should use its market power to get the best deal on goods and services. Too often bureaucratic layers and outdated bidding procedures let private companies take advantage of the state. That’s why Steve will transform the procurement process, consolidate statewide contracts that include multiple departments, and force contractors to meet tough new standards to do business with the state.
Healthcare
Californians should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, over six million of us have no health insurance. This includes almost 800,000 children. Both the State and the business community have a responsibility to address this shameful situation. Californian also must protect its citizens against public health threats. This is especially important in a time of bird flu and possible terrorist attacks.
Steve’s plan for meeting the healthcare needs of California includes:
§ Insure every child. The Healthy Families program now provides healthcare to over 700,000 low-income children. But too many kids—most of them children of working parents without job-based coverage– don’t have insurance. This is because their families earn too much to be in the low-cost Healthy Families insurance program, but too little to afford coverage of their own. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would raise the income threshold for subsidized healthcare and insure coverage for every child in the State. As governor, Steve will call on the legislature to pass that bill again and promptly sign it.
§ Enact a drug discount program. Modern pharmaceuticals have dramatically improved the promise of healthcare. But many people simply can’t afford the drugs they need. Steve is committed to enacting a program that addresses the high cost of drugs by leveraging the buying power of the state for the benefit of its citizens.
§ Require workplace coverage. Seven out of eight companies with at least 50 employees provide insurance coverage to their employees. Taxpayers end up providing a subsidy to those companies that don’t provide coverage when their employees end up in our public healthcare system. Steve supports Senator Migden’s proposed California Fair Share Health Care Act that would require companies with at least 10,000 employees who provide inadequate or no coverage for their employees to contribute to the state’s Medi-Cal system. As governor, he would push to require companies with far fewer than 10,000 employees to provide healthcare benefits.
§ Expand our public health system. Public health must be a priority. We must face risks such as bird flu and bio-terrorist attacks. We must also focus on prevention, health screening, and health education. Prevention is the most cost-effective way to spend our healthcare dollars. It’s cheaper and smarter to keep people healthy in the first place rather than paying for costly acute care in emergency rooms.
Does Steve support a single payer healthcare system? Steve strongly supports the two main objectives of a single payer system: universal coverage and reducing administrative costs. That said, he questions whether a single payer system is politically feasible. SB 840, which passed the Senate, has no funding source. The sponsors acknowledge it would require enactment of about $90 billion in new income and payroll taxes. The Republicans would block any attempt to pass such a massive tax increase.
As a problem solver, Steve wants to focus on providing coverage as soon as possible to some of the six million Californians who have none today, rather than debate the merits of a program that won’t be enacted. That’s why he’s focused on expanding the Healthy Families program to hundreds of thousands of children, and the Migden employer mandate bill to ensure large employers provide coverage or pay the state so we can afford the cost of providing healthcare to their employees.
Environment
Dirty air and toxic water threaten everyone. That’s why protecting California’s environment will be one of Steve’s top priorities as Governor. Steve has a long history of environmental activism, beginning with his first job out of college working on solar energy for Jimmy Carter. He continued his work through the Santa Clara County Land Trust and as the editor of two books on renewable energy.
Because the Bush administration has ignored environmental crises, California must take the lead in addressing climate change, oil dependency, and environmental degradation. Fortunately, California’s economic power, innovative people, and tradition of technology have primed the state for environmental leadership.
Steve’s agenda builds on California’s unique position to:
§ Clean Up Our Air and Water. The progress California has made since the 1970s on air and water pollution is in jeopardy. Particulate pollution clouds our skies, while aging water treatment facilities and nonpoint toxic runoff threaten our water. The Central Valley, for instance, faces the worst air pollution in the country. That’s why Steve will invest in the next generation of pollution control technologies, strengthen the Cal-EPA and air boards, and demand that polluting factories be shut down.
§ Reduce California’s Dependence on Foreign Oil. Our dependence on foreign oil jeopardizes not only our environment, but also our national security. That’s why Steve has laid out an ambitious plan to reduce California’s use of fossil fuels 20% by 2015, and 40% by 2025. Steve’s plan also includes efforts to expand the market for alternative energy, invest in clean technology, and promote conservation through tax incentives and the phase-out of old, inefficient technology.
§ Make California the First State to Directly Address Climate Change. Washington DC has ignored climate change, but California cannot. Steve will cut California’s carbon emissions and make California fully compliant with the Kyoto Treaty. To get there, Steve will demand tough new fuel efficiency standards, invest in green buildings and hybrid car fleets for the state, and increase electricity conservation with ideas like incentives for energy-saving lighting. He’ll also provide leadership on a regional cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions through innovative, market-based solutions.
§ Demand Environmental Justice. Too often, poor and minority communities suffer the greatest burden from toxic soil and water. To ensure all Californians enjoy a clean environment, Steve will redevelop brownfields, improve our monitoring of toxics, and ensure everyone has clean drinking water. He’ll also expand access to public health programs and institute new regulations to reduce childhood asthma, which predominantly strikes African American and Latino children. Steve will make environmental justice a centerpiece of his agenda.
To read the full text of Steve’s keynote address to the Sundance Summit, click here.
Unfortunately, our campaign is in high gear now, so we may not be able to address further follow up questions in a timely fashion. We encourage you to check our website for further updates and information at www.westly2006.com. We thank you for your interest and hope to earn your support.
Sincerely,
Policy Staff
Westly for Governor
Dear Erik,
Thank you for your interest in Steve Westly’s policy positions. Steve is a problem-solver with a long history of getting results in both business and government. His successful programs to crack down on tax cheats have brought in $4.8 billion in new and accelerated tax revenues without raising a nickel in taxes. His top priorities are fixing California’s education system and cleaning up California’s environment. We’re happy to address your questions.
Steve believes that California represents the future and that where Washington has failed, California must lead. Steve’s top priorities are improving public education, protecting the environment, and restoring fiscal discipline.
Too often partisan bickering gets in the way of real problem solving. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would work with members of both parties, but then he pushed a partisan special election attacking teachers, nurses, and firefighters, he cut funding for our schools, and he turned away 20,000 students from the University of California. Steve is running because we need a Governor who can work across the aisle and get things done for the people of California.
Education
California's prosperity depends on a world-class public education system. That's why our schools will be Steve's top priority as Governor. A California native who attended public schools growing up and as the father of a daughter in public school, Steve understands that we need to renew our focus on public education to meet our obligation to our children.
Steve believes very strongly that education policy should be made in consultation with California’s teachers. He opposes any efforts to reduce school funding, expand vouchers, or threaten the integrity of public education. If you are a teacher, Steve would like your help: please sign up for Teachers for Westly here.
Steve’s agenda includes proposals to:
Fully Fund Our Schools. Steve fully supports the voter-approved commitment to public education funding, Proposition 98, which he considers a floor not a ceiling for school spending. When cost-of-living is considered, California still ranks near the bottom in per-pupil spending. That needs to change. Governor Schwarzenegger reneged on his promise to restore school funding and schools are now underfunded by billions of dollars. Although additional resources are not the only way to improve our schools, they are a crucial first step toward reform. Additionally, Steve believes we should fund a system of universal preschool, which is why he supports the preschool initiative headed for the June ballot.
Invest in Our Teachers. Great schools start with great teachers. California must renew its commitment to teachers by giving them the resources they need to succeed. Too many talented individuals leave the profession and that means fewer experienced teachers in our classrooms. Steve will institute a teacher training program including workshops and mentoring to guide teachers through the tough initial years of teaching and beyond. But training and mentoring aren’t enough. Steve will give California teachers the resources they need to excel in the classroom and treat each child as an individual.
Build 21st Century High Schools. California’s high schools need to be reinvented for the new century. They must address the growing drop-out problem, teach students basic reading and writing, and prepare graduates for the careers of tomorrow. That’s why Steve will lead a redesign of high school education, focusing on basic skills and outcomes, community partnerships, and career and technical education. Students who aren’t going to four-year colleges deserve a chance to succeed too.
Expand Local Control. Education decisions are best made by parents and teachers at the community level, not bureaucrats in Washington D.C. or Sacramento. That’s why Steve will empower schools that show improvement in student achievement to spend categorical funds as they see fit. Steve will reduce burdensome state mandates, give local districts the flexibility they need to meet performance goals, and increase the number of charter schools. Steve also supports reducing the threshold for approving new parcel taxes, so local communities can decide to invest more in their schools.
Steve also recently delivered a keynote speech to the Education Trust-West. In it he focused attention on the serious achievement gap in California’s schools and offered some concrete steps to begin to address it. Chief among them is a plan to move the best principals to those schools most in need of improvement. Read Steve’s speech here.
If you haven’t already, check out our Teachers For Westly website where you can learn more and share your ideas, click here.
Budget and Taxes
California suffers from a persistent structural budget deficit. In response, Sacramento politicians offer us only two solutions: raising taxes or cutting essential services. Steve has a better way. He knows that the state doesn’t collect all the tax revenues it is owed, and doesn’t spend the money it has in the most effective way. Until government does a better job of those two tasks, it has no right to tell people they should go without important services or pay higher taxes. Tax increases should be the last resort, not the first.
Based on his experience as a businessman and high-tech innovator, Steve will transform state government for the 21st century. As Governor, Steve will reinvent how government collects and spends money, delivers services, and provides benefits.
§ Collect Money Already on the Books Before We Raise Taxes. Some $6 billion in unpaid taxes is lost every year, money that could fund roads, hospitals, and schools. When fraud artists cheat the state, the rest of us pay more or do with less. That’s why Steve will crack down on the underground economy, empower investigators with new technology to go after tax cheats, expand the successful tax amnesty program, and close tax loopholes. As Controller, Steve is one of the only state officials who has successfully raised revenues without raising taxes through his successful tax amnesty program and voluntary compliance initiative. Together these programs have already brought in $4.8 billion dollars of new and accelerated revenues.
§ Get Smart about Government Reorganization. Everyone agrees California has redundant departments and overlapping agencies, but Governor Schwarzenegger hasn’t shown the political will to get serious about reform. It’s not a job for an action hero pledging to “blow up boxes,” but for a business leader from one of the most successful 21st century companies. Steve will demand every department head in his Cabinet meet tough performance goals, use best practices from the private sector, and consolidate outdated systems.
§ Make Better Use of Technology. As a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Steve understands that technology can transform state government. That’s why Steve will streamline the process for tech procurement, hire talented personnel instead of relying on expensive short-term consultants, and use technology to increase accountability.
§ Audit for Outcomes, Not Just Finances. Too often, the state bureaucracy worries more about how money is spent than whether it’s used effectively. Steve will shift the focus onto measurement and performance. Audits must determine whether the state is using taxpayer money effectively to improve people’s lives.
§ Transform How Government Buys Goods and Services. California should use its market power to get the best deal on goods and services. Too often bureaucratic layers and outdated bidding procedures let private companies take advantage of the state. That’s why Steve will transform the procurement process, consolidate statewide contracts that include multiple departments, and force contractors to meet tough new standards to do business with the state.
Healthcare
Californians should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, over six million of us have no health insurance. This includes almost 800,000 children. Both the State and the business community have a responsibility to address this shameful situation. Californian also must protect its citizens against public health threats. This is especially important in a time of bird flu and possible terrorist attacks.
Steve’s plan for meeting the healthcare needs of California includes:
§ Insure every child. The Healthy Families program now provides healthcare to over 700,000 low-income children. But too many kids—most of them children of working parents without job-based coverage– don’t have insurance. This is because their families earn too much to be in the low-cost Healthy Families insurance program, but too little to afford coverage of their own. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would raise the income threshold for subsidized healthcare and insure coverage for every child in the State. As governor, Steve will call on the legislature to pass that bill again and promptly sign it.
§ Enact a drug discount program. Modern pharmaceuticals have dramatically improved the promise of healthcare. But many people simply can’t afford the drugs they need. Steve is committed to enacting a program that addresses the high cost of drugs by leveraging the buying power of the state for the benefit of its citizens.
§ Require workplace coverage. Seven out of eight companies with at least 50 employees provide insurance coverage to their employees. Taxpayers end up providing a subsidy to those companies that don’t provide coverage when their employees end up in our public healthcare system. Steve supports Senator Migden’s proposed California Fair Share Health Care Act that would require companies with at least 10,000 employees who provide inadequate or no coverage for their employees to contribute to the state’s Medi-Cal system. As governor, he would push to require companies with far fewer than 10,000 employees to provide healthcare benefits.
§ Expand our public health system. Public health must be a priority. We must face risks such as bird flu and bio-terrorist attacks. We must also focus on prevention, health screening, and health education. Prevention is the most cost-effective way to spend our healthcare dollars. It’s cheaper and smarter to keep people healthy in the first place rather than paying for costly acute care in emergency rooms.
Does Steve support a single payer healthcare system? Steve strongly supports the two main objectives of a single payer system: universal coverage and reducing administrative costs. That said, he questions whether a single payer system is politically feasible. SB 840, which passed the Senate, has no funding source. The sponsors acknowledge it would require enactment of about $90 billion in new income and payroll taxes. The Republicans would block any attempt to pass such a massive tax increase.
As a problem solver, Steve wants to focus on providing coverage as soon as possible to some of the six million Californians who have none today, rather than debate the merits of a program that won’t be enacted. That’s why he’s focused on expanding the Healthy Families program to hundreds of thousands of children, and the Migden employer mandate bill to ensure large employers provide coverage or pay the state so we can afford the cost of providing healthcare to their employees.
Environment
Dirty air and toxic water threaten everyone. That’s why protecting California’s environment will be one of Steve’s top priorities as Governor. Steve has a long history of environmental activism, beginning with his first job out of college working on solar energy for Jimmy Carter. He continued his work through the Santa Clara County Land Trust and as the editor of two books on renewable energy.
Because the Bush administration has ignored environmental crises, California must take the lead in addressing climate change, oil dependency, and environmental degradation. Fortunately, California’s economic power, innovative people, and tradition of technology have primed the state for environmental leadership.
Steve’s agenda builds on California’s unique position to:
§ Clean Up Our Air and Water. The progress California has made since the 1970s on air and water pollution is in jeopardy. Particulate pollution clouds our skies, while aging water treatment facilities and nonpoint toxic runoff threaten our water. The Central Valley, for instance, faces the worst air pollution in the country. That’s why Steve will invest in the next generation of pollution control technologies, strengthen the Cal-EPA and air boards, and demand that polluting factories be shut down.
§ Reduce California’s Dependence on Foreign Oil. Our dependence on foreign oil jeopardizes not only our environment, but also our national security. That’s why Steve has laid out an ambitious plan to reduce California’s use of fossil fuels 20% by 2015, and 40% by 2025. Steve’s plan also includes efforts to expand the market for alternative energy, invest in clean technology, and promote conservation through tax incentives and the phase-out of old, inefficient technology.
§ Make California the First State to Directly Address Climate Change. Washington DC has ignored climate change, but California cannot. Steve will cut California’s carbon emissions and make California fully compliant with the Kyoto Treaty. To get there, Steve will demand tough new fuel efficiency standards, invest in green buildings and hybrid car fleets for the state, and increase electricity conservation with ideas like incentives for energy-saving lighting. He’ll also provide leadership on a regional cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions through innovative, market-based solutions.
§ Demand Environmental Justice. Too often, poor and minority communities suffer the greatest burden from toxic soil and water. To ensure all Californians enjoy a clean environment, Steve will redevelop brownfields, improve our monitoring of toxics, and ensure everyone has clean drinking water. He’ll also expand access to public health programs and institute new regulations to reduce childhood asthma, which predominantly strikes African American and Latino children. Steve will make environmental justice a centerpiece of his agenda.
To read the full text of Steve’s keynote address to the Sundance Summit, click here.
Unfortunately, our campaign is in high gear now, so we may not be able to address further follow up questions in a timely fashion. We encourage you to check our website for further updates and information at www.westly2006.com. We thank you for your interest and hope to earn your support.
Sincerely,
Policy Staff
Westly for Governor
What do you think.
According to Bill Frist, http://thinkprogress.org/2006/05/28/frist-marriage/ , the most import issues facing the country is Gay Marriage and Flag Burning. I don't know what country he is in but I could think of a few more pressing issues.
Health Care
Poverty
Fair Wages
Iraq
Disaster Preparedness
Government getting involved in our everyday lives
Homeland Security
Illegal Immigration
I would also like to know what you think. Are flag burning and banning gay marriage more important than those issues? Are there other issues more important then those?
Health Care
Poverty
Fair Wages
Iraq
Disaster Preparedness
Government getting involved in our everyday lives
Homeland Security
Illegal Immigration
I would also like to know what you think. Are flag burning and banning gay marriage more important than those issues? Are there other issues more important then those?
An update from Last Week
Last week I told you I sent emails to both Democratic Candidates that are running for Governor asking the simple question why should I vote for them. As of this post I haven't heard anything (obviously thinking one of their staff would send something) so obviously neither want my vote. Nice going.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
More on Bush
In a further effort to divide the country as Bush is so fond of doing, Bush is going to throw his support to an amendment to ban gay marriages due to the effect of it "destroys the sanctity of marriage."
Now I'm just asking a question here BUT doesn't divorce destroy the sanctity of marriage more then same sex couples??
Just asking.
Now I'm just asking a question here BUT doesn't divorce destroy the sanctity of marriage more then same sex couples??
Just asking.
A reminder
I think I need to remind Bill O'Reilly (in his Sunday Los Angeles Daily News column today) a few things.
First he is actually blaming President Bill Clinton for ignoring Al Queda and Osama Bin Lauden. Now someone PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. President Clinton started a bombing campain in Suddan because he found Osama Bin Laden was behind the bombing of the U.S. Embassies in Africa. I think O'Idiot needs to be reminded what he said (as well as his contemporaries). He kept saying things like this is being done to distract us (like what Bush does) from his affairs. I kept hearing from the right "how come since he never served (like Bush) he is bombing countries" I kept hearing the price of each bomb like it was a waste of time. I wonder if the so-called liberal news and talk media (mind you this was on ALL networks) actually saw how evil he was would they have said those things.
Now we have George Bush. After 9/11 I supported (and still do) the invasion into Afghanastan. I want Osama Bin Laden's head on a platter. Problem is Bush decided Iraq was more important then the person who is responsible for the deaths of 3000 American's in 9/11. I've always said if Bush took care if Afghanastan then went into Iraq the country might not be as against what's going right now.
Now a few things bother me: We know Bush's business ties to the Bin Ladens. We know on 9/11 Bush had planes fly Bin Laden's family out of the U.S. (instead of asking where he was) why aren't we talking about Bin Laden?
One other thing that bothers me is when Bush said "I don't think about Bin Laden much." Here we have a person who is responsible for the deaths of 3000 people and Bush has forgot about him? What is it going to take another attack by him and his people?
I think O'Idiot and the right need to get their priorities straight and get Bin Laden. But that won't happen will it?
First he is actually blaming President Bill Clinton for ignoring Al Queda and Osama Bin Lauden. Now someone PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. President Clinton started a bombing campain in Suddan because he found Osama Bin Laden was behind the bombing of the U.S. Embassies in Africa. I think O'Idiot needs to be reminded what he said (as well as his contemporaries). He kept saying things like this is being done to distract us (like what Bush does) from his affairs. I kept hearing from the right "how come since he never served (like Bush) he is bombing countries" I kept hearing the price of each bomb like it was a waste of time. I wonder if the so-called liberal news and talk media (mind you this was on ALL networks) actually saw how evil he was would they have said those things.
Now we have George Bush. After 9/11 I supported (and still do) the invasion into Afghanastan. I want Osama Bin Laden's head on a platter. Problem is Bush decided Iraq was more important then the person who is responsible for the deaths of 3000 American's in 9/11. I've always said if Bush took care if Afghanastan then went into Iraq the country might not be as against what's going right now.
Now a few things bother me: We know Bush's business ties to the Bin Ladens. We know on 9/11 Bush had planes fly Bin Laden's family out of the U.S. (instead of asking where he was) why aren't we talking about Bin Laden?
One other thing that bothers me is when Bush said "I don't think about Bin Laden much." Here we have a person who is responsible for the deaths of 3000 people and Bush has forgot about him? What is it going to take another attack by him and his people?
I think O'Idiot and the right need to get their priorities straight and get Bin Laden. But that won't happen will it?
Friday, June 02, 2006
2004
There is an interesting article in Rolling Stone Magazine by Robert Kennedy Jr. about the 2004 election. A lot of circumstantial evidence but enough I feel an investigation should happen. We know Bush can't win a fair election.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen
2004
There is an interesting article in Rolling Stone Magazine by Robert Kennedy Jr. about the 2004 election. A lot of circumstantial evidence but enough I feel an investigation should happen. We know Bush can't win a fair election.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen
Interesting
So the Department of Homeland Security CUT funding to Washington D.C. and New York but RAISED funding to Georgia and Wyoming. Excuse me for being confused while Atlanta might be a target for terror attacks what is there in Wyoming except that it is where Cheney is from.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Abortion Ban Round 2
http://www.rawstory.com/showarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fdwb.heraldonline.com%2F24hour%2Fnation%2Fstory%2F3300199p-12160334c.html
Louisiana joined South Dakota in banning all abortions. Sad state of affairs because you know the Supreme Court will uphold it.
Louisiana joined South Dakota in banning all abortions. Sad state of affairs because you know the Supreme Court will uphold it.
A Simple Question
I just sent an email to both Democratic Governor candidates asking what I feel is a simple yet complex question: Why should I vote for either of them. I will post any answers I get if any.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Dixie Chicks
So the Dixie Chicks are now number 1 with their new album. Good for them. While I'm not a fan of them (dislike their music) but they were so mistreated by the right-wing media for using their freedom of speech it wasn't funny. They had the nerve to bash Bush and they were treated horribly by the right-wing talking heads. Mind you if it was up to them you would never bash any republican no matter how inept, corrupt, incompitant they were.
Raids
I'd like to talk about last week when the Justice Department raided Rep. William Jefferson (D) office looking for more evidence. For those not aware he's been implicated in a $450,000 brabery scandal.
I'm just going to say this straight up. The raid was a show. The Justice Department did not do this to Duke Cunningham (R) during his trial so it appears this was done just cause Jefferson is a democrat. If the Justice Department decides to raid offices of both parties I'll have no problems with this but it appears to be a partisan witchhunt which shouldn't be suprising with this administration.
I'm just going to say this straight up. The raid was a show. The Justice Department did not do this to Duke Cunningham (R) during his trial so it appears this was done just cause Jefferson is a democrat. If the Justice Department decides to raid offices of both parties I'll have no problems with this but it appears to be a partisan witchhunt which shouldn't be suprising with this administration.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Supreme Court
So the Supreme Court made it harder for government whistleblowers to prove they have been retaliated against when they claim there is corruption in the government or big business. Samuel Alieto (not a typo) cast the deciding vote making it 5-4. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/14699001.htm
Now let me see if I understand this right. Person sees the government or business (mind you it doesn't matter what party is in control corruption is corruption) involved in wrong doing feels the press and public should know about it it's ok for the government or business to fire them as retalliation. If I understand the rulling right?
That is wrong on so many levels.
Now let me see if I understand this right. Person sees the government or business (mind you it doesn't matter what party is in control corruption is corruption) involved in wrong doing feels the press and public should know about it it's ok for the government or business to fire them as retalliation. If I understand the rulling right?
That is wrong on so many levels.
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