He Won; There, I Said It

Okay. Scott Brown won. He won fair and square. He has taken the seat that was once held by John F. Kennedy and Edward Kennedy will be taken up by a Republican.

On November 4, 2008, I saw friends writing "America is doomed" and "I'm moving to <fill in country>." I really cannot stand sore winners or sore losers. In regards to this, I wrote a Facebook note, calling their bluff. They thought the country would die under Obama and wanted to leave; I told them "bye-bye." I knew they wouldn't leave. Eight years prior, Democrats said the same thing about a Bush-Cheney win; and, yet, the country has survived.

This evening, I have seen tweets showing the other side of the coin that I hate: sore winners. I have seen people saying "Obama fail" "Suck it <fill in Democratic politician>." Some tweets have actually been directed at yours truly.

He won. For all of my efforts (and those of countless others), Scott Brown beat Martha Coakley. He did it, I admit.

However, I am reminded of the closing scene of Hillary Rodham Clinton's memoir Loving History. She went through Inauguration Day 2001 and how, one of the things she admired most about this nation. I do too. Over a year ago, Americans wanted a change in direction, so they elected Obama; now, they didn't like what has happened and wanted a reform. The voice of the American public is a voice to be rekoned with. If they don't like the direction of the nation, they make a change in however they can. They change mayors. They change state legislators. They change congressmen. They change presidents. They make a change. And that was what they did.

To my friends who supported Scott Brown, I commend you. You guys ran a fantastic campaign. You went from 20 points below to winning by 6-7 points.

One election, though, does not cause a 180-degree shift in policy in the nation. Look at what happened in President Obama's first 100 days (when he did NOT have 60 votes in the Senate): we have the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, re-authorization of SCHIP (paid for by an increased tax on cigarettes), hate crimes now include sexual orientation/gender/gender identity/disability, HIV/AIDS is no longer a reason to exclude immigrants, and expanded AmeriCorps.

Yet, to those Brown-supporting friends, please do not say that all of the changes that were requested in 2008 are over. Yes, the Democrats no longer have a filibuster-proof majority, but are those 8 senators suddenly chopped liver? No. There is still plenty of bipartisan legislation that can be passed. And, if anyone has been following my tweets, according to Massachusetts election law, they cannot certify an election until at least 10 (if not 15) days after an election (see http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=why_massachusetts_doesnt_matter. So, there are 1-2 weeks for health care reform to be passed.

As I type, I am watching one of my favorite West Wing episodes, "2162 Votes." The final line of the episode is said by Republican Presidential Nominee Sen. Arnold Vinick (CA), after the end of the Democratic National Convention, "Okay, let's go win this thing."

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) has said that the 'conference committee' was "95% done" with hashing out the House and Senate bills on health care reform. We have a maximum of 15 days to pass this thing without any political controversy. Therefore, Okay, let's go pass this thing.

But, after Sen.-elect Brown is sworn in, I pray that he will be there, putting in his 2 cents, and assisting in making strong, bipartisan legislation for which his predecessor was infamous.

Polling Data

I had an interesting conversation with a Republican friend today. He mentioned about how President Obama has the lowest approval rating for the first year of a presidency in American history. I thought for a moment and came to an epiphany on why this is.

It has been said that a President can only achieve his/her goals in the first 100 days. For the next 8 months, if the agenda runs over, poll numbers begin to fall. After the first year of a presidency, 435 members of congress and 33 senators are running for re-election. Voters have a short-term memory (unless there is a major scandal). If the elected official in question has gone on the record with a controversial vote, he/she may be toast. They have to appease their constituencies within those 11 months. The next two years are dicey depending on the outcome. But, whatever the case, since the President is the figurative and literal head of the party, if the party and/or the President mess something up, both take the heat.

Now, it goes without saying that the health care bill has been one of the most contentious issues in the past century. The President began to push health care reform in the late spring. It's January now. It has taken 6 months. The lack of efficiency led to less support (and its ability to, hence, fester) has caused Democratic members of Congress and the President to in polling numbers.

Though I am not an expert, it seems that since 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' the Democratic party has taken the heat in support.

College Democrats of America "Yes We Serve" Campaign

Hey everyone,

I hope you all are having a good vacation and are ready and pumped for school to restart.

As most of you know, I am a board member of the College Democrats of America Faith Caucus. Currently, the caucus is working on the "Yes We Serve" campaign(that was the letter writing campaign to the troops overseas). Due to extenuating circunstances, it was extended. So, no longer is it for simply the holidays, but, simply, for appreciation of our nation's members of service. If you could, write out a simple letter to the troops (it can be as long or as short as you want, but, a simple "thank you for defending the nation" is sufficient) and then email that letter to me at campbells@collegedems.com by Friday 1/15 at noon so I cam forward it to the proper people. I apologize for the short timeline, but it has now become time sensitive.

Thank you all so much,
Seamus Campbell
Technology Director, College Democrats of America
Communications Director, College Democrats of America Faith Caucus
Director of New Media, College Democrats of Fordham University

--
College Democrats of Fordham University
http://www.fordham.edu/democrats

Republican = Conservative?

I have never understood why the Republican party is so rooted in conservatism. I understand that that is their base and all, but why are the two synonymous? Conservatism is an ideology while the Republican Party is a political party. The two are not the same. An ideology is a mindset. A political party is a group of people with similar views and a set platform that presents candidates for public office.

The Democratic Party is made to look like a laughing stock because of (conservative) Blue-Dog Democrats. Meanwhile, the Republican Party keeps on trying to be conservative. This is the year 2010 -1980 was 30 years ago. Society has changed in 30 years. Okay, Reagan was a conservative Republican. However, that was then, this is now. A popular republican Twitter hashtag is "rebuild;" I have asked some friends what this means, I am always told (in some stubstance) 'rebuild the [Republican] party and restore it to its conservative roots.' Here is where the argument always fails, each time that I have heard it, I am told that we should follow Reaganesque policies and attachment methods. I will admit, Reagan was a fantastic orator and got many people to follow him. But, society has changed. Therefore, policies must change.

One of the main reasons I enjoy being a member of the Democratic Party is that we enjoy our differences. We don't follow an ideology and platform like a dogma (look at the RNC's "Purity Test"), we, in essence, (in my personal interpretation) say 'hey, here is our party platform, we create and vote on it every 4 years, embrace what parts of it you will; if you feel that you are a Democrat at heart, we will support you.'

The exact opposite is the case with the Republicans. Look at the recent race in New York's 23^rd Congressional District. Dede Scozzafava is a moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage. However, she is also against President Obama's health care plan, cap-and-trade, the Stimulus Plan, and has a "A" score from the NRA. 'She is a moderate on social issues?! She isn't one of us!' Screamed conservatives. Who did Scozzafava endorse after she dropped out of the race? Well, he Republican brethren dropped her for Conservative Party member (who didn't even live in the district) Doug Hoffman. Why not Democrat Bill Owens? Well, she did just that.

Dear Republican Party,

If you want to rebuild, move to the center. Embrace moderates and liberals. You can be Republican and support gay and abortion rights. You can be a Republican and be for gun control. You can be a Republican and support 'Obamacare.' Being a member of a political party does not entail one to 'drink the Kool-Aid.' Rebuild your party! Embrace difference my Republican brethren! Welcome to the year 2010!

I'm Not Complaining, Why Are You?

Right now, I am watching what may be my all-time favorite West Wing episode: Isaac and Ishmael. The story is simple: the White House is on lock-down and a group of high school students are taught about the origins of fundamental Islam by the various characters. The episode was made in response to anti-Muslim sentiments following 9/11.

One of the first stories I heard on the news this morning that Attorney General Holder is thinking of holding some of the Al Quaeda terrorists on trial in Brooklyn. The court house for United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York is mere blocks from my apartment. If you exited my building on the Cadman Plaza West side, crossed the street, and walked through Cadman Plaza Park (which is roughly the width of Eddie's) and you would be at the court house. Heck, I can see the court house from my bedroom (I would have a better view if the trees were chopped down, but whatever).

My mother works mere blocks from the Southern District court house, where Khalid Sheikh Mohammed -the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks- will be tried.

Protectors across the country are protesting these people being put on trial in American courts. One of their fears is that the people in the area will be put in harm's way. Guess what? Me and my family will be in harms way. And I have no problem with it. From the get-go, I have been for putting these terrorists on trial.

A few weeks ago, I asked my conservative Republican father what his thoughts were about the trials. He responded, "we are Americans. That's what we do." I tweeted this line and it was retweeted by the University of New Mexico's College Democrats chapter.

The night of the 9/11 Attacks, President Bush said "America was targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining." How can we keep that light aglow if we don't give even our enemies due process? Hell, we did so for the Nuremberg Trials.

What makes the Holocaust truly different from what happened on that summer day in September 2001? Both were systematic. The only difference were the races/religions of the majority of the victims and their nationality. Suddenly, are we saying "if you kill millions of Jews, you get a trial; but, if you kill thousands of our people, you get a military tribunal"?

What are these protectors truly protesting? I will be in harm's way, but I'm not complaining. There goes public safety. They don't deserve a trial? Denounce the Nuremberg Trials and then we'll talk. They could get off? A jury of New Yorkers, really?

I know this card has been played once too many, but I think it is just another reason to oppose the Obama Administration.

I want to leave you all with this: (warning: if you are not a Star Wars fan, just stop here) Negelecting any love stories, Anakin Skywalker learns that Emperor Palpatine is the Sith Lord. Anakin says that Palpatine deserves a trial for his betrayal of the Republic. Mace Windu says that Palpatine is too dangerous to be left alive. Would you kill Palpatine because he betrayed the public and openly admits it or would you let him stand trial?





Here's another one: from Thank You For Smoking




I have yet to have heard a philosophical argument about 9/11 (minus Acts of War versus Crimes), but I think this explains the true underlying argument within our hearts.

Flag Burning

I'll begin by telling you all that, honestly, I do not know how I stand on the issue. I find that burning the American Flag is disrespectful to all for which the United States stands. On the other hand, I also find it to be a legitimate form of protest. My interest in this issue started when the other night, I was watching DVR-ed reruns of The West Wing and the episode began with this clip:

The text of the proposed "Flag Burning Amendment" is

"The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

But what does that mean. Researching this issue, I read that some constitutional scholars think that that broad a text could go so far as to preventing tattoos of the flag, flying it upside down, keeping it in the rain, or even virtue images. Yes, the text does say "physical desecration," but according to a report by the 108th Congress said "'desecrate' means deface, damage, or otherwise physically mistreat in a way that the actor knows will seriously offend one or more persons likely to observe or discover his action." Also, do our American Values fall into the confinds of a piece of cloth? But, say, as a bad example (but the first that came to mind), we write a letter of protest of the government and we have a copy of the flag printed on the letter, is that defamatory to the flag? Don't we have a duty to protest our government?

Like I said, I don't know how to stand on flag burning.

The Bottom Line with the Green Movement

I'll keep this short. I can understand people not believing in global warming. But, what is so wrong with the general green movement? Is recycling all that bad? We're making more of something by using existing resources. I'm done reading my newspaper and I want others to be able to enjoy newspapers, so I provide the paper to make another paper. Is that so preposterous?

Last time I checked, oil is a non-renewable resource. When we're out of oil, we're done completely. For that reason, wouldn't it beneficial for our future to invest in some other forms of energy (preferably renewable so we won't have a future energy crisis)?

Yes, we will need to change our lifestyles a bit, but is change all that bad when it is for the better?

Answer me this: how can someone call themselves a "fiscal conservative" and not be for green technology?

How's This for Excessive Spending?

As I am sure we all heard, there was a major tea party in D.C. this past weekend. The protesters complain about taxation and spending. They hate the Stimulus Package. They hate the health care bill. They hate foreign aid. They hate progressive taxes.

They also hate excessive government bureaucracy. I have one piece of excessive spending and government bureaucracy that no one has ever mentioned.

Next time you are hanging out in Downtown D.C., walk to the Department of Agriculture, then walk to the Department of Commerce, then Labor, and continue walking around to all of the cabinet-level departments that everyone forgets. Then, to finish it off, head to the Capitol. You will notice that each bureau has its own police force. I understand that each government office should have some security, but its own police force?

First off, I am curious to know who has the jurisdiction to prosecute someone who the, say Capitol police, arrest.

I do not know why there is a need for this much bureaucracy and excessive spending. But, however, our friends on the Right have never mentioned this. They seem to care more about social spending

Here is my solution to the police force issue: The President nominates a Governmental Police Commissioner that shall be in charge of all police forces within the government (with the exception of special cases such as Military Police forces and the Secret Service) and a joint committee of the House and Senate confirm. The Police Commissioner, then, appoints police chiefs for each department (i.e. Agriculture Department Police Chief). Those Chiefs, then, manage all of the police that are stationed in that department.

My plan gives a direct chain of command and provides necessary resources to other bureaus when needed (like when other police precincts are called to a scene). If there is a fault with my plan, please comment.

Let's see what the so-dubbed 'teabaggers' have to say about this.

No Words Can Be Found: 2 New Yorkers' Stories

So, as a New Yorker, I guess I should chime in about how this day, 8 years ago, was for me.

I, at the time, was living out in Long Island. 9/11/01 was a warm, sunny day. It went on like any other day, I guess.

Throughout the day, however, students were being called out of class and told to bring their belongings. They never returned. No reason was given.

In my science class, as we always did, we opened with a prayer. The teacher made the intention to be to find a cure for all of the problems of the world. I raised a proverbial eyebrow to that. However, the day before, we were praying for young girls in Northern Ireland that were being harassed on their way to school; therefore, I thought we were praying for that (in another way).

Things really got eerie when I heard that my school's only male teacher was seen crying by a classmate. In my twelve-year-old innocence, I thought that the teachers were killing students (I must have been watching too many action movies).

Then, as my class was walking from lunch to recess, another classmate tells me that the principal wanted to see me. "Oh no! I'm next," I thought. With my legs shaking, I walked up to my principal. She told me that there was someone here to see me. I did not know who it could have been.

As it turns out, the person picking me up was, in fact, three people -a close friend, his mother (also a friend of my mother), and his little sister. My friend's mother told me that my mom had something to talk to me about. I, for some reason, thought that it was related to my asthma. I was told to gather up my belongings to leave with them. I was unsure if I would be gone for the rest or the day or not (obviously, I wished that would be the case). I went to my homeroom and got my belongings and we left.

As we walked to the parking lot, my friend told me "You know the World Trade Center?"

I instantly was reminded of when me, my brother, his wife, his two sons, and my father went to the observation deck a few years prior. "Yeah," I responded.

"Well, it's gone."

Huh? I thought to myself. I was told what happened by my friend and his mother.

We went to my house to get some clothes together just in case I would need to spend the night. I ended up staying with my friend and his family at their house, across town, for a few hours while my parents were working on getting themselves home.

When I heard about the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, I could not help but think of how eerily close this was to scenes in a video game I was playing at the time - "Red Alert 2." That video game, a few days later, was banned by some stores.

When my family finally regrouped, I went into the guest bedroom in my house and wept into bed, wishing that this was just some nightmare. I ended up falling asleep for about 45 minutes. When I awoke, I realized that the nightmare was a reality.

---

While this is my story of how a part of my innocence was shattered that day, the true heroism of September 11th is best told through the experience my mother went through that day.

My mom was a partner in a law firm. Her office was a few blocks away from Grand Central Terminal. On 9/11, she had court in Brooklyn. While she was leaving her office, a lawyer from another firm located on that floor told her that a plane just crashed into the World Trade Center. My mother's father's best friend was the Executive Director of Catholic Relief Services and his office was hit when a plane crashed into the Empire State Building 50 years prior; so, my mom thought nothing of it.

She got on the Lexington Avenue Line (4/5/6) subway and took it downtown and under the East River to Borough Hall in Brooklyn. The Lexington Avenue Line, it should be noted, travels under the World Trade Center. Right as the second plane hit, my mom was only feet below.

She got to Brooklyn Supreme Court and saw her co-counsel and opposing-counsel by the court steps. She was told that another plane hit. She did not need to be told anything else.

Now, the question was where she would go. Mass transit was suspended. She couldn't get a cab. She had family in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, so she headed that way -a seven mile walk. She realized that she would need water. She went to a bodega and bought a bottle.

Her walk, to this day, is the time she was most proud to be a New Yorker. New Yorkers are thought to be mean-hearted; truly, we're anything but. In 2006, New York was named the most polite city in the world. We may not say "good morning" to everyone we pass, but if someone needs directions or drops something, we help. People were lending cell phones so people could call loved ones, people comforted each other. My mom, in fact, gave away about half of her water.

Eventually, my mom got to her cousin's house and was able to get a taxi to the city line, where my father (who merely walked and then waited at Penn Station for mass transit to restart in order to pick me up and head home) picked her up.

---

One of my favorite movies is Spider-Man. My favorite scene is when Spider-Man is trying to save a Roosevelt Island tram filled with kids from the Green Goblin. People crowed onto the Queensboro Bridge, which runs parallel to the tram and began to throw debris at the Green Goblin in order to hinder him attacking Spider-Man as he saved the kids. One man says that they are all New Yorkers and "when you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us." That is what 9/11 meant to every New Yorker. At first, it did not seem like an attack on America, but on New York. But, every New Yorker, then, joined together for the good of all. We all knew in our hearts: "United we stand, divided we fall.
"

Yet Another 'Scandal?'

Oh boy! Here we go again with the Cardinal Newman Society. Their latest 'scandal' is how Georgetown University giving an honorary doctorate to the President of the AFL-CIO (whom is for gay marriage

What I am going to say is my interpretation and by no means am I speaking for any University.

When a school has a speaker come, it is not always an endorsement of the speaker. Go google "define: school" and you will see that the top hit is "an educational institution." Schools have speakers come to inform pupils on a subject or way of thinking. When schools give some honor to a speaker, again it may not be an endorsement, but more an endorsement of the role the person plays in society and/or the education of others.

A teacher would be failing if he or she never presented other ways to attack a problem or other schools of thought. Think of this math problem:

2x + 4 = 4
(2x)/2 + (4/2) = 4/2	2x + 4 - 4 = 4 - 4
x + 2 = 2	2x = 0
x + 2 - 2 = 2 - 2	2x = 0 / 2
x = 0	x = 0

Was either solution better than the other? No, they were the same. The only difference was the approach made to finding the solution.

Has it ever occurred to groups like the Cardinal Newman Society that, perhaps, by taking a different education route, it will come to the same result? Perhaps, taking the "wrong" route will lead people who do not adhere to take a route that, when properly traversed, will get the person to the same place. You can look at a road map right now and see that there are more than one way to get from point A to point B; one may be a longer and more difficult route, but, the rewards are the same in the end.

Let me give you an example from my life: I, like most people, at one point, doubted God's existence. However, I had (and still have) an interest in the paranormal (which is spoken poorly upon in the Old Testament). During some free research, years ago, I found confirmed reports of demonic possessions by impartial parties. I realized that if there was an evil force, then there would have to be a good force because, unless there was some type of competition, the evil force would have no reason to posses others. That good force must be God.

Even if a person does not make it to the end of the path and nothing changes, there was no harm nor foul based upon the preliminary education.

Notice how I did not bring up how the Catholic Church happens to be vehemently pro-labor union nor the response from Georgetown?