The Hall Report

RE: Feds rethink stance on Kinston voting

2012-02-03T07:32:00.001-08:00

The fight against Non Partisan elections just heated up a little bit. As reported by the Kinston Free Press and others ( http://www.kinston.com/news/federal-79724-kinston-voting.html ) The Justice Department has soften is stance on the Non Partisan referendum:

U.S. Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez wrote, "It appears that there may 'have been a substantial change in operative fact' such that it is appropriate to reconsider the objection concerning the City of Kinston."

Well, needless to say we need to reinforce to the Justice department that nothing substantial has changed, in fact we need to let them know that things have the potential to get worse. I'm sure many of you know County Commissioner Eric Rouse introduced a "Voter I.D. resolution at one of the county commissioner meetings (which was tabled). If the republican party were to take control of the County Commission I have no doubt that they will be successful in passing a Voter I.D. resolution here in Lenoir County. Such a resolution will limit acess to the polls to minorities and the elderly who are the ones that are more likely to not have I.D. It would basically be a Poll Tax which many believe would be unconstitutional.

We need to let the Justice Department know that the Local Republican Party is behind the entire Non Partisan issue. It has nothing to do with black or white. I dont know how they came to that conclussion to begin with. It has everything to do with Democrat and Republican. The Republicans know that they cant when in Kinston because Kinston is Majority Democrat and many Democrats vote straight party, which they have every right to do and they cant change the fact that Kinston is majority Democrat but they can change how we vote.

They have been wanting to do away with the "Straight Party Voting System" for years, with Non Partisan voting they basically do away with Straight Party Voting. Thats their objective they want to take that option away from voters! We cant let that happen. We need to call the justice department and let them know that they need to REJECT the Non Partisan Referendum and keep our voting in Lenoir County the way it has always been. Changing the elections to Non Partisan only helps one small minority group, the Far Right Wing of the Republican Party. Contact the Justice Department and tell them to keep Lenoir County Elections Partisan. Contact info below:

Thomas E. Perez
Assistant Attorney General
Civil Rights Division
(202) 514-4609

Mailing Address

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Main
Washington, D.C. 20530

Fax Numbers:

(202) 514-0293
(202) 307-2572
(202) 307-2839

Sincerely & Democratically Yours,

Anthony D. Hall
NCDP SEC Member
3rd Vice Chair - Lenoir County Democratic Party
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health

Governor Deval Patrick speaking at the NCDP Sanford, Hunt, Frye Dinner

2012-01-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

Governor Bev Perdue speaking at the NCDP Sanford, Hunt, Frye Dinner

2012-01-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

I want to thank Governor Perdue for her service to our state. I'm not really sure how to feel about her not running, so I won't discuss all the thoughts swirling in my head. I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to her for trying her best to make North Carolina the state I love a better place for everyone.

From day one Governor Perdue had to make many tough decisions and I never publicly complained about the decisions she had to make(as has been my custom when I disagree with a politician)cause I understood where her heart was at and I knew deep down she was doing what she thought was right.

We have a tough long road a head as a party. We need to quickly unite behind the RIGHT candidate for Governor, Lt Governor and we need to compete in every congressional district race and every state legislature race. We can't leave anything up to chance its going to take blood, sweat, and tears.

Governor Perdue gave it her all. She fought the good fight and she will continue to fight. It is up to us as a party to step our game up and fight even harder to elect GOOD Democrats all across this great state.

Anthony D. Hall
3rd Vice Chair Lenoir County Democratic Party
President Young Democrats of Lenoir County

Fighting for Truth, Justice, Freedom and the American Way

This weekend’s Martin Luther King Jr. events

2012-01-13T04:59:00.001-08:00

- 'Don't Stop Dreaming, Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King,' today at 7:30 p.m. at Alpha and Omega Church, 410 E. Washington St.

- Martin Luther King Jr. prayer breakfast Sunday 8 a.m. at Emmanuel Hill Memorial FWB Church, 401 N. Rochelle Blvd., with guest speaker Dr. Jan Laughinghouse and music by violinist Benita Jones

- Birthday Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday 11 a.m. at Salem Chapel FWB Church, 324 N.C. 11, Pink Hill

- Annual Kinston/Lenoir County NAACP March, Sunday 2 p.m. at Lenoir County Courthouse steps. March ends at United American Free Will Baptist Tabernacle. Worship service to follow at the church at 3 p.m. with guest speaker the Rev. Dan Lawson

- A National Birthday Celebration Sunday at 6:30 p.m., in La Grange, hosted by the La Grange Branch of the NAACP

- Fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration at St. Augustus AME Zion Church, 318 E. North St., Monday at 10 a.m. with keynote speaker Eddie L. Kornegay Jr. Hosted by Kinston Youth enrichment Project

- The Greene County NAACP will host a ceremony at 11:30 a.m., Monday at the Community Center, 814 W Harper St.

- National Birthday Parade Celebration in La Grange, Monday at 3 p.m., hosted by the La Grange Youth Council of the NAACP

Anthony D. Hall
3503 Foss Farm Road
La Grange, NC 28551
252-361-2499

Fighting For Truth, Justice, Freedom and the American Way!

Kinston City election most important ever!

2011-10-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again, election season! I know politicians always say that each election is the most important election and to some degree they are right. The last municipal election saw the city of Kinston elect is first Republican mayor since reconstruction, an historic event regardless of your political affiliation. But this election could switch the balance of power on the Kinston city council.

Even though Lennie Peterson is the only candidate "Running" as a Republican everyone knows John Nix is a republican and is only running as an unaffiliated candidate to increase his chances of winning and to promote his cause of "Non Partisan Elections" as if there ever was such a thing. It's impossible to get political parties and politics out of elections. Elections are political by their very nature, his wife is an officer on the Lenoir County GOP for Christ sake. He is definitely not unaffiliated and non partisan elections are just another republican trick.

Then there is Jimmy cousins (who when he was a Democrat I supported for Mayor). I believe Jimmy is an honorable guy and would have been a great Mayor but it is clear that a vote for Jimmy Cousins (who has never made his Conservatism a secret) would be a vote against the Democratic Party and in support of the Republican party.

So if Mr. Peterson, Mr. Nix, and Mr. Cousins win that would mean there would be 3 Conservatives/Republicans on the 5 person city council and a long with the Republican Mayor Murphy 4 altogether giving the Republican Party complete control of the Kinston City Council, that spells a recipe for disaster.

Now is not the time to experiment with ultra right wing Republican Conservatism. This coupled with the Mayors attempt to have veto power with the assistance of long-time friend and associate NC House Representative Stephen LaRoque the republicans will have the ability to stop all the progress that Kinston is trying to make. Stephen LaRoque is no doubt pulling all the strings trying to control all aspects of Lenoir County politics.

I have stated in the past that the Mayor should have more say in the governing process because how else can the citizens gage the Mayors performance if all he does is cut ribbons and pose for pictures but with this current Mayor the city of Kinston has in there now that's about all I want him doing!

We cannot be deceived into thinking that these candidates that are running as "Independents" or "Unaffiliated" are truly independent, they are under cover Republicans trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the citizens of Kinston. On November 8th I urge the Citizens of Kinston to vote Straight Democratic Party ticket and to Vote No on the Mayor veto referendum.

Anthony D. Hall
3rd Vice Chair
Lenoir County Democratic Party

NC Republican Legislators have Betrayed our State

2011-06-15T10:57:00.001-07:00

I want to thank Governor Perdue for standing up and fighting the Republican Budget. I am ashamed that 5 Democrats decided to do what was in their best "Political Interest" instead of what is best for the State of North Carolina and the citizens of North Carolina. Make no mistake this Budget takes our state in the Wrong Direction!

The Republicans claim that their budget protects the class rooms but all they do is force the Local Governments to take on more of the burden of making those cuts. A burden that they can't afford to bare.

The Republicans have cut funding to Early Childhood education that really helps low income families and minorities, but the Republicans could careless. All the while Tom Tillis gives his staff Raises, teachers across the state are going to get Pink Slips! It's unforgiveble!

I don't know anything more important than the future of our Children. The Republican Budget hurts everyone involved in Education: Students, Teachers, Janitors, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria Staff, Maintinance! Don't Be Deceived! When School Boards start making Cuts No One Is going to be safe and No One is going to benefit!

The Republican Party has targeted Teachers Unions strictly for ideological purposes. The Republican Legislators have even target the State Capital Police for goodness sake! I don't know who benefits from all that the Republicans are doing in Raleigh but I can tell you it aint the Citizens of North Carolina. It aint the Hard Working Middle Class, it aint the struggling Working Poor, it aint the Unemployed and it isn't those living below Poverty!

Claiborne Pell wrote, "The strength of the United States is not the gold at Fort Knox or the weapons of mass destruction that we have, but the sum total of the Education and the character of our people." Our Education system is what makes our Country Great and what makes the State of North Carolina Great! Governor Perdue understands that The Repubican Legislature doesn't!

Anthony D. Hall
3rd Vice Chair - Lenoir County Democratic Party
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health

Protect Education!

2011-05-27T05:18:00.001-07:00

This is a very important time in the history of the state of North Carolina. For the first time in 100 years Repubicans control the North Carolina General Assembly. We also are facing one of the worst economic crisiss we've seen since the Great Depression.

In a time when our state needs leadership the most the Republican Party's answer to everything is Cut Everything. Cut Teachers and send them to the employment line, Cut Healthcare Benefits, Cut Unemployment Benefits, Cut Medicaid & Medicare. Every student in this state will affected by the massive cuts to Education that the GOP is proposing. Don't be deceived.

If the Republican Budget is approved we will be below South Carolina and Mississippi in per student spending, that is unacceptable. We are better than that!

While all this is going on in the North Carolina General Assembly, District 10 Rep. Stephen LaRoque trys to interject Race as a means to Distract the public of the Real issue of Protecting Education and passing the budget. LaRoque called Rev. Barber and the Entire NAACP Racist, an unprovocated comment I might add.

The NAACP of which I am a Proud member has fought for over 100 years against Racism and to protect the Civil Rights of ALL Americans to call them Racist would be like calling the KKK a civil rights organization. It's totally absurd. I demand Stephen LaRoque appologize for his imflamatory outrageous remarks and focus his energy on the Budget Crissis instead of Race Baiting!

The Republican leaders in the General Assembly Put Education First. We have an projected $700 million budget shortfall. Republicans want to fix that shortfall by firing Teachers and Teachers Assistant across the state affecting Every class room and every student. Enough is Enough. I demand that The Republican Leadership in the General Assembly revise their Budget to Protect Education and that means saving Teachers Jobs!

Teachers in the state of North Carolina are already Under Paid, Under Appreciated and the Republicans in the NC General Assembly want to See them Unemployed! I along with many other Young Democrats across the state will head to Raleigh on June 2nd to Fight For Education! This is a Fight that we can't afford to lose and We Want Lose!

Anthony D. Hall
3rd Vice Chair - Lenoir County Democratic Party
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health
Member - NAACP
anthony.d.hall@hotmail.com

Governor Perdue Speaking at the NC Democratic Party SEC Meeting

2011-05-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hall Fam

2011-04-18T08:30:00.001-07:00

NCDP 1st Vice Chair Gwen Wilkins speaking at the YDNC Convention in Winston-Salem

2011-04-04T07:10:00.001-07:00

Stop the GOP Middle Class tax hike!

2011-03-09T04:20:00.001-08:00

From: NC House Democrats <info@nchousedemocrats.com>
Date: Mar 8, 2011 5:15 PM
Subject: Stop the GOP Middle Class tax hike

Dear Supporter:

We need your help, right now.

Middle class families in North Carolina are under attack in a piece of legislation that goes before the House Finance Committee tomorrow morning.

Republicans in the State House have proposed changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that will increase the taxes of middle class families across North Carolina (HB 93).

Over 800,000 working North Carolina families qualify for and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. About half of them-over 400,000- would see their taxes increased by a total of $50 million if the Republican plan was passed into law. That's an average tax increase of over $125!

This bill which raises taxes on middle class families will be heard tomorrow morning.NCWorkingFamilies.com has launced a petition to oppose stripping away the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC.)

Click below to put your name on the petition and let Republicans know that raising taxes on middle class families is not the answer!

Click here to sign the petition

Thanks,

NC House Democrats

P.S. Your signature on the petition could make the difference, sign our petition to protect the EITC now.

-Paid for by the North Carolina Democratic Party - House Caucus-

HKonJ This Saturday!

2011-02-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

HKonJ

2011-02-11T05:15:00.001-08:00

Privatizing the NC ABC system is Bad Policy and its bad for North Carolina.

2011-02-01T11:15:00.001-08:00

I applaud and support Governor Perdue's decision Not to privatize North Carolina's ABC System. Her decision took courage and showed Great Leadership. Privatizing the NC ABC system is Bad Policy and its bad for North Carolina.

For one it would seriously diminish the State Governments Revenue! Last year the ABC system brought in a profit of 200 million. We already have the Far Right Wing RepubliCON legislators talking about Cutting More Taxes (Which Means cutting Revenue) and Cutting More Spending (Which Means Cutting Jobs) why in the World would anyone in their right mind Cut More Revenue out of the State Budget? It doesn't make Sound Fiscal Sense! Everyone wants to Balance the State Budget and we have to but you Don't do that by Cutting State Revenue!

Second, it would seriously put Local Governments in a bind also. With the State facing a huge budget deficit, the State is limited in what it can provide to Local Governments. Yes the State is going to cut spending in some areas and one of those areas is more than likely going to be what it gives to Local Governments. If the NC ABC System is privatized it will take around $51 Million out of Local Governments Budgets! That aint pocket change! Local Governments will be forced to layoff Police and Emergency Personnel, cut back spending on Education and Social Services! We need to seriously think about the implications of such decisions before jumping on the Privatization Band Wagon!

Finally, if the RepubliCON controlled State Legislature privatizes the NC ABC system we will have a Liquor Store on every street corner in North Carolina most of which will be in Low Income, High Crime neighborhoods! We have to come up with solutions that work for State of North Carolina and Local Government.

Anthony D. Hall
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health

I Support Gwen Wilkins for NCDP 1st Vice Chair

2011-01-28T09:28:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow over 700 Democrats from all 100 counties will gather to elect New Officers. We have some Great Outstanding Candidates for each post but feel compelled to speak on the behalf of one very special candidate, 1st District Chair Gwen Wilkins who is running for NCDP 1st Vice Chair.

During the time that I have known Gwen she has proven to me that she wants what is Best for The 1st District which part of Lenoir County is in and the Entire State. She is a DieHard Democrat in a time where being Partisan has been given a bad name, Gwen Loves the Democratic Party and what it Stands for. Gwen has Fought for us in Lenoir County, in the First District and if given the chance she will Fight for you as North Carolina Democratic Party 1st Vice Chair! I urge your support and if you are on the SEC or are going as a Proxy like myself I urge that you Vote for Gwen Wilkins for NCDP 1st Vice Chair! Thank You!

Democratically Yours!

Anthony D. Hall "D" For DieHard Democrat!

HallStyle's Lament, (Random Tweets)

2010-12-16T11:44:00.001-08:00

HallStyle Are We so Blinded by the Shiny Objects that we Don't see What is Really Going on in Our Country? Are We aware of the effects of our actions?

HallStyle Are We So Drunk With Greed that our Senses no longer function properly? Have we regressed so far backward that the we long for our past?

HallStyle Do we have any Visions of the Future? Have we Lost all Curiousity? What does it mean to be Human in Present day America?

HallStyle Corporations Are People they have More Rights than you and I. Their Votes Count more than Mine! If they are Human we are Sub-Human 3/5

HallStyle We are Sub-Human Slaves to Multinational Corporations who Own Our Government Institutions and Our Politicians who are suppose to help us!

HallStyle If the Corporations Are the Masters then the Government is just their Enforcer. The Role of Governments Is to protect Corporate interest

HallStyle If We are to take back our Country we Must First understand who or what Really Controls our Country. These Corrupt Corporate Monsters

HallStyle A Town, A State, A Nation without Values, Without Beliefs, Without Shared Identity has no Culture No Soul! Who Are We? Where Are We Going?

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Broke Back Democrats

2010-12-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

Well here we are again. Faced with another tough decision: Do we Stand Up for Principles? Or Do We Lay Down, Bend Over, And Get These RepubliCON/Obama Tax Cuts Rammed Down Our Throats and be Told to Like & Love? I think we ALL know what Will happen. We As a Party are going to Cave! We are going to concede defeat Fully! We are going to Bend Over and Take It! Our Will, Our Spirits, Our Backs have been Broken!

Isn't it ironic? The RepubliCON/Tea Party said that their Goal was to "Break" President Obama but Obama has dragged the Rest of the Party Down with him! They made it no secret what they planned to do. They were Crystal Clear in the Strategy they were going to use. Totally Opposition. Total Obstruction But the True Irony is that the "One Thing" that the RepubliCONS & President Obama agree on could Very well be the thing that Ends up Breaking the Democratic Party and President Obama.

To me this is Unforgiveable! I watched Good Democrats lose All over the Country this year and here in North Carolina in the Legislature primarily because of the perceived Weakness and Lack of Leadership of the President. They took the Fall for his Failures but when the going gets tough what do we see the President do? He Takes up Policy Positions SOOO Far to the Right that one can only question what does this Guy trully believe? Who is this Guy?

What can any of us do? We are beaten, battered, brusied, and now we have been betrayed! If we don't Stand for Anything then we Deserve to Fall! We aren't Fit to Lead!

Compromise comes from the Weak who are willing to make the Best out of a Bad situation! Just as in War when you are Winning you Don't ask for a cease Fire, you don't look to negotiate. You look for Total Unconditional Surrender. It is my Belief that the President has Weakened his Own position! He has Weakened his Own Chances of Winning in 2012! He has Weakened the Entire Party! If the RepubliCONs had any respect for the President you can rest assurded that they have lost it. His willingness to Bend over to them so quickly so easily how could they Respect him? And with it he has lost the Respect of many Loyal Supporters that have been trying to Pull Up & Push the President Forward. Instead he saves his Fight, His Venom for us! His Loyal Left!

The Senate will Cave, they will likely Bend over and take this proposal. The House will Kick & Scream but they to will Bend Over and Take this proposal. The RepubliCONS will start the New Year with the President in control. Total control in the House and basical controlling the Senate (blue dogs + RepubliCONs). And they will be able to do what ever they want because they know the President & Harry Reid aren't going to Fight them! They have been Beaten & Broken!

Filibuster reform - It's time.

2010-12-09T10:38:00.001-08:00

Unemployment insurance for laid-off workers... Medical compensation for 9/11 first responders... An arms control treaty with support from both sides of the political aisle... A path to citizenship for students brought to the United States at a young age... Disclosure of the sources of secret money in campaigns... Paycheck fairness...

All of these measures – and dozens of others – have been blocked from coming up for a vote in the Senate (and in some cases, from even coming up for debate) by the filibuster.

It's clear that the rules that govern the Senate no longer work, and it's time for change.

Sign the petition today calling on incoming Senators to reform the filibuster!

The Senate has gone from being the world's greatest deliberative body to the world's most obstinate body.

But that can change.

The fact is that the modern filibuster has never been part of the Constitution or any law. It's not even in the original rules of the Senate. It's simply a parliamentary gimmick that's become popular as an easy way to stifle debate rather than extend it, and to block compromise rather than encourage it.

The Senate can and should change its rules at the start of the 112th Congress in January so that the minority's right to a full debate is protected, but the majority is allowed to work its will. The filibuster, at least as currently practiced, is unconstitutional and un-American.

With so many serious issues facing our country, we can't afford two more years of blocks and obstructionism in the Senate.

Sign the petition today calling on incoming Senators to reform the filibuster!

Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,

Bob Edgar
and the rest of the team at Common Cause

P.S. Did you know that in America's early days, a filibuster was a pirate – "filibustero" in the original Spanish – a soldier of fortune who plundered foreign lands without his government's consent. Read more about the history of the filibuster in my latest piece on Huffington Post, and leave a comment letting me know what you think.

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NAACP-supported DREAM Act coming up for a vote TODAY

2010-12-08T12:00:00.001-08:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

From: Hilary O. Shelton, NAACP Washington Bureau <washingtonbureau@naacpnet.org>
Date: Dec 8, 2010 11:07 AM
Subject: NAACP-supported DREAM Act coming up for a vote TODAY
To: Anthony Hall <anthony.d.hall@hotmail.com>

The Senate is expected to vote on "cloture", and whether to move forward with debate and ultimately passage of the DREAM Act later today.

For information on this bill, and to learn how to advocate, please download the following Urgent Action Alert and take action now! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Hilary

Hilary O. Shelton
Director, NAACP Washington Bureau &
Senior VP for Advocacy and Policy
(202) 463-2940

Friends,

This is your moment. Together, we have made more than 1.5 million voter contacts, telling our friends, family, and neighbors about the good work Democrats have done to keep this state moving forward.

And they listened. More than 440,000 Democrats have already cast their ballot during early voting.

After the early voting period, we are leading in races across our state, but we cannot rest now.

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Click here to find a polling place in your community.

Click here to download a list of Democrats, including fair-minded judges, who will continue to make North Carolina among the top states in the nation when it comes to business growth and job creation. Democrats, who will continue to protect education, and preserve programs that help our seniors and those struggling with life's challenges.

There is much at stake in this year's election. If we want to continue building a sound foundation for generations to come, we must send Elaine Marshall to the U.S. Senate and maintain our majorities in the North Carolina General Assembly and the United States Congress. We must work to keep Democrats in control to move our state and country forward.

This election boils down to a simple driving lesson, vote "D" to move this state forward because "R" will move it backwards.

Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.

Warmest regards,

David

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

The NAACP needs our help

2010-10-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Anthony,

The voting crisis is becoming more and more critical with each passing day.

Every day we are reminded how fragile the civil rights and social justice agenda is in America. There is a very real threat that our nation will move backward if we do not speak out.

And while the NAACP fully embraces the expression of all political views in our democracy, it is our responsibility to show that the will of this nation is to move forward.

That starts with you. Get people to the polls by calling voters in the states that need it most, like North Carolina. It is simple -- we even made a short video to help get you started:

http://action.naacp.org/VoterCalls

Democracy provides us with a platform to speak out against extremists who seek to undermine democratic discourse itself.

With each vote cast in support of civil rights advocates and leaders in the equality movement, we reassert the very beliefs that founded the NAACP over one century ago: ensuring a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

That is why we need your help to Get Out the Vote this election. Pick up the phone and call 10 people who may be losing faith in the power of the vote, and remind them why their voice matters:

http://action.naacp.org/VoterCalls

It is our responsibility to ensure that the democratic process proves itself at the polls.

Thanks for doing your part,

Ben Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP

Message from former governor Jim Hunt: No Ordinary Time

2010-10-28T08:28:00.001-07:00

From: James B. Hunt Jr.

Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 10:08 AM

To: Lyle Holland

Subject: No Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

I don't ordinarily email you, but these are not ordinary times in North Carolina.

Money has flooded into our state from outside groups to fund attacks on our good Democratic candidates. This special interest spending binge is being done with one thing in mind: the takeover of our State Legislature.

We have worked too hard to make North Carolina the great state it is today to allow that to happen.

As your Governor for 16 years, I fought hard for education initiatives that North Carolinians are proud of and established aggressive economic development initiatives to recruit high-tech, high-wage jobs to North Carolina. We led the country in improving our early childhood success rate and raised the standard of living for all North Carolinians.

As you know, I could not have accomplished any of these achievements without a strong Democratic legislature to support and assist in our efforts. We worked together to improve teacher pay, hire more teacher assistants, and reduce class sizes, all while investing in our community college and university system. Because of that we are now recognized as one of the best states in the country for public education.

With the Democratic legislature we competed and won the fierce recruiting battles for great companies providing thousands of good jobs here. Over 100,000 jobs will come from announcements made by Governor Perdue in the last two years. It was North Carolina Democrats who recruited the world and brought the world to North Carolina.

Now, our legislators are under a tremendous attack from those who would slash funding for the very programs that have made North Carolina great.

Our Democratic legislators did not create the recession and the recession did not begin in North Carolina, but they have had to deal with its consequences.

They cut spending the right way and protected our state's most valuable assets. In fact, Forbes Magazine recently named North Carolina the third best state in the nation for doing business.

But, in order to keep North Carolina moving forward, I need your help today.

I know how hard you're working because I have seen it as I've travelled the state. You have already given your time, energy and resources, but the time to stretch and give a little bit more is right now!

The Democratic Party desperately needs your small gift to help fund the final days of our 100 county Get Out The Vote effort. Our volunteers have knocked on doors and made personal phone calls to more than 1.5 million North Carolinians. We are all working hard, but please consider a gift of any amount to assist us in the final days of this vital election.

I too have traveled the state to help candidates. You know I love this state and the citizens who are working hard to maintain our high quality of leadership, but without your continued giving, the special interest money may win out. That would be tragic for all North Carolinians.

Please give today. I know some of you may be only be able to give $5, but combined with others, it will help put us over the top.

All the best to you all and thank you for all you do to make North Carolina a great state!

Warmest personal regards,

James B Hunt Jr.

Former Governor North Carolina

Lenoir County Democratic Party Early Voting Rally

2010-10-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

I had a Great time at the Lenoir County Democratic Party Early Voting Rally wednesday night at Kings Restaurant. The House was Packed and we had Some Great Speakers. I came way much more motivated and Much more Confident in our chances of Maintaining Control on the County Board of Commissioner, Maintaining Control in the NC General Assembly and Maintaining Control in the US Congress.

All of our Candidates are Strong, Determined and Focused individuals who will Put their Communities Their People First and Not seek ways to enrich and further empower Big Multinational Corporations. Our Democratic Candidates Work for the People. I was excited listening to Walter Dalton, Dewey Hudson, Van Braxton, Johnny Rouse, G.K. Butterfield and William Wainwright speak and lay out their Vision for America and explain to us why this Election is so important. The Time is now! We Have the Strong Leaders, We have the Strong Message, We have the Truth what we need is a Strong Turn Out! When Democrats Turn Out We Win! So Lets Get Out The Vote!!!

Elaine Marshall Needs Our Support for US Senate

2010-10-11T12:01:00.001-07:00

No other race matter to me as much as the race for US Senate Elaine Marshall running against incumbent Richard Burr! Now most people that know me know that while I like Elaine I was a Huge Cal Cunningham supportor during the Primary and we worked hard on to get him elected. The Truth is Elaine Marshall ran a much better Campaign and reached out to more Voters and had her finger on the pulse of North Carolina and what Voters want and need in this State. She Fought Hard from Murphy to Manteo and everywhere we went she was there or someone from her campaign.

Elaine Marshall left no stone unturned and turned down no opportunity to speak to the people. I have always had a lot of respect for Elaine Marshall but the Primary proved to me that it doesn't matter who has the most Money or the biggest staff what matters is who can Connect, Really Connect with the People, who is the most down to Earth who can most affectively explain their vision to the People. Elaine Marshall won the Primary because she is that candidate. She most accurately represents what North Carolinians are all about. Elaine Marshall represents hard work, will power and determination.

You can't sit on the sidelines if you want to accomplish anything you have to be willing to get in the Game and Fight! Elaine Marshall is a Fighter! Elaine Marshall is a Winner! And Come November 2nd With your support Elaine Marshall is going to send Richard Burr back home where he belongs! He hasn't done anything for the People of North Carolina while he has been in Washington any way. The Only thing Richard Burr has done is Say No to everything and when asked tough questions he doesn't give answers instead he throws stones.

We need Real Leaders not Followers like Richard Burr! Elaine Marshall will Lead from the Front not hide behind Mitch McConnell, Michael Steele, John Boehner and Eric Cantor like Richard Burr does!

Elaine Marshall will Fight Lobbyist in Washington like she has in Raleigh. Elaine Marshall will Work to rebuild our Middle Class and Bring Jobs back to the United States. There are some that say the jobs that left will never come back, Elaine Marshall believes that we can bring those Jobs back and she believes we need to stop giving credits to companies that do send our jobs overseas!

Richard Burr Sides with Wall Street he is no longer reprsents North Carolina he Represents the Big Money, Big Power, Big Corporation. As long as he has been in Washington he has become part of the furinture there all he does is sit! Richard Burr wants to continue sending Jobs overseas. Richard Burr is Lost and out of Touch with North Carolina! Lets Bring Him Back Home! Lets Send Elaine Marshall to Washington to represent us in the US Senate!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

NC 3rd Congressional District Candidate Johnny Rouse speaking at the NCDP Coordinated Campaign Committee Tour in Kinston

2010-09-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

NC Senate District 10 Candidate Dewey Hudson Speaking at the NCDP Coordinated Campaign Committee Stop in Kinston

2010-09-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

NC House Rep Van Braxton speaking at the NCDP Coordinated Campaign Committee Tour Stop in Kinston

2010-09-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am....A Lenoir County Democrat!

2010-09-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

2010-09-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Dewey Hudson for NC Senate Meet and Greet, Kinston NC

2010-08-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Cunningham Speaking at the Wayne County Democratic Party Meet & Greet part 2

2010-06-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Cal Cunningham Speaking at the Wayne County Democratic Party Meet & Greet

2010-06-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Johnny Rouse US Job Growth Plan

2010-05-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

Cal Cunningham Speaking at the NCDP 3rd District Convention

2010-05-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Johnny Rouse Speaking at the NCDP 3rd District Convention

2010-05-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here's Why I am Supporting Cal Cunningham for US Senate

2010-04-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

With the Early Voting beginning April 15th and with what is already a very
contested Senate Primary underway, let me put an end to the debate and
discussion over who is the Best Candidate and who I hope will win the North
Carolina Democratic Party Primary, Cal Cunningham!

Richard Burr has been a Huge disappointment to the citizens of North
Carolina and it is time we put someone in Washington that Truly Represents
us. Unlike Burr Cal isn't some Corporate Shill, Cal is a smart, energetic,
passionate Proven Leader!

Cal proved his Leadership Skills while Serving in Iraq, while Richard Burr
was trying to fly under the Radar and go unnoticed in Washington, Cal was
serving his Country with Honor and Distinction.

Now I know a lot of people are still saying who is Cal Cunningham well
Beside from being a hard working Family Man, he is a Former State Senator
from Lexington and a Lawyer. For more information on Cal's Positions on
the Issues I encourage you to check out the website www.calfornc.com.
There you can read about Cal's plan to Bring Jobs Back to the United States
and what he will do for Working Class Families.

I like to consider myself a good judge of character. I have met Cal on
numerous occasions traveling throughout the state and Cal has only become
more Focused more Driven and More Determined.

While there are a lot of great Candidates in this Primary. Cal Cunningham
stands alone as the Candidate that Burr Fears. Burr knows that Cal is the
only Candidate that can truly threaten him in a General Election because of
Cal's unique story coupled with his Tremendous Leadership Skills,
overwhelming Charm, Charisma and Communication Skills. Cal Cunningham is the Total Package. Check him out at www.calfornc.com

Its time we Elect a someone that is actually going to put North Carolinian's
First instead of Greedy Bankers and Special Interest Groups like Burr does.
Join me in supporting and Voting for Cal Cunningham. Early Voting begins
April 15th. Let your Voice Be Heard.

Wrong Side of History!

2010-03-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening the US House of Representatives passed Historic Health Care Reform, taking the First Real Step towards Universal Health Care for all. While it is true that this Bill isn't perfect, it is something that we can and will build on. And it is something that those that voted for it should run on.

The Debate should be are you for The American People or the Health Insurance companies. For those that CLAIM to be Pro Life passing Health Care should have been at the Top of their list since it would save lives, in stead they chose to fight about things that weren't even in the bill instead of making sure that millions of Americans have a Health Care that they need to live.

The CONservaDEM and RepubliCON Hypocrisy has been well documented and now they stand firmly on the Wrong Side of History. Fighting against a bill that will Provide Health Care that Will SAVE LIVES because they are concerned with a Fetus that isn't even Born!

They care more about an Un-Born Fetus than they do people who are fighting for their lives because of lack of insurance. They have allowed the RepubliCON leadership to pull them into the very Ditch that the RepubliCONS are in. You know what they say "Misery Loves Company". I hope Kissell, McIntyre and Shuler like the company they are with as they stand beside Jones, McHenry, Foxx and the rest of the RepubliCONs that fought so hard to make sure so many don't get the care they need.

It is time to call these Jokers OUT and let them know that their Betrayal won't go un punished and they have sealed their Fate with the Voters of NC and the Democratic Party Base. No More supporting Candidates that don't share our Progressive Democratic Values.

It is time to end our Relationship with these CONservaDem DINOs and support Progressives that will work with the President not Work with and stand beside the RepubliCONS.

If Jobs are #1, then Trade should be #2

2010-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

The President made it crystal clear in his State of the Union speech that creating Jobs would be the #1 focus of his administration. Well, I say you cannot create jobs unless you stop jobs from going overseas! That means we need to seriously address our Trade Policy. We have a huge Trade imbalance with the rest of the world and for those who aren't familiar with Trade and economics that means we Import more than we Export.

The President spoke yesterday about increasing our Exports but failed to mention decreasing Imports. It is the Imports that is the Major Problem. Cheap goods from overseas only serves to undercut American manufacturers. Since Nixon decided to open up China to the West we have been going down this road and every President since has only made the problem worse.

So how do we fix the problem. First and the easiest thing to do it to punish China for Violating Trade Agreements by placing Tariffs on many of their imports. Our Economy will never fully recover unless we address this issue. But China isn't alone,we have a Trade imbalance with most of South East Asia.

We need to place Tariffs on anything we import that we have the resources to manufacture here in the United States. We are destroying our infrastructure by sending jobs overseas and if we continue this we want have a Middle Class. I heard Chris Matthews say something that really pissed me off. He said that the Reason Barack Obama can't talk like FDR because at that time we didn't have a Strong Middle Class and if Barack Obama talks like that then he will get some backlash from the middle Class. Wrong. We don't have a Strong Middle Class anymore. 30 years of Reaganomics and a War on Workers has made sure of that. We need to get back to the Work of Building a Middle Class again. And we need to start with ending NAFTA and various Free Trade agreements TODAY!

Left, Right and The Middle? Does The "Middle" really Exist?

2010-01-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am Really Pissed Off Right Now! I mean can the President Piss Off Progressives anymore than he already has? Does he Listen to Anyone on the Left? Is he so Cocky to the Point that he feels that he doesn't have to? WTF MAN!

From Day One of his Presidency he has been on this never ending Search for the Middle Ground! Why? By in large the Middle Didn't Elect Him. A Very Energized and Active Base Elected Him. His Base by the Way is on the Left. I seriously even Question that the "Middle" even exist! People that vote tend to be motivated by certain Issues that they feel Strongly about, such as:

Ending The War!

Gay Rights!

Fighting for Civil Rights!

Increasing Education Spending!

Ending Poverty!

Tougher Gun Control!

Crime Prevention Reform!

Drug Enforcement Reform!

Separation of Church & State!

Ending Bush/Reagan Tax Cuts!

Fighting Big Corporations!

Fighting For Workers Rights!

Promoting Small Business!

The Economy!

Ending NAFTA and Free Trade!

These are the Issues I care about. And I suspect most people that vote have a Strong opinion on each of these Issues. Whether it be Left or Right! But Where is the Middle on these issues! I really don't think the middle if it does exist is all that important when you really think about it. Some of us might average out a Moderate but on the Issues. I think we are on one side or the Other!

The Problem the President Faces is that by Trying to appease this Fictional Middle you Piss Off Everyone. Liberals Don't Like this Spending Freeze and CONs are going to call it Pandering and Political Posturing. You end up pissing off the Majority of People to appease a Handful.

The President needs to Dance with the ones that Brought him! That is the Progressive Base. Throw us a Bone for Christ Sake! Stop Pandering and Posturing towards the Right in hopes of winning the Middle that doesn't Really Exist.

For example the Spending Freeze, you are either For it or against it! Where is the Middle?

The President needs to give Progressives something to Talk About!

2010-01-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

The President for the Good Part of 2009 totally ignored Progressives, opting for this Fairly Tale Called a Bi Partisan Approach. The Republicans Laughed in his Face and said, Nah we have our own approach the I Want The President and His Administration To FAIL Approach.

All the while Progressives where Hope that he would Fight For Progressive Policies. On Every Major Issue the President either tried to Play it Down the Middle or Leaned to the Right. At the very same time this is going on the Right Wingers were saying we need to Stop this Socialist Take Over. Many People who really wouldn't shy away from that Label that much like myself were like that is no where close to the Truth.

While the President trys to be Bi Partisan his Numbers start to Nose Dive! People all over would say it is an rejection of Socialism! Oh my God. Some how or another this characterization stuck. Mainly Because the Administration Push Back Hard Enough and abandoned Progressives to a Large Degree. Now the President is Trying to switch gears and be more Populist!
His Proposal.

* Require companies that do not offer retirement plans to enroll their employees in direct-deposit retirement accounts unless the workers opt out.

* Increase the "Savers Credit," a tax credit for retirement savings, for families making up to $85,000.

* Change some of the rules for 401K employer-sponsored savings accounts to make them more transparent.

* Increase the child tax credit rate to 35 percent of qualifying expenses from the current 20 percent for families making under $85,000 a year. Families making up to $115,000 would be eligible for some increase in the tax credit.

* Increase child care funding by $1.6 billion in 2011 to serve an additional 235,000 children

* Boost government spending by $102.5 million for programs aimed at helping families who provide home care for an aging relative

* Ease the burden for student loans by limiting a borrower's payments to 10 percent of his or her income above a basic living allowance

Will it Work?

The CONservative Media and its Continuous Lie!!!

2010-01-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Media and Neo CONs that run it have been saying that everything the President and his administration have done is Liberal. Well I'm a Liberal and he hasn't done anything that Liberals would consider Liberal.

CONs have done a Great Job of controlling the Message. Thats it. If you look at the Two Big programs the President tried to pass they were no where close to Liberal.

The Stimulus had Huge Amounts of Tax Cuts in it that Liberals didn't like or want in the Bill, the "Buy American" Provision that Liberals wanted was Taken out of the Bill and the overall Bill was not Big Enough and Liberals were upset about that. We warned the Administration that to many provisions in the Stimulus didn't go into affect soon enough and that there wasn't enough actual Job Creation in it. These were Things that Liberals were saying about the Stimulus Bill

As for Health Care. Liberals have Never been happy with this plan because Single Payer Advocates weren't even given a seat at the Table from the Beginning. We want Universal Medicare For ALL! That was never up for Debate.

Liberals wanted the President to push through and End to Don't Ask Don't Tell. He did nothing.

Liberals wanted and end to NAFTA, Bring Back Glass Stegal,and a Return to some of the New Deal Type Reforms. The Administration Did Nothing.

Liberals wanted a Quicker End to the War in Iraq. He gave a Deadline that really is flexible and not edged in stone. Liberals didn't like that.

There isn't many things I as a Liberal can Look at during the Presidents First Year in office That I can say was a Liberal Issue that he got Done other than the Lilly Ledbetter Act and if there is than they have done a Piss Poor Job of communicating it!

The Media has its own agenda they are trying to push in trying to characterize this President as Liberal. If only he were pushing through Liberal Reforms. He has done nothing in regard to the Banking Industry that would be considered Liberal. Heck by carrying out President Bushes TARP program he infuriated Liberals. No Liberal Was for TARP! Bottom Line. But Congress and the White House pushed that through anyway.

I understand that CONs love calling themselves CONs and think that Liberals should be ashamed to call themselves Liberals. And that is exactly what is happening. The President Ran on a Liberal Agenda and has done nothing but PISS OFF THE LIBERAL BASE FROM DAY ONE! I am surprised his approval ratings are as high as they are.

You can't win anything if the Base isn't energized. The GOP Base is energize. The Democratic Party Base is Pissed OFF! That is the Truth. That is the Reality. Unless the President and the Administration can do something to Re Energize the Democratic Party Base they will get Killed in the 2010 elections. Running to the Middle or Pretending to be Moderates isn't going to Energized the Democratic Party Base. (Which by the way FAR EXCEEDS THE GOP BASE)

The CONservative Media Needs to CUT THE CRAP and tell the Truth. And We Need To be Much More Vocal about Calling them out on their Lies!

President Blasts Supreme Court Over Citizens United Decision

2010-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

I called for the President to come out against the Supreme Court and he has. Now he needs to Be that Bold Progressive we all thought he would be when we elected him by continuing this tone by really Focusing in on this issue like a Laser Beam.

This is his Moment to show he is a Populist Progressive. And he needs to have this approach with every significant issue on his agenda. No more allowing Congress to shape the Agenda. The House is to Fractured and the Senate Too Weak. Only the Executive Branch can Set the Agenda.

We can't wait for Harry Reid to set the Agenda and the Time Table and The Strategy for the Rest of the Presidents Agenda. The President has to Call The Shots. He has to Lead. This is a Good Start. But whats next?

It's the end of Democracy as we Know It!

2010-01-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

And the Beginning of Corporate Fascism! Yesterday, the Supreme Court decided rollback campaign finance laws. Their 5-4 vote gives corporations free rein to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. From Now on the Voice of the People Will be Silenced or better yet Drowned out by Big Corporations and their Big Wallets.

There is no way we can stand up the Amount of Money That Big Corporations can spend. This is where our Focus needs should be. The Supreme Court is the Most Powerful of the Three Headed Wolf that is Our Government. And they have decided to show their teeth. What can we do?

This is What Happens when you elect CONservatives for the White House. They appoint Fascist and Corporatist to the Supreme Court.

They have decided that now is the perfect time to do this. under a Democratic President too shield themselves from Backlash. But this cannot Stand. We Can't sit down and Take this. And The President NEEDS TO COME OUT HARD AND SLAM THE SUPREME COURT FOR THEIR ACTIONS.

If He doesn't not respond it will be a huge indicator that he agrees with their policy and he will lose even more support. Mr. President this the Fight you Want. This is the Fight that could Make or Break your Presidency. You can't leave office with this being left behind the way it is and under YOUR ADMINISTRATION.

I know that the Supreme Court is Majority Republican but History will remember that it happened under your watch and you didn't respond. Mr. President we are waiting for you to lead on this issue and many other issues. The Time is now. It is up to you to Save our Democracy for Corporate Fascist!

This is What Happens when you elect CONservatives for the White House. They appoint Fascist and Corporatist to the Supreme Court.

They have decided that now is the perfect time to do this. under a Democratic President too shield themselves from Backlash. But this cannot Stand. We Can't sit down and Take this. And The President NEEDS TO COME OUT HARD AND SLAM THE SUPREME COURT FOR THEIR ACTIONS.

If He doesn't not respond it will be a huge indicator that he agrees with their policy and he will lose even more support. Mr. President this the Fight you Want. This is the Fight that could Make or Break your Presidency. You can't leave office with this being left behind the way it is and under YOUR ADMINISTRATION.

I know that the Supreme Court is Majority Republican but History will remember that it happened under your watch and you didn't respond. Mr. President we are waiting for you to lead on this issue and many other issues. The Time is now. It is up to you to Save our Democracy for Corporate Fascist!

Cal Cunningham Needs Our Support Now More Than Ever!

2010-01-20T22:02:00.001-08:00

We need to make sure now more than ever that we are Active and Campaigning HARD EVERY DAY. I can assure you that Cal Cunningham is fighting like Crazy to Represent North Carolina in the US Senate and he needs your support to do so. Please Donate to his campaign. He can't do it Alone. Click the Link to Donate:

http://www.actblue.com/page/lenoircountyforcal

http://www.calfornc.com

He has the Passion, the Energy, the Desire, and The Will Power and Determination to Fight for what is right in the US Senate. Burr has had his little run in Congress and we have nothing to show for it. It is time to sweep him out and get Cal Cunningham in there.

He's Young, Fresh, Bright, Intelligent, Passionate and Enthusiastic a Former State Senator and he is ready to take on Washington and fight for Progressive Values

http://www.actblue.com/page/lenoircountyforcal

http://www.calfornc.com

Political Tug Of War!!!

2010-01-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Have you guys ever played a game of Tug of War? I'm sure you have. Most of the time it is a Team sport. You don't want to go up against a group by yourself. But the object of the Game is to pull your opposing team across the Line in the Sand. The Same can be said about politics. It is a Team Sport and the Object is to pull your opponents to one way or the other whether it is left or right.

You have to be well organized and have great strategy. And you can't go Near the Middle. The closer you go to the middle in Tug of War the more likely you are of losing. They will pull you across that line. You have stand Firm and pull hard not or you will lose.

Martha Coakley was no Moderate but she didn't Run as a Progressive and when she tried to it was too late. She ran the kind of campaign that you would expect to lose. She was weak. She lacked Charisma, Charm and the ability to Relate to everyday Working People. She seemed cold and distant. She took a vacation for God Sake during a campaign!

All the will Scott Brown kept pulling that Rope. Working the Entire State. He didn't leave anything to chance. He fought for it and he won. But he didn't do it by compromising on his beliefs he did it because he was able to speak to the voters in a way Martha Coakley couldn't. It never so much about Policy and Politics with everyday Working Class voters as it is about Communication. Being able to really explain why you are for what you are for instead of bending to gain some kind of consensus.

You have to Mold Consensus. You have to be able to Pull people to your point of view and to see where you are coming from and how Your Policies are better than the next guy. I don't think she understood that. People are hungry and starving for Strong Energetic Passionate Leaders. I didn't see any of that in Martha Coakley! She wasn't the Right Candidate. Not for that seat. Teddy Kennedy was a Liberal Lion. She was a pussy cat. Where was the Fire, Energy and Passion?

My Take on the Massachusetts Senate Race

2010-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

Maybe We Don't Need 60 votes!

2010-01-19T16:02:00.001-08:00

I probably am one of the few people who could careless if we retain Sen. Kennedy's seat or not. Martha Coakley has ran a terrible campaign and I don't think she was the best choice any way. Its another classic case of The Democratic Party shooting itself in the foot. They nominated a weak candidate who thought they could just coast into Washington. She is in the fight of her Life right now from some Magazine Centerfold for God sake.

But to my point that I don't think we really need 60. I think it will force the Administration to take the Kid Gloves Off and Play Hard Ball Politics. Use the tools you have in place to get things done instead of trying to Herd Cats and get All 60 Democratic Party Caucus members to vote the way you like. Look Mr. President, it looks worse when it appears that you had to "Purchase Votes" than it does when they say you were "Cramming Through Legislation". People don't really care about Politicians Cramming through Legislation as long as it is "Good Legislation". What we got going on in the Senate Makes Nobody Happy except The Big Insurance Company Cartels. Their Stocks go Up every time Bad News comes out about the Health Care Plan. They are going to be the ones who benefit the most.

Had the Administration just PUSHED through an Medicare Expansion (that would have only required 50 votes) through Budget Reconciliation Early Last Year we wouldn't even be having this debate still. The People would have moved on to other issues because we have a short attention span.

Instead, we went down the hardest possible road and have lost a lot of Political Capital in the process and might not even get a bill passed because of this silly 60 vote Filibuster Crap!

It is time we either do away with the Filibuster all together or we lower the Vote Requirement. But something needs to be done, because one thing is clear even if we have 60 votes that doesn't guarantee that they are going to vote with the party on every issue. Democracy is about Majority Rule, Not Super Majority.

Senator Richard Burr has Failed us!

2010-01-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

How in the World can anyone defend Richard Burr's Terrible Record? I can't think of ONE VOTE where Richard Burr has told the Senate Minority Party Leadership lead by Mitch McConnell who most people probably have never even heard of that he wasn't going to vote with them.

He is the Definition of Bobble Head. He doesn't have the ability to vote on his own. He has to ask His Puppet Masters how they are going to vote before he votes. Please. He is the Classic Crony!

I challenge anyone to give me one VOTE where he has BUCKED his Party!

He has been in Congress all these years and has never fought for Eastern NC! He hasn't even acknowledged that this part of the state even exist until recently. Walter Jones is even worst. He is actually from Eastern NC and he has done nothing for this State.

The GOP the Party of NO IDEAS! Has fooled good well intentioned Eastern North Carolinian s for years using hot button social issues to garner their support so they continue their Big Corporatist agenda.

They aren't going to fight for you. Just like during the Economic Crisis. Instead of trying to come up with solutions he told his wife to get all their money out of the Bank as fast as she could (True Story)

That isn't leadership. Thats being a Coward. But that is what he is! Should we expect anything less?

The Real Richard Burr:

Voted NO on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
Voted NO on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Feb 2009)
Voted NO on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy. (Sep 2008)

Rated 13% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
Voted NO on maintaining right of habeas corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)
Voted YES on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)
Rated 30% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)

Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)
Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)

Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
Voted YES on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
Rated 10% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)

Rated 0% by APHA, indicating a anti-health voting record. (Dec 2003)
Voted NO on campaign finance reform. (Feb 2002)
Voted NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
Voted NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
Voted NO on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)

Voted YES on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted NO on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)

Rated 10% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)
Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)

Richard Burr's Voting Record indicates that he is a Far Far out of the Mainstream Hard Core Neo-CONservative! The Worst possible thing for Our Country. Our country has experimented with Neo-CONservatism over the Last 30 years. It has Failed. Richard Burr has Failed us!

Eastern North Carolina Desperately needs New Leadership... Johnny Rouse is that Guy!

2010-01-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

If anyone seriously takes time to Look at Congressman Walter Jones Voting Record it will quickly become clear to them that it is time to say Good Bye to Walter Jones. He is an embarrassment to Eastern North Carolina and we need to elect someone that Truly Cares about the people of NC 3rd Congressional District. That person is Johnny Rouse. He will fight for Every Citizen of Eastern North Carolina. Not just the Rich Elites like Walter Jones. He will Fight to Bring Back Jobs to Eastern North Carolina and work with the President unlike the Republicans who are trying to make sure that the President and the His administration Fail, Johnny Rouse will work to make sure that the President and the entire Country Succeeds.

Just take a look at some of Congressman Walter Jones votes and ask yourself is this Strong Leadership or is Walter Jones merely a Puppet of The Republican Leadership in Congress and is he just a Follower of Rep. John Boehner and Rep. Eric Cantor? We don't need more Followers in Congress that are just their for the Lobbyist job once their days in congress are over. We need men and women in Congress that are in touch with what the people of Eastern North Carolina want. I believe that Johnny Rouse represents everything that is Good about Eastern North Carolina and if he is elected he will bring that to Washington and he want forget where he came from like Walter Jones has.

State Senator Charlie Albertson calls it Quits!

2010-01-15T18:29:00.000-08:00

Charlie Albertson, Veteran State Senator Won't Seek 10th Term. Now more than ever we Need Strong Progressive Candidates to Step up and fill these Shoes!

In this area of the State it is so important that incumbents hold on to their seats. With Charlie Albertson stepping down I'm sure the GOP will think that this seat is in play. Possibly if there is low voter turn out a Republican could win this seat. I hope someone strong steps up soon to lay claim to this seat.

Republican County Commissioner Chris Humphrey has thrown his name into the bidding for this seat. Chris will be a tough opponent. Eastern North Carolina is definitely a CONservative hot bed right now but we can't afford to lose this or any seat in the General Assembly. The Time for Party unity is need more than ever. Senate District 10 needs to Strong Democratic Representation.

Burr Show's True Colors

2010-01-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

I was just forwarded a fundraising letter Richard Burr sent to his supporters. It is basically a slap in the Face of North Carolina's Veterans, Military Families and the entire armed Forces Community.

In it he dishonors the men and women who wear our country's uniform by offering anyone the military ranks of "Private", "Sergeant," or even "Colonel" in the Burr Brigade" in exchange for a campaign contribution. He also takes Shots at the Commander and Chief President Barack Obama suggesting that the President is quote "Decimating our Military Forces". Not acknowledging that it is Richard Burr who has a Long Record of Voting AGAINST funding for service members, veterans and their families.

Ah, The Audacity of Hypocrisy! When is Burr going to learn that the people of North Carolina have had it with this kind of Crazy Talk from him?

We need True Leadership in the US Senate, Leadership that only Cal Cunningham can provide. Unlike Burr, Cal Cunningham has actually served in the military and is an Iraq War Vet. Cal Cunningham has seen the ugly Horrors of War and understands that you can't just pay for a Military Rank, you have to Earn It!

The Only thing Burr has earned is the criticism he is receiving for his Terrible Voting Record and for the Insane comments he makes that gives people all over the country a Bad impression of our fine state. People like Virginia Foxx, Walter Jones and Richard Burr have done a Piss Poor Job of representing us in Congress.

It is time to elect candidates that truly represent what North Carolina is Today, not what it was during the Era of Jesse Helms.

New Leaders are Ready to step up and push this State Forward. Leaders like Johnny Rouse who is running for NC Congressional District 3 and Cal Cunningham who is running for US Senate. These men need your support. http://www.rouseforhouse.com and http://www.calfornc.com

Anthony D. Hall
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health
Lenoir County Democrat

Johnny Rouse for NC 3rd Congressional District

2010-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the website at http://www.rouseforhouse.com. It is time that we finally put an end to Walter Jone's reign in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District. Since 1994 he has sat in congress and done absolutely nothing for Eastern North Carolina.

Johnny Rouse will work hard for the citizens of District 3 and all of North Carolina. Johnny Rouse will work with the President and the House Leadership to create Jobs and Rebuild our economy. Johnny is a working class guy and will do his best to fight for the working class and the poor.

Walter Jones is a Big Business, Anti Women's Rights, Anti Education, Anti Health Care Reform, Corporate CONservative. He has been the "Do Boy" of the Extreme Right Wing every since he has been in Congress and what makes anyone think that it will change if he is given another term? We need to allow Jones to feel what the thousands of North Carolinian's felt when they where put out of work.

It was CONservative Principles and Policies that caused this economic crisis and they need to know that American Citizens have had it with the Do Nothing, Sit on their Hands, Get In the Way Obstructionist.

In 2010 the slogan should be the Party of NO MUST GO! In order for the President to complete the remainder of his agenda in his First Term we must elect More Democrats in the Congress and the Senate. The Majorities we hold right now aren't enough. We need to elect good strong Progressive Candidates. I believe Johnny Rouse is the perfect candidate to defeat Walter Jones, but he will need the help of the Entire North Carolina Democratic Party.

We no longer have the luxury of righting off NC-03 as a lost we must really fight for this seat. Walter Jones is the only Republican to hold NC-03 since Oliver H. Dockery July 13, 1868 – March 3, 1871. Lets allow him to join Oliver H. Dockery in the History books and kick him out of office and Elect Johnny Rouse for US House!

Here is a link to the some of the terrible votes of Congressman Walter Jones through out his career.

Anthony D. Hall
Lenoir County Democrat

Socialism, Socialism,Socialism! The GOP: The Party that Keeps Crying Wolf!

2009-12-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

Socialism, Socialism,Socialism,! Thats all I hear from the Far Right Wing. Never mind that none of it is true (If only it were).

I guess they received a memo from the GOP leadership (Michael Steele) to keep saying Socialism until it sticks. But there is one major problem with this philosophy. What are you guys going to call it if and when the Big Scary Government really does start to implement more Liberal dare I say Socialist Policies?

You can't keep calling it socialism. What are you going to call it? Communism? I think you get my point.

Have you guys ever heard of the story of the boy who cried wolf? That is exactly the state of the Republican Party. They cry and cry and cry to the point that NOBODY takes them seriously anymore. And God forbid they say something that might have some truth to it, nobody even gives it a second thought because they have a history of stretching the truth.

Just for the Record, I am pretty damn Liberal and I don't think anything the President has done comes anywhere close to Socialism. All the True Socialist Policies where enacted under the Bush Crime Families regime. The Warrant-less Wire Tapping the Big Bank Bailouts the over reaching of Government power started with Bush.

He (Bush) spat on the Constitution and and the will of the people time and time again the spent money like drunken sailors and Nobody called it Socialism then. Heck, they didn't even question it.

Now I know Right Wingers will say, "Why you keep bringing up BUSH for? This is all Obama's problem now" Your right it is his problem, but how are you going to solve a problem if you don't acknowledge what caused the problem to begin with.

My advice to the GOP is keep crying wolf. Because trust me we haven't even come anywhere close to Socialism. Yet!

Early political polls are just that, Too Early!!

2009-12-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

I would say that Burr has absolutely no chance of winning. The Senate Race will be at the Top of the Ticket and for Burr that will be something new. He got elected in a Very Strong year for Republicans in which we still had 911 fresh on our minds.

Not to mention that he isn't really a dynamic speaker and has very little Political Achievements to hang his hat on.

Then there of course is the State demographics that will work against him. North Carolina isn't as conservative Statewide as the GOP would have people to believe. North Carolina is much more progressive than it is Conservative and that is clear based on the state electing Women and Minorities on a large scale statewide.

Burr to be quite honest with you isn't all that appealing but the GOP can't really challenge him because there wouldn't be a chance of a Primary challenger winning either.

One more factor. Elaine Marshall, Ken Lewis, and Cal Cunningham are going to Run on Burr's Record in the Primary and in the General Election. With all the added attention focused on Burr the lower his numbers will be. Right now people don't really know Burr. He has done a piss poor Job over the years of representing this state. He has relied on Washington way too much and has forgotten his good ol North Carolina Constituents and has focused on the Classic GOP strategy of looking out for Big Business and Special Interest.

Then there is the compare and contrast aspect of it. You put Burr up against any of the Democratic Primary Challengers and it is painfully obvious that he represents a shrinking segment of the states populuation. Cal Cunningham is young energetic, passionate,intelligent and very driven individual. Ken Lewis is a very smart almost cerebral kind of intellectual while at the same time comes off as very personable and engaging. Ken has the capability to galvanized the African American vote if he can get out across the State and let his Face and his name be known. Elaine Marshall is a very experienced and well known politician across the state. Elaine is very well respected and the Women vote will probably come out in strong support of Elaine. So who does that leave as a Base for Burr? Old White Males. And when the Democratic Primary is over make know mistake the party will rally behind the Primary winner and Burrs numbers will drop even further.

I have met Cal Cunningham and Ken Lewis and I hope to meet Elaine Marshall soon. All of these candidates will make far better Senators than Burr ever could. I have made my choice who I am going to support and this is going to be a very interesting and exciting primary and general elections.

Anthony D. Hall

A Liberal Mugged By Reality!

2009-12-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

I am getting Tired of Sen. Joe Lieberman. I don't know what to do about it. Throughout this Health Care Debate their have many competing views. I have always support a Single Payer System. There have been "Opt Ins", "Opt Outs", "Triggers" and the Public Option! All these ideas have been kicked around. One thing is clear to me that the people that want real Reform want see this bill as real reform unless there is a Public option in it.

To me that was always the line in the sand on the Progressive side. And I firmly believed that they would hold that line. The Conserva Dems (Blue Dogs) were opposed to a Public Option from the start in FEAR that it would hurt the Big Health Insurance Companies (Like I care about the Health Insurance Companies) and they feared that a Public option would be a Trojan Horse to a Single Payer System (which most liberals/progressives want).

So where did it leave the two sides? Two the Conserva Dems a Public Option was out of the question and to the Progressives any Bill without a Public Option was unacceptable. Something had to give. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid decides to get both sides to the table. 5 Conserva Dems and 5 Progressives were sat down and basically told work something out. They did. They came up with a plan to allow people 55 to 64 to buy into Medicare! That couple with some serious Health Insurance reform and a expansion of Medicaid would make up a Pretty Good Bill. It wouldn't be a new Program and it wouldn't be a Public Option.

This is something that both sides could consider a Victory! But Good Ol Joe, still VERY upset with Liberals/Progressives over his failed Democratic Primary decided that if the Liberals/Progressives were happy about this that he wasn't going to support it for that Reason alone. Does that make any sense? That sounds pettie and childish. But that is Joe now. That os what he has become. And of course our President at this point just wants a Bill to sign no matter if it is a Watered Down piece ofLiquid Crap!

I am losing Hope!

Lenoir County Democratic Women Host Reception to Honor Outgoing and Incoming Elected Officials

2009-12-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Democratic Women of Lenoir County held a Reception at The Gate this past Sunday to honor Fmr. Mayor Buddy Rich and City Councilman Jimmy Cousins and to congratulate Bobby Merritt, Robby Swinson and BJ Murphy on winning their Elections.

People from both ends of the spectrum were in attendance in a show of Bi Partisan Support for The Administration that is taking office. County Commissioners and City Council Members where also in attendance to thank Mayor Rich and Jimmy Cousins for their years of Services to the community and also to welcome BJ and Bobby Merritt into Public Office.

There was The Girl Scouts, singing, and poetry. It was a great reception and everyone appeared to have a great time. I want to personally thank Debra Tyson and Sheila Seymour for organizing this Event and encourage them to host events like this again in the Future.

The purpose of this event was to promote Community Unity and to thank those that are stepping down and at the same time reach out to those that are stepping up. Mayor Murphy has a tough road ahead of him as do all the members of the City Council. And if we all work together that road want seem so tough.

There is nothing this community can't do if we all come together. I said to Sheila that Politics should be the Art of Common Dreams. And what I mean by that is instead of us fighting about all the things we disagree about lets find the Common Ground and work on the issues that we all care so much about and that is rebuilding this community through building relationship and working on our common dreams for Kinston and Lenoir County!

Anthony D. Hall
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
252-361-2499

Lenoir County Democratic Women

2009-11-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

Lenoir County, no matter what anyone thinks was transformed on Nov. 3rd. The City of Kinston elected its first Republican Mayor since Reconstruction (Congrats BJ Murphy).

With that victory also came claims of the demise of the Lenoir County Democratic Party. Well, let me just say that the reports of our demise have been extremely exaggerated. The divide in the party over who should represent Kinston as Mayor has been well documented.

We should now focus on the work of repairing the divide and healing the wounds of this campaign. The Lenoir County Democratic Women have began the work of moving the party forward at its monthly meeting on Wednesday November 10th. Democratic Women Chair Debra Tyson has provided strong leadership during this transition period in the party. She has a clear vision of what the party needs to do to move forward.

The Guest speaker at the meeting was Sarah Anderson, President of the North Carolina Democratic Women. She is a strong speaker and was able to really energize and motivate everyone in attendance to get up get active and recruit new members, reach out to the community and let people know what the Lenoir County Democratic Women has to offer.

The key to success in any party is being able to increase group membership and raise funds. Sarah Anderson gave some very good ideas of how to do both. I was very impressed with her and the entire Democratic Women Organization.

I urge every women that has an interest to get involved in their community to get in touch with Debra Tyson and the Lenoir County Democratic Women.

They are the heart and soul of the Lenoir County Democratic party.

Anthony D. Hall
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health
anthony.d.hall@hotmail.com

Why Partisan Elections Matter!

2009-10-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

All through out this Municipal Election Cycle people have been talking about the Justice Departments Decision to Reject the Non Partisan Referendum Pushed by Fmr. District 10 Rep. and Fmr. Lenoir County Republican Party Chairman Stephen LaRoque. People (Mainly BJ Murphy) have been complaining that this is so bad for the City and that the Justice Department shouldn't have stepped in and went against the will of the people.

Well I say that is LaRoque didn't try to decieve the people into thinking his motives were pure plus if he would have allowed for wards that the Justice Department would have never ruled against it. But based on WHO they were dealing with (LaRoque) and the Demographics of the City (Not Just Racial but Political) and the lack of Wards in the proposal they had to rule against it. It was the only fair thing to do.

I mean come on. The most partisan guy in the county pushing for "Non Partisan Elections"?

Doesn't that seem a little odd to anyone other man myself? At some point you have to ask yourself what do they gain from this? Glad you asked! Political Power!

There are 11,349 Registered Democrats in the City of Kinston. There are only 1,856 Registered Republicans in the City of Kinston and only 1,818 Registered Independents in the City of Kinston.

WOW! 75% of the Registered Voters in the City of Kinston are Democrat. You would think that if a majority of the city was for "Non Partisan Elections" there would be more Registered "Independents huh?

News flash, their not! It is my opinion that a lot of low information voters weren't aware of the implications of voting for the referendum. They were deceived! There were no letters in the paper at that time opposed to it. I wrote a few but they weren't published.

This has been a "Political Tactic" by the Lenoir County Republican Party to get some of their members into office. Bottom line, point blank, period. Their calculation is that without the party affiliation people will more likely vote off of name recognition thus making the candidate with the most money to push their name on the population the one with the best chance of winning! Knowing that most Democrats vote straight Democrat and that the City is Vastly majority Democrat they had to find away to do away with Party Affiliations. Thus we have the Non Partisan Referendum in a Nut Shell. Some will say that these are the ramblings of a mad man. But just look at who is pushing this the hardest. BJ Murphy and Stephen LaRoque. Laroque fmr. Party Chairman and Murphy Fmr. Party Vice Chair.

Democratically Yours,

Anthony D. Hall
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health

Vote For Jimmy Cousins for Mayor of Kinston!

2009-10-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

The more I have spoken to Councilman Jimmy Cousins over the last few months, the more I have come to realize that Jimmy Cousins is the best choice for Mayor of Kinston. We can't afford to experiment with Republicans not at this very critical time in our community. We have so many opportunities. It would be a shame to see either one of the Republican Candidates (Earl Harper, BJ Murphy) come in and drop the ball and squander all these opportunities.

We don't need Republicans in office that think Government shouldn't get involved in anything. We need people in office that are confident that if they have the privilege to serve that they can be a Positive influence on Government and can be instrumental in bringing about Real Change to our Town and to our entire Community!

Jimmy Cousins has shown in his years on the City Council that he can tackle the tough problems and work with members of the City Council to handle the problems that the City faces. He has never allowed the "Local Elites" to dictate to him how he should vote on any particular issue. Jimmy Cousins has always voted his conscience and he is a man of Great Character and Personality. When Jimmy Cousins tells you something you might as well consider it the gospel. While it is true that I may not agree with Jimmy Cousins on every issue. I know that no matter what the issue is Jimmy Cousins will do what he thinks is in the best interest of the Citizens of Kinston.

The time for Back room, Good Ol Boy Politics is over. We don't need a Mayor that is beholden to the Special Interest and the extreme Right Wing (BJ Murphy)! We don't need a Mayor that was kicked out of his party and couldn't even hold his seat on the County Commissioners (Earl Harper)!

We need Jimmy Cousins. He is a Proven Leader and has a Record that he will not shy away from. He is proud of his record on the Kinston City Council and feels like he can do more. Jimmy Cousins is giving up his seat on the Kinston City Council to run for Mayor. Not for himself but to give the City of Kinston something that it has been lacking for quite awhile, Real Bold Leadership. A leader that isn't happy with the status quo and will do everything in his power to change it. I urge everyone to Vote For Jimmy Cousins. Early Voting is underway. Get out and Vote!

Back Room Politics

2009-10-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have come to understand that a few of our Elected County Officials are supporting a Republican for Mayor. This wouldn't mean much if they were Republicans themselves. But these Elected officials are "Democrats". Now, I guess I don't understand all there is to know about Politics but you would assume that Elected Officials would support the members of their Party instead of going against the party and supporting REPUBLICANS. I was also told that a certain group of "Local County Leaders" met before filing for local offices was open to decide who should run get their support for Mayor. It was decided by the "Local Elite" some of which are Local Elected Officials that they would support a Republican. These Local Elites urged one candidate not to run and even suggested that they would give the candidate Financial Incentives not to Run for Mayor. With the Back Room, Closed door meeting being adjourned the Local Elites assumed that the Candidate wouldn't run for mayor thus giving their "Chosen One" a better chance of winning. They thought wrong.

Jimmy Cousins, the candidate that the Local Elite tried to push out of the Race decided to put his name on the ballot, giving up his seat on the City Council to Run for Mayor against the wishes of the Local Elites. This of course didn't win Jimmy Cousins favor and support from his fellow Elected Officials that were against him running for Mayor. I say all that to say this, Jimmy Cousins won the Democratic Party Primary and should and desires the Support of every Registered Democrat in the City of Kinston. If Earl Harper wanted the Support of Democrats he should have Registered As A Democrat and ran against Jimmy Cousins in the primary. Instead, fearing that he wouldn't be able to win a primary on the Democratic Side or on the Republican side, Earl Harper decides to run as a "Unaffiliated Candidate" when everyone in the County knows he is a Republican. Earl Harper has even managed to get the support of Two former Lenoir Democratic Party Chairs! My question to Earl Harper what dirt do you have on these people that they would support you a Republican for Mayor over a Democrat that actually ran in the Primary and won? Or maybe is that Jimmy Cousins didn't play along with the rest of the "Click"? I have always wondered just how many Republicans have infiltrated the Democratic Party and to the extent of their influence. I guess I have my answer!

Anthony D. Hall
President - Young Democrats of Lenoir County
Member - Lenoir County Board of Health
anthony.d.hall@hotmail.com
252-361-2499

2009-09-21T08:09:00.001-07:00

2nd Annual Gantt Watt Reception and what it meant to me.

2009-09-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great day for the North Carolina Democratic Party. The 2nd Annual Gantt Watt Reception was as we young folk tend to say "Off The Hook". I had the privilege of being around a lot of strong passionate Young Democrats and some not so young democrats. All gathered to honor Harvey Gantt and Mel Watt. Two Titans of North Carolina politics. Being at the reception I felt like in away that Generation is passing the torch to the next Generation of political leaders.

Anthony Foxx is a very impressive individual. I wish every city in the state had someone like Anthony Foxx running for Mayor. But I couldn't get over that feeling of the passing of the torch. Especially after the showed the video of Harvey Gantt speaking about the Races against the much hated Racist Sen. Helms. Gantt said that even though he didn't win those races that we did win because of the number of people that his candidacy inspired, including President Barack Obama. Just like Harvey Gantt inspired Anthony Foxx and Barack Obama, Anthony Foxx and Barack Obama inspire me.

I am 100% confident that I can achieve any goal I set out to accomplish. If I am willing to put in the hours and work at it. They have inspired me to be the Best to set the bar high and go for it. It doesn't matter if you get over it or not but what matters is that you try your hardest so that in the end there are no regrets and no excuses. The Torch has been passed to my generation and I know we are ready for the challenge.

Go Greene For City Council!

2009-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more proud of Hilary. She is making a HUGE impact on the community. She is getting people involved in the political process and it that passion and energy that the City of Kinston is in need of.

When you look at what you want in a City Council Candidate you want someone that is going to put the needs of the people above and beyond their own personal needs. Hilary Greene has displayed an willingness to do just that. Hilary has the best interest of Kinston in mind. Hilary Greene may not be the candidate with the most money or political connections. But Hilary Greene is the candidate with the most love and passion for the City of Kinston. And it is that love and passion for the City of Kinston that will propel Kinston to it destiny.

I urge voters to vote for Hilary Greene and support her efforts to rebuild Kinston.

Kinston Municipal Election Forum at the Kinston Greater Credit Union

2009-09-05T10:57:00.001-07:00

Cancer Screening Resolution

2009-08-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

As a Member of the Lenoir County Board of Health I submitted this Resolution for discuss and possible vote at our next meeting August 26, 2009.

Resolution proposing Expansion of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control and Prevention Program to include Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Skin Cancer and Colon & Rectum Cancer and changing the name to the “Lenoir County Cancer Control and Prevention Program”.

There is a great need for Free Cancer Screening in Lenoir County. We have a higher Prostate Incidence Rate than the rest of the state. We have a higher Breast Cancer Incidence rate than the rest of the state. Our Colon Cancer Death rate is higher than the states. The Lung Cancer Rate in Lenoir County is higher than the state. We have a serious problem that I don’t feel is being properly addressed. By providing Free Cancer Screenings we will at least be providing preventative measures that will decrease the death rates from these diseases.

Cancer (malignant neoplasm) is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth (division beyond the normal limits), invasion (intrusion on and destruction of adjacent tissues), and sometimes metastasis (spread to other locations in the body via lymph or blood). These three malignant properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors which are self-limited, and do not invade or metastasize. Most cancers form a tumor but some, like leukemia, do not. The branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer is oncology.

Cancer may affect people at all ages, even fetuses, but the risk for most varieties increases with age. Cancer causes about 13% of all human deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in the world during 2007. Cancers can affect all animals.

Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells. These abnormalities may be due to the effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, or infectious agents. Other cancer-promoting genetic abnormalities may be randomly acquired through errors in DNA replication, or are inherited, and thus present in all cells from birth. The heritability of cancers are usually affected by complex interactions between carcinogens and the host's genome. New aspects of the genetics of cancer pathogenesis, such as DNA methylation, and microRNAs are increasingly recognized as important.

Lung Cancer

More people die from Lung Cancer than from any other type of cancer. This is true for both Males and Females. In 2005 (The most recent year for which statistics are available) lung cancer accounted for more deaths than did breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. In 2005, 90,139 men and 69,078 women in the United States died o lung cancer. That same year, 107,416 men and 89,271 women were diagnosed with lung cancer.

Risk Reduction
Tobacco use is the major cause of lung cancer in the United States. About 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women in this country have been attributed to smoking. Experts agree on the importance of preventing adolescents from starting to smoke, helping smokers to quit and reducing the exposures to environmental tobacco smoke and other substances known to cause lung cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer (other than some forms of skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States after Lung Cancer. About 62% of all clinically diagnosed prostate cancers occur in men over age 65. According to the CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.

According to the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control African American men experience higher rates of Prostate Cancer than White men.

Screening
The two most common test used by physicians to detect prostate cancer are the digital rectal examination (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. For the DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. This allows the doctor to feel the back portion of the prostate (where most prostate cancers begin) for size and irregularities. The PSA Test is a Blood test that measures prostate specific antigen, an enzyme produced only by the prostate. The doctor may use this test to see if the PSA level is within normal limits and to check for any changes in PSA levels compared to previous PSA tests. All information sourced from the Center for Disease Control.

Colon & Rectum

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called Colon Cancer, for short. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The Rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. For Men, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. For women colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Asian and Hispanic Women, and the third most common cancer among white, black and Native American women.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. If everybody aged 50 or older had regular screening test as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.

Colorectal Cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure.

Screening Test
Several test are used to screen for Colorectal Cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and an interdisciplinary task force convened by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, or AHCPR all have developed guide lines related to Colorectal Cancer screening.
USPSTF – Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and or periodic Sigmoidoscopy.
ACS – Annual and flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or total colonic examination with colonoscopy every 10 years or DCBE every 5-10 years.
AHCPR – Annual FOBT and or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or total colonic examination with colonoscopy every 10 years or double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every 5-10 years.

Strong scientific evidence shows that when people have either FOBT once a year or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, there is a reduction in deaths from Colorectal Cancer.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is likely the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin Cancer-basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people. Approximately 65% --90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect oneself from the sun. When used consistently, sun protective practices can reduce a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against routine screening. However, the USPSTF recommends that clinicians be aware that fair skinned men and women aged 65 years or older, and people with atypical moles or more than 50 moles, are at greater risk for developing melanoma and remain alert of skin abnormalities when conducting physical examinations for other purposes.

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Top 5 Cancer Death Rates Male and Female in NC

1. Lung & Bronchus……………….59.8
2. Prostate………………………….25.2
3. Female Breast…………………...25
4. Colon & Rectum………………...16.8
5. Pancreas…………………………10.9
Note: Rates per 100,000

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Top 5 Cancer Incidence Rates Male and Female in NC

1. Prostate………………………….146.7
2. Female Breast…………………...118.5
3. Lung & Bronchus……………….75.6
4. Colon & Rectum………………...48.3
5. Corpus & Uterus, NOS………….20.2
Note: Rates per 100,000

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Top 5 Cancer Incidence Rates for Males in NC
1. Prostate…………………………..146.7
2. Lung & Bronchus………………..101.1
3. Colon & Rectum…………………57.4
4. Urinary Bladder………………….34.3
5. Melanomas of the Skin…………..24
Note: Rates per 100,000

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Top 5 Cancer Incidence Rates for Females in NC
1. Breast…………………………….118.5
2. Lung & Bronchus………………...57.2
3. Colon & Rectum………………….41.3
4. Corpus & Uterus, NOS…………...20.2
5. Melanomas of the Skin…………...16.1

Health Care Reform IS TOP PRIORITY!

2009-08-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

Health Care Reform is Top Priority. It is easy for the HAVES to sit on their High Horse and say we don't NEED Health Care Reform when They got Health Care. What about the Millions that don't HAVE Health Care?

Where are all these Compassionate CONservatives at? Oh Yeah, they are only compassionate to their family and friends. They have NO CONCERN for the General Well being of our Community. They only care about themselves.

What amazes me is that alot of these people CLAIM to have read the bill yet they continue to spread lies that aren't even in the bill. Either they can't read that good or they are just plain lying.

Another thing that amazes me is that CONservatives are against a Government Ran Health Care Plan, but they don't want you to touch their Medicaid, Medicare, or their VA plans.

Don't they realize that these are "Government Plans". Ah the "Audacity of Hypocrisy"

Its clear to me that most of these people don't really know what they are talking about when they say they Don't Want Health Care Reform. I just that they don't get laid off and lose their Insurance. Or else I think they may change their tone a little bit about being against Health Care Reform.

Going even further than that, I hope they don't get Cancer, Have a Heart Attack or a Stroke any time soon. As it stands right now if these sickness stem from a "Preexisting Condition" the Insurance Companies that they are Trying to PROTECT will Drop their Sorry Behinds!

But it doesn't matter what anyone says, they are going to listen to Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, over what their Congressman says and the facts right in front of them. How foolish!

Congressman G.K. Butterfield makes visit to Kinston Community Health Center

2009-08-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

I was very impressed with the way Congressman Butterfield handled himself to day. He answered every question to the best of his abilities and was very prepared and organized.

It seemed like there were a few Right Wing TOOLS in attendance that tried to create what I like to call a "You Tube Moment". Congressman Butterfield was having none of that. There was a security guard in the corner of the room just in case people decide to get rowdy. I wasn't going to have any of that.

I made the comment that no matter how good you explain and articulate the Health Care plan there are going to be people that are going to be against it even though they will be going against their own best interest. I asked him what are you guys doing to simplify the message so that the average everyday person can understand this very complex bill. Congressman Butterfield said that we have to continue to educate them. I thought to myself, its not that these people aren't sure whats in the bill, they know that what they say is in the bill isn't in the bill, they just don't want Health Care Reform, PERIOD! All the educating in the world isn't going to change their mind.

This is my advice to any Congressman or Senator that is going to have a Town Hall or any other kind of Public Meeting.

Have plenty of Security.

Make sure that it is crystal clear at the beginning that any one that gets loud and try's to disturb the meeting will be removed from the meeting.

Have it in a very small place. Today's conference room was a perfect size. Even if they wanted to they could get that many people in there and the Atmosphere wouldn't allow for that kind of conduct. It would be hard for them to hide in a crowd if there is know crowd to hide behind. You see most of these people are cowards that hide behind a crowd so they can scream and shout to just to disturb the meeting.

All in all the meeting went very well. Congressman Butterfield said that he would not be having Town hall Style meetings. He is opting for basically electronic conference calls. That could work, plus it saves him form having a you tube moment.

Obama hosts Raleigh town meeting on health care

2009-07-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Time For Health Care Reform is NOW!

2009-07-17T04:51:00.001-07:00

One of the most important issues being debated in congress is Health Care Reform. Nearly 47 million Americans uninsured and that number is increasing everyday. Nearly six-in-ten Americans, 59.3 percent receive health care through their employer, and with the unemployment rate is at it highest since the Reagan Administration (9.7 % Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) millions more Americans are at risk of losing their health care due to being laid off from their job.

The President said that “Health care reform is no longer just a moral imperative, it is a fiscal imperative. If we want to create jobs and rebuild our economy, then we must address the crushing cost of healthcare this year, in this administration.” I couldn’t agree with him more. The time for action is now. There is no excuse as to why we can’t get this done. There are many obstacles in they way. The GOP who claim that a Government option will hurt competition (which is crazy because there is no competition in the Health Care industry), The Big Insurance companies that don’t want to compete with the government because they know that it will mean they will have to reduce their price, and Last but not least Centrist/Moderate Democrats some from Conservative States that are afraid of losing in their seats in 2010 or they are they are afraid of losing campaign contributions from Big Insurance companies.

The amazing thing that gives me hope that we can get this done is that we have the votes necessary. As it stands right now there are 58 Democratic Senators in the Senate and 2 Independents that caucus with the Democratic Party, thus giving the Democratic Party 60 votes. 60 votes are necessary to break a filibuster and allow a bill to come to a vote. All the 60 Democrats have to do is vote to end the debate. If they are against the bill they don’t have to vote for it. Technically we only need 50 votes (With the Vice President breaking the tie) it would be very unfortunate if the Centrist/Moderate Democrats worked with the Republicans to Filibuster a Healthcare Reform Bill. So, if the Centrist/Moderate Democrats vote to end the Debate and bring the bill up for a vote basically would that takes the Republican Party out of the conversation and out of the way. They can talk big on T.V. all they want to. They don’t really have a say in the matter.

So, that leaves the Centrist/Moderate Democrats. Sen. Ben Nelson, from Nebraska, Sen. Joe Lieberman, from Connecticut, Sen. Mary Landrieu, from Louisiana, Sen. Evan Bayh, from Indiana, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, from Arkansas and Sen. Mark Pryor from Arkansas. I’m sure I left a few out but these are the ones that were reported to be against a Public Health Care Option. The problem with the Senate Democrats is there seems to be no unity. If they could come together and stand for something instead of fighting each other passing legislation wouldn’t be so hard. I have called each of the Senators offices and the answers I have received have all been the same with the exception of Sen. Nelson office who said that the Senator hasn’t released a statement yet on the issue. They don’t want a Public Option. When, I ask them why almost all of their offices said that it would hurt competition. That argument is absurd. As it stands right now there is NO COMPETIION IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY. And of course that is exactly what I said to them, but they stuck to the script.

With all of these Senators offices responding the same way it makes me wonder if they have been told to respond that way. The Healthcare Industry is spending 1.4 million dollars a day lobbying against a Public Healthcare option. They know what really is at risk, Their HUGE PROFITS. They know that if a Public Healthcare Option is passed that they would have to lower their cost to compete with the Public Option. Yes that means even if you keep your Healthcare that you already have it will cost you less because they will have to reduce their premiums to keep your business. That is the beautiful thing about True Competition, it drives down cost.

For too long Big Insurance companies have had what amounts to a Monopoly on the Healthcare Industry. That needs to come to and end. They are in the business to make money, I understand that. That doesn’t mean that they care about providing affordable Healthcare. I submit to you that providing affordable Healthcare is the least of their concerns.

According to the Center for American Progress, Health care costs are escalating four times faster than wages and the cumulative cost of premiums increased 91 percent from 2000 to 2007. These are staggering statistics. I am very passionate about this issue, and that is what I ask from the readers of this column. Get out there, Get Active, Get Informed, and Get Involved. I know that many of you may think that what you have to say doesn’t matter and that you can’t make a difference. Well, I disagree. I say that if every single one us fight for Healthcare reform it will happen. The members of Congress work for us. We are their constituents not BIG INSURANCE COMPANIES. Tell your congressman and Senators to support The Public Healthcare Option. Call Congressman Walter Jones, Call Sen. Richard Burr, Call Sen. Kay Hagan. We must let them know just how important this is to us. The First step in rebuilding the Middle Class is passing Real Healthcare Reform with a Public Healthcare Option.

Anthony D. Hall
Lenoir County Board of Health

Obama NAACP Speech (VIDEO)

2009-07-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

This speech is Classic Obama. He has a way to communicate with people that gives you a sense that he is the guy next door but also that he's the smartest guy in school. It's amazing how he is able to bridge that gap between being Cool and Smart. Obama inspires me to go back to school and get my masters degree and I will go back to school and get my masters.

President Obama throws out first pitch of 2009 All Star Game

2009-07-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

The President showing everyone that he is a man of the people. Mean look at that throw. That is BIG League Stuff! I love the fact that he came out there Representing South Side Chicago. Thats where it all really started for him and he hasn't forgot it.

US Senate Candidates come to YDNC Meeting

2009-06-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

I was very impressed by both Cal Cunningham and Kenneth Lewis. Both of these men are very talented individuals who clearly have the best interest of North Carolinians in mind when they decided to run for US Senate against the Weak and Ineffective Richard Burr. Either candidate would be more than a match for Burr and would give us our best chance ever at getting TWO Democratic Senators in the Senate. I sensed that everyone in attendance felt the same way. I also sensed that both men respect each other and I don’t think that this primary will be a dirty one. I hope that all the potential candidates run a good hard clean campaign and effectively lay out their views and ideas on the issues in away that is clear and concise. No matter who wins the primary I feel that the winner of the Democratic Primary will be the Next senator from the Great State of North Carolina. Both men were open to the idea of coming to Kinston and speaking and I can’t wait to get them here.

South Carolina GOP activist and former chairman of the state elections commission Rusty DePass IS A RACIST and a BIGOT!

2009-06-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

I don't want guys like him to even attempt a Fake Apology! We all know he really doesn't mean it! The best thing for him to do is SHUT UP, and stay out of the cameras and fade away! Don't run for anymore Public Offices and just stay out of politics. You see, this is just one of the many reasons why I would never be a Republican. They are the Party that embraces Racist and Bigots! It doesn't matter that I am totally opposed to just about all of their policies.

They are RACIST! I believe the vast majority of them think the way he does. I really do. I haven't seen any reason to believe other wise. Their actions speak for itself. Then they try to apologizes. PLEASE! I am sick and tired of them thinking an apology is enough to make up for what he said. It came from his heart! That is what he is! There is no need to apologize for being the Racist Bigot that you are especially when you don't mean it!

The Republican Party has a long history of making these kinds of comments only to apologize then have one of its members make another comment down the road echoing the a previous comment. Over and over, and over again. It is the samething. How can anyone believe that they are anything other than racist? Especially since they keep saying the same hateful racist things? What I want is National Republican Leaders to come out and denounce this man. I want ALL REPUBLICANS TO DENOUNCE THIS MAN. But they want because they believe the way he does just most of them aren't stupid enough to say it in a public forum. Most of them aren't some just don't care.

Where The Religious Right continues to be Wrong!

2009-06-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the Tragic MURDER of Dr. Teller at his Church of all places it leads me to think who in there right mind could do something like that. What gives them the Right to place judgement on any person? Teller was an Abortion Doctor that performed late term abortions that most Dr.'s wouldn't do. This made him a Target for the Religious Right! The most hypocritical group of people on the Planet. The Group that hollars and screams about LIFE is DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF AN INNOCENT MAN THAT COMMITTED NO CRIMES.

Where is the outcry from the Religious Right over his DEATH? There is none. They are probably glad that he isn't alive to perform any more abortions. They are probably Proud of what happened and they probably see his murderer as a hero.

The Biggest problem I have with the Whole abortion issue that the Religious Right keeps complaining about abortions and overturning Roe V. Wade and all that but they have NO Plans to provide assistance to low income mothers. Instead they call them Welfare Queens. They don't want to have be on government assistance because it takes away from their tax dollars. But yet they want women to have babies that they can't take care of or afford just because it makes them feel better knowing that the baby wasn't aborted. Give me a Break. The Religious Right Wants to have babies but they don't want to help you take care of them. They don't want you to have Health care for them. They don't want you to have AFFORDABLE COLLEGE EDUCATIONS so you can get a good job and raise your family. With all that being said what in the hell do they want? They want the POOR to remain POOR and the Rich to remain RICH! They could care less about whether someone can take care of the babies or not they just want you to have it and if you can't take care of it put it up for abortion. Don't they know that it will end up costing the state in taxes if the government has to raise the child anyway.

The Religious Right doesn't have the moral high ground and they need to stop acting as if they do. They should be ashamed to call themselves Christians because their actions aren't even close the Christ Like! I am reminded of a famous quote, by a Great Man:

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

Mohandas Gandhi

3 Old Men

2009-05-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

I got this in an email and I thought this was so true. We go through our lives looking for all three of these things and sometimes I think we get distracted by the desire to have Success, and Wealth that we forget about Love, True, Real Love.

We need to show our Wives Love! Show our Kids Love! Show our Friends and Family Love! And all so Show Love to Strangers. Show Love to People you don't Agree with! And show Love to your enemies. Love is a very powerful thing.

Kinston Recreation Gymnastic Show 2009 (starring my daughter Dianthony Anigne Hall)

2009-05-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I was so proud of her last night that I decided to post the video on You Tube and on The Hall Report. There were groups from all different levels there. My daughter is the only one with long sleve tights. She is amazing. I want to let them all know that they did a great job!

The BURRden of TRUTH

2009-05-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

When you have the type of record that Richard Burr has it is amazing that he even shows his face in public, let alone the fact that he is seeking a second term in the senate. He should just gracefully back out of politics now while he still has a little bit of honor and dignity left. Richard Burr is in the Fight of his life against an opponent that doesn't even exist yet. There isn't even a Democratic Challenger (well officially anyway) and his race is a toss up. Which means that when we do finally have an Official Challenger for Burr that he stands little chance of retaining his senate seat. It is so bad that I could probably run for US Senate against Burr and win.

The Problem with Burr is that he is so UNKNOWN! And the people that do know Burr aren’t all that impressed with him. So you got to ask the question how the hell did this guy win the Senate seat to begin with? Good question. Well, lets start by saying that Burr was already in congress thus he had a lot of support from his buddies in the US House of Representatives and in the Senate. They knew him far better than most people in the state of NC and they campaigned real hard for him. Also he ran against the Perfect opponent in Erskine Bowles. Bowles refused to run any real Dirty Ads, while of course the Republicans ran all the Dirty Ads in the Book. Plus Moderates wanted someone that they thought would be “Strong on Defense” the War in Iraq and Afghanistan was underway and they didn’t want to take a chance on Bowles. Well lets just say that since then we have found out that the entire premise for war was bogus and the Administration and the Republicans in Congress TRICKED US into going into War in Iraq based of of FALSE INTELLIGENCE.

I believe that with out the War in Iraq Bush wouldn’t have won a Second Term and Kerry would have been the President, and Burr probably wouldn’t have won his senate seat either. NOW, the tables have turned and the Truth has been revealed. We KNOW WHAT THE NEO-CONS did to get us into WAR and we want to know the ENTIRE TRUTH. But until then we will systematically remove every CONservative Senator from Congress that we can Starting With Richard Burr.

North Carolina has decide to turn the page on its CONservative Past and head towards a Progressive Future. A bright Future with President Barack Obama leading the way, with Governor Perdue and Senator Hagan supporting him and his Progressive Agenda it want belong for this country to turn around and we start to see some real Progress.

But first we must take care of Business. We have to get rid of Richard Burr. This will send a message through out the south that NEO-Conservatism is DEAD, and if the other Republican Senators want to hold on to their seat then they should Moderate their Stances on Key Progressive and Social Issues and I mean NOW! Burr isn’t he only Senator on the Hot Seat. We need to KEEP THAT SEAT HOT UNTIL HE GETS BOOTED OUT OF IT.

For those of you that say, well I don’t know Burr, is he really that bad of a senator the answer is YES. He is that bad and then some. His voting record really doesn’t do him justice. He is a “Follower of the GOP Overlords” like Mitch McConnell, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and John McCain. He just does what ever they Say even if it isn’t in the best interest of the Citizens of the Fine state of North Carolina. Because he doesn’t really care what we want. He only cares about his Future and status in the Republican Party. Don’t take my word for it just look at his voting record.

BURR ON HEALTHCARE
• Voted YES on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
• Voted NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
• Voted YES on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)
• Voted YES on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
• Voted NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)
• Voted YES on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
• Voted YES on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
• Rated 0% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
Collect data on birth defects and present to the public. (Apr 1998)

BURR ON EDUCATION

• No Child Left Behind provides opportunity to compete. (Sep 2004)
• Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)
• Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
• Supports requiring schools to allow prayer. (Jan 2001)
Rated 40% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)

BURR ON CIVIL RIGHTS

• Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
• Rated 13% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
• Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
• Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
• Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage. (Jun 2008)

BURR ON ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

• Voted NO on addressing CO2 emissions (May 2008)
• Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
• Voted NO on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
• Voted NO on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
• Voted NO on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted NO on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
• Voted YES on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)
• Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
• Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
• Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
• Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
Open the Outer Continental Shelf for oil & gas leasing. (Jun 2008)
• Voted NO on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
• Voted YES on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
• Reduce liability for hazardous waste cleanup. (May 2001)
Rated 10% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)

BURR ON A WOMANS RIGHT TO CHOOSE

• Voted YES on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
• Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
• Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
• Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
• Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
• Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
Apply 14th amendment protections to pre-born fetuses. (Jun 2008)

BURR ON HOMELAND SECURITY

• Voted YES on removing need for a warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
• Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)
• Voted YES on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
Rated 11% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)

BURR ON FREE TRADE

• Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru. (Dec 2007)
• Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. (Jul 2004)
• Voted YES on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)
• Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
• Voted YES on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
Rated 33% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues. (Dec 2002)

BURR ON IMMIGRATION

• Voted NO on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
• Voted NO on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
• Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)
• Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)
• Rated 100% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance. (Dec 2006)
• Government services in English only. (Mar 2008)
Declared English the official language of the US. (Jan 1999)

Is Specter's Departure A Wake Up Call For GOP???

2009-04-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Arlen Specters departure from the Republican Parties sent shock waves all through out Washington DC, and the entire Nation. BUT! I don't think it is a Wake Up call. The Wake up call should have been the election. When they lost more seats in the House and Senate. Specters decision is more personal. He can't win as a Republican in his STATE. It is that simple.

The Republican Party made a decision that they weren't going to support Arlen Specter. Basically they kicked him out and he came running to the Democrats.

The Republican Party thought they could get rid of Specter in the Primaries. They Didn't really think that he would switch Parties. They mis calculated. Again. Arlen Cares more about his SEAT than being labeled Republican or Democrat.

At first I thought, WOW! This is going to be great. We will get that 60 Vote majority once they seat Al Franken and the President want have any trouble passing his agenda. But then I looked a little closer at Arlen Specter and realized that he isn't going to be a easy stone to turn. He is a True Independent who isn't likely to vote the Democratic Party line.

So the question must be asked is it really in the Democrats best interest to have Arlen Specter? In the Short term YES!!!! We can use Arlen, lean on him and force him to support as much of the Presidents agenda as Possible. If he decides to go along then, we support him in the Primaries. If he decides to buck the Party like he did the Republicans than we RUN a STRONG PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT AGAINST HIM IN THE PRIMARIES. It really is that easy. The Democrat must be Pretty Well Known in Pennsylvania to make this work.

We really only need Arlen to help get Health Care passed. That is the one big issue that MUST be PASSED NOW! If Arlen comes on board and supports it People on the Left shouldn't fight Arlen on the other issues! At any rate it is a win, win for the Democratic Party. Either way it all but assures that there will be TWO DEMOCRATIC Senators from Pennsylvania. And that is the Key.

As for the Republicans. This is what they wanted all along. In some way or another. They wanted to "PURGE" the party of Moderates. They have almost succeeded. The Problem is they haven't kept any seats. They have done a good job of Getting Moderate Dems Elected instead of CONservative Republicans. I hope they keep this "PURGEING" process going. Because if they continue it will all but assure that the Republican Party will remain in the Minority at least until 2020.

The Real Walter Jones

2009-03-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Walter Jones has sponsored 132 bills since Jan 4, 1995. of which 122 haven't even made it out of committee and ONLY 6 were successfully enacted.

Is this ALL Eastern NC is worth 6 little Bills! What has he been doing all this time while he has been in Congress? I will tell you, NOT MUCH! Well let me take that back. That might not be fair to Walter Jones.

He has fought Against Education, Health Care, Civil Rights, A Woman’s Right To Chose. He has also done a lot of fighting FOR Big Oil and Big Multi National Corporations. His idea of Tax Reform is Keep cutting Taxes for the Rich. His ideas on Crime and Law enforcement resemble the stance of Lock them all up and let God Sort them out.

He has shown very little leadership in the National Political Scene. He hasn’t been all that involved in State Politics. And he has been all but ABSENT in NC US House District 3. It is time to CHANGE the Direction of NC US House District 3 by getting rid of Walter Jones.

Jones is a far-right Republican according to GovTrack's analysis of Bill sponsorship. In a time when North Carolina wants to go in a different Direction electing the First African American President and the First Female Governor of the State, (both Democrats by the Way) it is time for NC US House District 3 to REJECT Far-Right Wing NEO CONservative Republican Ideology. The First step in doing so is by voting out Walter Jones. Just take a look at his record. Ask yourself is this what you want for Eastern NC?

Walter Jones on Education

· Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects.

· Voted NO on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance.

· Voted NO on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges.

· Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror.(Nov 2001)

· Voted NO on requiring states to test students.(May 2001)

· Voted YES on allowing vouchers in DC schools.(Aug 1998)

· Voted YES on vouchers for private & parochial schools.(Nov 1997)

· Abolish the federal Department of Education. (Dec 2000)

· Let schools display the words "God Bless America" (Oct 2001)

· Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes.(Dec 2003)

· Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer.(May 1997)

Walter Jones on Health Care

· Voted NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health.

· Voted NO on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids.(Jan 2008)

· Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility.(Oct 2007

· Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients.

· Voted YES on allowing re-importation of prescription drugs.(Jul 2003)

· Voted YES on small business associations for buying health insurance.

· Voted YES on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits.

· Voted YES on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage.

· Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)

· Voted YES on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts(Oct 1999)

· Abolish federal Medicare entitlement; leave it to states. (Dec 2000)

· Rated 33% by APHA, indicating a mixed record on public health issues.

Walter Jones on Civil Rights

· Voted NO on Banning job discrimination based on sexual orientation.

· Voted YES on constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman.

· Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage.

· Voted YES on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)

· Voted YES on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions.

· Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)

· Rated 7% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record.

· Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)

· Rated 39% by NAACP, indicating a mixed record on affirmative-action.

· Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage. (Jun 2008)

Walter Jones on Abortion

· Voted NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines.

· Voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)

· Voted YES on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions.

· Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life.

· Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info.

· Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad.

· Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)

· Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)

· No federal funding of abortion, but no litmus test. (Dec 2000)

· Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating an Anti Choice voting record. (Dec 2003)

· Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating an Anti Choice stance. (Dec 2006)

· Grant the pre-born equal protection under 14th Amendment. (Jan 2007)

Walter Jones on Energy & BIG OIL

· Voted YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation.

· Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)

· Voted NO on investing in homegrown bio-fuel. (Aug 2007)

· Voted NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)

· Voted YES on scheduling permitting for new oil refineries. (Jun 2006)

· Voted YES on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy.

· Voted YES on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)

· Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels.

· Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)

· Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)

· Repeal the gas tax. (May 2001)

· Rated 0% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence.

What other Groups say about Walter Jones

· Rated 30% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)

· Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)

· Rated 0% by the CTJ, indicating opposition to Progressive taxation.

· Rated 10% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)

· Rated 70% by the US COC, indicating a pro-business voting record.

· Rated 0% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence.

· Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating an Anti Choice voting record. (Dec 2003)

· Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating an Anti Choice stance. (Dec 2006)

· Rated 7% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record.

· Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)

· Rated 39% by NAACP, indicating a mixed record on affirmative-action.

· Rated 33% by APHA, indicating a mixed record on public health issues.

· Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003)

· Rated 100% by FAIR, indicating a voting record restricting immigration.

· Rated 92% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance. (Dec 2006)

· Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003)

· Rated -30 by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance. (Dec 2006)

More about Walter Jones

· Walter Jones sponsored 15 Earmarks Fiscal Year: 2008 worth $30,266,000.

· Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)

· Voted NO on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

· Voted NO on the Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act of 2008.

· Voted NO on the TARP Reform and Accountability Act (Jan 2009)

· Voted NO on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act for Women (Feb 2009)

· Voted NO on the Children's Health Insurance Program Feb 2009

Source info from: http://www.ontheissues.org/NC/Walter_Beaman_Jones.htm

The GOP: The Party of NO Ideas!

2009-03-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

The GOP, stands for the Grand Old Party but now the GOP stands for the Grand Obstructionist Party. I know that sounds catchy but it is True. During this whole Economic Crisis that we are facing the only answer they had to the problem was to Stop the President from Solving the Problem. Their answer was to SAY NO,and try their best to get in his way. To Obstruct the President from implementing policies that will bring about change.

The GOP, stand for the Party of NO. They say NO to every Progressive Policy that the President has suggested. The entire time they are saying NO they Refuse to work with the President. Instead they continue to Fight for the same failed Policies that got the Country into the mess we are currently in. On top of all that they totally want to forget everything that happened over the last 8 years as if they had no role to play in the countries demise.

Let's not forget Who and What got us into this mess. The WHO is George W. Bush, and the Republican Lead House and Senate. The What is NEO-CONSERVATISM. If any of you don't really understand what NEO-CONSERVATISM is I suggest you check out this link:

http://hallstyle.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-is-neo-conservatism.html

My point is that if you have been watching the T.V. lately you see a lot of Republicans on T.V. trying to Revise History and Down Play George W. Bush's role in our Current Crisis and try to Blame this squarely on President Obama. Hello! The man has only been in office for a little over 50 days. How dare these guys come on T.V. and suggest that they aren't responsible for the situation we are in.

Not only are they the Party of NO, they are the Party of Grand Hypocrisy! All last week the GOP (Grand Obstructionist Party) had the Audacity to come on T.V. talking about the Ear Marks and all the Pork Barrel spending in the Budget,(that by the way they put together last year under President Bush). 40% of the Ear Marks are REPUBLICAN EAR MARKS! The very people TRASHING THE BUDGET because of the Ear Marks in it HAD EAR MARKS IN THE BUDGET. All except John McCain of course because the Ear Mark issue is the only issue he really cares about. This was a issue that the President Promised to reform not to do away with. The President didn't to fight over the Budget, the Republicans did. Of course they lost, again. The President even had to call them out for their Hypocrisy. Saying the Very people crying about the Ear Marks would be touting them in their Districts come election time. Well he didn't say quite the way I did but you get the point.

Yet through all the Republican Crying and Belly Aching they provide NO REAL SOLUTIONS TO ANY OF THE PROBLEMS WE FACE.

They Have NO IDEAS! The only answer they have is to continue CUTTING TAXES FOR THE RICH. New FLASH the Rich don't NEED ANY MORE TAX CUTS! The People of America NEED JOBS! When will these Republicans Get it? Trickle Down Economics Doesn't WORK! The Reagan Strategy of the 80's doesn't work! It didn't work then it sure isn't going to work NOW! Yet they continue to say the same thing over, and over , and over again. Their are some people who are gullible and will believe what ever they hear but The VAST MAJORITY of the of the people in this Country don't TRUST, OR BELIEVE them anymore. They insult the intelligence of the American People every time they talk. The People that support the Republican Party (The Rich Campaign Contributors, and the Special Interest Groups) are the only ones that believe what they say because their ideas and policies will benefit them not the Average American Citizen.

The Republican Party are really good as deceiving people. Even at the Local Level. Republicans Like Stephen LaRoque have done a good job of Deceiving the People they want to Represent. They don't want honest debates, they don't want the TRUTH to be heard. They don't want EVERYONE involved in Politics. They want the Rich Elites of Society to Govern the Poor and Middle Class. They don't want the Poor and Middle Class to have a say! They don't want EVERYONE TO HAVE HEALTH CARE. They don't want EVERYONE TO HAVE A COLLEGE EDUCATION. THEY DON'T WANT THE PEOPLE TO RISE UP. They want to keep their foot on our throat! They want us to be quit. They want us to look the other way! Well I say NO! No to the GOP's Failed Ideas! No the Party of Hate and Division! No to Far Right Wing Ideology! I say NO to NEO-CONSERVATISM. I SAY NO TO THE PARTY OF NO!

The Right Wing's Greatest Fear

2009-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

The Political Debate is heating up in Washington DC and around the country. The Good News is the Republican Party's True Leader has finally shown himself. The Bad news is that there leader is probably one the least liked men in America. I'm not surprised at the Direction the Republican Party has decided to go. When they lose they always go HARD TO THE RIGHT. Right Now in the United States Rush Limbaugh embodies that Far Right Movement. Unfortunately for them the Members of this Movement are out of touch with the American People and out of touch with reality.

The Fact is The President still has a pretty high approval rating well over 60% even with the economy in shambles and unemployment going through the roof. Do you know why? Because the American People Realize that he didn't cause this mess that we are in and that he is doing everything he can to get us out of the mess BUSH created. I hope He succeeds.

The GOP and their Leadership (Rush Limbaugh) hope he FAILS. The problem with that is if he fails that would mean that President Obama didn't create the jobs he promised, he didn't come through on health and education reform like he promised. It would mean that he backed tracked on his promise to get out of Iraq. These are the Metrics on which President Obama will be judged if he fails on these issue it will have a devastating affect on the American People. This is what they want.

It's real simple, if Obama Succeeds the American People will recover from this Economic Crisis and they will Give him the Credit in 2010 and 2012. Thus driving the NEO-CON Republican Obstructionist Party deeper in to exile and obscurity. They will be seen as only getting in his way, slowing him down instead of actually being apart of the Recovery. They know that. This is why they WANT him to fail.

If Obama Fails then that means unemployment increases to over double digits and the stock market continues it collapse, more and more people are in foreclosure, more banks fail and GM, FORD, Chrysler all collapse into Bankruptcy. This is the best case scenario for the GOP because then maybe they will win a few more seats in the house and senate. That is what it is all about. This is why they want him to fail to gain a little more political power.

This why their Biggest Fear is that Obama will succeed. There are a few Senators in the Senate that are in BLUE STATES that are up for Reelection in 2010, Arlen Specter for one. They are afraid that our good Senator Richard Burr want be able to hold on to North Carolina since NC is the Newest BLUE STATE. They are afraid of Losing a few more seats in the House of Representatives. Who knows maybe Rep. Walter Jones will finally face defeat in 2010.

Many seats that the Republicans always thought were safe seats will automatically be up for grabs if President Obama is successful and can bring about the change that America needs. So get ready because these guys don't want to lose power. They will pull out all the cheap dirty trick in the book to STOP Obama from succeeding. Because they know that if President Obama Succeeds then the American People will succeed and they (The GOP Grand Obstructionist Party)will fail...

Obama Gives Troop Withdrawal Date From Iraq at CAMP LEJEUNE

2009-02-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

The President has announce what the entire world has been waiting to hear, that there will be a end to this useless and unneccesary war in Iraq. Although there will be a residual force in Iraq up until the end of 2011, I believe this is a huge step towards regaining the respect of our neighbors around the world.

Leaving Iraq, plus closing down the prison at Gitmo has shown the world that the United States of America has decided to reject the Foreign Policy the Failed Bush Administration. I can imagine what BUSH probably said when President Obama called him informing him about his decision. The Karl Rove/BUSH/Cheney Regime has offically been disbanned and it is time to heal the Country from the damage that they have inflected.

President Barack Obama’s Speech to Congress, and my take on it.

2009-02-25T04:12:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The President gave a great speech last night. He eased the concerns of all Americans. He reassured those that have been supportive of him and gave confidence to those that have opposed him. He let the American people know that, yes we are going engage in serious investments in Health Care, Infrastructure, Job Creation, Economic Recovery and Education. While at the same tine doing everything he can to try and draw down the debt. He has assured the public that fiscal responsibility will also be a staple of his administration. WOW!

What stood out the most to me was that the President guaranteed that Health Care would get done this year. That is a pretty BOLD statement coming form a pretty bold guy. Surely he understands what he is up against. The Obstructionist Party are going to do everything in their power to get in his way. The President was unapologetic about standing up for and promoting Strong Progressive Policies to move this country Forward. He realizes that it is Governments job to advance Social and Economic Issue regardless of what the Republican Do Nothing Obstructionist Party says.

This is an exciting time to be a Democrat. It is an exciting time to be a Progressive. It is an exciting time to be an American. When you have a leader that has the ability to rally the troops they way he does, it makes you feel that anything is possible. This is the mentally we most approach every problem we face. We can't be scared. We can't be timid. We can't sit back and do nothing like the Republican Party has done over the last 8 years. We need to Boldly focus on moving this country forward. You don't do that form the Top Down like Ronald Reagan suggested with his supply side economics often called Trickle Down "Reaganomics", you do it from the bottom up. You expand the middle class, you make education, and health care affordable, you rebuild your infrastructure, you create jobs instead of giving tax breaks to companies that send jobs overseas. And with his Leadership we will recover from this crisis.

Gov. Charlie Crist says President Obama is our Leader!

2009-02-23T06:38:00.000-08:00

When I Heard what Charlie Crist said yesterday immediately my Political Mind kicked in and said well he is making a calculation that I have suggested Republicans do for a long time, that if the Republican Party really wants to survive as a party that they need come back to the middle.

The Main Stream of the Republican Party are what most people would consider Conservative. But the Vast Majority of the People in America are in the center. And this past election has proved that the center is leaning left. Inspite of any fake numbers these NeoCONs want to throw at you that is a fact. During the whole campaign the right was saying Barack Obama is the most Liberal Candidate for President Ever. And yet this Centrist Country elected him President any way. That to me would suggest that THE PEOPLE of this Country are Center Left.

Charlie Crist is in a State that went for Obama. It would Political Suicide for him to come out Too Strongly against our President. I never would have imagined him fully endorsing his plan or hosting an event for him.

Like I said he realizes that if he is going to have a future as a Politician in Florida on the National level it Will be done from the Center, not the Far Right!

We Need Single-Payer Healthcare Now! Support HR 676 Today!

2009-02-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

Thom talks about HR 676, a bill in the US House of Representatives that will give us Single Payer Healthcare for all Americans. Thom discusses how this will help stimulate the economy and make the US more competitive on the world stage. Call House Majority Whip Congressman James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and ask him to whip up support for HR 676:
202-225-3315.

Thom Hartmann is the VOICE OF THE PROGRESSIVE Movement. If you don't know about Thom by now I suggest that you seriously check out his Weekly Radio show on Air America Radio, The Thom Hartmann Program from 12:00pm to 3pm East Coast Time, 9:00am to 12:00pm West Coast Time. Also check out his website thomhartmann.com.

No More BiPartisanship!

2009-02-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

Judd Greg drops out as Nominee for Secretary of Commerce. Another failed attempt at Bi Partisanship. How could Gregg just totally disrespect President Obama Like that. The Time for Bi Partisanship is over. I understand that Obama did what he thought was right. Had I been in office it is safe to say that Bi-Partisanship would have never been in my mind. Doing what is right for the country is the job of the President, not trying to make everybody on the RIGHT happy.

Ideologically the Right isn't going to agree with the Direction that Our President is going to take the country. We should talk to a few moderates, that's it. But we need to make it clear that a few moderates aren't going to Re Write the entire bill. If they don't like that then they should filibuster. I would let them filibuster then I would do a nightly address every night letting the American People know why thousands of Americans are still losing their jobs, the Republican Obstructionist Party is the Reason for Thousands of Americans losing their jobs. I would let the American People know that I tried to be nice and that isn't what the Republican/Obstructionist want. Then we will see how long the filibuster would have lasted. I venture to say that it wouldn't have lasted very long at all.

Sorry to say that due to the Leadership in the Senate we will never know how long the filibuster would have lasted. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs to grow a pair! The Senate Leadership needs to stop acting like they don't call the shots. They do. The Republicans only want to WEAKEN AND WATER DOWN any bill that comes out of the House. We can't let this happen to the Health Care Bill when it comes up for debate. We need to start standing firm NOW! I want be PUSHED OFF my Position on Universal Health Care. Nor will I compromise. We don't have too. We need to wake up and realize that we have the power not them. The Far Right is WRONG!!!

President Obama's first press conference

2009-02-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

I think the President handled himself very well. He answered the questions with a depth of knowledge and understanding that we haven't been accustomed too over the last 8 years. It is refreshing to have a President who is intelligent enough to know what is going on and to have the right answers. The President is going back into "campaign mode", this is a good decision on his part mainly because the Republicans never got out of campaign mode. They are only worried about 2010. They could careless if President Obama is successful. His success means their failure.

They will do what ever they can to get in his way. Regardless what they say. They have to PRETEND as if they want to work on this bill in a Bi-Partisan way. The Truth is they don't want their names on this bill. They want to pull out everything that will work so that the bill will be ineffective. I don't trust them and we shouldn't be involving them on any of the discussions. They are acting like children so we should treat them like children and send them to their room. They want to be in charge, TOUGH!!! They are not in charge!!! The want to right the bill!!! TOUGH!!! That ain't going to happen. They don't want to play ball. So we shouldn't let them in the gym.

ENOUGH WITH THESE REPUBLICAN OBSTRUCTIONIST. We don't need 1 REPUBLICAN VOTE. The only way they can Block anything the Democrats want done is to Filibuster. I think the President should let them know that in the future he isn't going to be so nice to them. And he shouldn't. The Republicans don't want Bi Partisanship. They Want WAR! Listen Mr. President We don't Need them for anything. Let them continue to whine like the babies they are. The Public will judge them by their actions. Or lack thereof.

Obama Economic Recovery Plan Speech: "Time For Action Is Now" (VIDEO)

2009-02-06T04:22:00.000-08:00

President Barack Obama gave what I think was one of his most defining speeches to date last night. He laid down the gauntlet on the Republican/Obstructionist Party. This is the kind of leadership we in the Progressive Movement have been waiting for. The time for action is now! We can't let the Republican/Obstructionist Party dominate the discussion. We must let our voices be heard. We must let the people know that not everyone is against this bill, only the Far Right Wing of the Republican/Obstructionist Party and its leadership. They have dominated the T.V. and the Right Wing Media has played into their hands.

They have turned the discussion into what Recovery Plan doesn't do as opposed to what it does. We need to help Our President Sell this Economic Recovery Plan. Right know the bill is endanger of being held up in the Senate by the Republican/Obstructionist Party. We have to let the Mainstream Right Wing Media know that the Republican/Obstructionist Party doesn't speak for the VAST Majority of the People. They only speak for a VERY SMALL minority of the People. They don't need to be on T.V. acting as if they represent all of us. As our President said their ideas have been tested and they have failed. The People have Spoken and have decided that they need NEW LEADERSHIP.

The People decided to chose Barack Obama. Let the Man do what he thinks is best for our country and Get out of his Way. If this economy gets worst the judgement will fall on the Republican/Obstructionist Party for getting in the way of President Obama in a time where we need every citizen of the United States to come together and support him. He can't do this alone he needs US. We need to Support this Bill as a People not just a Party.

Obama will Sell Stimulus Package to the People

2009-02-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

The Economic Stimulus is about get a huge Marketing PUSH by President Obama. Our President will be going on all the major Networks to Sell the Stimulus Package to the People. The Republican/Obstructionist Party has waged ALL OUT WAR against the Stimulus Package. They have considered this their Alamo, they are making their Stand. They have Put the Entire nation at risk of SINKING in to a Depression.

At the heart of this whole issue is Rush Limbaugh. In away he put his foot in his mouth AGAIN! He said publicly what I think the vast majority of Repukes were thinking. "I want President Obama to Fail" All the Republicans know that it really isn't in their best interest for him to succeed.

If Barack Obama Succeeds then that means they lose even more seats in 2010. This is what it is all about. The Republicans are Posturing and Running their Mouths about the STIMULUS Package calling it a Spending Bill rather than a actual Stimulus Bill. They don't want to support it because if they do then they acknowledge that President Obama holds all the cards. If they fight it then it at least appeals to the base. If he fails then they can say that they opposed the bill from the start. If it Succeeds then most of them know that they will come out looking Really Bad for opposing it.

Talk about UN-Patriotic! How UN-Patriotic is it for someone to actually say that they want OUR PRESIDENT TO FAIL? We need to stand up STRONG AND FORCE these Republicans to Filibuster this Bill. The American People will be ENRAGED and throw these JOKERS out in 2010! The Republicans are only thinking about their Political Futures not the actual well being of the country!

Shame on the House Republicans for their selfishness. Putting Partisanship over doing what is right for the country. I urge all Progressives to come out Strong against ANY Senator that votes against this bill that is up for Re-Election in 2010. We must make them PAY THE PRICE for their Partisanship. Too many times we have let them off the hook, well not this time we will hold them accountable for their actions.

House Republicans ALL Vote NO on $819 billion economic recovery plan

2009-01-29T04:38:00.000-08:00

In a show of defiance All 177 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against $819 Billion economic recovery plan. This after President Barack Obama did everything in his power to work with the Republicans. The president added tax cuts that he didn't want, he dropped the renovations to the mall, he dropped the family planning issue. The President was truly trying to come up with a Bi-Partisan Bill. It is clear that the Republicans don't want a Bi-Partisan Bill. They want a Republican Bill.

Here's the thing though, we don't need them at all! The Bill Passed the House without a single House Republican and 11 dems turning coat. This underscores just how much POWER the Democratic Party has right now. Why are we going throw these charades? Excuse my language but FU%K THEM! We don't need them! Let them grand stand, let them keep running their mouths. The American People will judge them by THEIR ACTIONS. Right now their inability to come together on this bill is just a sign of things to come.

We should stick to Strong Progressive, Liberal Policies. If the Repukes don't want to play then we should invite them to sit at the table. SCREW THEM! I am pissed! After all the negotiations that OUR PRESIDENT did to try and make this work! They have the NERVE to disrespect him like that! The senate should drop all those tax cuts, add back all the things that the President had taken out to appease the repukes give the People a good Clean, Strong, PROGRESSIVE STIMULUS PLAN! WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE REPUBLICANS! If this is how they want to play, well lets play!

NC Senator Richard Burr votes NO Fair Pay Act

2009-01-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

Richard Burr has put one foot in the "Political Grave". If you think that WHO EVER runs against him in 2010 want bring this vote up is crazy. He will be labeled as a sexist.

How can you not vote for equal pay for women? You must be TOTALLY BLIND to what is going on right now in the United States. The Progressive Movement is pulling in more and more segments of the populations.

The Republican party is already the party of Old, Southern, White Men. Women Make up the Majority of the population and this IDIOT has just alienated them. He already wasn't going to get the Minority Vote. Now he want even get the Women vote.

I personally don't believe that Burr is that STRONG of a candidate. If a Strong Progressive Candidate Runs in 2010 against Burr I believe that they will win in a Landslide. The Country is hungry for leadership not Neo Con Republicans sticking to the same of NeoCON PlayBook.

In 2010 what I said will come to pass. The only votes he will get will be OLD, SOUTHERN, WHITE MEN! Thus giving the Democrats one more Seat in the Senate. These Dumb Republicans need to see the light. Why do the cling to their OLD DEAD IDEAS!

President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

2009-01-22T05:57:00.001-08:00

Martin Luther King, "Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam" YOU MUST HEAR THIS!

2009-01-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King stance against the War in Vietnam is a Powerful Stance against ALL WAR, not just the the Vietnam War. He believe that the United States should use its power to promote peace all over the world not profit in the spread of war all over the world. I think it goes without saying that we have become to arrogant we have become to high and mighty. I do believe that our Fall as a world power is on the horizon. IF, we don't have a fundamental CHANGE in direction.

Thank God that Barack Obama is Our President. Barack Obama represents just that. A fundamental CHANGE in direction. The Path that BUSH put this Country on only leads towards our destruction. Now that we have a NEW LEADER at the helm hopefully we will have changed course enough to evolved destruction and hopefully put us back on the right course towards peace and prosperity. WAR IS NEVER THE ANSWER. How can you negotiate with some one that killed your father? How can you negotiate with someone that has burned down your village and has raped your mother and sisters? War only brings about more War. An Eye for an Eye will leave us all Blind! Peace, Love, Equality, Truth are the messages that Dr.Martin Luther King preached. And this is the message I shall end this message on.

PEACE, LOVE, EQUALITY, TRUTH!