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Recognizing Women's History Month
DNC - Women - Tue, 03/09/2010 - 14:02
This March, we recognize Women’s History Month.
From DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:
“Women’s History Month is an opportunity for our nation to reflect on and recognize the important role of women in our society. From the Seneca Falls Convention, to the 19th Amendment guaranteeing equal suffrage, to inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycott, to Title IX, American women have a rich history of breaking down barriers.
“Democrats are proud that in the last year President Obama and the Democratic Congress have taken important steps on behalf of American women. Last summer President Obama nominated, and the Senate confirmed, Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, making her the third woman and the first Latina to serve in the nation’s highest court. Seven women (Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lisa Jackson, Janet Napolitano, Susan Rice, Christina Romer, Kathleen Sebelius, and Hilda Solis) currently serve in President Obama’s cabinet. President Obama pledged during the Presidential campaign that he would ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work, and he kept that promise. The first major piece of legislation President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which legally entitles women to equal pay for equal work.
“But we have much more work to do. Women have a great deal at stake with the President’s health insurance reform bill – women are often charged higher premiums than men and are denied coverage because of so-called pre-existing conditions like c-sections or domestic violence. Democrats are committed to passing comprehensive health reform legislation that will once and for all end gender discrimination in our health insurance system.”
DNC Women’s Caucus Chairwoman Mame Reiley:
“During March we reflect on the great strides women have made in our march towards equality, and we recommit ourselves to the work we have left ahead of us. Trail blazers like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork that has allowed today’s women to work in the professions of our choosing, pursue economic security, and seek elective office at all levels.
We have made great progress since we gained the right to vote in 1920 – women currently hold 76 seats in the House and 17 U.S. Senators are female. However, even though 53 percent of the electorate in 2008 was female, our elected bodies still do not reflect the composition of America. During Women’s History Month, let us remind ourselves of the progress we have made as we pledge to continue the work that our sisters began over 150 years ago."
Categories: Democratic Party News
March Youth Council Dispatch
DNC - Young People - Mon, 03/08/2010 - 18:33
In the March 2010 Dispatch we recap the Fall 2010 Youth Council meeting and DNC Black History Month reception, look at Women’s History Month, have an op-ed from Youth Council Co-Chair Jason Rae on health care reform, details on DNC internships, and much more! Download the Youth Council Dispatch.
Categories: Democratic Party News
One Day Too Many
DNC - Young People - Mon, 03/08/2010 - 17:04
A month ago I became sick at work and needed to go see a doctor at urgent care. I was only there for a few hours -- it turned out to be nothing serious , I was sent along my way and didn’t think anything of it again. That was until I went to the mailbox this past week and saw the bill from the hospital. It blew me away what it cost for just a quick visit that I badly needed.
I am fortunate that after graduating from college last May, I was able to find a job that provided me with health insurance benefits. It’s not exactly the world’s best insurance plan, but it’s something. And something, especially when you need to go see a doctor, is better than nothing.
Sadly, many of my peers have not been as fortunate as I am. When they get sick, like I did, they are left with the burden of an exorbitant medical bill that may take years, if not a lifetime, to pay off.
This is not how things should work in a country like ours. People should not have to choose between basic treatments when they are sick and crippling debt.
President Obama understands this struggle and has been working with Congressional leaders to pass health insurance reform for our country. Young Americans between the ages of 18-29 constitute the largest group of Americans without health insurance. Every day that goes by, one more young person gets strapped with a medical bill they can’t afford to pay – these people cannot afford to wait for reform. Young people all across this country need health insurance reform and they need it now.
The plan that the President has proposed will help give Americans control over their own health care by reducing costs, cutting taxes, and putting rules in place that will keep insurance companies honest. The President’s plan will cover preventative care, lower out-of-pocket expenses, and end annual and lifetime limits. His plan will work to make sure that no young American is left to choose between skipping the critical treatment they need and incurring unmanageable amounts of debts.
I applaud the President and the Democratic leadership for moving this issue forward. I know that had I not been fortunate to have even a basic insurance plan, I would be paying medical bills for years. I do not want to see my peers have to make that choice. Every day we wait is one day too many.
Categories: Democratic Party News
Chairman Kaine: "Final March for Reform" Begins Today
News from the DNC - Wed, 03/03/2010 - 16:03
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine today echoed the President’s call for Congress to take swift action to finish the job and deliver hard-working Americans the health insurance reforms they so desperately need.
“Today, the President outlined the way forward on health insurance reform and called on Congress to act with dispatch to pass historic and long overdue reforms to our country’s health insurance system,” said Kaine. “Almost a year has passed since this process began, marking another year that American families and businesses have struggled under the budget-breaking reality of sky-rocketing health insurance costs, another year in which insurance companies have made decisions based on their bottom lines rather than the health of the American people and another year in which millions of Americans lack any coverage at all. Today, the President made clear what most Americans know all too well: we cannot delay any longer. The final march for reform begins now.
“Fortunately, there seems to be widespread agreement across the political spectrum that we must enact reform this year. And, as President Obama’s health care summit demonstrated last week, there are a number of areas of agreement between the parties on what steps must be taken to address critical problems within our health insurance system. Where possible, the President has sought to incorporate Republican ideas into his proposal and I don’t believe anyone could argue in good faith that this President has made anything less than a sincere effort at bipartisanship.
“At the same time, President Obama is one hundred percent right to disagree with the Republicans’ approach of maintaining the status quo which allows insurance companies to call all the shots instead of patients and doctors - leaving consumers vulnerable to discrimination and denial of coverage. Absent the critical consumer protections the President has proposed, insurance companies would still have the freedom to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and to raise premiums on struggling Americans without cause or explanation. That is simply unacceptable.
“Republican leaders from Michael Steele to Mitch McConnell have said that they will hold Democrats responsible for these reforms come November. I hope they do. If Republican leaders want to campaign on the belief that there is nothing wrong with the way insurance companies currently do business, then that’s a fight Democrats are ready to have.
“President Obama has clearly laid out the much needed changes his proposal will make and the American people deserve an up-or-down vote on these critical reforms. And today, I am proud to stand firmly with the President in calling on each and every member of the United States Congress to join us on this final march for reform.”
The President’s plan when signed into law will do three things:
First, it would end the worst practices of insurance companies. No longer would insurers be able to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition or drop your coverage because you got sick. And they wouldn’t be able to charge unlimited amounts for out of pocket expenses or arbitrarily raise premiums.
Second, it would give small businesses and people who don’t get insurance at work the same choice of private health insurance that Members of Congress will get. And for those who still can’t afford insurance in this new marketplace, the plan will offer tax credits based on income to purchase coverage.
Third, the President’s proposal would bring down the cost of health care for millions – for families, businesses, and the federal government – and it would extend the life of Medicare and go after waste and abuse while reducing errors and improving care for people.
Categories: Democratic Party News
Welcome to the DNC Youth Council’s blog!
DNC - Young People - Mon, 03/01/2010 - 18:22
For those who might not know, the Youth Council was created by the DNC back in 2005 as a way to increase the involvement of young people within the party. Made up of all DNC members under 36, as well as 12 at-large members, the Council works to increase participation of young and find new ways to show young people what a valuable part of the Democratic Party they are.
We have had numerous successes in the past, from helping to get the largest youth turnout in an election since the early 1970s for President Obama, to helping more young people appointed to the DNC than at any other point in history. We firmly believe that young people are the life and blood of this party and we are excited to be here!
Check back often for updates and posts. Topics will range from youth issues, organizations supporting young people, community service stories, young candidates and elected officials, and so much more. And more than that, please comment on the posts. We want to have a dialogue with you as well!
So read, enjoy, and have fun! Onward to a Democratic victories in 2010 and beyond.
-Jason Rae and Amber Goodwin
Co-Chairs, DNC Youth Council
Categories: Democratic Party News
February Youth Council Dispatch
DNC - Young People - Mon, 03/01/2010 - 13:15
In the February 2010 Dispatch we recognize Black History Month, recap the President’s State of the Union Address, and let you know how you can become a part of Gen 44. You can download the Dispatch here.
Categories: Democratic Party News
Youth Council Dispatches
DNC - Young People - Thu, 02/25/2010 - 18:58
January 14, 2010
In the mid-January 2010 Dispatch we share information on the recent earthquake in Haiti and how you can help. You can download the Dispatch here.
January 2010
In the December Dispatch we will recap the past year and provide information about the White House Fellows program. You can download the Dispatch here.
December 2009
In the December Dispatch we will recap the past year and provide information about the White House Fellows program. You can download the Dispatch here.
November 2009
In the November Dispatch we will recap the November election results, highlight the Time to Deliver event with President Obama, provide updates on the DNC Change Commission, Congressional Black Caucus Week 2009, review President Obama’s Visit to MIT and cover the signing of the
Hate Crimes Prevention Act. You can download the Dispatch here
October 2009
In the October Dispatch we will recap the DNC Youth Council meeting, United We Serve events, the OFA Health Reform Video Challenge, the DNC's Call 'Em Out campaign and spotlight Phillip Gilfus. You can download the Dispatch here
September 2009
In the September Dispatch we will cover the DNC Youth Council meeting happening in Austin, the 2009-11 At-Large members, the Health Care Forum with the President, share internship and job openings and highlight the Chairman Kaine's statement on the passing of Senator Kennedy. You can download the Dispatch here.
August 2009
In the August Dispatch we will cover New Jersey Youth Council's first student leader training, a recap of the CDA 2009 Convention, DNC Youth Council's fundraiser, applications for Youth Council At-Large members and upcoming events. You can download the Dispatch here.
July 2009
In the July Dispatch we will introduce you to the youngest state party chair Michael Tate of Wisconsin, a Huffington Post op-ed The Millennials are Coming, DNC Youth Council information and information on the CDA and YDA Conventions. You can download the Dispatch here.
Categories: Democratic Party News
KAINE CONGRATULATES THE SENATE ON PASSING A BIPARTISAN BILL TO CREATE JOBS
News from the DNC - Wed, 02/24/2010 - 15:29
For Immediate Release
February 24, 2010
Contact: DNC Press (202) 863-8148
KAINE CONGRATULATES THE SENATE ON PASSING A BIPARTISAN BILL TO CREATE JOBS
Legislations Continues The Path To Economic Stability That The President Began Over A Year Ago When He Signed The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act
Washington, D.C. – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement in response to the Senate’s vote today in favor of a new bill to create jobs and bolster economic progress:
“Today’s Senate vote marks another critical step on the path to economic stability. This time last year, the economy was shedding hundreds of thousands of jobs each month and the country was in an economic spiral. One year later, the CBO reports that the Recovery Act saved up to 2.1 million jobs in the fourth quarter of 2009 alone and grew the economy by 3.5 percent while holding unemployment to 2.1 percent lower than it would have been without the President’s swift action last year.
“This legislation will support ongoing investments in infrastructure and boost small businesses, both of which are major drivers of job growth. Jobs remain priority number one for the President, for Democrats in Congress and for the Party at-large and I am grateful to those Republicans who joined us in supporting the President’s effort to rebuild our economy through job creation. Nothing could be more central to the American dream than a job. That is why I am urging swift passage of this legislation by the House of Representatives so that the President may sign the bill and we can continue our historic effort to build a 21st century economy.”
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Categories: Democratic Party News
National Democratic Seniors Coordinating Council Officers
DNC - Seniors and Retirees - Tue, 02/23/2010 - 16:22
Steve Regenstreif, Chair
1625 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Office: 202-429-1274
Maria Cordone, Executive Vice-Chair
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Office: 301-967-3433
Frank Stella, Vice-Chair
555 New Jersey Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Office: 202-879-4526
Max Richtman, Vice-Chair
10 G Street NE, Suite #600
Washington, DC 20002
Office: 202-216-0420
Linda Chavez-Thompson, Treasurer
6226 Meadow Haven
San Antonio, TX 78239
Home: 210-599-0497
Categories: Democratic Party News
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Praises New CBO Report Confirming The Recovery Act Created Up To 2.1 Million Jobs In The Final Quarter Of 2009
News from the DNC - Tue, 02/23/2010 - 15:32
For Immediate Release
February 23, 2010
Contact: DNC Press (202) 863-8148
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Praises New CBO Report Confirming The Recovery Act Created Up To 2.1 Million Jobs In The Final Quarter Of 2009
Washington, D.C. – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement today on the news of the latest CBO report further indicating the success of the Recovery Act:
“The report issued today from the nonpartisan CBO could not be clearer in its conclusions. In the fourth quarter of 2009 alone, the President’s Recovery Act was directly responsible for creating up to 2.1 million jobs, holding the unemployment rate to 2.1 percent lower than it would have been otherwise and growing the economy by 3.5 percent.
“The reality of this report is welcome news to the millions of Americans who have a job thanks to the Recovery Act. With each passing month, the list grows of independent organizations that have concluded that the Recovery Act was critical to preventing the next Great Depression and is working as anticipated to stabilize our economy. Yet, there are still too many Americans without a job and we still have more work to do to ensure that our economy is poised for decades of growth. As the President has said many times, we never expected this process to be easy or quick and, in fact, today’s CBO report attributes any delay in recovery to an economy more deeply damaged than initially projected, rather than any deficiencies in the Recovery Act.
“With the release of these definitive findings and as more Americans feel the impact of the Recovery Act at home, the question of whether the Recovery Act worked has been answered in the affirmative. And yes, today’s findings by the CBO confirm that those who supported the Recovery Act were right to do so, and is bad political news for those who opposed it and cheered against its success. But this isn’t about politics. This is about getting the country back on track.
“In light of these definitive findings, we hope Republicans will put aside politics, and will now – as Governors Crist and Schwarzenegger have done - get behind what’s right for the country.”
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Categories: Democratic Party News
Highlight of Recent Activities of the DNC Youth Council
DNC - Young People - Tue, 02/23/2010 - 14:22
Creation of DNC Youth Council Committees
- Following the DNC meeting in Austin, TX in September, we created seven standing committees of the DNC Youth Council:
- State Party Outreach and DNC Party Affairs
- Campaigns and Legislative
- Leadership Development
- Fundraising
- New Media
- Voter Protection
- Young Democrats Abroad
- Each committee is co-chaired by a DNC member under 36 and one of the at-large members of the Council and meets once per month via conference call
Blueprint for Change
- Youth Council members conducted an extensive review of each state party and how they incorporate youth into the party infrastructure.
- The review concluded in a report entitled, “Blueprint for Change: Increasing Opportunities for Young People at the State Party Level,” which was presented on Thursday to the State Chairs.
- Among the recommendations were to include an automatic spot for youth representatives on the State Party’s Central and Executive Committees.
Looking Forward to 2010
As we prepare for 2010, we have much work in front of us to help support the President, to get Democrats elected up and down the ballot, and to increase opportunities for young people within the party. Here is just a small sampling of some of our goals and plans for 2010.
- We are looking forward to working with the DNC Communications and New Media Departments to expand the role of the Youth Council in supporting the President’s agenda and getting Democrats elected up and down the ballot
- We will be working with the Rules and Bylaws Committee and the DNC Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection to ensure that young people are included in the National Convention’s delegate selection affirmative action rules which will be drafted this year
- We will be coordinating with the DNC Voter Protection team to continue the Youth Voting Rights Institute and ensure we are adequately prepared for the 2010 elections
Categories: Democratic Party News
Recent Success Stories of the DNC Youth Council
DNC - Young People - Tue, 02/23/2010 - 14:18
Delegates to the 2008 National Convention
- In 2008, young people made up over 16% of all convention participants, up from 11% in 2004
- There were 631 youth delegates, 118 alternates, 55 standing committee members, and 55 pages
- The Youth Council conducted countless trainings and conference calls to train young people on the delegate selection process in their states
- Our work did not stop at simply getting people elected to attend. We also held two large meetings during the National Convention featuring youth experts, young members of Congress, and various celebrities
Positions of Leadership within the Party
- We were successful in advocating that of the Chairman’s 75 at-large appointments, some of them go to Youth.
- Prior to this meeting, only 13 of 447 members were under 36 – this is less than 2.5 percent for a group that will soon be 33 percent of the electorate. As of today, we have 17 members. While not a huge increase, it was a very important step forward.
- We also worked to get at least one young DNC member appointed to each of the DNC’s three major standing committees (Rules & Bylaws, Credentials, and Resolutions)
Youth Council Fundraiser
- In July, we held a joint fundraiser with CDA at Tabaq in Washington, DC
- Guests at the fundraiser included Congressman Tim Ryan, DNC Vice Chair Ray Buckley and DNC Political Director Clyde Williams, among many others
- We are hoping to replicate the success of this event in other parts of the country with young elected leaders
Media Presence
- We have worked to provide a media presence to support the President’s agenda through various op-eds. We recently had an op-ed placed in the Huffington Post and are working on more.
- Our web presence has also expanded through new media with Twitter and Facebook
Categories: Democratic Party News
Recent Success Stories of the DNC Youth Council
DNC - Young People - Tue, 02/23/2010 - 14:18
Delegates to the 2008 National Convention
- In 2008, young people made up over 16% of all convention participants, up from 11% in 2004
- There were 631 youth delegates, 118 alternates, 55 standing committee members, and 55 pages
- The Youth Council conducted countless trainings and conference calls to train young people on the delegate selection process in their states
- Our work did not stop at simply getting people elected to attend. We also held two large meetings during the National Convention featuring youth experts, young members of Congress, and various celebrities
Positions of Leadership within the Party
- We were successful in advocating that of the Chairman’s 75 at-large appointments, some of them go to Youth.
- Prior to this meeting, only 13 of 447 members were under 36 – this is less than 2.5 percent for a group that will soon be 33 percent of the electorate. As of today, we have 17 members. While not a huge increase, it was a very important step forward.
- We also worked to get at least one young DNC member appointed to each of the DNC’s three major standing committees (Rules & Bylaws, Credentials, and Resolutions)
Youth Council Fundraiser
- In July, we held a joint fundraiser with CDA at Tabaq in Washington, DC
- Guests at the fundraiser included Congressman Tim Ryan, DNC Vice Chair Ray Buckley and DNC Political Director Clyde Williams, among many others
- We are hoping to replicate the success of this event in other parts of the country with young elected leaders
Media Presence
- We have worked to provide a media presence to support the President’s agenda through various op-eds. We recently had an op-ed placed in the Huffington Post and are working on more.
- Our web presence has also expanded through new media with Twitter and Facebook
Categories: Democratic Party News
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Statement on Election of Roslyn M. Brock as the new Chairwoman of the N.A.A.C.P.
News from the DNC - Mon, 02/22/2010 - 15:37
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2010
Contact: DNC Press, 202.863.8148
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Statement on Election of Roslyn M. Brock as the new Chairwoman of the N.A.A.C.P.
Washington – Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement regarding the election of Roslyn Brock as the new chairwoman of the N.A.A.C.P. :
"I am honored to congratulate Roslyn M. Brock on her election as the new Chair of the Board of Directors for the N.A.A.C.P. With her election Chairwoman Brock becomes only the fourth woman to serve in that position and the youngest Chair of this historic and venerable organization. As a former civil rights attorney I look forward to watching the continued success of the N.A.A.C.P. under Chairwoman Brock's leadership as they continue to wage the fight for justice and equality."
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Categories: Democratic Party News
DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE PRAISES PRESIDENT'S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM PROPOSAL
News from the DNC - Mon, 02/22/2010 - 15:35
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2010
Contact – DNC Press (202) 863-8148
DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE PRAISES PRESIDENT'S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM PROPOSAL
KAINE: PRESIDENT'S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORMS WILL PUT A STOP TO UNFAIR AND DISCRIMINATORY INSURANCE INDUSTRY PRACTICES WHILE EXTENDING COVERAGE TO MILLIONS AND REDUCING THE DEFICIT
Washington, D.C. – Please see below for a statement from DNC Chairman Tim Kaine on the President’s new health insurance reform proposal.
“The health reform package offered by the President today responds to the needs of the American people by protecting those who have health insurance, providing a path to affordable insurance for those who don’t have it or are faced with losing it, and puts meaningful controls on health care costs.
“The proposal builds upon existing legislation and includes provisions to cut waste, fraud and abuse while making health care more affordable and available. The proposal would set up a Health Insurance Rate Authority to regulate unreasonable rate hikes. It offers tax credits amounting to the biggest middle class tax cut for health care in our nation’s history. It would help extend coverage to over 31 million more Americans who are without health insurance.
“Every day that passes without real legislation to reform our broken health care system is another day millions of Americans go without much needed coverage or fear a loss of coverage, another day employers must make tough decisions to manage sky rocketing health care costs, and another day that some insurance companies will engage in unfair practices and unreasonable rate hikes. Just this month, a major health insurer notified California residents of premium increases of nearly forty percent.
“We are closer than ever to reforming our broken health care system, and the President’s proposal today is the next big step to arriving at that goal. My hope is that Republicans will now set aside obstruction and partisan games and make a genuine effort to help pass meaningful reform on behalf of the American people.”
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Categories: Democratic Party News
Cheney: A Lesson in Hypocrisy - Valentines Day Edition
News from the DNC - Mon, 02/15/2010 - 00:09
This morning, Dick Cheney once again exhibited breathtaking hypocrisy and convoluted logic to justify attacking the Obama Administration on foreign policy. Cheney repeated his debunked claim that the Obama Administration does not recognize that the United States is "at war" with Al Qaeda, when the President has repeatedly declared we are. The former Vice President also used bizarre logic to assert that the Bush Administration mirandizing Richard Reid was different than Abdulmutallab because Reid later plead guilty - a ludicrous differentiation as it happened well after the fact. Cheney also claimed that waterboarding should have been left open as an option to use on Abdulmutallab, despite the fact that he is giving up information without the United States resorting to torture. But Cheney conceded that he was just as isolated in his opinions regarding torture when the Bush Administration debated it. Just as he was wrong and out of touch then, he remains so now.
Some of Cheney's Outrageous Claims This Morning
- Cheney Claimed the Obama Administration Was Slow to Recognize That “We Are at War”
- Cheney Rationalized Mirandizing Reid…Because He Eventually Plead Guilty
- Cheney Said Waterboarding Should Have Been Left Open as an Option on Abdulmutallab
- Cheney Conceded That Even In The Bush Administration, Most People Didn't Agree With Him On Torture And That He Was A Lone Wolf Cheney Claimed the Administration Was Slow to Recognize That “We Are at War”
Cheney: What the administration was slow to do was to come to that recognition that we are at war, not dealing with criminal acts. [ABC This Week, 2/14/10]
Obama: “We are At War.” “Over the past two weeks, we've been reminded again of the challenge we face in protecting our country against a foe that is bent on our destruction. And while passions and politics can often obscure the hard work before us, let's be clear about what this moment demands. We are at war. We are at war against al Qaeda, a far-reaching network of violence and hatred that attacked us on 9/11, that killed nearly 3,000 innocent people, and that is plotting to strike us again. And we will do whatever it takes to defeat them.” [Obama Speech, 1/7/10]
Cheney Rationalized Mirandizing Reid…Because He Eventually Plead GuiltyWallace: Was it a mistake when your administration, took on the Richard Reid case. This is similar. Somebody trying blow up an airliner with a shoe bomb. He was within five minutes getting taken off that plane, read his Miranda rights, and tried through the civilian system. Was that a mistake?
Cheney: He was not tried. He pled guilty. They never did have a trial. Secondly, when this came up, as I recall, it was December of '01. We were not yet operational with the military commissions. Had not yet had the Supreme Court rulings handed down.
Wallace: You still had the option to put him into military custody?
Cheney: We could have. i don't question that. The point is, in this particular case, all of that was not worked out primarily because he pled guilty. [ABC This Week, 2/14/10]
Cheney Said Waterboarding Should Have Been Left Open as an Option on Abdulmutallab
Wallace: If you have somebody in custody like Abdulmutallab, you think he's got information on coming attacks, should the enhanced interrogation techniques been employed?
Cheney: I think the professionals need to make that decision. We had people in our administration who are experts. Many of them are probably still there. They are the ones you ought to turn someone like Abdulmutallab over to. Let them be the judge with whether he's prepared to cooperate and how they can best achieve his cooperation.
Wallace: You believe they should have had everything up to and including waterboarding?
Cheney: I think you should have everything on the table. President Obama has taken them off the table. I think that's a mistake. [ABC This Week, 2/14/10]
ABDULMUTALLAB IS COOPERATING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES AND PROVIDING INTELLIGENCE
New York Times: “Official Says Terrorism Suspect Is Cooperating.” “Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian man accused of trying to blow up a jetliner bound for Detroit on Dec. 25, started talking to investigators after two of his family members arrived in the United States and helped earn his cooperation, a senior administration official said Tuesday evening. Mr Abdulmutallab, 23, began speaking to F.B.I. agents last week in Detroit and has not stopped, two government officials said. The officials declined to disclose what information was obtained from him, but said it was aiding in the investigation of the attempted terrorist attack. ‘With the family, the F.B.I. approached the suspect,’ the senior administration official said, speaking to reporters at the White House on the condition of anonymity because of the pending legal case. ‘He has been cooperating for days.’ The cooperation was first disclosed during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday, as the suspect’s interrogation became the subject of an intense political debate over whether he initially stopped providing information after he was read his Miranda rights and received a lawyer.” [New York Times, 2/2/10]
Senior Administration Official: Abdulmuttalab Has Been Cooperating With Authorities And Sharing Intelligence And His Family Has Been “Instrumental In Gaining Mr. Abdulmuttalab’s Cooperation.” “The family of the failed Christmas Day bomber, Umar Farouq Abdulmuttalab, played a pivotal role in getting their son to start cooperating with federal authorities in sharing information about Al Qaeda, a senior administration official said Tuesday evening. Abdulmuttalab has been cooperating with authorities and sharing intelligence since last Thursday, another administration official told ABC News. The family was ‘instrumental in gaining Mr. Abdulmuttalab’s cooperation,’ said the senior administration official. The information Abdulmuttalab is sharing has been described by other officials as fresh and actionable. ‘It has been very successful,’ the official said, ‘as far as gaining his cooperation that will allow us then to follow up on that information.’ He said the intelligence gained ‘has been disseminated throughout the intelligence community.’” [ABC News, 2/2/10]
Abdulmuttalab Was Talking To FBI Agents At The Same Time That Republicans Were Slamming His Presence In The Criminal Justice System. “Abdulmuttalab was talking to FBI agents on Saturday, at the same time Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, ranking Republican on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, issued the Republican response to the president's weekly address, decrying Abdulmuttalab's presence in the criminal justice system. Collins is just one of many critics questioning why Abdulmuttalab was read his Miranda rights under the criminal justice system instead of being interrogated under military rules. ‘There is a reason why these things are done the way they are done and believe me it frustrated the hell out of me to listen to a lot of the comments being made that were criticizing this process,’ the official said. ‘But the premium that this White House – that this president puts on these operations – is to make sure that we do everything possible to protect the American people.’” [ABC News, 2/2/10]
FBI Director Mueller: Mirandizing Abdulmutallab Did Not Prevent Obtainment Of Useful Intelligence. Yesterday, FBI Director Robert Mueller confirmed that federal agents have been successful in obtaining intelligence from Abdulmutallab: "It is a continuum in which over a period of time, we have been successful in obtaining intelligence, not just on day 1, but on day 2, day 3 day 4 and day 5 down the road." [Robert Mueller, via Adam Serwer, 2/03/10]
Officials With Access To Abdulmutallab: Putting Bomber In Front Of Military Would Have Foreclosed Further Cooperation. The same administration official told ABC that "Those who had access to Abdulmuttalab concluded that 'putting him in front of somebody with a military uniform would have made him even more opposed to any type of cooperation.'" [ABC News,2/02/10]
Cheney Conceded That Even In The Bush Administration, Most People Didn't Agree With Him On Torture And That He Was A Lone WolfWallace: On the question of trying, or dealing with the enemy combatants. I came across this, a document put out by the bush justice department by attorney general Ashcroft. If you go to page one, they out the criminal wos cushions, saying that the department has brought charges against 375 and convicted 195 to date. That was 2005. It seems to make the administration's point that they're not doing it all that differently than you did.
Cheney: We didn't all agree with that. I remember meeting in the Roosevelt room where we had a major shootout to how this was going to be handled. A lot of us wanted to treat it as an intelligence matter, an act of war. We never thoroughly or totally resolved those issues. These are tough questions. You want my opinion of what ought to happen? I think we have to treat it as a war. This is a strategic threat to the United States. I think that's why we were successful for 7 1/2 years for avoiding threats to the United States. I get upset when that's the dominant approach. As it was at times in the bush administration and as it appears to be, at times, in the Obama administration.
Wallace: Did you more often win or lose those battles?
Cheney: I suppose it depends on what once you're talking about.
Wallace: Water boarding?
Cheney: I was a supporter of that.
Wallace: You oppose doing away with water boarding?
Cheney: Yes. [ABC This Week, 2/14/10]
Categories: Democratic Party News
CAUGHT RED-HANDED: MSNBC Host Savannah Guthrie Demolishes Sen. Kit Bond For His Double-Speak On National Security
News from the DNC - Wed, 02/10/2010 - 13:55
Bond, Gingrich Exposed For Ignoring Facts While Playing Politics With Terror Trials
Watch Kit Bond HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bws40OPO__w
Watch Newt Gingrich HERE: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-february-9-2010/exclusive---newt-gingrich-extended-interview
The last 24 hours of cable television has - to say the least - not been kind to Republican leaders who continue to hypocritically attack the White House's handling of the suspected Detroit bomber. Last night during an interview on the Daily Show, Newt Gingrich attacked the Obama administration over the decision to mirandize the Detroit bomber. When host Jon Stewart pointed out that the same decision had been made under President Bush to mirandize shoe bomber Richard Reid, Gingrich responded that Reid was "an American citizen." The only problem? Richard Reid is actually a British citizen.
Not to be outdone, this morning on MSNBC Senator Kit Bond also attempted to defend the GOP's hypocritical attacks of the White House on national security. When pressed, Bond has no explanation for why Republicans stood by their Commander-in-Chief's decision to mirandize Reid and are now crying indignantly for White House officials to resign.
It's clear from both of these appearances that Republican leaders are offering nothing but outright fallacies in their effort to turn the President's actions on national security into a political wedge. Between comments from Gingrich and Bond, the Republicans have shredded any credibility they hoped to have on this issue. It's utterly pathetic that in their rush to fear-monger and demagogue our national security - not to mention attack our law enforcement officials - Republicans can't even be bothered to get their facts right.
Categories: Democratic Party News
2011 Budget and Veterans
DNC - Veterans and Military Families - Fri, 02/05/2010 - 17:49
At the State of the Union Address last week, the President reaffirmed his commitment to America’s Veterans. President Obama stated “Tonight, all of our men and women in uniform -- in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and around the world –- they have to know that we -- that they have our respect, our gratitude, our full support. And just as they must have the resources they need in war, we all have a responsibility to support them when they come home. That's why we made the largest increase in investments for veterans in decades -- last year. That's why we're building a 21st century VA. And that's why Michelle has joined with Jill Biden to forge a national commitment to support military families.”
The $125 billion budget for VA marks the second year of large increases in the Department’s discretionary spending. This budget clearly reflects President Obama’s and Secretary Shinseki’s commitment to Veterans, and it continues priorities established to transform VA into an organization is veteran-centric, results-oriented and forward-looking.
In announcing the President’s 2011 budget for VA, Secretary Shinseki stated that “Our budget proposal provides the resources necessary to continue our aggressive pursuit of President Obama’s two over-arching goals for Veterans, First, the requested budget will help transform VA into a 21st century organization. And second, it will ensure that we approach Veterans’ care as a lifetime initiative, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest.”
To see the Department’s full set of performance information, please visit: http://www4.va.gov/budget/report/
Here are a few Highlights and FAQs on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2011 Budget Request:
Highlights
- Total Budget -- $125 billion
- Health Care -- $51.5 billion
- Medical Research -- $590 million
- Compensation and Pensions -- $53.5 billion
- Readjustment Benefits -- $10.4 billion
- Construction -- $1.6 billion
- IT -- $3.3 billion
- National Cemeteries -- $251 million
A Record of Growth
- Total discretionary budget up 7.6 percent
- VBA budget up 27 percent
- Medical care accounts up 8.5 percent.
What is the administration’s budget request for VA for fiscal year 2011:
VA’s $125 billion budget request for 2011 supports the transformation of VA into a 21st century organization, while ensuring that Veterans receive high quality care and timely delivery of benefits over their lifetime, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest. The three priorities are:
- Easier access to benefits and services
- Reducing the disability claims backlog
- Eliminating Veteran homelessness
Health Care Highlights:
- Mental Health -- $5.2 billion
- OEF/OIF -- $2.6 billion
- Prosthetics -- $2 billion
- Spinal Cord Injury -- $538 million
- Rural Health Initiative -- $250 million
- Traumatic Brain Injury -- $288 million
- Women Veterans -- $243 million
- Long-Term Care -- $7.5 billion
Special Programs:
- Compensation for new Agent Orange conditions -- $15.8 billion (2010 & 2011)
- Homelessness -- $294 million
Categories: Democratic Party News
DNC Veterans and Military Families Council Officers
DNC - Veterans and Military Families - Thu, 02/04/2010 - 17:55
VMFC Co-Chairs
Lt. General Claudia Kennedy (Ret.)
Colonel Don Fowler (Ret.)
Alex Cornell du Houx, Vice Chair for Next Generation Veterans and Recruitment
Robert Diamond, Vice Chair for Promoting the President’s Agenda
Saif Khan, Vice Chair for Veterans Issues
Christine Pelosi, Vice Chair for Campaigns and Elections
David Boetcher(WI), Midwest
Asha Castleberry(NY), Tri-State
Jan Donnatelli(IL), Industrial
Bill Dooling(MA), Northeast
Paul Evans(OR), West
Rep. Joe Farias(TX), Southwest
John Medve(DC), Mid-Atlantic
Maura Satchell(TN), South
Jeremy Bernton
Michaela Miller
Categories: Democratic Party News
DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE CALLS OUT REPUBLICANS FOR SHAKING DOWN WALL STREET IN EXCHANGE FOR POLITICAL FAVORS
News from the DNC - Thu, 02/04/2010 - 12:49
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2010
Contact: DNC Press, (202) 863-8148
DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE CALLS OUT REPUBLICANS FOR SHAKING DOWN WALL STREET IN EXCHANGE FOR POLITICAL FAVORS
KAINE SAYS AMERICANS SHOULD BE DISGUSTED AT GOP’S VOW TO PROTECT WALL STREET IN EXCHANGE FOR CAMPAIGN CASH
Washington, D.C. - Following news reports this morning that Republicans are seeking to raise money from Wall Street and the banking lobby using the pitch that they will stymie financial regulatory reform and protect banks from the type of oversight that could prevent another financial collapse, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement:
"The GOP's brazen appeal to Wall Street for campaign contributions in exchange for Republicans' vow to block financial reform is a new low for Congressional Republicans who've already seen their brand deteriorate over the last year as a result of their continued insistence at putting the interests of Wall Street over the needs of Main Street.
“John Boehner’s efforts to cut a deal with Wall Street in exchange for carrying their water in Congress demonstrates what we’ve said all along – that the GOP’s interests extend to no one other than themselves and their special interest friends and they will stop at nothing to win in November. And, this is far from an isolated incident. We’ve seen the GOP grow increasingly dependent on their relationship with the very same people who sent this economy into a tailspin and decimated bank accounts and balance sheets for families and businesses across this country. Less than two months ago, Republicans met behind closed doors with 100 banking lobbyists to strategize how best to block financial regulatory reform and now Republicans are delivering the bill for services rendered.
“But, the real people paying the price for this quid pro quo between Republicans and Wall Street are the main street Americans who are trying desperately to rebuild after eight years of reckless behavior in the financial industry - cheered on by a Republican Congress and the Bush Administration. While the President and Democrats are fighting for them, Republicans are teaming up with the very people whose reckless behavior nearly toppled our economy. The American people have every right to be disgusted by this activity by Republicans.”
Categories: Democratic Party News
