SCCDP

Can you be a Catholic and a Democrat?

2008-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, one can be both a Democrat and a Catholic, though there are some people who would like to deem anyone who is a Catholic Democrat a "Nazi." Yes, there are some Catholics who seem to think that the Democratic party is the party of death. Funny thing is that most of these "comments" from Catholics are in response to ..... a MASS that is being held this Saturday in San Jose, at St. Joseph's Cathedral, 80 South Market, 7:15 a.m. You can also read about Catholic Democrats at: CatholicDemocrats.org.

This mass is sponsored by the California Catholic Democrats - by sponsored I refer to organizing the mass, getting the church, asking Father Jon Pedigo to celebrate the mass, handing out flyers and taking care of the details involved with holding a mass.

A website called "California Catholic Daily" has posted a story about the mass, and while the story itself is not too extreme, the comments are unbelievable. Remember, the comments I am reposting here are posted to this "Catholic" website. These people call themselves Christians, though there is little Christianity in their comments:

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 6:52 AM By sfcatholic
Who is surprised here. Those in the Church have serious ties to the Nazi (oops I mean Demoncratic ) party. Yes, it is wrong, but we have seen little in any kind of "oversite" from Church leadership and we Catholics are "on our own". It is disgusting.

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:44 AM By William C. Meredith
This is a political rally in support of an agenda against the teaching of the Church and should NOT be allowed by the Bishop in the Cathedral, or any parish church.

Let me just state what this mass is not sponsored by the bishop. The mass offered at the request of Catholic members of the Democratic Party. The decision to offer the mass was a pastoral response to a request to have a mass preceding the conference. The mass is not an endorsement of any kind; it is merely a mass for Catholics who are attending the Democratic Convention.

Now, back to these "Christian" comments:

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 8:30 AM By Laurette Elsberry
A special Mass for the Party of Death! Given the far left social agenda of the "peace and justice" faction of Catholic clergy, this is not surprising. Also considering that no Democrat can be elected to a legislative position UNLESS he or she espouses abortion, a Mass for pro-abort politicians in a Cathedral is not unusual. It happens in Sacramento quite often.

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 1:37 PM By Carlos M
They ought to call themselves the Demon-crats! They are certainly following satan's way!

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 3:22 PM By Elizabeth
These people are not 'REAL CATHOLICS'. I don't mean to be unacharitable....... But, if I were the Holy Father they would be EX-COMMUNICATED in a NEW YORK MINUTE!!!!! End of STORY.............

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 7:35 PM By Miguel
What a crock! The Dems are so shameless they will use the illusion of their christianity to get elected to continue the murderess attack on children in the womb! They hide their real agenda and the press never calls them out. It has to be satan's grand design. There is no other logical explanation.

Once again, yes, you can be a Catholic Democrat. I am, and I know there are many, many more of us out there.

Historical

2008-03-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Obama gave a speech yesterday, a speech that us already being noted as historical.

View the speech here:

Democrats in Good Shape to Improve Senate Majority

2008-03-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

All eyes are on the Presidential primaries, but this year also is shaping up as a good one for Democrats to solidify majorities in the House and Senate. We'll talk more about the House later, but I wanted to pass along the latest exciting news in the Senate. The first good news is that Democrats only have to defend 12 seats, while Republicans have 21 seats up for grabs.

One of the Republican seats is in Virginia, where Democrat Mark Warner is very popular and is almost certain to turn Virginia further blue. The Governor and one Senator are already Democrats in that changing state. Two more open seats, in New Mexico and Colorado, are leaning towards the Democrats, with cousins and current Congressmen Tom (NM) and Mark (Col) Udall leading the way.

Incumbent Republicans in New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Oregon are all facing serious challengers, with John Sununu of NH trailing heavily behind former Governor Jeanne Shaheen. In Minnesota, the path is cleared for Al Franken to win the nomination to face Norm Coleman. And in Oregon, Gordon Smith is facing a serious challenge from state House Speaker Jeff Merkley.

Already, that list would mark 6 Democratic pick-ups. Other states, including Alaska, where Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich has announced his intention to run against corrupt GOP dinosaur Ted Stevens, are also going to be in play. Senator John Cornyn of Texas is even facing low ratings in opinion polls.

The best news of all is how Republicans have failed to find candidates to run against Democrats in South Dakota and Arkansas. That frees up Democratic resources to focus on the states mentioned above. The only Democratic seat in danger at this point is in Louisiana, where Mary Landrieu has squeaked by twice before.

All in all, 2008 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Democrats in the Senate. To follow these races and more, go to dscc.org/races.

Inspired (again) by our "Call To Action"

2008-03-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

The year was 2004. My daughter was just a few months old and, since her birth, I had been on fulltime caregiving duty as a stay-at-home dad. Months of little sleep, hours of isolation in the nursery and too much time in front of the television watching DNA testing on "Maury" had taken its toll.

Knowing of my interest in Democratic politics, a friend sent me a note asking me to attend a kickoff for the 2004 "Call to Action" sponsored by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party. My partner, Jim - supportive of my need for greater adult interaction - offered to watch our baby so I could attend this grassroots, community-organizing event designed to ensure a Democratic victory in the November election.

Quietly strolling into the room packed with grassroots Democratic activists, I felt right at home with these like-minded Democrats who shared my passions for good government and reasonable public policy that would improve the quality of life for working families. Almost instantly, I knew that attending this community-wide"Call to Action" was, in fact, a personal call to action that was likely leading me to a brand new world.

Within a few short months, inspired by my new friends with the local Democratic Party, I founded a new Democratic club - the Silicon Valley LGBT Democratic Club. Later that year, with my infant daughter in tow, I organized a weekend bus trip of 80 gays and lesbians traveling to Reno, Nevada to help Senator John Kerry's efforts in this nearby battleground state. Despite the 2004 loss that had driven my interest in local Democratic politics, I was now a valued part of the local Democratic coalition.

In 2004, little did I know that attending that first "Call to Action" would later lead to being chosen for the 2006 Madge Overhouse "Volunteer of the Year" Award, to be elected one of the leaders of the LGBT Caucus of the California Democratic Party or even to my own 2006 bid for elected public office.

On Saturday morning, I attended the first 2008 "Call to Action" and was once again inspired by the boundless energy of so many fellow Democrats determined to win back the White House. No longer a stranger as I was now among so many friends, I couldn't help but wonder what new faces in the crowd might be one of our newest Democratic leaders or a future candidate for public office.

As I know so well, the collective "Call to Action" can also be a personal call to action that will forever change your life. I urge you to attend a future meeting of the 2008 "Call to Action" and join me and so many of your Democratic neighbors in working collectively to take back the White House!

Put on your big girl and boy pants everyone!

2008-03-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

People are just a bit too squeamish about "negative" campaigning and "attack" ads for my taste Seriously, I think everyone needs to get a grip.

I forget now if it was on Twitter, or on BlogHer, or on someone's own blog, but I recently saw a discussion where someone was incensed over what she perceived to be Hillary Clinton's negative campaigning.

And we all know there are lots of discussions going on about how Hillary should drop out because it will just perpetuate all of this fighting between the Democrats instead of focusing on the real issue of beating John McCain.

I myself have been extremely annoyed by the rather arrogant and, I think, subtly sexist tone Obama is taking every chance he gets.

But when I think more about it I really have to say: we all need to check our overreactions at the door and ask ourselves: Exactly what horrible, terrible, vicious attacking are we talking about?

That "phone call at 3AM" Hillary ad that has some people so steamed? Harmless. Doesn't say a word about her opponent. Harps on her experience as she's been doing for months and months.

Obama's comments about Hillary getting "desperate" and lashing out when she's "feeling down". Ok, I agree with Jon Stewart, seems like he'd be a dickish boyfriend, but this is an old political put-down...think Ronald Reagan and "There You Go Again."

Both of them having their staffs get worked up in a lather over comments from various opposing campaign workers and supporters? Getting campaign workers and supporters to step down, resign, back off, apologize?

I don't know. They're both doing it. And none of it, frankly, seems incredibly awful.

It's OK for Hillary to question Obama's experience, and for her to imply that he's all hat, no cattle. All inspiration, no perspiration. Even if you think it sounds a bit patronizing. Yes, I do think she'd be taking the same tack with anyone else who was 15 years her junior and had a similar resume.

It's OK for Obama to question Hillary's electability, "establishment" position and reputation as a polarizing figure. Even if you think he's basically spouting Republican talking points. He'd be talking about change no matter who he was running against.

I actually do not buy the media talking point that this race has been or is getting ever-more nasty. It actually hasn't...at least as far as I've paid attention. And for all you political junkies out there who are obsessed with every single detail of this race: I may pay less attention than you do, but I pay closer attention than about 99% of the electorate. So I'm betting that if I haven't noticed any actual egregious nastiness, then most other voters haven't either.

We don't need to perpetuate this Republican and Mainstream Media talking point that having Obama and Hillary continue to run is bad for the Democrats. I don't buy it.

We do need to stop expecting this to be a tea party and let the candidates make their damn case.

So, let me have it. What are the examples of campaigning that you think are incredibly nasty? Educate me.

Cross-posted at my personal blog

Why Repugs can't be trusted with money or the government

2008-03-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

First of all, no that was not a typo in the title. From now on, or at least until the Repug Party can learn to say "Democratic," I will resort to calling them "Repug(s)," short for repugnant, which is what their party has become.

Repugs want you to hear what they say and ignore their deeds. For instance, Repugs are always talking about "fiscal responsibility" and how they are just so much better stewards of "our" tax payer money. Really? The facts show otherwise.

The NYT is reporting that:

WASHINGTON — Hundreds of thousands of dollars are missing and presumed stolen from the chief fund-raising arm of House Republicans, according to party officials who described the findings of emergency internal audits.

The financial records of the group, the National Republican Congressional Committee, may also have been falsified for several years, Republican officials said. The campaign committees of several Republican lawmakers may also have been victims of a scam that is now under criminal investigation by the F.B.I.
The audits were ordered after the abrupt departure several weeks ago of Christopher J. Ward, who had been treasurer of the committee. Lawmakers said that Mr. Ward, who served a similar role for dozens of individual members of Congress and their political committees, is the focus of the F.B.I.’s criminal investigation.

The Repugs can't even keep track of their own money, let alone ours. When given the opportunity to steal, they steal, when given the opportunity to lie, they lie, and when given the opportunity to lead they fail.

So, here we have the National Repugs not being able to manage money, and locally? Well, CA Repugs are bankrupt (morally as well as financially):

The current balance sheet shows that the California Republican Party is operating in the red - with $3.2 million in cash and $3.4 million in unpaid bills. The party's federal accounts, which are used for congressional campaigns, list $460,000 in debts.

The CA Repugs also have a problem with voters:

What was an 8.5% gap in registration in the last general election is now a 10 point gap, with Democrats holding a 43% to 33% advantage. On top of that, Democrats are turning out at the polls like never before in recent memory, excited about electing a Democrat to the White House. And the growing independent (or Decline-to State) voters in California side with Democrats on key issues. Polls from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) and the California Field Poll show this—and there is the potential for a Democratic blowout in November.

We have eight months until our nation goes to the polls and elects a new President and congress. With McBush as their candidate, the Repug party is going to have a hard time convincing the voters that eight more years of their leadership is good for our nation (checked the stock market lately? The other day Bush didn't even know that gas was headed towards $4 a gallon).

Don't get mad, get even, get involved with our local Democratic Party, join us on Saturday at our "Call to Action," learn what you can do locally to take our nation back from the failure of the Repug Party.

Help free former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman

2008-02-28T09:00:00.001-08:00

If you have not yet heard the story of former Alabama Governor Don Siegleman, then please watch the 60 minute story that aired recently:

Governor Siegelman is a political prisoner, he was prosecuted not for criminal reasons, but for political reasons, and the national GOP is involved with this miscarriage of justice.

If you so desire, you can send Governor Siegelman a letter of support, let him know that as Americans we will fight for his freedom and seek to bring to justice those who would so abuse their power that they would make a mockery of our judicial system.

Don Siegelman
24775-001
FPC PO Box 5010
Oakdale, LA 71463

We cannot afford another four years of GOP corruption, and it is with your help that we will take back the White House in 2008, for Governor Siegelman, for all Americans who care about the rule of law over politics.

Breaking News: Nader to run

2008-02-24T07:46:00.001-08:00

In case this race wasn't "interesting" enough for you, guess who's back to liven up the party? Yes, Ralph Nader is running for President.

I'm honestly loathe to say too much this morning as I learn this news, because I try to keep a civil tongue in my head.

What I will say is that Nader continues his arrogance of thinking he knows what the American people want and need, despite there being little sign that what they want or need has anything to do with him.

The Republicans like to think Hillary and Obama's neck and neck race to the nomination means the Democratic Party is split. I hope they keep thinking that, because it will lead them down an errant path. The truth is, I think, that the Democratic Party hasn't had two such strong and inspiring candidates to choose between in a long time, and we're excited about it. The vast majority of each candidate's supporters will end up supporting the other if their person doesn't make it. Every poll says so.

Nowhere do they say that we've all been missing the presence of Ralph Nader in the race. I'm sure the Republicans are thrilled, but they should remember this little stat:

Though he won 2.7 percent of the national vote as the Green Party candidate in 2000, his percentage dropped to just 0.3 percent as an independent in 2004, when he appeared on the ballot in only 34 states.

I'm not too worried. In fact, I feel a little sorry for Ralph.

Yes We Can

2008-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't yet seen this amazing video, here it is:

And then.....well, then there is this video, destined to be great as well, but for reasons that the GOP would rather not discuss:

The real story about the primaries

2008-02-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

We have all heard the talking heads discuss who is the front runner, who is gaining, who is losing support. We have heard these same talking heads go on about how much of a problem Democrats will face if we don't have a nominee right away. Well, the real story is something beyond what the talking heads are bringing up, and it gives us all something to think about, and it does not bode well for the Gopers.

Let us take a moment and look at the number of voters who are turning out to vote in 2008. For instance, in Santa Clara County:

Completed Precincts 929 of 929

Total Registration 689,052

Percent

Votes

Vote by Mail Reporting Turnout

40.61%

279,813

Precinct Reporting Turnout

21.63%

149,047

62.24%

428,860

So, we had 62 percent of voters turn out. Now, let us take a closer look and see who those voters were:

Democratic Registration & Turnout

Completed Precincts 929 of 929

Percent

Votes

Vote by Mail Reporting Turnout

62.06%

163,358

Precinct Reporting Turnout

37.94%

99,849

Republican Registration & Turnout

Completed Precincts 929 of 929

Percent

Votes

Vote by Mail Reporting Turnout

67.66%

80,196

Precinct Reporting Turnout

32.34%

38,330

Non Partisan Registration & Turnout

Completed Precincts 929 of 929

Percent

Votes

Vote by Mail Reporting Turnout

79.86%

28,587

Precinct Reporting Turnout

20.14%

7,208

Democrats had a total of 263,201 voters turn out, and the local GOP? A grand total of 118,526. 100,000 more Democratic votes in our county, actually the Democratic turnout was more then DOUBLE the number of GOP voters.

And this disparity is not unique to our county, these types of numbers are being seen all over our nation, Democratic turnout beating the GOP turnout out by record numbers, even in the "red" states.

The people of our nation are waking up to the reality of a failed presidency, of a failed party, and they are coming home to support Democrats in 2008. We still have work to do, we still have a hard and long campaign ahead of us, but as the numbers show, it is clearly within our grasp to win back the White House this year, and even gain seats in both houses of Congress.

As Democrats we must not lose sight of our goals, we should remember that we are stronger when we work together, and to win the White House we will need to come together after this primary is over. While I support Obama, if Hillary wins the nomination I will be there in full force to support her and my party and country.

It is an honor to be a Democrat this year, as we create history in so many ways. Obama, the first African American to have a real chance to become president, Hillary, the first woman to be a viable candidate for president. I can't ever remember a year when being a Democrat was so filled with awe, with respect, with amazement and excitement.

Together we can, together we will. GO DEMS!

Who made this statement?

2008-02-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

*The following statement is offensive, and please be aware that the writer of this post is repeating this as a means to expose the person who made this statement.

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno."

So, who do you think made this statement? As a bit of background, this statement was made at a GOP fund raising dinner in 1998, this was not an spur of the moment joke, it was presented as part of a prepared speech.

Who, who would be so rude, so vile, so absolutely without any concern for the feelings of a child, who would this person be? If you guess Rush Limbaugh, you are wrong. And no, it wasn't Hannity. No, it wasn't any of the right wing talking heads, nope.

The person who made this statement? Senator John McCain.

In 1998 Chelsea Clinton was 18 years old, a young adult who had endured horrific, vile attacks from the far right before, but this, this is different. The person who uttered these words wants Americans to trust him to be president, he wants people to elect him based on his ability to make decisions. If there is ANY example of why this man has no ability to make good decisions, let this be the prime example.

McCain read this statement from a prepared speech, he knew the joke was in there, he thought it was perfectly fine, funny even, to make this statement. McCain had the opportunity to remove this statement, to show that he did have good judgment, but instead he choose to utter those absolutely vile words.

Chelsea Clinton is a beautiful young woman, she is smart, vivacious, she is self assured, a great communicator (like her father and mother), and she is a shinning example to all of the young adults in our nation.

If you haven't already guessed, I am outraged beyond words. And I can tell you this, I will do all I can to make sure that our Democratic nominee becomes the next President of the United States.

GO HILLARY! GO OBAMA!

LGBT families face tax inequality

2008-02-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

In California, registered domestic partners have now been granted greater equal rights including the responsibility to file joint state tax returns. However, since the federal government still offers no legal recognition of gay and lesbian families (including my own family that includes my longtime partner and our 4-year old daughter), completing this joint state return has put many California families in a tax quandry.

Nonetheless, we're doing everything we can to comply with the new state law. As I can't wait to get my hands on our expected tax rebate, I dutifully completed our tax returns as TurboTax recommends: - complete and file the individual federal returns and then create a faux married federal return for the sole purpose of completing the state tax return.

After spending hours in completing a "married" federal return that I had no intention of filing, I was shocked to learn that my family was being severely penalized by the federal tax code. You see, if we were allowed to file a federal return as a legally married couple, we would be paying $7,000 LESS in federal taxes. That's right - we're being penalized $7,000 by the federal government even though the state of California has affirmed our family status as registered domestic partners.

I always assumed that LGBT American families were paying more in taxes than legally married people but I had no idea that the penalties were so great. Clearly, LGBT families are being punished by the federal tax code. All Americans who believe in tax fairness ought to be aware of this violation of the 14th amendment and join with the Democratic Party in fighting for equal rights for all Americans.

Super Tuesday

2008-02-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

The Democratic nomination process is, well, complicated. First of all we are not really voting for a candidate on Tuesday, rather we are electing delegates to go to the convention to vote for the candidate we have asked them to vote for. Now, these "delegates" are awarded based on percentages of the vote and the number of delegates alloted for the district these delegates are in. Got it? Clear as mud ; )

To complicate things further there are super delegates which are not "elected" in the primary, they are elected officials and members of the DNC (which are also elected by party members.)

What this all means....is, well, we could see our nomination go until the convention, something I have never seen in my lifetime. Basically there would have to be wheeling and dealing for one candidate to garner enough votes to become our nominee. And you thought politics were boring?

Here is a link that will explain the process much better then I did.

Another interesting article from MSNBC makes a rather interesting point, for the first time in the history of our nation two sitting senators will be running against each other:

More astonishing and profound is this: It is likely two members of Congress will be running against each other for president – the first time this has happened in the history of the United State. (According to my colleagues at the Newsweek Library, we’ve had many senators as nominees, but never two simultaneously, and no members of the House at all.)

I can't wait for tomorrow, if you are a political junkie like I am, then this something that comes but once in a lifetime. So, hang onto your hats and tune in for what is sure to be one hell of a night tomorrow.

GO DEMS!

The Tuesday Vote

2008-02-04T09:48:00.001-08:00

For the first time in decades, CA voters will "count," and unlike the Republican primary, the Democratic primary is open to independents. It will be interesting to see how much of the vote on Tuesday comes from DTS (Decline To State) or independent voters, and even more important for the November general election, will Democrats show up to vote in larger numbers then Republicans?

No matter which of the two remaining Democratic candidates wins, one thing is for sure, our nation will be a winner as either Obama or Clinton become not only the next President of the United States, but also the first African American or woman to hold our nation's highest office.

We are well on our way to taking back the White House this year, GO DEMS!