Archive - Dec 5, 2006

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What I want from my Democratic Majority

Posted December 5, 2006 - 8:34pm by Expat Teacher

Lou Dobbs, who I think could qualify as Atrios' "Wanker of the Day" everyday, wrote an interesting op-ed piece just before Thanksgiving. He wants the new Congress to show courage.

He wants the new Congress to junk free-trade. He's wrong, of course, but I'm inspired to list my desires from the new Congress.

To truly represent me, the Democratic majority should:

  • Increase the wall between legislator and lobbyist. Clean up the remains of the K-Street Project
  • Increase the federal minimum wage to $5.50/hour
  • Avoid any and all scandals - be above reproach
  • Launch strong oversight of Iraq war contractors and Iraq war spending
  • When possible, work with the Republicans and always be gracious
  • Avoid all stupid talk about presidential impeachment or investigating the intelligence leading to the Iraq War
  • Clean up the Medicare Prescription Bill to allow governmental bargaining with pharmaceutical companies
  • Roll-back some of the more egregious problems with the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
  • Do not confirm any judge that President Bush nominates
  • Don't try to do everything. Do a few things and do them well.

What do you want from the Democratic Majority?

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Good Will Hinton Festivus Party in Atlanta

Posted December 5, 2006 - 5:44pm by Will Hinton

For those of you in the Atlanta area, please join me next Thursday night (Dec. 14th) at the 1st Annual Good Will Hinton Festivus Party.

Whether you are a regular here or other local sites such as Peach Pundit or Blog for Democracy, I would love to have you join us for a beer and a good time getting to know others. Maybe I will bring the Festivus pole and we will have the "airing of grievances" and feats of strength.

We will be meeting at the new Taco Mac at Lindbergh Center on Piedmont Ave (Map). There is easy access from I-85 and within walking distance of the Lindbergh Center MARTA station. I have a room reserved for us starting at 8:00PM.

If you can join us, please let me know on the Evite invitation.

New York City to Ban Trans Fats at Restaurants

Posted December 5, 2006 - 11:43am by Will Hinton

So I just read breaking news from the AP that the NYC Board of Health has officially voted to ban trans fats in all city restaurants. I had been hearing of the possibility of this for some time but didn't think that it would happen.

While I am sensitive to the public health considerations involved, I am more disturbed by another blow to freedom in this country. I'm sure that some will take that as being hyperbolic, but could you have imagined such a thing twenty years ago.

I'd love to get thoughts from all across the political spectrum on this one.