We’re Right, They’re Wrong Lesson 1: WWRD?

On January 4, 2010, in We're Right They're Wrong, by Mary Mancini

The first question I always like to ask progressives when I’m traveling around Tennessee is, “Why so blue, Blue?”

Is it because you feel as if you’re fighting an uphill battle against that right-wing crazy everyday? Is it because you wonder how people can lie like they do and get away with it? Is it because when you tell your friends and neighbors you’re a Democrat/progressive/liberal they begin to back away slowly? Is it those two little words, “10th Amendment,” that some elected officials seem to be rallying around as if it were 1790 instead of 2010?

Yes, yes and yes, they say. Well, I counter, “What Would Rachel Do (WWRD)?”

She would tell you to first stop believing the lies you are being told.

You, she would say, are not in the Minority. Your values, she would say, are the values that matter to most Tennesseans. Your priorities, she would say, are the priorities that will make Tennessee a better place.

Progressive values & priorities, she would repeat, are the values & priorities of the people of Tennessee.

Seriously. Who in Tennessee doesn’t want broad prosperity, a better future for all, an effective government, and mutual personal responsibility?

If you need more proof, look no further than the Gallup poll last August that showed that Tennessee Democrats have an 8% advantage among registered voters (47% vs. 39%). And there’s no telling how many unregistered Democrats/progressives or “leaning Republicans” there are waiting to be awakened to the truth about progressive values and priorities.

Another indication that Democratic and progressive candidates would be on the winning path if they ignored the social issues used to divide us (and that in reality only appeal to about 20-25% of the electorate) and instead concentrated on what unites all Tennesseans – jobs, education, etc.. – is the latest MTSU poll which states unequivocally that the number one concern of Tennesseans is the economy.

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

Up next, We’re Right, They’re Wrong Lesson 2: Frame Club.

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • •
 
16 Comments
Leave A Response

It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day, It’s a New Life.

On January 4, 2010, in State Politics, by Mary Mancini

And truer words than these were never spoken.

“No more,” indeed.

Aunt B says “No More:”

Since it’s more important for the old guard to be gloating jackasses than to do actual Democratic outreach, they have completely missed the shift among some previously neutral or enthusiastic young people towards the TNDP. But because I am already an asshole, I will tell you straight up. Old guard, there’s some coalition building you could do with your young people, if you’d put down the “Oh my god, those idiots and their love for Chip Forrester. How can we run them out of the party this week?” People have come away from this year with the impression that there’s no support for candidates in small races, no support for people who aren’t in the “right” districts. If that’s not also your strategy, you might could find some new allies.

Newscoma says,”No More:”

So here is my take on what happened. Liberal Tennessee bloggers took an ass-kicking for being passionate. Our message of unity for the party was minimized. And there were rumors that the attacks came from members of my own party although I have no proof of that. I have to tell you, I was really shocked and I hope that’s not true.

…

Let’s just say I had to take a break about what’s going on in this state’s party politics. The sad thing I’ve seen is that it’s almost like a frat keg party these days though and everyone who’s blasting back a bad draft beer isn’t anticipating the hangover their going to have tomorrow morning.

Because that’s what’s going to happen if we keep this up come election time.

We have to get it together, campers. So, some of us are taking our concerns offline which honestly, in some ways, means we are probably getting more done than fighting trolls. We shouldn’t feel that we have to do that though.

And there are new fresh faces and blogs out there that want to be a part of the big picture. I feel like, at times, I lost my line of vision on that. We need them.

And THEY haven’t taken their eyes off the prize. So make them welcome. I’m saying that to everyone. The TNDP and the folks who hate the TNDP right now who are still democrats. The mission should be about the principles of the party and not the personalities.

Steve Ross says “No More:”

Anyone who thinks the issue with Democratic Institutions in Tennessee, from the TNDP down to the lowliest of lowly county parties falls on the shoulders of one man or woman is trying to deflect blame from someone who probably REALLY deserves it, that someone either being them, or someone they support. The truth of the matter is that they all have issues that have been around longer than I’ve been paying attention.

I could go on and on about all the crap that shoulda, coulda, woulda, but I’d just be rehashing posts from last November through February, so if you want to know what’s wrong, go back to those posts and apply it to just about everything that has a “Democratic” anything to it in this state, including myself.

In all seriousness, there have been some baby steps in the right direction, but from the TNDP and the Caucus organizations down to the county parties it’s just not happening fast enough.

Heck. Even Kleinheider says, “No More:” (Wait. What?! – Ed.)

But these voters, unlike their tea party activist manipulators, don’t give a damn about Edmund Burke, Ludwig Von Mises or Ayn Rand. They
want jobs and a government that makes sense to them — that’s it. As long as Democratic candidates don’t explicitly agitate their culturally conservative sensibilities and can deflect the appeals Republicans make on those hot-button social issues, these voters can be won over with economic arguments.

No more. No more. No more.

You think you can scare away Tennessee’s new breed of progressives? Go ahead, try. Sling your best mud and your best lies, you cowards. While you hide behind your anonymous troll pseudonyms, we’ll all be here (well, except for Kleinheider – he’s just right) out in the open working for the values, principles, and policy directions important to all Tennesseans and not just a select few.

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • • • • • •
 
13 Comments
Leave A Response

The Party of How v. The Party of No

On September 1, 2009, in Liberate Your Radio from The Right, by Mary Mancini

Since Saturday night when President Bill Clinton called the Democratic Party the “party of how” during his energizing Jackson Day speech, I’ve been thinking of how Democrats, a.k.a. “The party that can govern because they believe in the good government,” can get their message about providing health security for all Americans and not just a select few heard over the constant barrage of lies from the “party of no,” a.k.a. the “Republican Party,” a.k.a. the “Party of we hate government so much that we can’t govern as you can see by the hand basket you’re all now in because of the last eight years of Republican rule.”

It seemed like an impossible task. Let’s face it, Republicans have both a consistent message and the means to disseminate. But today, after reading a column by Robert Reich with the following money quote (h/t Pith in the Wind’s Bruce Barry), I had what’s known (to me anyway) as a “Reichian Revelation.” I realized that for Tennessee Democrats, this is so much bigger and more important then getting out the message about health security for all:

“The most important difference between America’s Democratic left and Republican right is that the left has ideas and the right has discipline. Obama and progressive supporters of health care were outmaneuvered in August — not because the right had any better idea for solving the health care mess but because the rights’ attack on the Democrats’ idea was far more disciplined than was the Democrats’ ability to sell it.”

With that in mind I have one word for you, Tennessee Democrats.

Just one word.

Are you listening?

Messaging Infrastructure.

OK, that’s two words. Whatever. The simple fact is that you need to build a messaging infrastructure and you need to build it fast.

What is a messaging infrastructure? It’s a consistent, simple message for every issue that will come up during the 2010 election cycle – jobs, education, healthcare, guns, gods, gays, etc.. Then, once you have your messaging infrastructure crafted, you must build a solid infrastructure with your members i.e. candidates, elected officials, party spokespeople, caucus leaders, executive committee members, county chairs, etc.. and they must all – every single one – use the same exact messaging. No exceptions.

You see, Reich is right. It’s about discipline. They have it. We don’t. And worse, we make excuses and jokes (Will Rogers, anyone?) about not having it.

Look at your counterparts across the aisle. Do the more moderate Republicans ever criticized the extremists? Do the extremists ever call the moderate members out for not supporting their more crazy legislative efforts? No and No.

Now, name me the three things Republicans stand for. Go on. You know you can. Are they specific? Are they nuanced? Are they freakin’ more than a couple of words each? No, no and hell no.

Senator Andy Berke was on the right track back in January of this year when he wrote in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

If there is one fundamental, philosophical divide between Democrats and Republicans in our Legislature, it is over state government’s role in addressing these concerns. If you’re struggling in this economy, Republicans believe you’re on your own.

Democrats view things differently. Democrats believe we should use the tools of government to provide a platform of equal opportunity for all. While each individual’s success ultimately is his or her own responsibility, Democrats believe each individual’s likelihood of success will grow if we come together to provide good schools, safe neighborhoods, sound infrastructure and a clean environment.

Republicans: You’re on Your Own
Democrats: Equal Opportunity for All

Which sounds better? And what rural Democrat and his/her constituents wouldn’t be able to get behind it?

You have to do it and do it now. As President Clinton said last Saturday night, “Don’t stay on the defensive, play offense.”

And, I might add, the best offense is one where you don’t allow the other team to call you plays. In other words, stop using their terms to talk about important issues. (Yes, I’m talking to you Ty Cobb 2.0.)

More on Jackson Day from LeftWingCracker, Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel, Vibinc, Goldni, Southern Liberal Living, Sean Braisted, Rick Locker for Memphis Commericial Appeal, Left in Alabama, Southern Beale, Jeff Woods for the Nashville Scene, and Bill Nichols for Politico.

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • • • •
 
13 Comments
Leave A Response

Liberadio(!) Podcast: July 13, 2009 with Stacy Rector, Chip Forrester, and Elbert Ventura

On July 14, 2009, in Liberate Your Radio from The Right, Podcasts, by Mary Mancini

Summary: Our guests include Stacy Rector, executive director of Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing, Chip Forrester of Tennessee Democratic Party, and Media Matters for America research fellow, Elbert Ventura.

Part 1 – Is it 9 O’Clock Yet? While Mary waits not so patiently for the end of the show, Freddie drops the news tidbits – Judge Sonya Sotomayor, Massachusetts’ big gay agenda, John Ensign’s extra-curricular Christian activities, and Vice President Dick Cheney’s own private CIA. [17.28MB download mp3]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Part 2- Interview with Stacy Rector Stacy is the excutive director of the Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing (TCASK.org). She tells us the story of the release of death row inmate, Paul House, one of the most underreported news items in Tennessee. [25.5MB download mp3]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Part 3 – Interview with Chip Forrester of the TNDP and What, You Want a Medal from the Secretary of State for Disenfranchising Folks? Tennessee Democratic Party chairman Chip Forrester joins us to talk about his call for the General Assembly to fire Secretary of State Tre Hargett. After Chip leaves the studio, we continue to discuss Mr. Hargett and his decision to give one state legislator a medal for disenfranchising Tennesseans. No, really. [27MB download mp3]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Part 4- The Media Matters for America Smackdown, The Remo Report, and It’s Finally 9 O’Clock!Media Matters research fellow Elbert Ventura talks to us about how the news that our President checked out some girl’s a** bumped the Republican sex scandals from the top story of the day and how even though the bogus story originated from the slimiest source of all – The Drudge Report – it made its way to them mainstream media without any verification. Then, if you think your phone is being tapped then it probably is. And Mary’s dad Remo calls in from his home in Nevada to give us an update on his Senator, John Ensign. Will he or won’t he resign? [23.76MB download mp3]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • • • • • • • •
 
2 Comments
Leave A Response

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Chip Forrester on Liberadio(!) Monday, July 13

On July 10, 2009, in Liberate Your Radio from The Right, by Mary Mancini

TNDP Chip Forrester will be our guest on Liberadio(!) with Mary Mancini & Freddie O’Connell this Monday, July 13, at 8:00 am, on WRVU 91.1 FM. Online streaming also available at UStream.tv.

We look forward to discussing Chip’s call today for the firing of Secretary of State Tre Hargett for refusing to implement the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act (TVCA), the law that mandates that all county election commissions make the switch to paper ballots before the 2010 election.

Forrester says that Mr. Hargett’s refusal to implement the law “appears to be part of a nefarious Republican strategy to stand in the way of secure and verifiable elections in Tennessee.”

He says “nefarious Republican strategy,” we say “full court press.” Tomato, Tomahto.

Mr. Hargett has also been accused of abuse of power for filing a “threat of terrorism” complaint with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation against Election Integrity activist Bernie Ellis, one of the concerned citizens who helped usher the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act through the General Assembly (almost unanimously, I might add) in 2008.

The complaint led to a visit by the TBI to Mr. Ellis’ house.

Liberadio(!) with Mary Mancini & Freddie O’Connell is heard live every Monday morning from 7 to 9 am on WRVU 91.1 FM. The show also streams live online at ustream.tv/liberadio.

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Calls for the Secretary of State to be Removed From Office

On July 10, 2009, in Liberate Your Radio from The Right, by Mary Mancini
Tre Hargett: "Counting your vote? Meh."

Tre Hargett: Counting your vote? Meh.

There’s only one reason why Tennessee Secretary of State* Tre Hargett is trying so hard not to implement the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act (TVCA) by 2010 and today Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Chip Forrester called him out on it:

“The Secretary of State is using his office to obstruct the voting rights of all Tennesseans,” Forrester said. “Mr. Hargett’s refusal to do the job he was sworn to do appears to be part of a nefarious Republican strategy to stand in the way of secure and verifiable elections in Tennessee.

“We deserve better. Mr. Hargett needs to go. That’s why I’m calling on the General Assembly to remove him from office.”

…

“Mr. Hargett is hiding behind a weak legal opinion that is subject to wide interpretation. Legal scholars believe that the Secretary of State has the authority to move forward and implement the law as it stands now. I can come to no other conclusion: Mr. Hargett is willfully refusing to do his job. For the sake of a fair, honest and accurate election in 2010, he must be removed from office,” concluded Forrester.

Mr. Hargett’s rational is that the state cannot comply because the TVCA mandates that we buy machines certified to the Election Assistance Commission’s “applicable voluntary voting systems guidelines” of 2005.

As I wrote previously, the year 2005 is not mentioned in the TVCA nor is it mentioned in the referred to section of the Tennessee Code.

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • • •
 
1 Comments
Leave A Response

Rutherford Republicans Violate State Sunshine Law; Planning Something Awful

On June 23, 2009, in Liberate Your Radio from The Right, by Mary Mancini

Republicans in Tennessee have had absolute control of the state for about a half a year and not only can’t they govern, but they’re trying to hide the processes that run our election behind closed doors.

First, they introduce laws that would make it easier to disenfranchise voters (luckily they were beaten back) while attempting to repeal the paper ballot bill. Then, they systematically begin replacing county election coordinators with their own – and receiving a lot of push back in some cases.

There’s a trickle down attitude emanating from the Secretary of State’s office that’s passing through the State Election Coordinator’s office and reaching the county election coordinator’s office. What else could explain the recent news uncovered by the Rutherford County Democratic Party that it’s new Republican Election Coordinator wants to hold closed door meetings?

On Monday, June 22, Republican Election Commission Chairman Tom Walker, even after being told it was illegal, attempted to violate state Sunshine Laws by locking out the public from this month’s meeting of the Election Commission. He even called police to escort our local press from the premises. Michelle Willard of the Murfreesboro Post and Doug Davis of the Daily News Journal were told to leave but refused, at which point Republican Chairman Tom Walker called Murfreesboro police.

The original report, filed by Michelle Willard of The Murfreesboro Post, tells the story:

Walker asked everyone, except commission members, to leave the Election Commission’s office on the Square. The Daily News Journal’s Doug Davis and Post Staff Writer Michelle Willard remained and confronted Walker on his request.

Walker was informed it is against state law to close a public meeting. He was then offered a copy of the Sunshine Law (T.C.A. 8-44-101), which he declined, claiming he does not care what the law is and is just trying to protect the applicants by closing the meeting.

State law says, “the formation of public policy and decisions is public business and shall not be conducted in secret.”

“We’ve got some crazy laws in this country,” Republican Commissioner Doris Jones said.

Walker was indignant in defense of his point, saying he didn’t think it was a violation of state laws to conduct public meetings in private. He said his concern was not protecting the rights of voters, but the privacy of the job applicants.

Walker then asked Davis and Willard to leave again. When they refused, he appeared to call the Murfreesboro Police Department (who never showed).

Post Publisher Mike Pirtle and DNJ Editor Jimmy Hart arrived on the scene with Pirtle informing Walker of the law and asking him to call county attorney Jim Cope for an opinion.

Walker pulled out his cell phone and made a call, while walking to the back of the building.

“If we can’t get this resolved tonight, then the meeting is adjourned,” he said.

He emerged several minutes later and said, “Meeting adjourned,” and stormed out the door without a backward glance.

Is it crazy for taxpayers to want to know what’s happening in the government they pay to hold elections? Come November 2010, I guess it’ll also be “crazy” for the citizens of Rutherford County to want to monitor their paper ballot elections. Sheesh.

The Rutherford Dems are asking all the right questions, “What are Republicans attempting to do? Why are they knowingly violating state law? With Sen. Bill Ketron sponsoring bills to gut the State Ethics Commission and repeal the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act, what are they plotting to do behind closed doors?”

Election Commission meetings should be attended by citizens or bad, bad things could happen – like allocating too few voting machines or polling places in certain parts of the community.

UPDATE: More from The Daily News Journal

UPDATE 2: Rutherford County Democratic Party Chair calls for the resignation of Election Commissioners Tom Walker and Doris Jones: “Americans value free and fair elections. Rutherford County citizens deserve adults on the Election Commission who know and obey the rule of law. Otherwise, our trust in the democratic process is undermined. We don’t need people in control of our election process who blatantly express their disregard for state law,” said RCDP Chair Jonathon Fagan.”

  • Share/Bookmark
Tagged with: • • •
 
1 Comments
Leave A Response

Go To Top »
best wordpress themes