Previously, I have utilized this blog to rant about property tax reform and gerrymandering. Recently, I realized that my approach to this organization is neither "hip" nor as effective as possible. The UF Dems recently attended a lecture with Matt Bai (New York Times journalist) and Joe Trippi (Democratic campaign strategist). Joe Trippi observed that Obama's campaign has utilized a mixture of new technologies (text messaging, the infamous MySpace) and grassroots organizing to achieve a new level of campaigning.
I've taken away two simple lessons from said campaign (thanks to Trippi and Bai for their insight).
1.) Don't be "Top Down" - This isn't the 1980s. Campaigns (and organization that run campaigns like we do) should not behave as if the individuals they aim to reach cannot talk back, because they can, and their insight has proven to be invaluable.
2.) Twitter. Create an account (its free!) and "follow" the FLCollegeDems. I'll send out some McCain jokes to make it worth your time to sign up early (also, you'll be ahead of the crowd on using the new technology on the block). You can also choose to follow Hillary or Obama as well.
More generally, we need to be ahead of the game in using new technologies.
About not being a "Top Down" organization, please let us and everyone else know what you think. Comment on how inane you find Twitter to be (I aim to prove you wrong, but many will agree). Comment on what you think could be done to improve this organization for the coming year. Or comment on whatever you choose. Or don't, that is sufficient feedback. The FCD is yours.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Live blog Sotuh Carolina Debate
7:45- 15 minutes till debate time cannot wait. What will it bring? Will Hilary break out and rally for a third straight win? Will Obama show what makes him so special? Will John Edwards get back to his South Carolina roots and pull an upset? Well we will see!!!
8:01- Thank god Lou Dobbs is off the air... Here we go!
8:15- Talking about immediate economic stimulus I think both Clinton and Obama addressed the question well, Edwards left it alone and talked about long term job programs. Now in the middle of responses I like Obama's Defending the Peru Trade Deal
8:25- here is where the debate will fall apart and resort to bickering watch for Edwards to swing in to play nice guy
8:43- Please please next time eliminate the possibility for personal attacks. This is bullshit. Let's talk about policy differences, not records
8:52- the health care debate is in full swing. Listen in for important substantive differences in policy. Shocked?? I know i am!
9:01- The health care debate is pivotal its practically the only differences between the candidates on big domestic policy issues. I tend to think Obama's plan will likely get passed though congress I think the mandate might cause some serious filibuster.
9:25- I call bullshit on any one that says that Senator Clinton is not running on her husbands record on race. Directly referencing the prior 8 years before president bush as having great gains for Black families. Now I am not saying that running on her Husbands record is bad but she is doing it
9:27- Pretty good applause for Obama wanting to transcend the race issue, best point for Obama, DEMOCRATS TALK ABOUT THE REAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT PEOPLE AND MEET PEOPLE'S NEEDS
9:32- Now I know that Bill Clinton can play Saxophone but can he dance? Do the voters want to know? Probably not...
9:37- There needs to be more Republican front-runner attacking. Hillary did a great job bringing that back up.
10:05- ALL OVER!!! Thank goodness! This debate was down and dirty and disgusting. I am ashamed with all of the candidates for the dirt and muck raking. The moments of policy debate on Health Care, Economic Recovery, the War in Iraq, and Lobbying Money were good and substantive. But all and all this really didn't help make up my mind for who I wanted to vote for.
8:01- Thank god Lou Dobbs is off the air... Here we go!
8:15- Talking about immediate economic stimulus I think both Clinton and Obama addressed the question well, Edwards left it alone and talked about long term job programs. Now in the middle of responses I like Obama's Defending the Peru Trade Deal
8:25- here is where the debate will fall apart and resort to bickering watch for Edwards to swing in to play nice guy
8:43- Please please next time eliminate the possibility for personal attacks. This is bullshit. Let's talk about policy differences, not records
8:52- the health care debate is in full swing. Listen in for important substantive differences in policy. Shocked?? I know i am!
9:01- The health care debate is pivotal its practically the only differences between the candidates on big domestic policy issues. I tend to think Obama's plan will likely get passed though congress I think the mandate might cause some serious filibuster.
9:25- I call bullshit on any one that says that Senator Clinton is not running on her husbands record on race. Directly referencing the prior 8 years before president bush as having great gains for Black families. Now I am not saying that running on her Husbands record is bad but she is doing it
9:27- Pretty good applause for Obama wanting to transcend the race issue, best point for Obama, DEMOCRATS TALK ABOUT THE REAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT PEOPLE AND MEET PEOPLE'S NEEDS
9:32- Now I know that Bill Clinton can play Saxophone but can he dance? Do the voters want to know? Probably not...
9:37- There needs to be more Republican front-runner attacking. Hillary did a great job bringing that back up.
10:05- ALL OVER!!! Thank goodness! This debate was down and dirty and disgusting. I am ashamed with all of the candidates for the dirt and muck raking. The moments of policy debate on Health Care, Economic Recovery, the War in Iraq, and Lobbying Money were good and substantive. But all and all this really didn't help make up my mind for who I wanted to vote for.
Monday, December 31, 2007
My media-free year
One year ago at this exact hour (noon, on New Year’s Eve) I was ironing clothes to pack in my suitcase. I was leaving the country for 4 months in less than 18 hours. 36 hours later I lay in a hotel bed. The balcony overlooked the Panamá Canal, and here I lay, cut off from the United States by geography and communication. Any sort of scandal, issue, or development, I knew nothing of. I did, several times a week pick up the Miami Herald at the grocery store in the interest of being informed, but the information was far away and irrelevant to me. I left at the end of April, back to the Unites States, my home where my mother tongue was spoke, in the paper, the television, and in the street.
One month after my return I found myself again in the airport, this time bound to the mountains of New Mexico. The summer would be spent without electricity, without daily news updates, without any sort of communication with the outside world other than hand written letters. Those who take the time to write never want to waste their time on turmoil that is occurring. Only the good moments are recollected to you, and are typically of a personal nature. My time in the hills ended and I found myself again at the airport, bound back for a stay in the modern world.
Layovers of five hours will drive you to whatever distraction you can find in the airport. The newsstands are filled with magazines on celebrities, fashion, cars that only the wealthy can afford, fitness, and every other imaginable distraction from the gloom that the other, more serious, periodicals bring. They bring tales of foreign nations trumping our own, reports of death in countries that I can not locate on a map, poverty in our lands which I find unfathomable. The alternative to these magazines can be found down the concourse in a dimly lit space. The drinks are over priced, the mood somber, but the distraction of it seems much better than the alternative of the news. I had hidden myself from the media for 8 months. My existence had seemed better off, or a least more fun, because it. Why should I not continue my hermitage? And I did.
The remainder of the year, not intentionally and not strictly, I failed to watch the evening news. Nor did I make an effort to find a copy of the Times on a daily basis. Facebook is a much better alternative to CNN.com when bored. As of November I could not tell you all the presidential candidates off the top of my head. That becomes a bit of a problem when you are heading up a student political organization.
This morning I turned on CNN. This choice was largely in part to the fact that the fishing shows come on at a later time. The reports poured in about Pakistan’s uncertain future due to the lack of fair elections. Riots and death in Kenya over rigged elections. Here I sit in the United States, one of the world’s leaders in media and fair voting. Thousands of miles away, people with less information and access to their government are willing to take to the streets burning and rioting over the perceived injustice. Here I sit, willingly apathetic to the media, cursing the powers that may be, putting forth only words for change. By this inaction on my own part I have fed the fuel to the machines that are destroying America’s dream.
The maxim “Know thy enemy” argues that information is the key to bring the downfall of what we fight for. Although Will Shortz’s crosswords, the arts, and dining section are a pleasant distraction form the front page’s atrocities, they will not help in the understanding of how to bring the downfall of our perceived injustice. The sidelines are not where the fight is won, but on the field. Information shall be my best weapon. In this upcoming year, I am stockpiling my arms.
The first fight of the new year is the primary. As you read this I am at work putting together materials so that you can inform your fellow students that their votes will count. We will give the information, you provide your own staple gun.
-WA
One month after my return I found myself again in the airport, this time bound to the mountains of New Mexico. The summer would be spent without electricity, without daily news updates, without any sort of communication with the outside world other than hand written letters. Those who take the time to write never want to waste their time on turmoil that is occurring. Only the good moments are recollected to you, and are typically of a personal nature. My time in the hills ended and I found myself again at the airport, bound back for a stay in the modern world.
Layovers of five hours will drive you to whatever distraction you can find in the airport. The newsstands are filled with magazines on celebrities, fashion, cars that only the wealthy can afford, fitness, and every other imaginable distraction from the gloom that the other, more serious, periodicals bring. They bring tales of foreign nations trumping our own, reports of death in countries that I can not locate on a map, poverty in our lands which I find unfathomable. The alternative to these magazines can be found down the concourse in a dimly lit space. The drinks are over priced, the mood somber, but the distraction of it seems much better than the alternative of the news. I had hidden myself from the media for 8 months. My existence had seemed better off, or a least more fun, because it. Why should I not continue my hermitage? And I did.
The remainder of the year, not intentionally and not strictly, I failed to watch the evening news. Nor did I make an effort to find a copy of the Times on a daily basis. Facebook is a much better alternative to CNN.com when bored. As of November I could not tell you all the presidential candidates off the top of my head. That becomes a bit of a problem when you are heading up a student political organization.
This morning I turned on CNN. This choice was largely in part to the fact that the fishing shows come on at a later time. The reports poured in about Pakistan’s uncertain future due to the lack of fair elections. Riots and death in Kenya over rigged elections. Here I sit in the United States, one of the world’s leaders in media and fair voting. Thousands of miles away, people with less information and access to their government are willing to take to the streets burning and rioting over the perceived injustice. Here I sit, willingly apathetic to the media, cursing the powers that may be, putting forth only words for change. By this inaction on my own part I have fed the fuel to the machines that are destroying America’s dream.
The maxim “Know thy enemy” argues that information is the key to bring the downfall of what we fight for. Although Will Shortz’s crosswords, the arts, and dining section are a pleasant distraction form the front page’s atrocities, they will not help in the understanding of how to bring the downfall of our perceived injustice. The sidelines are not where the fight is won, but on the field. Information shall be my best weapon. In this upcoming year, I am stockpiling my arms.
The first fight of the new year is the primary. As you read this I am at work putting together materials so that you can inform your fellow students that their votes will count. We will give the information, you provide your own staple gun.
-WA
Friday, December 21, 2007
Run for Office!
As we know, active citizenship means more than just voting and paying your taxes. Now more than ever we need genuine, honest leaders with fresh ideas to re-invigorate our political process and restore trust in local and national governance. That’s why it’s time for YOU to step up and run for office! As activists, we know that simply voting isn’t enough. As Governor Dean has said so often “You need to run for office yourself!” Today the Democratic Youth Strategy Council has launched a new web tool to empower progressive and Democratic activists to run for office. RunForOffice.org is a one-stop resource for progressive and Democratic activists ready to step up and run for office. With a simple search you can find out what elected offices YOU are qualified to run for, check out all of the qualification information, a job description, and get all the resources you need to launch an effective campaign. The real “campaign in a box” is finally here!
This tool is a huge stride forward in the fight to open up our democracy to the American people and truly create a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Check out the site, give the DYSC your feedback, and send the site to friends, family, and local progressive and Democratic allies.
This tool is a huge stride forward in the fight to open up our democracy to the American people and truly create a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Check out the site, give the DYSC your feedback, and send the site to friends, family, and local progressive and Democratic allies.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Water Boarding
If you've been watching any news channel in the past few days then you should have heard at least something about the recent water boaridng scandal. Obviously, the possible cover up by White House officials is horrible, but the Bush White House doing something wrong really doesn't surprise me anymore. What does surprise me however, is the fact that there is also a debate on whether the practice of water boarding is actually torture. It's downright disgusting.
Essentially water boarding is the practice of strapping someone to a board and pouring water over their face in a constant stream. There are various ways to do water boarding, but in the end you get the same effect. Water boarding causes the victims gag reflex to activate and psychologically the victim feels like they are drowning. While water boarding usually does not cause physical damage it can cause immense psychological sense and in some extreme cases may do some damage to a victims lungs.
Extreme psychological stress, the stimulation of the gag reflex, the simulation of damage, and the small possibility of major physical damage should make it clear that water boarding is torture.
The debate on this issue is doing nothing but cloud the real issue at hand:
Executive dishonesty and irresponsibility (as a start).
Essentially water boarding is the practice of strapping someone to a board and pouring water over their face in a constant stream. There are various ways to do water boarding, but in the end you get the same effect. Water boarding causes the victims gag reflex to activate and psychologically the victim feels like they are drowning. While water boarding usually does not cause physical damage it can cause immense psychological sense and in some extreme cases may do some damage to a victims lungs.
Extreme psychological stress, the stimulation of the gag reflex, the simulation of damage, and the small possibility of major physical damage should make it clear that water boarding is torture.
The debate on this issue is doing nothing but cloud the real issue at hand:
Executive dishonesty and irresponsibility (as a start).
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Redistricting
The map of Florida's voting districts reminds me of a painting in a abstract art museum. Some of the districts are intertwined, some are drawn squiggly, some are drawn as a squares. At a glance it looks as random as many of the other pieces you'd find in the museum.
The disturbing thing is that the strange shapes are not random at all. The map was deliberately redrawn after the 2000 census, approved by a Republican majority in the House of Representatives, to favor the election and re-election of Republican legislators. To be fair, I've heard more Democrats than I'd like to admit express their desire to flip the table and redraw the districts in our own favor.
The truth is that Republican states gerrymander their districts and Democratic states do the same. I'm calling on this generation of Democrats to stand up for a nonpartisan policy that will ensure true voter representation. We are the Democratic Party. Democracy means equal representation. We have to include even the few misguided souls that still support President Bush if we are to ensure our own equal rights in the future.
Currently two petitions, both to amend the Florida constitution to restore fairness to our voting districts, are in circulation. If enough people sign the petitions (printable version), this language will appear on the November 08' ballot:
PETITION 1: Standards for drawing congressional district boundaries.
What will appear on the ballot: Congressional districts may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
PETITION 2: Standards for drawing legislative district boundaries.
What will appear on the ballot: Legislative districts may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
You can find more information about the petition, policy and issue by clicking the second link below.
The issue of voting districts is complicated! That's why its so easy to manipulate the map
-to manipulate so much power- without public outcry. It's exams time, I am not going to venture to explain everything in detail. But, to my dearest policy wonks and anyone else who has a few minutes to spare - play the "Redistricting Game" below. It's very well done, highly educational and quite fun!
Go here:
http://www.redistrictinggame.org/index.php
And here:
http://www.fairdistrictsflorida.org/
The disturbing thing is that the strange shapes are not random at all. The map was deliberately redrawn after the 2000 census, approved by a Republican majority in the House of Representatives, to favor the election and re-election of Republican legislators. To be fair, I've heard more Democrats than I'd like to admit express their desire to flip the table and redraw the districts in our own favor.
The truth is that Republican states gerrymander their districts and Democratic states do the same. I'm calling on this generation of Democrats to stand up for a nonpartisan policy that will ensure true voter representation. We are the Democratic Party. Democracy means equal representation. We have to include even the few misguided souls that still support President Bush if we are to ensure our own equal rights in the future.
Currently two petitions, both to amend the Florida constitution to restore fairness to our voting districts, are in circulation. If enough people sign the petitions (printable version), this language will appear on the November 08' ballot:
PETITION 1: Standards for drawing congressional district boundaries.
What will appear on the ballot: Congressional districts may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
PETITION 2: Standards for drawing legislative district boundaries.
What will appear on the ballot: Legislative districts may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
You can find more information about the petition, policy and issue by clicking the second link below.
The issue of voting districts is complicated! That's why its so easy to manipulate the map
-to manipulate so much power- without public outcry. It's exams time, I am not going to venture to explain everything in detail. But, to my dearest policy wonks and anyone else who has a few minutes to spare - play the "Redistricting Game" below. It's very well done, highly educational and quite fun!
Go here:
http://www.redistrictinggame.org/index.php
And here:
http://www.fairdistrictsflorida.org/
Thursday, November 22, 2007
What Democrats have to be thankful for this Holiday
Well i couldn't think of a more lame title and idea for a blog post but oh well here we go!
1. President Bush: honestly we never in our wildest dreams thought we were going to have so much handed to us as a result of an idiot president and his idiotic policies
2. Our troops over seas: despite the upcoming clash over war funding we always have to be thankful for our troops serving over seas in Iraq and Afghanistan.
3. Joe Biden: for being a BadAss every debate every time. Also helps keep me awake while watching the debate
4. Our Depth for our Presidential Candidates: Clinton Obama Edwards Richardson Biden Dodd Kucinich and Gravel every single one would be better than any of the Republicans
5. Our Democratic Family: Good leadership, good candidates, even though Florida is being punished. We still love you Chairman Dean just don't freeze up there in Vermont or DC
6. Steven Colbert/John Stewart: Making liberals and patriots out of our peers.
7. Steven Colbert again: For trying to run in South Carolina and creating the largest facebook group ever.
8. Nancy Pelosi: Cheers to the most powerful woman in America
9. Mike Huckabee: Yeah thats right i am thankful for Huckabee and for one good reason CHUCK NORRIS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDUQW8LUMs8
10. College Democrats: Just tooting our own horn. Because hey we are the future, we are the ground solders, we are the Democratic Party.
1. President Bush: honestly we never in our wildest dreams thought we were going to have so much handed to us as a result of an idiot president and his idiotic policies
2. Our troops over seas: despite the upcoming clash over war funding we always have to be thankful for our troops serving over seas in Iraq and Afghanistan.
3. Joe Biden: for being a BadAss every debate every time. Also helps keep me awake while watching the debate
4. Our Depth for our Presidential Candidates: Clinton Obama Edwards Richardson Biden Dodd Kucinich and Gravel every single one would be better than any of the Republicans
5. Our Democratic Family: Good leadership, good candidates, even though Florida is being punished. We still love you Chairman Dean just don't freeze up there in Vermont or DC
6. Steven Colbert/John Stewart: Making liberals and patriots out of our peers.
7. Steven Colbert again: For trying to run in South Carolina and creating the largest facebook group ever.
8. Nancy Pelosi: Cheers to the most powerful woman in America
9. Mike Huckabee: Yeah thats right i am thankful for Huckabee and for one good reason CHUCK NORRIS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDUQW8LUMs8
10. College Democrats: Just tooting our own horn. Because hey we are the future, we are the ground solders, we are the Democratic Party.
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