Dear Democratic Supporter,

You may not have heard of me — I'm not quite as well-known as the other people who may have written to you recently asking you to help elect Democrats to the U.S. House of Representatives. My name's Duncan Black, though I'm more widely known by my internet pseudonym "Atrios." I operate a blog called "Eschaton," which can be found at http://atrios.blogspot.com, where I regularly write about politics and the media. The site also is a great community forum for discussion, activism, and fundraising activities, with more than four million visits last month alone.

People frequently ask me where they should be sending their donations with Election Day fast approaching. Whether they can give a little or a lot, they want to know that they're spending their money wisely and doing the most they are able to do to help end the era of Republican control in Washington.

What I tell them is that while there are many worthy candidates and organizations out there who are fighting as hard as they can to make sure that Democrats will be in charge again, there's only one organization that gets to hold a few ace cards up its sleeve:

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)

http://www.democraticaction.org/atrios/

Right now, both sides can pretty much see the cards the other side is holding. Poll results, fundraising totals, campaign spending — these things are all common knowledge. The Republicans see this information and allocate their resources accordingly. However, they don't know where and when the DCCC is going to pull out those ace cards. Things can change very fast in these races, and a surprise injection of a fairly modest amount of money into an important race at the right time can make all the difference. When opportunity knocks, the DCCC can be there.

Those ace cards cost money, however, and the other side is also playing this game. When they play one of their cards the DCCC needs to have resources at its disposal to fight back when the other side suddenly starts running attack ads against our candidates.

Every race matters, and every dollar counts. Right now it's absolutely vital that the DCCC can go head to head with the right wing spin machine and come out on top.

http://www.democraticaction.org/atrios/

Republican Dennis Hastert is the current Speaker of the House, but everyone knows that the man pulling his strings is Tom DeLay, someone who was just "publicly admonished" by the House Ethics Committee for trying to bribe another Congressman to obtain his support George W. Bush's horrible prescription drug plan for Medicare. It wasn't that long ago that Tom DeLay ludicrously claimed that he was unable to serve in the Vietnam War because, in the words of Houston Press reporter Tim Fleck:

"So many minority youths had volunteered for the well-paying military positions to escape poverty and the ghetto that there was literally no room for patriotic folks like himself."

At the time, DeLay was a relatively unknown member of Congress, and after he made those remarks a TV reporter who was present asked, "Who was that idiot?" That "idiot" is currently the most powerful man in the House of Representatives.

Please do what you can to help support the DCCC in its Campaign for a New Majority. Do what you can to help make sure that Nancy Pelosi will henceforth be referred to as Speaker Pelosi. With less than 27 days until the election, do what you can to help us take back the House and take back America!

http://www.democraticaction.org/atrios/

Sincerely yours,

Duncan Black ("Atrios")
http://atrios.blogspot.com/

P.S. I've set up a page on the Majority Makers site to raise money for the DCCC, and if you set up your own online headquarters on http://www.majoritymakers.com/ you'll be entered in a contest to win a trip to Democratic National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Check the site for more details.
http://www.majoritymakers.com/

Pelosi: 'John Edwards Is Clear Winner in Tonight's Debate'

Posted by jesselee
Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at 11:44 PM

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on tonight's Vice Presidential debate in Cleveland:

"In a matter of five days and two debates, John Kerry and John Edwards have done what George Bush and Dick Cheney have not been able to do in four years: Provide a clear, concise plan to make us stronger at home and respected in the world.

"John Edwards tonight was the clear winner because he communicated to Americans that he shares their values and understands the challenges they face. He is a strong advocate for John Kerry and the Democratic vision for America.

"Vice President Cheney showed that he is completely out of touch with reality on Iraq and the economy, using disingenuous rhetoric meant to hide the Bush Administration's failed record in Iraq and at home.

"John Kerry and John Edwards offer hope for a fresh start in Iraq to finish the job and will fight to put the middle class first. It was clear tonight that they present the kind of hope and optimism that have always defined the American spirit. And they will provide the leadership we need to build a more secure and more prosperous America."

Cheney Silent on Federal Marriage Amendment

Refuses to Defend Bush's Divisive Politics

Washington, DC - During the vice-presidential debate tonight, Senator John Edwards discussed his and John Kerry's clear opposition to the divisive Federal Marriage Amendment endorsed by President George Bush saying, "There is absolutely no purpose in the law and in reality for this amendment. It's nothing but a political tool. And it's being used in an effort to divide this country on an issue that we should not be dividing America on."

Per debate rules, Vice President Dick Cheney was given 90 seconds to respond to Edward's charges that Bush's endorsement of the Federal Marriage Amendment was wrong. Cheney simply thanked Edwards for his earlier remarks toward Cheney's family, including his openly gay daughter, and then remained silent, refusing to defend Bush's decision, signaling a rift in the administration on this issue.

In response, Democratic National Committee Spokesperson Brian Richardson issued the following statement:

"When Bush's own vice president refuses to endorse a campaign of bigotry, it becomes clear that Bush is taking America in the wrong direction. Not only is the Federal Marriage Amendment dividing the country, it's dividing Bush's own administration."

Claimed he'd never met Edwards. LIIIIAAAAAAARRRRRR. February, 2001:

Congressman Wamp, Senator Edwards, friends from across America, and distinguished visitors to our country from all over the world: Lynne and I are honored to be with you all this morning.

Thanks Atrios.

And then theres this, which should offer up photos at some point soon (and we all know how people need pictures for reality to sink in):

Senator Edwards Escorted Elizabeth Dole When She Was Sworn In As North Carolina's Other Senator.  Elizabeth Dole was sworn in as North Carolina's other senator on January 8, 2003.  Gannet News Service wrote:  "As per Senate tradition, Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., escorted her."

Dole Took The Senate Oath Administered By Vice President Dick Cheney.  According to Gannet News Service: "[Dole] raised her right hand and took the oath administered by Vice President Dick Cheney, the Senate president."  [Gannet News Service, 1/8/03]

Why would Cheney make a lie so obviously easy to expose? It's almost pathological -- reality need not get in the way of a good zinger.

 

We're two for two. Tonight, in Cleveland, John Edwards showed real strength and conviction -- he was in command of the facts and in control of the debate and a powerful advocate for John Kerry. The American people saw John Edwards as somebody who is ready, if neccessary, to be president of the United States.

Dick Cheney is totally out of touch with reality in Iraq and totally out of touch with the struggles of the middle class. This is nothing new to a man with a lifetime record of protecting the powerful and well-connected. He came across as smug, arrogant, mean and defensive -- but his trademark distortions and scare tactics didn't work. John Edwards refused to let him play the politics of fear and forced Dick Cheney to confront his administration's record of failure.

Americans are tired of growls and scowls from our leaders, and John Edwards and John Kerry offer America hope and optimism.

The Bush-Cheney campaign is already trying to spin the debate. I am here in Cleveland, right now, working to make sure that doesn't happen. Tonight my job is going to be a lot easier than my Republican counterparts for three reasons. First, John Edwards is our candidate for vice president, second Dick Cheney is theirs, and third I know that you are going to join me in this critical fight.

Here is what you can do:

1) Vote in online polls

The Bush-Cheney campaign has asked their supporters to vote in online polls. Don't let them distort the polls like they distort their record.

CNN
http://www.cnn.com

MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com

ABC News
http://www.abcnews.com

CBS
http://www.cbsnews.com

Fox News
http://www.foxnews.com

Also check you local newspaper and TV station's websites for online polls.

2) Call into talk radio

http://volunteer.johnkerry.com/speakout

3) Write local newspapers

http://volunteer.johnkerry.com/speakout

John Edwards clearly won on stage tonight -- let's make sure he wins against unrelenting Republican spin.

Sincerely,

Joe Lockhart
Senior Advisor

by kos
Tue Oct 5th, 2004 at 17:54:07 PST

"He voted against Head Start.

"He voted against banning plastic weapons that can pass through medical detectors.

"He voted against 'Meals on Wheels' for Seniors.

"He voted against a holiday for Martin Luther King.

"He voted against a resolution calling for the release of Nelson Mandela."

Cheney couldn't respond, and didn't even try.

No Child Left Behind? The Funding Gap in ESEA and Other Federal Education Programs

From the National Education Association.

Visit the NEA Web site for more information.

Download the Full Report (PDF).

Download the State-by-State Report (PDF).

The current reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), raises high expectations for achievement and imposes stringent measures of accountability on students, teachers, and schools. Yet it fell short of full funding by more than $32 billion in 2003. Eight other federal education programs serving Americans from preschool age through adulthood had funding gaps totaling almost $49 billion for 2003. ESEA/NCLB received less than half of its full funding in 2003. Given current trends, it appears likely to remain drastically underfunded. That suggests the advisability of carefully reexamining the reauthorization now-while it is still relatively early in NCLB's 2002-2007 lifespan.

Through successive reauthorizations since 1965, ESEA has provided supplementary resources for students deprived of full educational opportunities by discrimination, poverty, or both. Making up 37 percent of Department of Education funding in 2003, ESEA programs provide for additional teachers and teacher aides, professional development, instructional materials, students' acquisition of the English language, after-school programs, and other services. The Act thus confirms the federal government's role as a partner of state and local governments in supporting public education for all students.

This study finds that the federal government is not providing the resources that the ESEA/NCLB legislation and other federal education laws stipulate to help students and schools achieve. Federal funding is crucial now, as state and local governments, already contributing more than 90 percent of total education funding, struggle with fiscal crises of their own. In addition, the 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has raised achievement goals and accountability measures substantially. These measures require states to implement universal testing. They also impose federal sanctions on schools that do not meet stringent measures of adequate yearly progress (AYP). These sanctions begin with potentially disruptive shifting of students from school to school. They may ultimately lead to widespread "reconstitution" of schools, involving dismissal of a school's entire administration and staff.

The funding gaps in ESEA/NCLB and other federal education programs are daunting in magnitude:

• ESEA's Title I-A program had a funding gap of $16.5 billion in 2003. ESEA as a whole had a gap of more than $32.6 billion.
• Eight other federal education programs, including Head Start and the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) had a funding gap of an additional $48.8 billion in 2003. The total 2003 funding gap was $81.4 billion. In all, the 2003 federal appropriations were only about 43 percent of the full funding level.
• Federal education funding for 2004 is not yet final. It is already clear, however, that Title I-A is likely to have a funding gap of about $28 billion. The funding trend is getting worse, not better.

To derive the summary numbers for full funding and the funding gaps, along with detailed calculations for ESEA/NCLB and other federal programs, the study used formulas written into the relevant legislation. Where the legislation did not contain formulas, the study used current or previous congressional authorizations. The calculations also adjusted for inflation and program changes. The study's methodology evaluates what it would cost to serve all those who are eligible for the programs-that is, to leave no child behind. It cuts through ambiguities in the laws (e.g., authorization levels that do not fulfill the law's own funding formulas, and lack of specific authorizations for ongoing, funded programs). The paper also clarifies different, and sometimes misleading, usages of "full funding" in the media and on Capitol Hill.

Providing a quality education for the coming generation of students is a challenge. This study does not argue, however, that the president or Congress should simply "throw money" at all federal education programs. It does suggest that the gap between present funding and full funding for ESEA/NCLB, for example, is far too large. Clearly the current reauthorization, now "celebrating" its second anniversary, requires swift and careful reconsideration and much more realistic alignment of resources and expectations. Partial funding coupled with full accountability is a recipe for failure. In contrast, full funding of the right programs and of appropriate testing and accountability measures provides a foundation for success.

Visit the NEA Web site for more information.

Download the Full Report (PDF).

Download the State-by-State Report (PDF).

Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat to download the State-by-State Report.

Cheney and Bush Mislead about Hussein/Zarqawi Connection

Vice President Cheney and President Bush have repeatedly claimed that al-Qaeda had a working relationship with Saddam Hussein which justified the invasion of Iraq. The key piece of evidence Cheney and President Bush have used to support this claim was that Hussein harbored Abu Musab al Zarqawi - a suspected associated of al-Qaeda. For example, on 6/21/04 Cheney said "Mr. Zarqawi, who is in Baghdad today, is an al Qaeda associate who took refuge in Baghdad, found sanctuary and safe harbor there before we ever launched into Iraq."¹ President Bush said on 6/15/04 "Zarqawi's the best evidence of a [Hussein] connection to al Qaeda affiliates and al Qaeda."² One problem: there is no evidence to support these claims.

Knight Ridder reports "a new CIA assessment undercuts the White House claim that Saddam Hussein maintained ties to al Qaeda, saying there is no conclusive evidence that the regime harbored terrorist Abu Musab al Zarqawi."³ According to a senior U.S. intelligence official "The evidence is that Saddam never gave Zarqawi anything."⁴ Ironically, the assessment was requested by Cheney.⁵

Sources:

1. "CNN Newsnight Aaron Brown," CNN, 06/21/04.
2. "Bush stands by al Qaeda, Saddam link," CNN, 6/15/04.
3. "Iraq-al Qaeda tie called unlikely," Miami Herald, 10/05/04.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.

http://www.getyourlearnon.org/2004/09/cheney_misleads.html

Displaying a brazen disregard for the facts, Vice President Cheney told an audience in Cincinnati Thursday that Iraq had "provided safe harbor and sanctuary...for Al Qaeda."[1] There is no evidence to support Cheney's claim. The 9/11 Commission - which spent months exhaustively studying the issue - concluded there was no "collaborative relationship" between Iraq and al-Qaeda.[2]

After the release of the report, Cheney claimed there was "overwhelming" evidence of a relationship between al-Qaeda and Iraq and that he had "probably" seen evidence that was not shared with the commission.[3] After investigating the matter, the 9/11 Commission found "it had access to the same information the vice president has seen regarding contacts between Al Qaeda and Iraq prior to the 9/11 attacks." The commission also reaffirmed its position that it had not discovered a "collaboration-cooperation between al-Qaeda and Iraq."[4]

Sources:
1. "Cheney Says Iraq Harbored Al Qaeda," Los Angeles Times, 9/10/04.
2. "Al Qaeda-Hussein Link Is Dismissed," Washington Post, 6/17/04.
3. "Cheney blasts media on al Qaeda-Iraq link," CNN, 6/18/04.
4. "9/11 Panel Upholds Iraq-al-Qaida Finding," ABC News, 7/7/004.

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