An interesting blog post today from the People for the American Way–you might have read recently that some activists preparing to attend the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, are upset about the participation of a GOP gay rights group, GOProud. This includes Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family, who reportedly is considering pulling out of future CPACs in response, although they’re still on the list of sponsors for this year’s.
As it turns out, GOProud isn’t the only group attending CPAC that has the right wing up in arms: Colorado’s own Ali Hasan’s group Muslims for America is drawing some intolerant fire of its own. You’ll recall that Hasan announced he was leaving the Republican Party as a result of racism he experienced from Colorado Republicans during his run for Treasurer this year. Well, here’s the story on the trouble for Muslims for America at CPAC, as explained by PFAW:
The American Conservative Union (ACU), which hosts CPAC, has been the target of Religious Right groups and leaders over their handling of GOProud’s involvement, with Joseph Farah even calling for conservatives to “purge” the ACU from the movement. Already, the Family Research Council, Concerned Women For America, American Values, the American Principles Project, the Capital Research Center, the Center for Military Readiness, Liberty Counsel, Liberty University, and the National Organization for Marriage have announced their boycott of CPAC.
Now, the conservative news site WorldNetDaily, a major cheerleader for the groups boycotting CPAC, is giving right wing activist Frank Gaffney a platform to charge the ACU with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a radical Islamist group. Gaffney is no stranger to conspiracy theories, as he previously claimed that the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell “amounts to a vote for reinstating the draft,” maintained that Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan is tied to an “ominous campaign” to “bring Shariah to America,” and said that Barack Obama is “America’s first Muslim president.” He is joined by WorldNetDaily’s Paul Sperry, who wrote a book asserting that radical Muslims were infiltrating the government through the congressional internship program.
Gaffney outlines a theory that since the ACU is allowing the leader of an organization known as Muslims for America, a conservative group with ties to the GOP, to participate in CPAC, the ACU is supporting a “stealthy effort to bring Shariah” to America…
Now the allegation that Ali Hasan’s Muslims for America group is in cahoots with this “stealth effort” to impose Muslim law in America, starting with the Conservative Political Action Conference, basically rests on the fact that Suhail Khan, a lawyer in Washington D.C. and a former Bush administration appointee, is staffing MFA’s booth at the conference. Apparently, although Mr. Khan served in a Republican presidential administration and as a senior staffer to Rep. Tom Campbell (R), Khan’s late father had a role in an American group tied to the Muslim Brotherhood. Mr. Khan is a close associate of conservative activist Grover Norquist, who author Frank Gaffney at WorldNetDaily breathlessly asserts “has been working with the enemy.”
Got all this? Despite Mr. Khan’s long resume working for Republican elected officials and a Republican President, because of membership in an organization by Khan’s father, Grover Norquist, Ali Hasan and Muslims for America, and maybe the nation’s biggest conservative political conference are all co-opted by the Islamofascist plot to make your daughter wear a burqa.
Kind of helps you understand what Ali was talking about, doesn’t it?
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1. Wait for the Sharia takeover
2. Cut out his tongue
That’s a group that takes the “sins” of the father pretty literally, I guess.
Hard to understand why minorities are abandoning the Republican Party and the conservative movement, isn’t it?
Can’t tell if you think this is a hit on conservatives or you are trying to placate us by announcing how tolerant the conservative movement is.
PFAW points out, and you repeat, that the biggest annual gathering of conservatives is including the likes of GOProud and Muslims for America. And in the MFA case, a random crazy and unhinged guy (never heard of him) is pissed about it. I don’t actually know much about either group, but from what I can tell, they both seem harmless.
Are you saying that this guy (Gaffney) represents most conservatives? Or the Republican Party? Again, can’t tell if you’re serious, and therefore deluded. Or joking, and actually defending CPAC.
I suppose you’d have a better argument with the Focus crowd – since it’s a legitimate org. with a known (though shrinking) constituency, but even they are fading away.
Meanwhile, you link us to a whack-job left wing site.
they are probably some of the most thoughtful and friendly racist homophobes one could hope to meet.
Can’t you tell by the list of tolerant groups that are boycotting the event?
Just one big happy family of Christian love and tolerance.
before the Nazi took power. They used the tabloid press as a means to spread the Aryan racists agenda prior to and during the National Socialist rise to power.
Now a significant segment of the conservative base is doing the same, though the name of the outlet sounds a lot less dangerous, almost mainstream.
Considering the mainstream Republican party practically fell on their knees to kiss the ass of the Tea Party movement, how long before they embrance this new round of lunacy, less they be declared “soft on terrorism?”
….I don’t throw out the Nazi reference unless there’s some actual basis of fact.
Die Sturmer (The Stormer) when first launched, was considered a trashy tabloid that had no value as a mainstream publication, and was considered a publication of the fringe.
However, it didn’t take long before the publication became the preferred outlet for the National Socialists.
(Learned about that in PSYOPS class in the Army, btw…)
You may not call it again the next time you perceive it.
Nothing is like the Nazis.
You know me LB – I don’t throw this kind of stuff out at a whim. There’s real serious parallels between Die Sturmer and World News Daily, so much so everyone’s afraid to say something.
This world has seen dozens of genocidal acts since 1945 – aren’t those people like the Nazis?
We’ve seen countless brutal dictatorships – aren’t those people like the Nazis?
We’ve seen slick political propaganda disseminated in our country – isn’t that like the Nazis?
You can argue with Dan as to whether he’s being hyperbolic in his comparison, but Godwin’s was meant to counter people calling other people Nazis for no good reason. If parallels can legitimately be drawn, Godwin’s can NOT be invoked.
+gazillion
According to WND, the Nazis were a homosexual pagan cult.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?f…
WND also offers discounts on books you’ve been dying to read, but couldn’t afford.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?f…
Here’s a WND special offer. It has nothing to do with Nazis, but I can’t resist sharing it lest any CPols readers might be in the market for pork chops with a 25 year shelf life.
http://beprepared.com/product….
Worried about the Apocolypse? Stock up ahead of time!
You just made this Jewish vegetarian sick.
there’s much room for discussion if you’re convinced that Republicans/conservatives/tea parties are that likely to rise up, take over, and commit genocide.
I’m sorry to hear that.
that hasn’t been suggested to be the case about Obama by tea partiers and Republican elected officials?
And though I think the left has some scary elements, I don’t go around accusing liberals and Democrats of eventually becoming the next Stalin regime (20M executed).
I’d like to think that the dialogue on this site could rise above that (sxp notwithstanding).
Can you name any scary elements on the left? How about scary politicians? Wait, don’t tell me, Bernie Sanders, who advocates for SOCIALIST health insurance; the captains of Captalism are just quaking in their boots.
I can’t think of anyone in the Democratic Party comparable to all the Republicans who don’t believe in science, advocate for the “2nd Amendment” solutions or spew hatred against people merely for their sexual preference. You just don’t get elimination-ist rhetoric from the left like you do from extremist Republicans and tea-baggers.
Nobody here is going to condemn CPAC for being inclusive, of course they should be defended. There are a lot of groups mad about GOProud, though, and a HUGE number of GOPers who are big on Muslim conspiracy theories – you know it’s true so don’t deny it. And you Republicans swear by WND except when they embarrass you.
And PFAW is no “whack-job” site. If they are so is Heritage on the right.
That phrasing speaks volumes about where you’re coming from, 20th.
Maybe the mainstream of the GOP rightwing (there’s a weird thought) is now starting to expel the total crazies. If so, it’s a good start toward responsible governing.
And to those on the left that want a total & complete purge that meets your guidelines all in one day – it doesn’t happen that fast and there will always remain many that you consider too extreme.
* The John Birch Society
* The Poker Players Alliance
http://www.conservative.org/cp…
perhaps they should not leave the party. And perhaps they should not support mosques which are symbols of Muslim conquest. Such actions might lead people to believe that said Muslims support Sharia law, whether or not that is the truth.
…yes Muslims should just shut their mouths, hum a happy tune and put up with the racist frogwash being spewed by the Conservative bigots party.
As long as they know their place, shut up and do as their told, they can be Republicans. As long as they don’t get uppity, they can stay.
He’s having a hard time making friends over at redstate, that’s why he’s back here.
of the R base? This last Beej post is so repulsive and so needlessly and personally offensive and insulting to Ali, I propose we stop responding en masse to this idiot’s posts.
Every one should try it.
Wait, that’s an imaginary number.
the Muslim Symbol of Conquest Community Center in NYC. And perhaps he’s on to something. I mean, it is kind of suspicions that a religious denomination wants to build a ‘community center.’ Who’s ever heard of such a thing!? Of course it means they want to impose Sharia law across the land!!!
Just because you can’t connect the dots doesn’t mean that vigilant idiots can rest.
PS-Sorry they’re giving you a hard time at Red State. I thought their standards suited you just fine.
n/t
the Muslim Symbol of Conquest Community Center in NYC. And perhaps he’s on to something. I mean, it is kind of suspicions that a religious denomination wants to build a ‘community center.’ Who’s ever heard of such a thing!? Of course it means they want to impose Sharia law across the land!!!
Just because you can’t connect the dots doesn’t mean that vigilant idiots can rest.
PS-Sorry they’re giving you a hard time at Red State. I thought their standards suited you just fine.
Other conservatives in this thread are intelligently trying to distance themselves from this lunatic hatemongering. And here you are legitimizing it.
Thanks for keeping it real, Beej!
I think you’ll find that Ali, wisely, has left the Republican party.
I wish someone from the conservative movement would stand up and say ‘We do not want you in our party.’ Unfortunately, I do not see that happening.
In Canada, in the early 1990s, a guy named Preston Manning started the Reform Party. This party was essentially a liberatian, anti-government movement. A lot of people had very legitimate beefs with the government. A lot of other people were just crazy and blamed the government for all sorts of racist plots (trying to keep the White man down.) Manning, who needed every vote he could muster, did the honorable thing and several times went on national TV in Canada and said “The reform party does not want rascists. We are not anti-minorities.” He recruited a couple of minorities to run for office.
Today, this ‘fringe’ party, after swallowing up the once dominant Progressive Conserviatives, is the party in power in Canada.
It just takes real leaders.
every time some lefty said something critical of the R’s boy, GW (in a time of war, holy smokes!), an endless stream of apologies and denunciations were demanded and obtained from cowering Dem pols? Do you see any Rs meeting any such demands no matter what their crazies say?
That’s why we can’t keep them out of power except for short intervals. While Dems fell all over themselves apologizing for folks like Michael Moore, who mainly told the simple truth about our health care system or, worse yet, lumped the left’s Rachel Maddow’s accurate, super documented facts with the blatant lies of the right’s Rush et al, Rs never have or will apologize for anything. Dem Pols won’t even make the effort to push them to.
Dems just let the Rs pretty much alone when they claim to hold the high ground on patriotism, toughness, family values, you name it and go into into a fetal position whenever the Rs question Dem’s on any of those things. No wonder we can’t hang on to a win or keep our base energized for long.
Thanks as always, BlueCat.
I’m a huge fan of GOProud, and I’m glad MFA is going, too.
The WND is about as credible as Prisonplanet or some jerkoff conspiracy sites like that.
….it’s about the popularity of it among “informed Conservatives.” Like the ones that believe Obama is a Kenyan Muslim, which is the majority with those who identify as “Conservative” and “Republican.”
Authentic “informed conservatives” think the site is a POS. A tiny lunatic fringe think it’s great.
Where have you been, LB? Take a look at the percentage of Rs who either believe every ridiculous lie out there about Obama or “aren’t sure”. “Authentic ‘informed’ conservatives” are the ones who occupy the fringe now.
I’m ashamed to admit that I have a brother who reads it on a regular basis. He actually considers it a news source. 🙁
Sorry this has happened to you. But, it has been happening for more than 20 years, most people still haven’t recognized it. Sorry buddy, but as you know, those who control the “Republican” party are bigots of the first degree and they accept no dissent of any kind on any issue. That’s why the Republican Party must be destroyed. Thanks to them, they’re really helping the cause themselves. I’m just salivating over what these idiots say on a day to day basis. Eventually the American Public will wake up.
When do you think the American public will wake up? I’m afraid of the damage that will be created in the meantime.
How about “educated”?
What does the son of a Muslim Brotherhood member want to do with American politics? There are some truths behind this article that you might find uncomfortable.
http://www.islam-watch.org/War…
http://www.islam-watch.org/ind…
There are NO truths to be found at that jerkoff site.
Nah, just fuckin with ya. It’s more surprising when a Republican doesn’t write something racist.
Just wow.
You’re nucking futs.
To show that all Christians want to impose fundamentalist insanity on us all?
Freedom of expression, a platform for his goals, the opportunity to connect with fellow citizens, a chance to serve the American public?
Or do brownish people not get to have such noble motivations in GOPWarrior land?
I’m so glad you showed me the error of LB’s ways.
I was starting to believe there was a place for rational tolerant people in the GOP. You are so right.
Wisdom and tolerance have no place in the modern GOP.
I guess all those Mormons, Christians, and Jehovah’s Witnesses at my door are just Muslims in disguise, since apparently it’s rare enough for religions to evangelize that GOPWarrior is shocked…
Taqiyya is a muslim belief, or at least it was. Taqiyya is, to a large part, what was printed above. It was created right after the sunni-shi’i split, when there was copious sectarian violence. Islamic scholars of the day ruled that if someone is asked, “Are you sunni or shi’i” and you know that by answering the truth, you will be killed, then it is OK to lie, even though you are lying about your religious beliefs. The practice of taqiyya was almost entirely limited to Persia, although it also had a brief fling in the levant.
Taqiyya had a limited role in Islamic history, really only being in force for about 100 years. While it still lives on the sunni community in Iran, it is not considered a major part of Islamic law. Considering it was never revived during colonization, I can’t image it is forefront in most muslim’s minds today.
I would consider it pretty akin to monothelitism. What’s that, you have never heard of monothelitism? And you are a Christian? I am shocked. It was probably the main issue of debate among Christians in the 4th century, and dealt with the nature of Jesus Christ (how was he both a human and the son of God.)
As to your second point. Fascinating. The Christian religion has a long, long history of forced conversion. I could give thousands of examples, we all know a good ten or so. Muslims have always been less focused on conversion. Muslims should demonstrate the postive benefits of their religion, and non-muslims paid a higher tax. But non-muslims were allowed to live in harmony in Islamic countries, provided they did not do anything to undermine the Islamic government (e.g. threatening agression). If that happens, then yes, the war described above is proscribed.
I’ve been following Ali for years (though from a distance when he was a Republican) and there are few people more patriotic, more American, and more actively engaged in preventing terrorism by opening an honest dialog about the issues facing Muslims in America and around the world.
People like Frank Gaffney who want to isolate Muslims from civil discourse and slander a faith shared by millions should receive an offical “Al-Qaeda Recruiter Badge” from Bin Laden himself. What, exactly, is a young man or woman across the world from us supposed to think when he or she hears that just being a Muslim in America is enough to get you publicly accused of terrorism by American political commentators?
I’m tempted to convert to Islam just to piss these racists and Islamophobes off, but I have too much respect for an ancient and storied faith to use it to give one iota of attention to Frank Gaffney’s ilk.
It is sad really the damage he is doing. Good people are being vilified. Anything that is anti-Muslim can be eventually traced back to him. The even sadder part is that he is doing this for the defense industry – we need someone evil to fight, and at the moment it is Muslims.
I am ashamed to see how your family and all American Muslims have been treated in recent years. The current political mood puts me in mind of Japanese internment. Have we really learned so little since 1942? Is it so hard still for certain elements of American society to believe that a person can honor his or her heritage and faith while still being a loyal patriot?
Japanese-Americans fought bravely in World War II while their families at home were being shuffled into internment camps. The Buffalo Soldiers fought bravely for the Union knowing that they likely would never receive the rewards they were promised, and knowing that even on the side of the Union there were many who would like nothing more than to see slavery upheld. The USMC Code Talkers protected the United States in World War II even as their nations were uprooted and abused by the US Government. And today, many Muslim-Americans are fighting and dying in the “war on terror,” and yet again Americans are turning a blind eye to racism and xenophobic abuses on the home front.
I don’t think I’ll ever know why some Americans feel our nation needs to perpetually target and abuse one or another racial, national, and/or religious minority, but I hope the wind is shifting. I saw that Dan Maes (though, as usual, missing most of the point) spoke out against the GOP’s mistreatment of Ali. That’s a big step.
I have the utmost respect for your family for your faith in the USA during such trying times and following the shameful bullying Ali experienced at the hands of GOP rumor-mongers. I’m nobody particularly special, but if there is ever an opportunity to help bring an end to Islamophobia, I am willing to help in whatever way I can. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Thank you.
After reading their little hate-o-ramas, I have to go with GOPwarrior. It was close but he managed to beat Beej by just a sliver of stupid.
Although finding out that Beej is unwelcome at RedState is sad/funny and made signing on to Pols today totally worth it! He just gets more and more pathetic everyday.
IMO Beej is by far and away the much bigger dipshit (but it’s kind of like comparing a red hypergiant to a red supergiant — both are unimaginably fucking huge).
How do I know? GOPWarrior can at list link to nonsense (i.e., he shows some small awareness that his nonsense is not his original thought). BJ can only regurgitate without awareness.
GOPWacko is older than the little twerp and therefore has even less of an excuse for his hyper/super ignorance and bigotry.
…sorry that I didn’t comment sooner friends, but on diaries like this, I kinda like watching what comments emerge, without my presence
That said –
Thank you PCowgirl, BlueCat, and others, for your kind words
And thank you to CPols for bringing this attention
MY THOUGHTS?
I’ve been to MANY CPAC Conventions, and honestly, the mass majority has always treated me well there – however, this was also back when President W Bush was BEGGING Conservatives to embrace Muslims
To me, CPAC 2009 will always go down as my favorite – this was at the time when Conservatives felt most defeated and there was a REAL sense in the air of what we had to do, as Conservatives and Constitutionalists, to bring America back to the message of limited government and fiscal conservatism…
…and 2009 was the year where you saw the most emphasis on minority outreach and letting go of the social issues… however, there was also a vacuum… I was one of the main speakers at CPAC 2009 and none of us knew which side would win…
a. The ‘liberal’ Constitutionalists (like myself) who were socially liberal and ultra fiscal conservative?
b. The Christian Coalition
c. The anti-immigrant factions
Little did I know…
…anyways, I’m proud to be a Democrat now and the comments above only reinforce to me that the right decision was made 🙂
Politically: The Republican Party openly advocates wrecking the budget, and when in power they actually do wreck the budget. Look at every Republican President vs every Democratic President, and you get the same story. Cut taxes = create a deficit.
Practically: We pay taxes in order to receive services and a functioning government, i.e. roads, schools, regulation. We also expect a functioning regulatory structure to even the playing field.
Economically: Deficits aren’t bad during recessions, as they are critical for stimulating the economy.
Ali was one of the major contributors to the campaigns for three of the most regressive and fundamentally stupid “conservative” ballot propositions of all time.
Considering 60, 61 and 101 would have done away with those things, I don’t think Ali cares too much about that argument.
And wants to keep it.
Screw anyone else.
I’m a Friedrich Hayek Capitalist, so I’m not a complete anarchist, as Hayek advised all Capitalists to push for public schools, infrastructure, and smart environmental protections
That said – as silly as this sounds… I have actually ran a business – and I’ve come to learn that when a Department is failing, throwing money at it is the WORST thing you can do, because there’s probably much more to the problem than budget
Second, gigantic Departments with a ton of staff rarely get much done – I like my Departments (and Governments, for that matter) with minimal staff and many responsibilities – because doing so, under business principle, will naturally force your managers to be of extreme competence, with few to blame and communication seemless
Nothing would’ve reduced Colorado’s bloated government departments more than 60, 61, and 101 – nonetheless, as a proud Democrat now, I see my battle more for gay rights and immigrants, with my best efforts to convince other Democrats to embrace fiscal conservatism
In conclusion – no Ralphie – it’s not a game of “mine mine, screw you” – I genuinely want a competent government and my beliefs above, based on business experience, is what I believe will make for the finest government, where people also get to keep their hard earned money
Lastly – its not too much to ask for public votes on tax expenditures – doing so guarantees a government that will be much more intelligent in its thinking and proposals – and since when was that a bad thing?
You’re a good dude.
But I disagree with you on some issues.
I reserve the right to call bullshit on you when I disagree with you.
“Business experience” (whatever that means) does not make for “the finest government.” The sole objective of business is to make profits for the shareholders. The sole objective of government is to provide services to the people. It’s a false equivalence.
Exactly what Ralph said.
I’m proud to call you a friend Ali, but you’re not going to be able to convince any Democrats to drown government in the bathtub with weak-ass arguments like you made above.
Ralphie – I absolutely agree that government is not made to turn profits (severance tax beneficiaries and TARP beneficiaries may disagree, but I digress…) – anyways, I always believe that the government should provide good services, at efficient rates and low costs – that’s the definition of good goverance
I don’t think anyone should have to give away over half of their income (federal, state, etc, all combined) in exchange for good goverance – good governance shouldn’t need that much money
RSB – yes, I don’t think I’ll convince the Democrats to become ultra fiscal conservatives – but I do feel that my chances of reasoning with Democrats, on all issues, are far better than my chances in reasoning with Republicans, on points of disagreement
Thank you both for your friendship – as always – love and peace to you both!
DEMOCRATS are fiscally conservative. REPUBLICANS are fiscally profligate. Look at the facts; not the rhetoric.
The cheerfully demonic Ronald Reagan cut taxes lying that this would increase tax revenue. The Republican Party always stands for HUGE budget deficits, while the Democratic Party has stood for balanced budgets.
The Democrats also believe in science. The Republicans are anti-science. It’s all about political power, not truth.
The other problem I have is that you changed the subject. That is dishonest arguing. You raised the deficit issue, and I pointed out that Republicans are deficit busters, and then you non-sequitered into disliking paying taxes for the benefits your businesses receive. Look, Colorado has some of the lowest taxes in the Country.
You want to fix the deficit, lets simply raise taxes to “National Average”. QED.
you’re talking about a proportion . . .
. . . and in the next you’re talking about an amount.
You might want to ask SXP151 for some mathematics help.
(And, because now I’m curious, what is the Brucian mathematical line-in-the-sand you do support, and how does that relate to the amount of money needed for good governance?)
You have to avoid demagoguery, Oh, and use real, actual facts when you argue. We aren’t like Republicans who just make up shit.
The highest US tax rate is 35%, but only once you get above income of 373k. Colorado is under 5%. Sales and property taxes apply only on the things you buy and house you rent. You can only buy so much stuff (a new mercedes every year?), and you can own a small house and pay very little in property taxes.
Also, investment income is only charged 15% tax!
So, let’s say you have $1 million in salary (yeah, who pays $1M salaries?). I plugged that into a tax calculator and came up with 32.76% of your income Federal. I’d LOVE to be able to pay 38% of my income in taxes because then I’d be rich.
So, what are you talking about with that mythical-hypothetical 50%?
…yes, but…. you’re missing County and City/Town…
Including those can take it above 50% in some areas
Second Meta – I’m not making this debate personal – neither should you
Lastly – I want the Democratic Party to succeed – the class warfare argument ain’t gonna work – as I’ve said before, Indies decide elections and I don’t know a single Indy who believes that most of the world’s problems would be solved if rich people paid more taxes – as Democrats, we need to get rid of the class warfare argument and speak to the merits of a quality education, quality environmental laws and great civil liberties – that’s when we really win, as a Party
Nothing personal, I’m vigorously trying to convince you to abandon Republican talking points… except I’m really sick of listening to all those lying Republicans, especially when they pretend to be against deficit spending, which is demonstrably false. That’s absolutely personal because they are screwing the economy, which screws my business (my clients are middle class).
You are simply mistaken about taxes. Colorado income tax is a very low 4.63%. Capital gains taxes are 15%. US income taxes are: first $8.4k 10%, up to $36k only at 15%, etc. You only pay 35% above $373K, which is super-wealthy by my standards. Sales tax only applies to purchases, and property tax only applies to houses. Buy a cheap house and invest your money, and you aren’t paying much.
So your worst case is 38.65% at the margin above $373K. That is not close to 50%, and if you are making $373K you could certainly afford to pay 50% on the next $500k.
…first, I’m not talking specifically Colorado – many States have much higher State Tax – coupled with other taxes, you’re going above 50% for some, in my outlooks
Second – I’m with you on borrowing – it would be terribly hypocritical of anyone to compliment Reagan and talk down decificit spending – and for that matter, yes, you could argue that Democrats, historically, have been more responsible, fiscally
I’m still curious, what is the percentage line-in-the-sand you do support, and how does that relate to the amount of money needed for good governance? (And how did you arrive at that number?)
I think many moderate Democrats are fiscal conservatives. Bennet and Hickenlooper are good examples.
…C’mon, now. If he were all about just getting his and keeping it, why would he have run for one of the worst paying jobs in politics? Why not just stay in big business and buy himself a Congressman? Or if he wants the fame, why not make like Polis and just buy a Congressional seat when the right one opens up?
State Representative isn’t exactly the typical “heir to the X fortune” job. Give Ali a chance. I think he could have spent his money better than donating to 60, 61, and 101 (frankly I think burning a big pile of it would be smarter) but I don’t think he’s ever been motivated by a desire to hoard his personal wealth at the expense of others.
I’m motivated by LIBERTY
Gays should get to marry and people should keep their money – yes, some may disagree, but at least I stay consistent
And Jared Polis is an excellent Congressman – I couldn’t be happier – move to CD2 PCowgirl! Congressman Polis would love to rep you!
But I figure if Steny Hoyer jokes about how rich the good Congressman is, I can tease a little bit, too. Really, I adore Congressman Polis. He’s an energetic, inspiring speaker and he’s beyond accommodating in terms of contact with constituents, attending events, responding to letters, and engaging in genuine debate. I have a few bones I’d pick with him if he ever asked my opinion on his overall performance throughout his career, but I’d be proud to be represented by him anytime.
However, I just bought a home in CD7 so I can vote for Congressman Perlmutter in 2012! Perlmutter will always be the most special to me of our delegation. Aside from being a generally wonderful guy to know, he’s been my political “first love” ever since he went out on a limb in the State Senate years ago to make official recognition of the connection between cruel treatment of animals and cruelty to human beings. I was still small enough to play with my toy horses under the tables at political fundraisers then, but what can I say? I’m just a loyal gal, and he’s done nothing to put me off my positive impression of him since!
If Jared wants to represent me, he’s just going to have to make a bid for a statewide or national office. I wouldn’t complain if he did (though his CD2 constituents might object to the loss).
My turn to give advice on geography now–move back to Colorado ASAP! 🙂
Wow, we think alike. Ed Perlmutter is also one of my political heroes. He always makes decisions from his gut — asking himself, “What is the ethical thing to do?” — or at least he seems to do so. I have been impressed with his genuine friendliness and willingness to knock on doors, make phone calls, and talk to everyone he meets. I have never felt like he was looking beyond me to a donor when I’ve spoken to him, as so many politicians do. Ed is REAL. I could not agree more!
(Both in response to the thanks above, and in the party–but you knew the latter already, I’ve only welcomed you what, a few dozen times?)
I’ve never been registered as anything but a Democrat, but before I was old enough to vote I spent some time with the Republicans. Senator Wayne Allard was a favorite of Little Progressive Cowgirl. I’ll also always have fond memories of Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
Those Republicans were not the Republicans of Lincoln. They weren’t even the Republicans of Reagan. But they were head and shoulders above most of today’s GOP. They believed that the role of the Republican Party revolved around wise fiscal stewardship, not around histrionic efforts to snatch the American dream away from various underprivileged groups.
I may not agree with your views on fiscal policy, and I may hope you wander a little farther to the left on those over time, but the priority for you is responsibility, and I respect that as I respected the 1990s Republicans who welcomed me (even as a wee little bleeding heart liberal!) into the fold. Those responsible Republicans appear to have disappeared now. Perhaps it happened after the schism you refer to in 2009. Wherever they are, I hope they come back soon, but even when they do I suspect you’ll stay with the Dems.
You’ll be a Democratic elected official one day, and sooner rather than later. I just hope you get outvoted when it comes to budget time! 🙂
This is home now – the Democratic Party
I wish the GOP well but this is my home now 🙂
Your sister is the “Muslim Feminist Cowgirl!”
Ali, you’ve got to run as a Democrat now. You can’t lose with TWO badass cowgirls on your side! I’ll knock as many doors with you as you want, whaddaya say?
Although, I hope I don’t have to canvass on a horse.
We’ve got to talk about that TABOR thing, though….
: )
It’s clear that he’s a rational man.
Having seen as much or more racism in my life as one of the only Caucasions raised and adopted by an African-American in the history of Colorado ( was also raised on the Westside, and am Jewish), I can say that teaching tolerance is needed now as much as ever.
Intolerance has grown in this downturn. That’s not uncommon in hard times, but the trend disturbs.