Clark County Indiana Democrats

Tire-d

2008-08-07T20:17:00.002-04:00

You know it is high campaign season when the R's start doing stupid human tricks!

....Like what's up with the Obama and Paris H. ad? All I could say was "DO WHAT?!" when my husband told me about it one morning. How confused is he? The rap on McCain is that he's getting old and senile. I'd say this proves it.

...And this is so like the R's- Suggest expensive, environmentally scary stuff (like drilling in the ANWAR that won't help for 7-10 years on the oil issue), THEN make fun of the suggestion to inflate our tires (which would actually help more and would help now). I say let's get out those gauges, fill our tires and snicker all the way to the White House.

Yes- Donkey H. Girl is already tire-d of the R's campaign nonsense. But we've got a ways to go friends. So hunker down and don't let those crazy R's get to you.~DHG

Ohh..It is ON!

2008-08-06T01:24:00.002-04:00

We had a very well attended "Grand Opening" to the Dem HQ tonight!
The excitement is palpable: The general public is disgusted by the effects of the GOP/Neo-Con ideology...
And make no mistake: What is happening now is not, NOT, GOP/ Neo-Con strategy gone completely awry...This is GOP/Neo-Con strategy IN FULL EFFECT...

Record Deficit, Record Debt, Endless War, De-Regulation and Un-precendented Constitutional Assaults: The GOP/ Neo-Con agenda...IN FULL EFFECT

We so need a Dem Prez! A Dem majority in both the House and Senate! A filibuster proof majority in the Senate!

Here we are in the last 6 months of W's 2nd term. Shouldn't his foreign and economic policies be clicking on all cylinders now? They are a complete failure because their ideology is a complete failure...

If I sound angry, it is because I am: The administration of W has been a complete and unmitigated disaster on virtually every front...

But I always give props when due: W's HIV eradication efforts in Africa have been laudable, often later than pledged, but laudable...

If only he cared about the medical care of his own citizen's at least as much...

Get together right now

2008-07-29T21:22:00.003-04:00

Donkey Girl sez it is time for the D's to get together...

I've been thinking about what would happen if John McCain wins. Here I've been counting down to the next president (see the countdown clock link to the right). If the next prez is McCain, I'll just have to move someplace else, because I really won't be able to take this mess any longer.

Just in case you have forgotten what Bush and his fellow R's have been up to recently check out this handy listing: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/05/13/8923/

See what I mean?

And if you were feeling at all warm and fuzzy about McCain because he isn't Bush, click here for a list of the many, many, many flip flops of this guy: http://howinsaneisjohnmccain.blogspot.com/2008/03/mccain-never-met-position-he-didnt-like.html

I'm pretty sure this straight talking, little engine that "maybe could once upon a time" has really been derailed. If he can't tells us the truth now, how might he be in the Oval Office? (Oh wait- we already know how this would play out. See the Bush list of fiascoes above!)

So I mean it...it is time for us to get together behind all the Democrats on the ballot and work like crazy, spend what money we can on our candidates and go vote in HUGE numbers for all the Democrats from president to judge and coroner, so my nightmare doesn't come true. Obama, Hill, Jill and many local candidates need our support. Top to bottom and sideways...we must make sure our support is deep and wide!

Here's to wall-to-wall Democrats and happier days ahead if the D's are victorious in the fall! Donkey Hussein Girl

A quick question

2008-07-21T21:54:00.005-04:00

Why is it OK for John McCain to trot around saying Obama is too inexperienced to be President ...while McCain's campaign is complaining that Obama is making ageist remarks?

~ Donkey Hussein Girl

More torture

2008-07-17T09:55:00.007-04:00

Just a quick note today to add a link to Frank Rich's column http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/opinion/13rich.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin about the new book The Dark Side by Jane Mayer. Basically, he details how this use of torture and how the Bush White House taking their "eye off the ball "of Afghanistan has left us open to more terrorism- despite all the "war on terror" in Iraq! Read it and weep- DHG

(P.S.- While spell checking this post, I got the option to use Whorehouse for Whitehouse. Interesting indeed!)

This Hoosier is for Hill

2008-07-14T16:15:00.007-04:00

We drove through the hinterlands of Southern Indiana on a short weekend trip to Bloomington. Because we've been involved with several Rep. Baron Hill campaigns and work with his staff regularly, I think of Hill's work on behalf of the 9th district as we drive those beautiful, green stretches. I'm always struck by how rural Indiana is in the 9th district!

It is easy for me, a Hoosier that sits facing the big city of Louisville, to think metropolitan thoughts. And in the relatively large town of Bloomington, also in the 9th district, it is easy to think my liberal thoughts. Heck- they even have a vegan/vegetarian restaurant just for me. But Baron Hill represents ALL of the 9th district and that encompasses a HUGE range of economic situations and social/political views- not to mention a whole lot of geographic territory. Baron's got to have more than big city living or liberals in mind as he works in D.C.

I almost laugh these days when people ask "Where's Baron?" (usually a petulant tone involved here...) I want to say Warsaw, Rising Sun, Brownstown, Ferdinand, Holton, Dillsboro, Milan and all the other smaller places in the 20 counties of the 9th district that can all lay claim to our Representative Hill. Drive all over the Hoosier Hills of the 9th and THEN ask that question!

I also have to bite my tongue when fellow D's complain about some vote Rep. Hill cast. He's doing his darnedest to represent ALL of us in the 9th and like I said- that's a whole range of folks. No doubt he wants to hear from constituents, but I'd ask my fellow Donkeys to remember the large swath of physical and social territory that Rep. Hill travels on a regular basis to truly REPRESENT all of us before taking him to task for one issue. It is a big job representing this big district. I think he's doing a great job and this Hoosier is for Hill once again. ~Donkey H. Girl

It was torture

2008-07-03T15:04:00.009-04:00

Over a number of years we have been supporters- with both money and actions- of Amnesty International (to read more: follow the link above), the group that works tirelessly against torture and other human rights abuses . It just seemed the right thing to do!

Numerous times in January, DH Girl has written Holiday Greetings to people who were being kept in desperate situations...to give them hope that they were not forgotten.
We get their newsletter and when I'm feeling strong, I read about how people are tortured in far away places.
I've even written letters to the governmental officials in places like Iraq, Iran, Turkey, various dictators in Africa, etc. It always gives me cold chills to think about those people (or their lackeys) getting my letter. Initially, I worried they'd find a way to come get me! And I also wondered did they ever have much effect... what happened to all those people that were just the tip of the iceberg?

Imagine how I felt yesterday when I wrote my own government about a detainee at Guantanamo at Amnesty's request. I wrote this man in D.C. asking him to look into allegations of torture of this person being detained, asking this government official to let this man's family know how he was (apparently that has not been happening) and asking that after there was an investigation that the information be made public.

I guess I feel the same way- will my name go on some secret list that our government is keeping? Was there torture (after all this talk from the current administration about how "water boarding" is legal, I'm inclined to fear the worse)? Will we ever hear how this man is, will he ever have a trial or be released? My own government... This was the first time I've ever written them about torture. But it just seemed the right thing to do. ~Donkey H. Girl

Clark Co. Dems ROCK the State Convention!

2008-07-01T23:47:00.002-04:00

Greetings Democrats! The Democratic State Convention was held on June 21 in Indianapolis: And Clark Co. Democrats made quite an impact! Of the 7 delegates that our Ninth Congressional District sends to the National Convention, 4(!) were from Clark County...Recall that the 9th District includes something like 18 counties all along our southern border, from Illinois almost to Ohio. That is a lot of counties, a lot of people...and 4 out of 7 are ours!

New friendships were made, old friendships rekindled and our local party is stronger! Yours truly here even found himself in a casual face to face with Jill Long-Thompson and her husband...discussing local issues and the impact of House bill #1001...

JLT will make as fine a Governor as I can recall: Former member of the US House (a victim of the 1994 Contract "On" America GOP landslide), under-secretary in the Dept. of Agriculture (under Clinton), Masters and Doctorate degrees in Business and a working farmer...She is well acquainted with every facet of being a Hoosier. Jill will govern us well and I am proud to support her!

'Til next time! See you at the summer events...

Donkey Hussein Kong

40 Donkey Team Democrats

2008-06-29T18:47:00.002-04:00

I went to one of the 4,000 Obama meetings that were scheduled across the country on Saturday. The thing that struck me was that out of the 40 or so who were there, only about 10 of us had been involved in the local party before. I'm relatively new in terms of involvement with the party. For me to be one of the "Democrat Party people" there should tell readers that DH Girl was in the middle of a sea change! Basically- 3/4 of the people at this meeting have not been heavily involved locally with the Party or campaigning (as far as I know anyway).

Will they be contacted by the locals? Will they be welcomed into our broader Clark County Party? Will we find a way to bring these people (who by the way were there on a Saturday morning...prime shopping, errand, yard time) into the team effort that is the larger Democratic Party? This opportunity to add this many new people to the local and national Democratic Party is ours to seize or reject.

I say "Let's not blow it D's!!" Make these folks welcome when you see them out in their Obama gear, or if they come to your door.

~Donkey Hussein Girl

R U Kidding?!

2008-06-24T22:22:00.009-04:00

Donkey Hussein Girl is never happy when politicians act like getting elected equals bellying up to the trough for as much grub as the piggy can hold (sort of like those folks grazing at mega bar buffets). Usually, the R's are out there protesting that the Democrats are spending our tax dollars too wildly. I don't like it when my Democrat buds try this "climb into the trough" trick and I make noises about it if I seeing it happening. However, this little ole donkey gal has got to say that she wasn't surprised when an R had a chance to spend the local Clark Co. dollars recently, he rushed right out and arranged for his mega bar grazing R friend and an R buddy's kid to get jobs and oh by the way get raises, too. Did I mention someone with cancer lost health insurance in this R deal? Don't you love it!

Of course now they are sorry and say they apologize if anyone was offended. Guess what- DH Girl is offended by this sanctimonious crap dished out by the R guys. (Check this all out, if you want, at the News and Tribune site : "At Navarro’s request, Clark County Council rescinds appropriation approval" http://www.news-tribune.net/ )

Just a reminder in this national election year- W and Co. have done this on a much grander scale for a number of years now. Take a glance at the debt clock (link to the right) if you have any doubts about their spending! The only difference is the Prez and Vice Prez aren't even pretending to apologize. Hmmmm. ~ DH Girl

The State Convention!

2008-06-18T00:16:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends! Donkey Kong here. This year I am a delegate to the State Convention for the very first time...And I am hyped!
I cannot wait to meet dedicated Dems from across our great state...Hit the Hospitality suites...Go to Next Gov. Jill Long-Thompson's open house at her campaign HQ.

Speaking of Next Gov. Thompson: How about her tapping a local for LT? Let's here it for Dennis Oxley D-English! His 8 county district includes a bit of western Clark County...He is a Homeboy! While serving 8 counties can be a logistic trick, we could always count on Dennis to attend our annual picnic and he is usually a regular at Baron's events in our county.

I look forward to seeing both Jill and Dennis this weekend! And we need to truly get behind the Democrat Govenor's ticket. Jill was particularly weak south of Indianapolis. All of southern Indiana Democrat's need to unite, because our goal is united: Ditch Mitch!

See you in Indy! Donkey Kong

The Wally World Campaign Trip

2008-06-08T17:26:00.007-04:00

OK- where do we go from here? How do we, as Democrats, get there? If the White House (and control in both houses of Congress) is where we want to go- what shall we do now? How about a road trip?!

I'm thinking of it as a family vacation a la Chevy Chase/Clark Griswold. We're obviously starting from the suburbs of Chicago with Obama at the top of the ticket. I'm pretty sure we're going to lose some hubcaps on this campaign. I'm not sure who the dead Aunt on the station wagon roof is (and if you haven't seen the movie than you'd better see it first before trying to figure out this post ...here's the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhEqGsVREe0), but I'm also confident we'll visit some idiot relatives along the way. (Our favorite line for YEARS has been "Helpers On" uttered by the hapless Eddie.) No doubt there will be rude and crude things happen, because after all this is a political campaign. But I hope the trip is at least as fun and funny as this classic movie. And in the end- will the Will Wally World White House be worth the trip? Sure hope so... Donkey Hussein Girl

Race to the finish

2008-05-27T22:17:00.004-04:00

The cover story of Newsweek this week is about Obama and race. Anyone remember when Obama wasn't "black enough"? Now, according to the article, despite being biracial he is being deemed by many as too black for them to vote for him! What is it with this country?! Person after person will tell you they don't vote for the party they vote for the person. They will protest loudly that people and institutions should be colorblind and should only grant a position to the best qualified person. Yet there are a whole bunch of folks telling Newsweek that Obama's "color" or race influenced how they voted in the primaries. What's wrong with this picture?

All I know is that a white boy from Texas has done a helluva job in the Oval Office these past 8 long years.

Time to choose a donkey of a different color in my opinion. ~The old gray jenny ...Donkey Hussein Girl

Coexist

2008-05-18T14:32:00.004-04:00

Donkey Kong, the other blogger on this site, had a COEXIST t-shirt on the other day when I ran in to him at a local event. I have this same design on a bumper sticker in a frame on my wall at work. (There are various places to get these stickers and shirts. Try http://www.carryabigsticker.com/coexist.htm) As you can see from the clever design it is a plea for one and all to just get along. Now how hard is that...to just get along? Lots and lots of people all over the world do it day in and day out. We have elevated to Holy Man/Woman status those who have come to encourage us in this regard...yet there are so many places of fighting where the ability to coexist is a very hard thing it appears.

My neighborhood is the perfect example. Within the group we are arguing over brick and stone pillars that mark different parts of the subdivision. I've been to two meetings that took a total of about 3 hours over this (non) issue. I am coming to see more clearly understand how there can be war among the Sunnis and Shiites!

So this is Donkey Hussein Girl (and Donkey Kong) asking Democrats and their friends to COEXIST

President Obama

2008-05-11T23:04:00.002-04:00

Well it is looking more and more like Senator Obama will be the Democratic nomination for the President of the United States. It is my hope and prayer that ALL Democrats get behind our party's nomination. I have been deeply troubled by conversations that I have had with both Obama and Clinton supporters. Each saying that they could not possibly vote for the other, if their candidate does not win. Why is this?

Their issues are essentially the same, at least from the same Democrat playbook. Sen. McCain is operating from a book that is not even stored in the same library! Recall these gems: One-Hundred Years in Iraq, "Bomb-Bomb-Bomb Iran"

If you supported Obama or Clinton, but do not plan to support the other in November, I ask you to look into the mirror and truly ask yourself "Why?" Why would you not support the Democrat's nominee? To not do so shows no regard for the issues, but simply an allegience to a "Cult of Personality".

Whoever is/was your choice: They couldn't be more diametrically opposed to GOP nominee John McCain. I read a commentator that said voting for Sen. John McCain would be like doubling down on George W. Bush. That is a nightmarish thought indeed!

This has been a particularly divisive Democrat primary season...and the GOP is loving it! They are hoping our divisiveness goes on to create November chaos. Paving an easy path for McCain...this cannot happen Democrats! Let's unite as a party and reclaim this country, make everything all as it should be: Both for our Country and for the World.

This fall: Vote the Democrat for President of the USA

It works for the Maori

2008-05-05T20:40:00.006-04:00

I've been thinking about all the issues that seem to be big in this year's election...
You know:

flag pins

funny ethnic names

what our preachers are saying

reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (or was it singing the National Anthem?)

My suggestion for all present and future Democrat candidates is that you plan now to take care of these items, so when the time comes these will be non-issues for our party's campaigns

So:

Go get an American Flag tattoo someplace visible...like your chin. Sounds painful I know, but "no pain, no gain".

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted a different name? (My name of choice when I was 12 was Linda.) Pick a name like that and get all the paper work for the name change dealt with. While you're at it, work on a good explanation why you ditched the name your family gave you, because talk show hosts of the future will want to hear something about this important topic.

If your preacher says anything you disagree with get up and walk out starting this Sunday. As a precaution, Donkey Girl suggests that you start looking immediately for a very small church that has no money for taping and broadcasting.

Hire a trainer so you are the fastest one to put your hand over your heart when saying the Pledge. You might even want to invest in one of those dog shock collars and have the trainer use some negative reinforcement to burn this maneuver into your brain, so that even in your sleep your hand will go to your heart when you hear "I pledge allegiance..." By the way- for the really dedicated candidates DHG says learn ALL the verses to the Stars Spangled Banner, too.

Fresh out of novel approaches to campaigning in advance, but still excited about the elections!Donkey Hussein Girl

I think I can, I think I can

2008-05-03T21:04:00.004-04:00

I've had some time this week to reflect on the "like them, but disagree"/"don't like them, but agree" conundrum. Donkey Girl is pretty sure you've had this dilemma, because it is simply part of human interaction. You get along really well with someone, but you can't talk basketball with them. They are simply too fanatical about a team you don't like. I've had relatives I dearly loved, but we were polar opposites when it came to religion and politics. You appreciate some one's great work ethic, but wouldn't want to spend your free time with them. On and on and on it goes. The challenge for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, will be to get through primary and general election agreeing to disagree then proceeding when it is over in a bipartisan fashion. Most people just want to go along and get along. Certainly there are tons of things to be done and doing it together will be a whole lots easier!

~Donkey Hussein Girl

Just Giddy with Anticipation!

2008-04-30T23:35:00.002-04:00

We are just days away from the 2008 Democratic primary. I can't recall being this anxious, excited or just plain giddy since the General Election of 1992. I popped out of bed on that day like a kid on Christmas morning. I anticipate the same this year...

The Democratic candidate for President will be historic however it falls...I'm just thankful to have witnessed and actually even been a part of this historic moment. I just pray all Democrats can unite behind the eventual nominee. Enough of this GOP/neo-con horse manure...
(I held my tongue, this is a family forum...)

County elections may be interesting too: Could be a shake up on the Board of Commissioners...We know the Court's are going to change...County Council faces a bit of mixing up too. Clark County may look very different politically a year from now...

The point is to get out and meet, learn about and inform yourselves on the Democrat candidates. Vote your head or vote your heart, just vote for whomever you think is the best choice. And then please get fully behind the Democrat nominees this November!

Donkey Rodham Hussein Kong

2008-04-28T20:52:00.006-04:00

Time for a little Mencken ~

On point for an election year is this one...

"A national political campaign is better than the best circus ever heard of, with a mass baptism and a couple of hangings thrown in."

But my favorite tonight is this...

"Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats."

Thanks to Brainy Quote who has a great collection of his quotes!

~HAR! Donkey Hussein Girl

Trying to get that bitter taste out of my mouth

2008-04-23T22:10:00.007-04:00

Much has been made about Obama saying people in PA were "bitter" and that the PA folks were clinging to their guns,etc. Now I don't have a gun to cling to and I went to church way before Bush the Lesser became the current head of the Executive Branch. But I've got to say this little donkey in Indiana is quite bitter nonetheless.

I've been lied to endlessly by W & Co. ,

I paid$3.65 a gallon at the pump today,

My brother and other great folks are still in Iraq,

Huge chunks of my civil liberties have been taken by this administration,

Houses around me are empty, because the owners are in foreclosure,

I see how this bunch has spent money like there's no tomorrow after a quick glance at the debt clock (see the link)

I DEFINITELY am not better off than I was 8 years ago, so Yes... I'm bitter.

This is not how the founders envisioned our government. No matter which Dem. we run for President, it will take a long time to get this bitter Republican taste out of my mouth!

>:( Donkey Hussein Girl

Loving this Spotlight!

2008-04-21T00:37:00.002-04:00

I have to say that this is an exciting and historic time to be a Democrat here in Southern Indiana! For the first time in 40 years, Indiana is IN PLAY. We have a strong presence in the usually long done and resolved primary season for the Democrat's nomination...

Already here in Southern Indiana, we've had Hillary, Bill and Chelsea Clinton. April's Democrat revival featured (former Presidential candidate) General Wesley Clark. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin has been here. And actor Ted Danson was to be here today (though I hear he cancelled...)

After Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary, I think the levee will break! There is no telling who will be here stumping for one candidate or another. Whoever these individuals are stumping for: Go, Get out there, Get involved, Be a part of this moment in history. Either nominee will be historic and we are now right in the middle of it!

Reading this morning's Evening News rememberances of the historic 1968 Democrat nomination adventures (the last time Southern Indiana really mattered in the Presidential primary season), I was struck by several things: First, that it has been 40 years since we were relevant! And secondly, the impact it made on the lives of the active participants then. For some, it was a pinnacle, watershed moment in their life's memories...

Don't let this moment in history pass you by: Be a Part of It! Get involved, work hard for you candidate, be a part of this history...You will never forget it and in 40 years the Evening News may be seeking you out for your recollections of the historic election of 2008.

Buh-bye Basketball

2008-04-07T21:13:00.003-04:00

As I blog, the last game of March Madness is being played...Ah! If life were just as simple as basketball. We can fill out those brackets and enter the office pool. Then we'd sit back and watch it all on TV, marking off where we were right or wrong with our predictions. At the end there will be a national champion.

But ALAS! As much as we'd like to think " life is basketball" -especially here in Kentuckiana- it really isn't. It really is no news flash to say real life is messy and ongoing (and going). It is tempting to view government and elections like they were some sort of college championship with play-offs and brackets. But in the end it is more like street ball. The court is scruffy, the ball is low on air and there's no net. When the light fades and it is time to go home, we will be living along side those we challenged long after the game is over.

~Donkey Hussein Girl

Common ground

2008-03-24T17:10:00.005-04:00

I had the misfortune to catch the flu. I didn't feel bad enough to go to a doctor until Saturday and of course by Saturday I couldn't see my own doctor. I had to go to the Immediate Care Center instead. This three hour health care experience among the coughing plus stopping to fill the gas tank reminded me of the areas of common ground the American public share.

I confess to living a pretty "white bread" life. At work, in my neighborhood and at church I am more or less surrounded by people very much like me. The exception to this "like me" life experience is going to the gas station and the immediate care center. It is a reminder that health care and the price of gas are something that effects ALL of us and must be addressed seriously by ALL politicians... no matter who gets elected in the fall!

~Donkey Hussein Girl

Why I Love/Hate this time of year...

2008-03-21T00:31:00.002-04:00

I'm a political junkie! Local, county, state or federal, I can't read or hear enough to keep me fixed. Which is why I both love and hate this time of year. I love the mailings, TV ads, newspaper ads and stories. I want to know all I possibly can about even the most obscure candidates in the most obscure races. I love this!

Which is why I also hate this time of year....
I'm a Democrat, which I proudly wear on my sleeve!
But during primary season, I find myself having to choose between people I know and respect. At times even choosing between friends.
That is a tough spot. Telling one friend why you feel you must support another friend for a particular office. I hate that!

But when your friends mix with your politics, that is a choice that will eventually and certainly arise. I'm happy to say, I've never lost a friend over politics! But I do have friends that, we have agreed to NEVER discuss politics. Thus we can remain friends...

Does this make me shallow or hypocritical? I don't think so. Your circle of friends should be so tight, that politics shouldn't be a factor. Friends are friends, politics be damned.

But carefully pick your battles...I remain "undecided" between Hillary and Obama. This due to the strident support of one candidate by my spouse. Politics should never trump domestic tranquility!

Meet the Candidates and Vote!

Donkey Kong

The big freaking tent

2008-03-12T19:33:00.004-04:00

OK Dems- let's take a look inside the Party of the BIG Tent ...It surely looks like a three ring circus from where I sit!!

1. We can't seem to lay down rules and abide by them (see Florida and Michigan) or are making rules too stupid to follow (again see Florida and Michigan). Either way I have to say a bunch of CLOWNS must have dreamed up this farce.

2. High overhead our two good candidates look like they are trying to knock each other off the tight rope. The spotlight is trained on them. We expected to see some fancy footwork, but more and more we just want to cover our eyes before one of them falls.

3. There are laughing elephants over there... peeking under the tent, as the ringmaster tries in vain to bring order. Our folks are duking it out and running in circles while John McCain starts fundraising and campaigning in earnest for November.

I've had enough popcorn and cotton candy. Time for the circus to end in the BIG Tent. ~DHG