Progressive Democrat Issue 159

It has been an eventful week. The economy has shown signs of considerable collapse. One of the most stodgy and respected banks, Bear Stearns, collapsed from being worth some $130 a share to being bought out for a mere $2 a share. AND it needed bailing out by the government as well. Inflation and stagnation...what used to be called stagflation. That is what we are seeing. Back when we first saw this horrible combination, at least our Presidents admitted it. Ford's slogan was "WIN: Whip Inflation Now!" It was worthless, but at least it admitted the problem. Bush merely "reassures" us that there is nothing to worry about. He claims there is no recession, no inflation, no problem. "Don't worry, be happy." The mantra that worked so well for his father.

This week there has been much back and forth in the Democratic Primary, culminating in a very well received speech by Barack Obama (one poll indicated 70% of Americans approved of Obama's speech. It also led to Bill Richardson's endorsement of Obama. Hillary remains ahead in Pennsylvania, which increases the chances of a very confusing and possibly difficult convention. Whether we like it or not, the Superdelegates will decide the primary. But as things stand now (and they can change) I predict they will decisively swing it to Obama in the end. That is neither guaranteed nor was it as likely a month ago that is what they would do. But right now, Obama is likely to squeak by with a slim lead in pledged delegates, and enough Superdelegates either prefer Obama or want to avoid overturning the pledged delegates that I think they will eventually swing to Obama. Analyses I have seen of what the general election is likely to look like in November suggest that BOTH Obama AND Clinton would beat McCain. The electoral map would look very different depending on which is our nominee, but both would likely win. Obama looks slightly stronger right now in a general for two reasons. There are more states where he has a safe lead over McCain that Hillary is unlikely to win than visa versa, and he looks to get nominally more electoral votes total than Hillary. I will say, though, that ANY state by state analysis of this type done at this time is likely to be inacurate. It is a snapshot of what might happen now, and things will change. Hopefully for the better.

This week was the fifth anniversary of the War in Iraq, the war we were told would pay for itself and whose "Mission" was "Accomplished" (what mission is a question that has never been answered) in May of 2003. Remember that some 96% of casualties in the Iraq quagmire have happend after Bush's declaration of "Mission Accomplished." This issue of the newsletter mostly discusses aspects of the war, including discussing the very obvious lies that got us into this mess, discussing the true cost of this war in missed opportunities that the money we've wasted could have paid for, and once again pushing the candidacy of Diane Benson, an amazing mother whose son was seriously injured in Iraq and who is campaigning in Alaska primarily on the war.

I also continue to list excellent progressive candidates in California, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Check them out, help them out. These are the leaders of the next generation.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

FIVE YEARS LATER: The Lies Become Clear

DIANE BENSON FOR CONGRESS: It's the WAR, Stupid!

THE COST OF WAR: How would you spend it?

HEALTH ACTION ALERT: Keeping Antibiotics Working

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

OREGON FOCUS: Groups and Events

ALASKA FOCUS: Groups and Events

MICHIGAN FOCUS: Groups and Events

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Impeachment, Groups and Events

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Blue Radio, Peace Rallies, Groups and Events

GEORGIA FOCUS: Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

FLORIDA FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Groups and Events

ARIZONA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

IOWA FOCUS: Sustainable Agriculture, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

TEXAS FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Rick Noriega, Groups and Events

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS: Peace Vigils, Groups and Events