Organizing for America under-utilized in the movement for health care reform
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: I recently attended one of the Organizing for America (formerly known as Obama for America) "salons," or "discussions" on health care. With all due respect to OfA, I was most unimpressed and disappointed. I thought that maybe it was just the salon I attended, so I asked around and spoke with several … Read more
It’s time, Representative Giffords
by David SafierOn Saturday, July 11, Raúl Grijalva is hosting a health care rally (11:30 am [doors open at 11] at the Tucson Convention Center, North Exhibition Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.). Here is his statement. “We need legislation that guarantees healthcare coverage that is affordable, high-quality, accessible and which lowers costs for all consumers, … Read more
They’re not just picking on the Tucson City council
by David SafierYou know the statewide legislation to make all Arizona city councils nonpartisan, which only affects Tucson? It's not alone. Another bill awaiting the Accidental Guv's signature or veto requires Pinal County to go from three supervisors to five. Though it's a statewide bill, only Pinal County will be affected. Sound familiar? First let's … Read more
A clear explanation of what happened Monday
by David SafierI've tried to piece together a picture of what happened in Monday's legislative session, with no more than partial success. "Krysten Sinema's Notes" gives me the clearest picture so far. It's dense and compact but very clear. July 6th – 4 bills are passed unanimously by the Legislature. #1 – we fund K-12 … Read more
Sen. Al Franken swearing in ceremony
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Hailing from the state of Minnesota and great senators like Hubert H. Humphrey, Walter Mondale, and Paul Wellstone, you can all just indulge me this moment. The right-wing has attempted to smear Al Franken as a jokester and court jester — at the same time they promote Sarah Palin, a natural comedian … Read more
Special Session Day One: A rare moment of Zen (kinda)
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The only real surprise from the first day of the Special Session was how quickly the rank hypocrisy of the GOP Caucus was exposed. The all-in gamble by the Accidental Governor aka "Big Casino" by vetoing the entire K-12 budget and thus jeopardizing a July 15 payment to charter schools, a GOP … Read more
Brewer: closet liberal union supporter?
by David SafierReagan's 11th commandment — "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican" — has been broken so many times around Phoenix in the past few weeks, I half expect to see the clouds part and hear a thundering rasp from the Great Communicator: "Keep this up, and I'll give you some Communication … Read more
