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citizenvoices

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Citizen Voices is a blog about election politics, written by people like you. Six San Diegans give their personal take on the issues, candidates and propositions.


» Listen to their interviews on These Days


Candace Suerstedt Alma Sove Chris McConnell Steven Garrett Charles Hartley Jessica Jondle

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Still Hung Up on 2000

View Alma Sove's profile

I'm conflicted about voting Democratic right now.

Ideally, Al Gore would be my choice, but only to say: "I wish the Supreme Court had not cast the deciding vote in the 2000 election."

In order to move on, I need to get over Al Gore's loss and the fact that everything changed afterwards. But I'm having a really hard time accepting how much we've changed.

I've gotten the impression Democrats would like to get back to normal, to a time before the invasion of Iraq. Normal is a time when Democrats focus on "blue" issues, like reinforcing public kindergarten through 12th grade education; expanding infrastructure, like bridges; improving job training; making college tuition affordable; encouraging unions; protecting Social Security and Medicare; and all the other issues Republicans hate us for. I like normalcy too, but not at the expense of dealing proactively with the reasons things have changed.

When the majority of Americans told their leaders they disapproved of the war in Iraq, for instance, why did the Democratic-led Congress instead focus on domestic policy? Granted, Republican opposition went a long way in getting nothing done. But we didn't always need a majority of votes when it came to holding the Bush administration accountable for repeatedly lying to the American people. And what about filibustering? That's one type of symbolism that actually means something politically yet Democrats in Congress refuse to use it for fear of appearing divisive.

The occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan drains every American resource except war profiteering. Ending the occupation of Iraq enables vital resources to flow back into domestic issues, something that means a great deal to cash-strapped Americans.

Democrats have an opportunity in this election to reiterate what the party stands for. Do we stand for progress, or do we stand for conserving our traditional base?

- Citizen Voices blogger Alma Sove has spent most of her life in San Diego and is currently attending law school. 

Comments

Chuck // January 28, 2008 at 2:31 pm:

Is there a way the demoracts can stand for progress AND maintain their traditional base?  Somehow I don’t think they’ll reject what’s brought them this far for any reason.

Oh, ... and Wow, we’re live.

Alma // January 28, 2008 at 4:05 pm:

You raise a good point, Chuck.  I think you’re right.  It is possible to hold the base and progress as you suggest. Dems won’t reject what’s brought them this far because those things still matter a whole lot. There won’t be a “neo-Dem” movement that recreates the party, unless that is what far-left liberals will be called by someone trying to make the point. Overall though, I believe it’s time for Congressional Democrats to instigate change rather than stick to the safety-zone issues and react to Republican demands.  Thanks for your feedback!

Dave // January 29, 2008 at 9:24 am:

The problem is not goint to be what the Dems embrace or reject… the problem is the country is too immature to vote for a black man or a woman.. and that is sad.. because Obama is the real deal…

Looks like McCain… what a drag.

Michelle // January 29, 2008 at 7:50 pm:

I hope Dave and I are wrong, but unfortunately I too believe that certain areas of our country are too immature to vote a black man or a woman into office.  Even though either choice is obviously much better than a republican- white, black, purple, man, woman, or otherwise.  Hey Alma, I heard you have a few hot friends in El Cajon.

Laith // January 29, 2008 at 8:14 pm:

I believe that it does not matter who gets voted into office, white, black, male, or female. The president (so called leader of our country) is just a front man that the government uses as a pawn to distract the ignorant masses of the United States. The government controls all the decisions that happen in our country. I’m only sixteen, but if i were old enough to vote, I would vote for Obama.

Alma Sove // January 29, 2008 at 8:56 pm:

Dave and Michelle, thanks for your honesty about why choosing the Democratic nominee is more than policy based.  I guess two questions come to mind; would voters be more likely to approve of Senator Clinton’s message if she were a man, or Senator Obama’s if he were white? 

Answering those questions may be counterproductive but many commentators (from both Republican & Dem views) believe John Edwards’ message helped shape both those candidates’ messages on healthcare & economic policies.

I think it’s a valid question as we head into November, and the Democratic nominee is selected: Are Independents and Democrats less likely to actually vote for either Senators Obama or Clinton in the privacy of their own lingering doubts?

Cee Ciee // January 29, 2008 at 9:00 pm:

I think we can stand for both, progress and conserving our traditions. We need to speak up and not live in fear. We are a society fearful of speaking up, as evidenced by our democratic-led congress biting their tongue on important issues.  As a single mother of a 16 -year -old young man, I have everyday struggles. The biggest I’m dealing with right now is medical insurance- a huge issue politicians sidestep. I’ve worked all my life as an independent contracted hairstylist (a damn good one!) and now I own my own salon, which means no heath insurance for us! Not only do I pay regular taxes, but on top of that, I also have to pay self employment tax! There are no affordable health programs out there for middle class citizens. You either live in complete poverty to receive free aid or be rich enough to not need affordable health care!  So democrats need to conserve our traditions of acknowledging “blue” issues and we also need to stand for progress by voting a black man or woman as our next President.

Alma Sove // January 29, 2008 at 9:02 pm:

Laith,
It’s good to see someone who is not yet able to vote already forming opinions of government’’s effect on his life.  Perhaps your thoughtfulness will spread to people around you who may have given up on the system, and who don’t want to vote at all.  Thanks for the reminder to exercise the option!  As far as the distraction of politics, you’re right to point out that it’s up to us to stay attentive to what we value in our democracy.  I’d be interested in hearing more about what attracts you to Senator Obama.

Alma Sove // January 29, 2008 at 9:22 pm:

Your points on covering the financial and human aspects of health care are well made.  The nation is ready to seriously discuss how to make affordable health coverage within reach.  And not just to those eligible of receiving public benefits or to those who can easily budget for it, but for those paying taxes on businesses and personal property, as well as raising families.  I think integrating middle class taxation into the health care discussion would be necessary to form a workable bipartisan plan for medical care.

Dave // January 29, 2008 at 10:50 pm:

Hmm.. Alma kinda asks if we should vote for who can get elected .. or the best person for the job… until the day after the election I will have faith in my neighbor to vote for the best person for the job…

Right now it’s looking to me that Obama is the best person for the job.. I will support him and try to get people to overcome any color-vision they have… I’m bummed that I’m already cynical.. Obama can win this.. so could Hillary..

I think Edwards is setting himself up to be the VP.. he just doesn’t come off as presidential.

Bianca // January 31, 2008 at 9:35 am:

I agree with Laith… It is up to us to be aware of the issues our society is posed with.  So often in conversation, I find people are very heated about one issue or the next, but they are not actively involved in pushing for change.  It is up to us to start small and work on positive, exponential change.  Too many [Americans] take a lackadaisical approach to politics and then wonder why change is not happening.  Go to it Laith - encourage your peers to get and STAY involved!

James Almeida // February 01, 2008 at 8:47 pm:

BEWARE if you THINK DEMOCRAT will be THE ANSWER. ALL DEMOCRATS in MA and R.I. and I got no where, look at Ill (OBAMA’s state), worse foreclosure than anywhere?. If you vote Democrat, I will save a parking space for you next to me so you too can be HOMELESS with a MORTGAGE

I have been trying to get this corrected and have had
every door slammed. Every Goverment official kick me
out, advising this is a voting year and they will not
help, or care too????
I have tried to hire 11 attorney’s and none want to
ruin their career, but gladly took my money. I am
broke and homeless for the last 2 years with a
MORTGAGE???
Please if you can post a link on your web page, talk
about this on your show, if you have an emailing, let
everyone know so they can have their friends and
family also help.
Thank You James Almeida
And my to you and your obvious ability to ignore a
voter/resident/civil rights victim.
Fl was listening,Yes I work hard being HOMELESS WITH A
MORTGAGE.
Beware of Mit Romney and his lies, Obama and his
hidden life, and inability to work for U.S.A. And
Senator Clinton and her unwilling to help us (citizens
of THE U.S.A).
True Story:
Real Property:
Please help, email your local Senator and Congress
Person, DON’T BECOME HOMELESS WITH A MORTGAGE LIKE ME:
absolutely secluded, deeded to lies by Fidelty
National Title. Only way to this beautiful newer cape
with 62 feet of beach is by helicopter or by boat. No
ability to drive to home, Town of Tiverton
(administrator and Chief of Police ensured this). With
the help of Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse and
Governor Carceiri,Than Governor Mit Romney, homeowner
kicked out, unable to go home (though town and
neighbors have come up with new cover story, different
than Fidelty’s agent to get home sold).Homeowner
unable to now get any real estate attorney to help him
sue or sell to prospective homebuyers(avoid any lender
that uses Fidelty National Title, or you too can be
sleeping in your car for almost 2 years). Water views,
and no police can get there for anyone who wants
privacy. Hurry voting year this year and Senator Reed
wants to help you too.

Call Senator Reed for more info (lies of course for
your vote this year) 401-943-3100.124 Line Rd,
Tiverton R.I now changed to 130 St Mary St, Fall
River, Ma (again to cover it all up) magical property
moves all the time, you too can enjoy this call
now.(sorry bad audio)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1839503411637812975&hl=en

Melanie Kim // April 18, 2008 at 8:59 pm:

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<a href= http://haultain.rbe.sk.ca/ >Haultain School</a>
http://politicalgraveyard.com/geo/CA/SS.html

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