Category: Politics

By Norma Damashek / NumbersRunner / May 10, 2012

Suppose a pollster called you on the phone and asked your opinion about whether a “strong mayor” form of government is a better deal for San Diego than a “city manager” system? Would your answer be: uh…well…hmmm…??

Okay, let’s admit it — most of us don’t pay that much attention to City Hall. And for sure, most of us don’t have a clue about how the switch to a “strong mayor” government (which we voters agreed to seven years ago) has affected daily life in San Diego.

Given that our first strong mayor will soon be replaced by our city’s second strong mayor (Bob Filner? Bonnie Dumanis? Nathan Fletcher? Carl DeMaio?) a few clues about how city government has been faring these last few years might prove helpful when choosing our next mayor. A quick reminder of how we got

Poll shows overwhelming support for proposed ordinance

By Center on Policy Initiatives

San Diego voters – across the city and across the political spectrum – favor fining banks to cover cleanup costs for foreclosed properties that are not maintained.

In a poll conducted last month, 70% of voters who expect to vote in November said they support $1,000-a-day fines for banks that let foreclosed homes become rundown. The opinion research firm Grove Insight surveyed 600 voters in the city by telephone, and found only 14% opposed the idea.

The OB Rag endorses Congressman Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego.

We do not endorse Bob Filner because of this or that of his policies, or because of this or that of the policies of his opponents.

We endorse Bob Filner because of his character, the content of his character.

We endorse Bob Filner because his character has been honed by his work and struggle on behalf of the common person in San Diego over the last four decades.

This was demonstrated by his work, first, on the San Diego School Board, and then by his work on the San Diego City Council. While in these seats of government, Filner spoke truth to power and he – at times – was a lone voice that stood up against San Diego’s Republican establishment.

Then in Congress, Bob Filner continued his work on behalf of the people of San Diego and Imperial Counties. While in Washington DC Filner displayed that he was one of the most dedicated and committed Representatives for the common people. He clearly showed his commitment to the Mexican-American communities of the California’s most southern counties while in Congress. Plus he initiated many worthwhile programs for veterans, giving them a friend in Congress while those who sent them off to war, ignored them.

Editor: This is a talk that Noam Chomsky gave recently, and is an excerpt out of his latest book. Also, please check out the TomDispatch introduction to Chomsky’s article, with many great links.

By Noam Chomsky / TomDispatch / May 8, 2012

The Occupy movement has been an extremely exciting development. Unprecedented, in fact. There’s never been anything like it that I can think of. If the bonds and associations it has established can be sustained through a long, dark period ahead – because victory won’t come quickly – it could prove a significant moment in American history.

By East County Magazine / Originally published May 6, 2012

Congressional candidate Denise Moreno Ducheny has chastised her opponent, Senator Juan Vargas, for voting against a woman’s right to choose. Vargas voted in opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 1338 (Kehoe) during last week’s Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. The final vote on the bill was 4-4 with one Senator not voting, effectively killing the bill in committee.

Half of California’s counties currently have no abortion provider, including Imperial County, which Vargas seeks to represent in Congress. SB 1338 would have allowed an estimated 24,000 trained nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants to provide non-surgical, first-trimester abortion.

By John Nichols / The Nation / May 8, 2012

The Wisconsin uprising against Governor Scott Walker’s assaults on union rights, public education and public services spawned a recall movement that has forced Walker and his political allies to face new elections. And the first of these takes place today, with Democratic and Republican primaries for governor, lieutenant governor and four state Senate seats.

So what should we watch for today?

Turnout

Very sunny, mild day in Wisconsin—great for voting.

But Wisconsin has never held a primary in May.

The Wisconsin recall elections are unprecedented, not just for the Badger State but for the nation. Never before has a single state had citizen-initiated elections on the same day that could shift control of the executive branch and the dominant chamber in the state legislature.

I am always amazed that someone as young as me can have so many grandchildren to be proud of. At last count I have 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. I am proud of each of them for a variety of reasons.

Today, in talking to my oldest grandchild – Josh – I told him how much I missed his grandfather, particularly during this voting season. Bob was an activist and very involved in all political functions. Josh blew me away when he told me that, “Grandpa is living through me. I am doing what I know he would do, and am actively working on Obama’s reelection.”

He sent me an article that I would like to share with you, because Josh, at the age of 28, is becoming aware of the strength and failure of politicians today. In his own words:

When America made me proud.

Near the end of George W. Bush’s 2nd term I became a “Proud American”. I felt the passion that our ancestors must have felt when they learned of a country where their vote counted. People were talking politics everywhere, Republican and Democrat.

Scott Lewis had an interesting article in the Voice of San Diego last week on the tense relationship between Nathan Fletcher and the U-T San Diego editorial board. What was not particularly shocking was the clear evidence of the fact that the U-T sees itself as an extension of the local GOP and was disturbed that Fletcher may have harmed the Republican brand. More illustrative, however, was Fletcher’s defense of his move (note the part in bold):

Well I think you’ve got to go and look at what I actually said. And what I said is that I’m rejecting the partisan environment of today. People say “well did you ever consider becoming a Democrat.” I didn’t. Because I think there’s unwillingness on that side as well to step out and solve problems, whether we’re talking about pensions or managed competition or some of these other types of issues.

American Enterprise Institute And Brookings Must-Read: ‘The Republicans Are The Problem’

By Joe Romm / ThinkProgress / April 28, 2012

Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann tell the media “a balanced treatment of an unbalanced phenomenon distorts reality.”

Two leading political scholars — representing the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the centrist Brookings Institution – have published a must-read article, “Let’s just say it: The Republicans are the problem.”

Last Saturday, April 28, I attended an hour and a half coffee Q&A with Toni Atkins, the State Assembly Representative for the 76th District, of which OB is a part. The small turn-out was not an indication of interest, but rather limited to those who had been invited to the small venue; Newbreak Coffee Co. on Abbott Street. In other words, it could not have been a more perfect venue and environment to talk with the Majority Whip regarding issues which affect us all.

After introductions to a very diverse klatch of constituents and before Ms. Atkins jumped into some more important issues, she discussed the district changes and how it will affect OB. She will continue to be our representative in the State Assembly, but the district which ended in Bird Rock will now extend north to Solana Beach. While she will continue to represent those east to the I-15 and south of I-8, she will no longer represent Clairemont & Kearny Mesa. From what I could tell, the reformation opens up new areas and the elections will not simply be a formality in strictly Republican and Democratic districts.

Filner’s endorsement of Scott Peters for 52nd Congressional District sets up dilemma for progressives. Peters fails to reciprocate.

It’s tough being a progressive in San Diego – known for its conservatism and military-influenced politics. It’s been years since the City by the bay had a Democrat for mayor, and it’s rare that true liberals or progressives actually get elected to local office. It does occur – but not often.

That’s why progressives, liberals, and Democrats have been encouraged by Bob Filner’s bid for the City’s highest executive office. If elected, Filner would not only be the first Democrat since Maureen O’Connor had the seat, but he would clearly also be the most liberal mayor the city has ever had in its history. This would – in some eyes – be a god-send.

One of the reasons it’s so tough being a progressive politician in this town and county is that Democrats often go after each other or support Republicans. For instance, in the mayoral race, heavy-weight Dem and former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk came out early for DA Bonnie Dumanis – without waiting to see what Dems were running.

Editor: Here’s a disturbing report about how New York police raided the homes of activists preparing for the May Day protests on the day before.

By Adrian Chen / Gawker / April 30, 2012

A day before Occupy Wall Street hopes to shut down New York and cities across the country in massive May Day protests, the NYPD visited at least three activist homes in New York and interrogated residents about plans for tomorrow’s protest.