I usually don't post more than once a day, or even that often but everyone should read an article that came out this morning in the Chicago Tribune by Steve Chapman. I'll bold my favorite remarks and even include his email address if you want to offer feedback. I was very surprised to see that a print journalist still cared enough about the real dream of America to publish a story with this kind of tone about our chief executive. You remember, of course that dissention does equate to treason or at least generic, domestic terrorism. This type of irresponsible, negative media does help the evil-doers win right? I might have to keep my browser set to follow Chapman's articles in the future. Ironically, I have been of the belief that not much could ever come out of Chicago. Perhaps Mr. Chapman is beginning to prove me wrong.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-0512250256dec25,1,3472167.column?coll=chi-news-col&ctrack=1&cset=true

Beyond the imperial presidency
Published December 25, 2005

President Bush is a bundle of paradoxes. He thinks the scope of the federal government should be limited but the powers of the president should not. He wants judges to interpret the Constitution as the framers did, but doesn't think he should be constrained by their intentions.He attacked Al Gore for trusting government instead of the people, but he insists anyone who wants to defeat terrorism must put absolute faith in the man at the helm of government.His conservative allies say Bush is acting to uphold the essential prerogatives of his office. Vice President Cheney says the administration's secret eavesdropping program is justified because "I believe in a strong, robust executive authority, and I think that the world we live in demands it."But the theory boils down to a consistent and self-serving formula: What's good for George W. Bush is good for America, and anything that weakens his power weakens the nation. To call this an imperial presidency is unfair to emperors.Even people who should be on Bush's side are getting queasy. David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, says in his efforts to enlarge executive authority, Bush "has gone too far."He's not the only one who feels that way. Consider the case of Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2002 on suspicion of plotting to set off a "dirty bomb." For three years, the administration said he posed such a grave threat that it had the right to detain him without trial as an enemy combatant. In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit agreed.But then, rather than risk a review of its policy by the Supreme Court, the administration abandoned its hard-won victory and indicted Padilla on comparatively minor criminal charges. When it asked the 4th Circuit Court for permission to transfer him from military custody to jail, though, the once-cooperative court flatly refused.In a decision last week, the judges expressed amazement that the administration suddenly would decide Padilla could be treated like a common purse snatcher--a reversal that, they said, comes "at substantial cost to the government's credibility." The court's meaning was plain: Either you were lying to us then, or you are lying to us now.If that's not enough to embarrass the president, the opinion was written by conservative darling J. Michael Luttig--who just a couple of months ago was on Bush's short list for the Supreme Court. For Luttig to question Bush's use of executive power is like Bill O'Reilly announcing that there's too much Christ in Christmas.This is hardly the only example of the president demanding powers he doesn't need. When American-born Saudi Yasser Hamdi was captured in Afghanistan, the administration also detained him as an enemy combatant rather than entrust him to the criminal justice system.But when the Supreme Court said he was entitled to a hearing where he could present evidence on his behalf, the administration decided that was way too much trouble. It freed him and put him on a plane back to Saudi Arabia, where he may plot jihad to his heart's content. Try to follow this logic: Hamdi was too dangerous to put on trial but not too dangerous to release.The disclosure that the president authorized secret and probably illegal monitoring of communications between people in the United States and people overseas again raises the question: Why?The government easily could have gotten search warrants to conduct electronic surveillance of anyone with the slightest possible connection to terrorists. The court that handles such requests hardly ever refuses. But Bush bridles at the notion that the president should ever have to ask permission of anyone.He claims he can ignore the law because Congress granted permission when it authorized him to use force against Al Qaeda. But we know that can't be true. Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales says the administration didn't ask for a revision of the law to give the president explicit power to order such wiretaps because Congress--a Republican Congress, mind you--wouldn't have agreed. So the administration decided: Who needs Congress?What we have now is not a robust executive but a reckless one. At times like this, it's apparent that Cheney and Bush want more power not because they need it to protect the nation, but because they want more power. Another paradox: In their conduct of the war on terror, they expect our trust, but they can't be bothered to earn it.----------E-mail: schapman@tribune.com.

Went to the movies tonight with my family in the middle of a sloppy, Midwestern snow storm. I guess everyone got their white christmas in van wert county this year. If you get the chance or are looking for a fun movie to watch over the holidays, try out Fun with Dick and Jane. Not only was it a great comedy but it also poked fun at big CEO's and the trend of employee mistreatment and executive investment. Former employees are driven toward the criminal underworld in an attempt to pay their monthly bills and provide for their family while former company executives contine to live the big life during the depression of bankruptcy. There is even a short commentary with Dick's former CEO in which he explains that everyone in the company felt the stings of the bankruptcy; even he felt the cruel blow---having to sell one of his vacation homes, either the one at Jackson Hole or somewhere else, he couldn't remember at the time. My favorite scenes include the heroic ending for the former employees and their families, and a great sequence where Dick (Jim Carey) tries to get work at a big box store. When he interviews and does he drug test you can even notice a big anti-union poster in the employee break room. I had to laugh at that sight, and look forward to seeing who directed this film. Probably the greatest part of the movie is the final credit sequence where the special thanks are given to former executives (some currenty jailed or soon to be indicted) of companies like Enron, Worldcom, and Arthur Anderson. All in all, I was happy to see a decent remake of a great film AND have it close to home during the holiday season..... one that probably sees quite a few families pinching pennies and thinking about their financial future because of the continual trend of corporate neglect and mistreatment of their employees. I invite all of you to do your shopping and daily business at local mom-and-pop stores and corporations that actually care about their employees and see them as part of their bottom line just as much as cash flow.

Happy Holidays to you all.
On this day I would like to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakah, and soon to be Happy Kwanzaa I believe.

On a personal note, I think we should all say a little prayer for our president during the holiday season. May he clear his thoughts and open his mind and heart to the American people in 2006, rather than the corporate big wigs and fundamentalist thinkers.

Fun questions and thoughts to ponder during holiday times:

1) Ultra-conservatives are extremely worried with taxes. In fact most would argue that the only way to jumpstart our economy and give more fiscal autonomy to individual families would be to cut taxes as much as possible. At the same time, a large percentage of these advocates are also part of the same leadership that pushes pro-life measures as a top agenda item. Now... with less tax money coming into state and federal coffers for social programming and government assistance/services, and essentially more babies coming into the world if abortions are reduced or legally eliminated...... who takes care of the abandoned babies; oftentimes with handicapped conditions or exposures to drug addictions, diseases, or prematurity? I'm sure it's only a matter of personal or family responsibility right? After all the family has suffered because of liberal concepts and cable television programming right?

2) Why is it that ultra-conservatives can still find it in their heart of hearts to cut taxes or eliminate programs that assist people that are sick, elderly, or poor...... at the same time that they push to increase defense spending measures, foreign aid to "coalition of the willing" nation-states, and infrastructure/social welfalre programming in Iraq and Afghanistan? Does anyone actually know when the timetable is set for the GOP agenda to address American social needs? Right..... stupid for me to ask...... you can't set a timetable to address social issues because then poverty, unemployment, underemployment, non-health care coverage situations, disease, malnourishment, missed educational opportunities, etc. will be able to win in the long run. Real American patriots know better than to set time tables right?

3) Since when did God change the "Faith, but not faith alone can get you to heaven" policy to "just get born again, yo" policy? I mean, I know that the ultra-conservatives changed the way the Bible was read (which passages were stressed repetively and which became background noise) but was God in on this too? Just checking... the way I figure, I should have expected this right? The golden rule would be called the platinum or diamond rule if we were supposed to take it seriously right?

4) Isn't saying "happy holidays" actually implying that you are wishing someone a happy holy-day? I always said that to people instead of saying Merry Christmas because I never wanted to guess a stranger's religious background, and would rather take the chance that it was a friendly greeting for all than to single someone out or make them feel uncomfortable. I mean I understand traditions and all... and that the Christmas tree was actually a German tradition or something..... but can we honestly put everything off on traditions that old white men have written over the past 2000 years? Of course, this is America right?

5) At the beginning of every phone call that is long distance, I think I might say a fake code word or mystery phrase just in case the FBI, NSA, or CIA is tapping my phonecall without my permission, a judge's knowledge, or Congress' permission. For example, "Hello, Chuck.... the ice cream that you served on Valentine's Day gave the Queen of England the runs." My friend, Chuck, would then know to respond by saying "Thank you, James. It is good to know that the fair queen isn't moving slowly these days." We could then resume business as usual, however we would be making the operatives earn their tax-payer donated salary.

A clear vision for Ohio's future.

Accountable, honest leadership for a people that desperately need it.

Congressman Ted Strickland with the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council. He received their endorsement early on in the campaign, and I personally know that many of those pictured along with the congressman will be working very hard to make sure he is elected as our next Governor of Ohio.

November 23- Well it has definitely been a few days since I sat down at the computer and relaxed. My trip to Columbus to interview definitely paid off, and I have been on the go ever since! After only a short vacation following the November 8th General Election in Virginia, I accepted an invitation to join Congressman Ted Strickland's campaign for the Ohio governor's office. The senior staff and field team are very nice and have been extremely helpful to me since I joined the campaign. I have been placed in NE Ohio so I will have the chance to coordinate with a lot of great friends and contacts from the 2004 cycle yet again. You can clearly sense a very real level of enthusiasm, energy, and committment when you talk to potential volunteers, community activists, and regional contacts. 2006 is going to be a really great experience here in Ohio, and I am very fortunate to be working for such a dedicated and respected individual as Ted Strickland. I believe his message is very positive and his vision is clear for the future of Ohio working families.

Since field staff generally do not blog once the campaign gets under way, this will probably be my last post for a long while. I hope to run into you all along the campaign trail, and hope that you all participate in the May primary and November general election in 2006. We can make a difference in the way that our state operates on a daily basis--we just have to be ready to trust in solid leadership, and invest in programs and policies that help our Ohio working families in their daily lives.

Goodnight and God Bless.
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll talk to you soon.

November 16th- Chris and I arrived home in Van Wert around 2:30 a.m. last night and right away I was greeted by a strong wind coming in from the West and a bone-chilling temperature that I hadn't felt in a long, long time. Dear Virginia weather, you always were so nice to me. Thanks for peacing out with me somewhere around Columbus.

I couldn't sleep of course because of the excitement of just being HERE in Ohio--- mostly nervous about tomorrow's trip to Columbus, and then my journey to Cleveland to see friends and co-workers. But a major reason why I was awake every 2 hours was because my beloved dog, Katie, slept right next to me on the couch and would continually wimper because of the raging storm outside.

What's on tap for today? Well, first I want to unpack the Focus, do some laundry and relax..... then it's time to show Chris around the booming metropolis of Van Wert, Ohio. Last night he actually commented that he didn't think this part of the state should be considered the "Midwest." When a Nebraska guy tells you that at 2:10 a.m. in the morning after 8 hours of driving, you really have to hold back from dropping him off somewhere between Wapakoneta and Mendon. I think he came to his senses when we got out of the car and were almost blown over from the wind flowing in untouched from Fort Wayne and beyond. Dear 1787 ordinance settlers.... thanks for that whole "clear every tree in sight" thing. It worked out great for people, plants, animals, and topsoil I think. Thanks to you, settlers of old, I get to put up my parents snow fencing on Monday or Tuesday when I return from the real Northeast of my dreams----the beloved Greater Cleveland area.

**Ok, here's some shop talk for you all this morning: I was flipping through the channels to catch the early news on CNN and to check what time the Daily Show came on when I stumbled across this morning's 700 Club airing---featuring everyone's favorite former attorney general of the united states of america and of course the noble squinting host, el robertson presidente de jesus. And what were they discussing? The fact that the Patriot Act was a beautiful piece of legal safeguard policy, and why Christians should speak of its overall glamour. Get this, ole "Eagles Soar" actually believes in his invasion of privacy - denial of constitutional rights pact so much that he swears that there has not been one real complaint. He cites a Senate Judicial Committee hearing when Feinstein brought up emails and letters and testimonials as trivial and non-applicable to the collection of laws, and then reported to our boy Pat that the ACLU didn't even have beef with it. Hmmmmm, what's this technique you ask? Right, so the ultra right wingers (the ones that give actual conservatives a bad name and ruin all Republican policy reputations) like to hate on groups like the ACLU when they defend constitutional rights and applied situations when they seem like pinko-commie-traitor ploys, and then do a double-take and double-suck up when they actually need the group's help. Funny thing about the ACLU.... they believe Klan members should have as much right to organize as a Sunday school session, and will defend an NRA golden boy just as quickly as an abortion advocate.

Today's bottom line: don't let ultra-conservatives do the double-speak to you. Fancy words, well-honed statements, and years of continual repetition of policy pivots don't make your leadership QUALITY. And I'm tired of the complaining. If something is so wrong with America..... fix the damn problem. You control EVERYTHING.... not just the usual ALMOST EVERYTHING. And you can't spin that.

November 13th - The first of two annual showdowns between my beloved Cleveland Browns and the dreaded Pittsburgh Steelers has arrived. I have already called my "Steeler friends" and given them an earful---which usually comes back to haunt me---but it is the traditional thing to do on the morning of the big game. Common sense would say that Cleveland will find a way to lose this game, particularly with our current squad's performance over the first 8 games (3-5 with notable wins against Green Bay, Chicago and Tennessee and very notable losses to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Houston, Baltimore, and somebody else who I'm forgetting right now.) However, I am pleased to announce that it looks like Charlie Batch will start for the beat-up Steelers today giving my blue collar wrecking crew an advantage as far as I'm concerned. Ben Rothlisberger, a Northwest Ohio native like myself, has become the enemy of choice for me this weekend. We tend to play well when we have big game, national tv opportunities. I'm guessing we'll win by 6 or lose by 22. Go Brownies.

In other news, I'll be returning to Ohio from Virginia on the 16th. I am bringing co-worker Chris Chapek to Van Wert where he can get a rental car to drive to his homestead in Nebraska. I'll be journeying to Columbus for an interview (THE INTERVIEW) for a hopeful 2006 gig. Then I plan to make stops in Berea, Lakewood, and Downtown Cleveland for the weekend of the 17th, 18th, 19th, and maybe 20th. Seeing friends, paired with Ohio State/Michigan weekend should make things interesting.

Next, I'd like to report that my campaign beard (Beards for Kaine constituency group) has been shorn off. Nick, Chris, and I brought it down in steps in order to do what others shy away from..... The Martin Van Buren, The Grotesque Trucker Mustache, The 1980's Porn Stache, and then finally back to baby face Nelson. After getting a haircut by a banjo-playing barber, I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. I looked like an infant compared to the beast which I resembled since Labor Day weekend.

Finally, I just wanted to comment on my favorite newsource, Comedy Central. In a time where the media has a reputation for "missing things compeletely" or dictating what we see as worthy or fit to be print, the only decent and respectable news shows out there right now are The Daily Show and the Colbert Report. Granted there are loads of sarcasm and jokes attached, you still get to see news that truly matters and see news that does not matter trivialized.

I get to see my siblings, parents, pets, and friends very soon.

Cheers to Howard Dean having something great to brag about today on the morning political shows.... Tears to Ken Mehlman for having quite a bit to cry about.

A good day.

November 12th - I think yesterday was one of the first Veterans' Days that passed by without me actually realizing what day it was. Of course this wasn't done on purpose, but had more to do with the numb feeling that we are all experiencing here at the office now that we are in idle mode following the November 8th election results. From what I did see on television, I saw Dick Cheney from the pulpit at Arlington delivering a moving speech about bravery, dedication, leadership, and community service---- all fitting from our Puppet Master in Chief. I did find it amusing that someone of Cheney's caliber, background and class was invited to give the primary oratory on the anniversary of silenced guns before so many fresh graves.

I got my hair cut today from a banjo-playing barber at the Patrick Henry Hotel, and it was an amazing experience because he, unabated from myself, told me why he voted for Tim Kaine and mixed up his usual Republican selection. I will tell you one thing: everything seems so simple and easy to understand and explain when you have won something. I remember feeling on the defensive on November 3rd last year after Kerry conceded. It felt cold, and I felt somehow ashamed of the work we had done in Ohio-----and rightly so considering we only gave an honest shot at a field program in the major cities and targetted suburbs; probably waging the good battle against Bush in my home county of Van Wert by using robo-dials, mail pieces, and limited television ads, and maybe... just maybe some volunteer to voter phone banking. Ahh.... how could I forget yard signs though?

So, in my continual rant, I conclude today by saying that I was glad that I came here to the "rural Southwest" and talked to Virginians, not Democrats-Republicans-or Independents, but families and friends and people. And it feels good to walk away from that on a high note.

-Next week: Tim Kaine returns to Roanoke to work, not celebrate. AND Mark Warner vacations in New Hampshire?

Watch out!

November 10th - A windy Thursday in Roanoke, Virginia.... only 6 more days until I leave this town for awhile; I'm guessing I'll come back to visit volunteers and political contacts when I get a chance to vacation or travel down the road. These folks have a lot to be proud of because they stood up for what they believed in. Quite frankly, I had no idea that we could win this race by over 100,000 votes. I had the county Democrats ready for an expected recount in the Kaine vs. Kilgore matchup. I knew it was over and we had won when I started hearing rural county precinct returns and we had won places by sizeable margins (i.e. Windsor Hills, Northside, Ogden, Penn Forest, Mount Vernon, etc.) and had almost won in places like Peters Creek and Garst Mill. In fact there were only a few instances where we lost by a sizeable margin, but they were in extremely small precincts so it just goes to show you that prioritizing your vote goals in accordance to persuasiveness does go a long way.

There really can not be one single factor that helped us get to this point. We had an amazing field staff that worked very hard throughout the state, and if you look at the Virginia Board of Elections website you can definitely see that we hit our vote goals pretty much everywhere.

I had so much fun down here in Roanoke because it was so much of a challenge. Going door to door here was difficult because some folks just were bound and determined to NEVER give you a chance, but we still kept coming back to their homes, giving them calls, and sending them personal notes in the mail. I know for a fact that a ton of Republicans voted for Tim Kaine because of his positive message, but mostly because we treated them like Virginians instead of "the other party's base."

I'm so happy that Tim Kaine will be the 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia because he is such a great person to be in a prominent leadership position. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are great at helping people because they care enough to ask people what matters in their lives, rather than to force political agendas down on the masses. I honestly wish that Jerry Kilgore would have been honorable enough to run a clean and positive campaign, but he represents the extremely negative section of the Republican party that gives conservatives a bad name. I think that if the VA GOP had nominated Russ Potts for governor and had run a clean and positive race than they would have done better against Tim Kaine. By giving Virginians an amazingly clear choice this year, the Republicans continued their trend of negative messaging, wedge issue tactics, and overall horribleness.

Hopefully the Republicans can change their ways. Now granted, the Democratic Party has some things it needs to work on as well.... but just think.... wouldn't it be great if we could see some major races that included quality candidates and positive messages on both sides of the aisle?

Yes, Virginia.... there is a Santa Claus. And right now his name is either Governor Mark Warner or Governor-Elect Tim Kaine. Take your pick.... either way Virginia is moving forward.

That's my rant. Good day.