Event this weekend in Tempe: LD26 Beer Summit & Bake Off

Please note:  the festivities will come to a close well before the start of the Democratic presidential debate that night, so there will be an opportunity to do both - during the afternoon, meet some local luminaries as they vie for our votes (for best baked goods) and during the evening, watch some national luminaries vie for our votes (for the Democratic nomination for president).

If you want to attend, or just want to show your support for local Democrats, donate here.

See you Saturday!

Netroots Nation 2015 is here!

...OK, almost :)

It starts on Thursday...

The official events actually start on Wednesday with a Pool Party Kick Off but the "official" events start on Thursday morning at 9 a.m.  NN hits the ground running; there are 14 trainings and panels scheduled for 9 a.m.

They will run the gamut from "Daring to Internet While Female 2.0" through "State Battlegrounds: The Real Fight for Voting Rights" to "Arizona's Latino Civic Engagement from SB1070 to Now" (I'm leaning toward attending "Creative for All: The Keys to Creating Compelling Content", but there is so much interesting stuff going on then that I haven't fully decided yet).

There will also be progressive-themed music, traditional Native American, hip hop, folk, and more, presented throughout the entire conference.

Thursday evening, the opening keynote speeches will be given by speakers both local and national.

The speakers will include Arizona activists and leaders like Alfredo Gutierrez, Petra Falcon, Isabel Garcia, Erika Andiola, Marisa Franco,  and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (subject to change).

The speakers will include national figures like US Rep. Donna Edwards, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton (yup, he's a national figure, too), Joel Silberman and the evening's host, HuffPost Live’s Alyona Minkovski (also subject to change).

Others speaking throughout the event include (but are not limited to): Millennial Activists United’s Ashley Yates, US Reps Ruben Gallego, Keith Ellison, Mark Takano, Hank Johnson, Robin Kelly, and Raul Grijalva.

Oh yeah - there are three "big" names scheduled to speak (and the others are pretty "big" in their own right) - US Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Friday) and presidential candidates US Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (Saturday at a "town hall" event moderated by journalist, filmmaker and immigration activist Jose Antonio Vargas)

O'Malley, courtesy Twitter

Sanders, courtesy Twitter

Warren, courtesy Twitter

There are also a number of events that are "unofficial" (not part of the official festivities, but sure to be loads of fun).  AFT has a list of them compiled here, but the ones that I am most interested in are both on Friday night: "Candidate Happy Hour Presented by ActBlue and Democracy for America" (among others, my LD's state senator Katie Hobbs will be featured) and "Chairman (Emeritus) Pub Quiz 2015: Number 9, Number 9" (watch or participate as political geeks with vast cesspools of useless knowledge knowledge of political trivia compete for fun and bragging rights)

Another event, not directly related to Netroots Nation, is a campaign event featuring Bernie Sanders on Saturday night will take place Saturday evening at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Details:

Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ

In case you didn't see the pic at the beginning of the post -

:)


Note: The official NN15 program can be found here.

Nativists Planning To Party In Phoenix On Saturday

As pretty much everyone knows by now, the infamous Donald Trump, America's Wealthiest Loudmouthed Bigot, will be the featured speaker at an event hosted by the Maricopa County Republican Party later today.

From the event ticketing webpage -

AZBlueMeanie at Blog for Arizona does an excellent job of dissecting Trump's presidential candidacy in general and  the visit to Phoenix in particular, here.

Right now, there are three announced speakers - Tyler Bowyer, chair of the MCGOP; Joe Arpaio, Sheriff of Maricopa County (and one of the few people in America who doesn't have to take a step back from Trump in the category of "shameless media whore"); and, of course, Trump himself.

Left out of any announcements that I've seen thus far is a list of the "good ole boys" who will be sure to make an appearance, even if they aren't on stage  - the Russell Pearces, John Kavanaghs, AJ Lafaros, and more.

You know, the ones that have done their part to make Arizona a "must visit" on any bigot's national travel itinerary.

Where it could get surprising, and interesting, is seeing which B-teamers try to use the event as an opportunity to hobnob (OK, the 21st century version of "bow and scrape") with the nativists' equivalent of "royalty".

They won't be "establishment" Republicans - that breed of R is running as fast as possible and running as far as possible, away from Trump.

Nope, they'll be people who are looking to challenge establishment Rs, people such as State Sen. "Chemtrail" Kelli Ward (R-Lake Havasu City), who is looking to unseat US Sen. John McCain (R-Never Met A War That He Didn't Monger).

Of course, as soon as she (or any other non-establishment R challenger) is successful, they will become enthusiastic members of the R "establishment" - that's where the money is, after all...but I digress...

Of course2, in Maricopa County GOP circle, legendary bigots such as Arpaio, Pearce, et. al. *are* the GOP establishment, so Saturday afternoon in downtown Phoenix is sure to be colorful.

Originally, the event was scheduled to be held at the Biltmore resort in Phoenix, but it outgrew that venue...and the rather well-heeled residents of the Biltmore area realized that a visit from Trump also means a visit from protestors.

Protestors that might disturb the tender sensibilities of the residents.  Trump's bile filled speeches aren't bothersome, at least not as bothersome as truth.

Intelligent discourse or guns, what's your flavor?

 Note to readers: The following is not a commentary on the country's problem/obsession with guns.

...It could be "intelligent discourse on guns" but that just doesn't happen in the US, and the reasons for that are best left for another post...

Two upcoming events that would be a great topic for a "compare and contrast" assignment in English 101 (the basic composition course in Arizona's public higher education system) -

First up, The chair of the Federal Election Commission:

Invitation to Attend a Public Forum on Women in Politics

You are cordially invited by Ann M. Ravel, Federal Election Commission Chair, to a public forum on the challenges women face in the political arena. The purpose of the forum is to begin an open discussion with scholars, social scientists, political practitioners and the public to consider why, despite record-breaking numbers of women in the 114th Congress, women remain significantly under-represented in politics at all levels of government. To ensure a productive and wide-ranging discussion, we ask that all forum participants be ready to share their thoughts on this topic at the forum.

View the Chair's Formal Invitation

Public Forum Schedule

Session 1, Defining the Problem

9:00 am – 10:30 a.m.  

Why are women under-represented in elected political office?  What barriers do women face in political fundraising?  How has the federal campaign finance system helped or hurt women seeking political office?

• Adrienne Kimmell, Barbara Lee Foundation
• Jill Lepore, Harvard University
• Christine Matthews, Bellwether Research and Burning Glass Consulting
• Rebecca Traister, The New Republic
• Debbie Walsh, Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University

Session 2, Crafting Solutions

10:45 am – 12:15 p.m.

How can we encourage women to seek elected political office?  Are women-focused fundraising PACs the solution?  How have other countries successfully fostered women’s participation in the political process?  What lessons can the United State learn from such programs?

• Justice Maria del Carmen Alanis Figueroa, Federal Electoral Court of Mexico
• Marni Allen, Political Parity
• Victoria Budson, Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard University
• Betilde Munoz-Pogossian, Organization of American States
• Pippa Norris, Harvard University, Sydney University and the Electoral Integrity Project
• Darren Rosenblum, Pace Law School

Location

The forum will be open to the public and press. The forum will be held in the FEC’s ninth-floor hearing room, located at 999 E Street, NW, Washington D.C., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 9:00 A.M. until 12:15 P.M. Those wishing to participate may do so either in person or online.

Participate

If you would like to attend the forum in person, or if you are unable to attend but would like to submit written comments, please email us at CommissionerRavel@fec.gov. If you would like to participate online, live audio and video will be available. Links to both feeds will be available at FEC.gov. All are encouraged to submit comments and questions via Twitter, using the hashtag #FECWIP, or in the video webinar via chat box.  

Please note that this meeting will focus solely on understanding the challenges facing women in politics. If the discussion raises issues that suggest the need to consider revisions to or adoption of Commission regulations or procedures, the Commission will address such issues through its standard, formal procedures.


Contrast with The Tempe Republican Women:

Join us June 13th, 11-2PM at the Tempe Sheraton, 1600 S 52nd St, for a special summer luncheon with guest speaker Gov. Doug Ducey!

Admission is $25 for members (to cover our cost for the lunch and venue) and $50 for guests. For this event only, all guests paying for admission will get a free yearly membership to Tempe Republican Women as well (a $30 value.) Must be a registered Republican woman in Arizona. Republican men and members of other Republican women clubs will be given a free associate membership ($15 value) with purchase of guest admission.

A plated lunch is included with admission. Meal choice is Achiote Chicken. A vegetarian option is also available. Select at checkout.

We will be raffling off a new gun, donated from AZGuns of Chandler, as well as several giftcards to local restaurants. Stay tuned for more information.

Don’t miss out! Q&A will follow the Governor’s speech. Limit to 1 question per guest, unless time permits more.

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE: http://temperw.weebly.com/june-13th-2015-luncheon-wdoug-ducey.html

Questions: TempeAZRW@gmail.com  or  480-306-2545


Want a pic of the gun? 

From their Twitter feed:

I would like to point out two things here:

1. Republicans in Tempe seem to have a thing for putting more guns into circulation.

2. It isn't just Tempe Republicans.

3. As creepy as this is, IMO it isn't as creepy as the Tempe Republican Women's give away of an autographed pair of Joe Arpaio's underwear -

The first event (FEC forum on women in politics) sound interesting.  However, it takes place this coming Tuesday, a work day for me, and starts at 6 a.m. Arizona time.

There might be some readers who might be enthusiastic and engaged at 6 a.m. (in any time zone), but not me. :)

Netroots Nation 2015 coming to Phoenix

Netroots Nation is an annual gathering of progressive activists with an online bent.  They gather to share ideas, knowledge, and inspiration with each other. 

There are special guests, discussion panels, film screenings, trainings, and more.

Just in time to help get ready for the 2016 election cycle, the 10th annual meeting will be held in Phoenix from July 16th to 19th.

The exact schedule of the panels and trainings has yet to be determined, but the subjects will cover all sort of subject areas related to organizing, fund raising, and enhancing online campaign efforts.  The emphasis (but not the sole focus) this year will be on immigration-related issues (hey, it *is* being held in Arizona.  Didja think the main focus would be on building an aerodynamically perfect snowball? :) ).

People can register here.

The registration fee for a regular ("activist") admission is currently $325 plus a $9.12 service fee, but if that is too pricey for some (and let's face it, we're grassroots brothers and sisters, not Koch or Walton brothers and sisters; find a way to attend.  If you can afford to, donate to NN to help defray the cost for others), scholarships are available.  Apply for one here.

Some scholarships have already been awarded.  The list of recipients is here.

Note: Steve Muratore, friend, friend of the blog, and fellow blogger (Arizona Eagletarian) is in the running for a scholarship to this year's Netroots Nation, courtesy Democracy for America.  Vote for him here, please.

Rally to Move AZ Forward!!

This coming Saturday, October 25, from 4 - 7 p.m., join many of the great candidates for office this year at Mesa's Riverview Park (2100 W 8th St, Mesa, Arizona 85201) -

In addition to Fred Duval, some of the other candidates expected to be there include Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, State Representative Juan Mendez, David Garcia, Democratic nominee for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Jim Holway, Democratic candidate for the Arizona Corporation Commission.  Also expected to appear: many legislative candidates from districts in the area.

It should be a fun time for all, and it is taking place just before the ASU football game against the University of Washington (start time: 7:45 p.m. @ UW, televised on ESPN).

The rally is being put on by the LD26 Democrats (most of Tempe, west Mesa, Salt River Pima/Maricopa Indian Community) and the Maricopa County Democrats, but it is open to all who are interested in meeting some great candidates and helping to Move AZ Forward....

Is Mike Huckabee a candidate for the GOPer presidential nomination in 2016?

...Normally, I am loathe to highlight GOPer events, especially fundraisers, but the "hidden" subtext on this one is so blatant that it merits coverage...

And before anyone thinks that would be surprise, it should be noted that no real GOP "frontrunner" has emerged, the closest being Rand Paul.  Given the pattern of the last couple of presidential election cycles, being anointed the "frontrunner" more than a couple of weeks out from the start of the Iowa caucuses is something to be avoided, not desired.

Mike Huckabee is not even mentioned much as someone who is a viable 2016 candidate for the Rs (not that he's being completely discounted, either) but he's doing the things that "serious" candidates do in midterm election years -

While higher-profile candidates such as Chris Christie are trekking to Iowa, New Hampshire, and other 2016 early primary/caucus states to make appearances in front of R voters there almost a year and half before any votes are cast, he's out racking up IOUs campaigning for R electeds and candidates running this year.

To whit, from the events page of the Pima County GOP:

Now Franks, as well as Salmon, Gosar, and Schweikert, sits in a seat in a district that is so safely R that he faces no serious Democratic opposition, nor is any expected for the foreseeable future.  For him (and them) building a campaign war chest is all about looking so strong that any potential primary challengers are scared off (is Ben Quayle still looking for a job?)

Doubtless, much money will end up in Franks' coffers (and those of Salmon, Gosar, and Schweikert) as a result of Huckabee's visit.

What remains to be seen is if Huckabee, a big Bible guy, reaps benefits from the political version of "casting bread upon the waters".

2014 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Next Friday

Save the date -

NIBW event: New treatment facility open house

A note from the new Community Involvement Coordinator for the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund Area (that's basically all of south Scottsdale):

Indian Bend Wash Community Involvement Group –

 

We are pleased to invite you to an Open House and tour of the new NIBW Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Facility (NGTF), a new groundwater treatment facility for the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund site.  As many of you may recall, the NGFT is the long term remedy for well PCX-1.  It is located directly adjacent to the NIBW Miller Road Treatment Facility.   Event details are below and we hope you can join us on March 13th. 

           

Carlin D. Hafiz
Community Involvement Coordinator
Southern California Field Office
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9
P: (213)-244-1814  F: (213)-244-1850
hafiz.carlin@epa.gov

NIBW details and history here.

Legislative Democrats rallying against the Center for Arizona Policy's extremist agenda

Rally with Legislative Democrats

Tuesday, March 4th

to denounce Center for Arizona Policy bills

Legislative Democrats are holding a press conference to address the ongoing efforts of the Center for Arizona Policy to push extremist bills that promote an ideological agenda. Since SB1062 was vetoed, CAP has turned its focus to HB2284, a bill the organization developed that does nothing good for Arizona, is unnecessary and could cost the state millions in litigation.

Who:
House Minority Leader Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix (District 24)
Rep. Eric Meyer, D-Paradise Valley (District 28)
Sen. Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix (District 24)

Where:
Arizona House of Representatives, Lawn
1700 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Directions

When:
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
1 p.m.

Forum on Citizens United

Forum on Citizens United and its Impact on Arizona

 

The Central Arizona National Lawyers Guild is sponsoring a community forum on the impact of Citizens United and what actions can be taken.  The forum will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Burton Barr Library, 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix, 4^th floor.

 

Speakers will be attorney Paul Eckstein from Perkins Coie who specializes in commercial, constitutional and election law; State Representative Debbie McCune Davis who has introduced legislation regarding Citizens United; Rivko Knox from the League of Women Voters to discuss their concerns; and Jon Alanis from the Arizona Advocacy Network to discuss the Clean Election Commission v. Brain case in Arizona.  Q&A from the audience will be facilitated after the presentations.

 

Public forum on "stand your ground" laws

Posted by request, and without comment, other than "this could be interesting"...

From a flyer sent by State Rep. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills):

AHCCCS holding a series of community meetings on Medicaid restoration

The meeting schedule from the publicity flyer:

AHCCCS Community Forums
 
General - Sessions for Families, Advocates, and Community Partners
 
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
1 - 3 p.m.
Casino del Sol Conference Center
5655 West Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85757
RSVP: ForwardTucson@AZAHCCCS.gov
 
Friday, October 11, 2013
1 - 3 p.m.
Flagstaff Medical Center - McGee Auditorium
1200 North Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
RSVP: ForwardFlagstaff@AZAHCCCS.gov
 
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
1 -3 p.m.
3:15 - 5 p.m.
The Disability Empowerment Center
5025 East Washington Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85034
RSVP: Both sessions full
 
Monday, November 4, 2013
1 - 3 p.m.
The Disability Empowerment Center
5025 East Washington Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85034
RSVP: ForwardPhoenix@AZAHCCCS.gov
 
 
 
Tribal - Sessions for Tribal Stakeholders
 
Monday, September 16 and September 23, 2013
1 - 3 p.m.
Native American Community Service Center
4520 North Central Avenue, 6th Floor Conference Room
Phoenix, AZ 85012
RSVP: ForwardPhoenix@AZAHCCCS.gov
 
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Casino del Sol Conference Center
5655 West Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85757
RSVP: ForwardTucson@AZAHCCCS.gov

Friday, October 11, 2013
10:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
Flagstaff Medical Center - McGee Auditorium
1200 North Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
RSVP: ForwardFlagstaff@AZAHCCCS.gov


If you plan to attend one of the meetings and speak, you can download a Speaker Slip here.

More information from AHCCCS on Medicaid restoration here.

Tea Party...errrr..."Congressional Republicans" Holding Hearing In Mesa On Thursday

From the Congressional website of Rep. Paul Gosar -

U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) joined by Congressmen Matt Salmon (AZ-05), David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Trent Franks (AZ-08), will host a congressional hearing on I.R.S. abuse and E.P.A. overreach. This hearing was previously scheduled for July 1, but was postponed due to the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire.

The hearing will take place Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the Mesa Arts Center (Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater) in Mesa, Arizona. The hearing starts at 3:30PM and is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Attorney General Tom Horne and State Representative Brenda Barton will also offer testimony.

Representatives from Tea Party groups, industry associations and businesses will testify as well.

{snip}

TIME:  3:30PM- 7:30PM (Doors will open at 2:00PM)
LOCATION: Mesa Arts Center
Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater
1 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85211

Obviously (from the presences of Horne, Barton and tea party groups), the event may be called a "congressional hearing" but in reality will be a "taxpayer-funded campaign event".

Many people will be attending the event (including me), and while I expect that most of us will not be asked to testify (people who will tell the truth aren't on the invitation list), there will be plenty of discussions.

Here's a little light reading from RegBlog from the University of Pennsylvania Program on Regulation - 

Federal regulations from the last ten years, though costly, could potentially generate almost a trillion dollars in net benefits.  Environmental regulations, especially those issued under the Clean Air Act, will likely create the largest benefits.  And, the Obama Administration, through its first four years, may be better than the two previous administrations at enacting beneficial regulations.

Those are some of the key insights from the recently-released draft version of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) annual Report to Congress on the Benefit and Costs of Federal Regulation.  As required by the Regulatory-Right-To-Know Act, the OMB annually summarizes estimated costs and benefits of major federal regulations and presents the findings to Congress.

In the latest report, the OMB concludes that major federal regulations enacted in the last ten years are expected to produce a net benefit between $109 billion and $743 billion.  Cost estimates range between $57 billion and $84 billion, whereas benefit estimates range from $193 billion to $800 billion.

If you plan to attend Thursday's event, arrive early and bring plenty of water...

Coming Events: Maricopa County Democratic Party Celebrating Our Communities

Event tickets can be purchased here.

Coming Events: LD24 Sweet Synergy 2013

The guest list is growing, but is already impressive, with people like Congressman Ed Pastor, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, State Senator Katie Hobbs, State Representative Lela Alston, State Representative Chad Campbell, Arcadia/Biltmore Constable Carolyn Lane, candidate for governor Fred Duval, and candidate for attorney general Felecia Rotellini already planning to attend.

Make the list even more impressive by adding your name to it here.

Coming Events: LD26 Chili Cook Off

Good people, good food, good causes = good time

 

6th Annual D26 Democrats Chili Cook Off

Proceeds will benefit D26, and Respect Arizona, the committee to Recall Sheriff Arpaio

Guest of Honor: Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema

Special Guests: State Senator Ed Ableser, State Representatives Andrew Sherwood and Juan Mendez, Mesa City Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh, Randy Parraz, and more!

What: Come judge the best chili, salsa, and guacamole Arizona Democrats have to offer! Enjoy a “Best of D26” Silent Auction; with donations by local Dem-friendly businesses! Turning Arizona-Blue Martinis, a cake by Honeymoon Sweets, Bocce Ball Contest, Lawn Games, and a Special Musical Performance by ASU’s Priority Male!

When: Saturday, April 20th, 2013 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Where: The Barnes House - 1104 S Ash, Tempe

Compete for Bragging Rights (and Prizes): Email the name of your chili (specify meat or vegan), Guacamole, or Salsa to: D26Dems@gmail.com

Tickets: $25 ($15 for Young Democrats; $10 for Children)

WHEN

April 20, 2013 at 4pm - 7pm

WHERE

The Barnes House
1104 S Ash
Tempe, AZ 85282
United States
Google map and directions

 

 

Purchase tickets here. 

Two pro Prop 121 events this week

There are two events this week that are intended to support Proposition 121, the "top two" primary initiative that is on November's ballot.

No, they aren't officially campaign activity, but in practical terms, holding the events this close to the election isn't a coincidence.

First up on Wednesday, former Congressman Mickey Edwards and Jackie Salit, president of IndependentVoting.org, will appear together on ASU's Downtown campus.  Details:

WHAT: 'Taking the Partisan Out of Politics'

WHEN: Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Cronkite Theater

Arizona State University

Cronkite School of Journalism

555 N. Central Ave.

ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus.

ADMISSION: Free, but seating is limited so please RSVP.

RSVP: Elisabeth.S.Smith@asu.edu   Parking is available at University Center Garage at a cost of $10 per car. The entrance to the garage is on the side of Polk Street between 1st Street and Central Avenue.  However, ASU Downtown is also on the Valley Metro light rail line.   Edwards is the author of the book The Parties Versus The People and Salit is the author of the book Independents Rising: Outsider Movements, Third Parties, and the Struggle for a Post-Partisan America.   Salit took a few minutes to speak to me from New York ahead of her visit to Arizona.  She spoke of the "new conversation" in American politics, and part of that conversation will take place Wednesday evening.       An excerpt from Salit's book is here.   - On Friday, Zocalo Public Square will be holding a similarly-themed event with Edwards (sans Salit) in Scottsdale -   Place: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art 7374 E 2nd Street Scottsdale, AZ   Time: 7 p.m.   Parking: West of the Museum in the parking garage between the Scottsdale Civic Center Library and Scottsdale Stadium.  Parking is free.     For the record:  I oppose, and have in fact already voted against, Prop 121.    A "top two" primary system is already in place in Louisiana, Washington, and California, as well as certain specific smaller jurisdictions (such as cities) but there is no evidence that it has resulted in more moderate candidates or elected officials.  In addition, it has led to situations, such as the one in California, where a heavily Democratic and Latino district has two Anglo Republican candidates on the fall ballot.   This particular measure is also sloppily-written, or maybe it is simply deliberately vindictive, with a provision that allows candidates to self-declare membership in any political party, even one that doesn't exist.  While it certainly isn't right to shun voters who choose not to declare an affiliation to a particular party, neither is it right to show contempt for those who do so choose an affiliation, be it Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian, or whatever.   And that provision seems to be designed to specifically shower contempt on voters who have chosen a partisan affiliation.   However, having said all that, the issue is one that legitimately merits discussion, and the backers of the measure jumped through all the right hoops in order to place the question on the ballot.   I'll write more after the events...

Bill Clinton coming to Tempe for Richard Carmona

Former President Bill Clinton is coming to ASU in Tempe as part of a rally for Richard Carmona, the Democratic nominee for US Senate who has been surging in recent polls.  RSVP here.

Basic info:

Date: Wednesday, October 10
Place: ASU Tempe, Sun Devil Performance Lawn, 650 South Athletes Place, Tempe, Arizona 85287
Time: Open at 8 p.m; rally starts at 9 p.m. 

 



Event: Zócalo in Scottsdale: Are Political Parties Hurting Our Democracy?

From Zocalo Public Square -

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012, 7:00 PM

Zócalo in Scottsdale: Are Political Parties Hurting Our Democracy?Mickey Edwards

According to surveys, most Americans are pretty close to the middle on most issues—a fact that hasn’t changed much over time. The problem with American politics today, argues former Oklahoma Republican Congressman Mickey Edwards, isn’t that we’re extreme; it’s that we’re partisan. What creates political gridlock aren’t deep differences in principle but shallow calculations of party advantage. And even when both parties agree on what to do, one party will sabotage the other for trying to do it. But it hasn’t always been this way, and it doesn’t have to continue. What can be done? Edwards, author of The Parties Versus the People: How to Turn Republicans and Democrats Into Americans, visits Zócalo to discuss his ideas for breaking the partisan stranglehold on our democracy by fundamentally restructuring both our elections and our governing systems.

The event will take place at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E 2nd Street in Scottsdale.  The event is free, but reservations are required.  They can be made here.

I disagree with the premise here - I think that the basis of most of that which ails our political system is apathy on the part of a significant percentage, perhaps even a majority, of voters.  That apathy allows certain unscrupulous people to operate with relative impunity, and when one of those people is caught, the apathetic ones are briefly roused from their sleep, point fingers and blame the bad apple who was sloppy enough to be caught doing bad things and the system that "allowed" bad things to happen.

They never look in the mirror when they are pointing fingers.

Still, it should be an interesting evening - discussion is good, and based on my past experience with Zocalo Public Square, the discussion will be both informed and civil.