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The Republicans are getting out their spears and rattles and chanting around the party fire again..."
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Generation We
Writer Eric Greenberg pulled together the results of over eighteen months of research, polls and focus groups to prove one thing: the Millennial Generation is a force to be reckoned with. Through his new book, and a website, Greenberg is harnessing the thoughts and energy of a younger generation.
GenWe was Greenberg's project to help the Millennial Generation empower itself against much scrutiny. Speaking with US News, he said:
"They are not a 'me' generation; they are the 'we' generation," he says. "They are about the greater good," he adds, noting that they're really jazzed up about the environment and the energy crisis. Armed with his huge study, he's urging both presidential campaigns to focus on one mega-idea the kids endorsed; an Apollo-style approach to the energy crisis."
According to the extensive data in GenWe there are between 95 and 100 million people born between 1978 and 2000, and now more than ever those over 95 million young people are united around the same political issues and visions.
The book also makes the case that Millennials are:
- Dedicated to improving the common good over individual gain, a sentiment that crosses all racial, ideological and partisan lines.
- Reject fundamental principles of modern conservatism –primary focus on individual rights and trickle down economics.
- Welcome innovation and are eager to establish a new. paradigm
Greenberg describes many of the issues our world faces today, such as the climate crisis, are of importance for younger folks. These issues span across parties, races, genders, and location. According to the book, Republicans and democrats agree on these issues 85 percent of the time.
"Youth don't realize they have more in common with each other than anything else," Greenberg said in a phone interview. "They have a balance of power in the world more than anyone else, and collectively have a lot of power globally."
He urges Millennials not to put off these problems until tomorrow.
The presidential election is only the first step. The second step is encapsulated on the website that gives young voters and organizations practical organizing tools, from fifteen minute activism to weekend projects and legislation.
I haven't made my way all the way through the book, but had to write about it because what I have read is exactly the thing we needed to prove both to ourselves, major donors, and mainstream media that we are doing important political work.
Economic Car Crashes
In a complete turn around from Monday’s embarrassment, the House has just passed the bailout with a margin of 92 votes.
While everyone on Capitol Hill is patting themselves on the back and both presidential candidates are claiming the role of our knight in shining armor, the big question is: what changed? What revisions were made to change the minds of the 200+ politicians who deemed the plan un-American?
Did they increase the direct benefits to their constituents? Maybe extend a little help to the 9.4 million people who are unemployed? Change the bankruptcy laws to protect all those houses on Main Street from going into foreclosure?
Of course not.
Unlike President Roosevelt, who was under more pressure and facing a nation in even greater despair, Congress didn’t use this opportunity to reform an inherently corrupt system. Instead, they packed the rescue bill with earmarks so off the wall it’s almost funny. Two of my favorites are a $2 million tax break to wooden arrow manufacturers in Oregon and $192 million rebate for rum producers in the Caribbean.
Forget lipstick on a pig. They brought a band-aid to a car crash.
Being the responsible college senior that I am, I spend a lot of time mulling over my future and what I need to do to ensure my long-term success. Normally such thinking involves things like employer 401ks and high-yield savings accounts (I know, I’m a nerd). However, as I watched the news coverage of Fannie, Freddie, and the bailout that wasn’t on Monday, my strategy went by the wayside.
Now, all that comes to mind is how much I’d like to get my hands on one of those shiny red Easy Buttons from Staples.
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Who is Bill Ayers?
Earlier this week, a Wall Street Journal op-ed brought attention back to the connection between Senator Barack Obama and a '60s radical activist, Bill Ayers. As cofounder of the violent left-wing organization the Weatherman, Ayers has been called a domestic terrorist by many state operatives.
Currently, Ayers is an American elementary school theorist, and is connected to Obama through education reform efforts from his days in Chicago. But it merits asking, who is Bill Ayers? And what difference should it make in our estimation of the Democratic candidate for President of the United States?
This much is uncontested: Bill Ayers participated in the bombings of several public monuments, including the New York City Police Headquarters in 1970, the US Capitol Building in 1971, and the Pentagon in 1972. He was a leading member of a radical, leftist terrorist organization called the Weatherman. He spent a short period of time in jail after turning himself in for these crimes in 1980. And he is affiliated with US Senator Barack Obama.
But what is the nature of that affiliation? And perhaps more importantly, what does Bill Ayers believe and how does he act today? Without question, if Senator Obama has in any way shown signs of supporting Mr. Ayers' admittedly guilty and violently radical past, his candidacy would be suspect. But there is no evidence that this is the case.
To begin with, the connection between Senator Obama and Mr. Ayers comes down to three principal items. First, and most notably, they served together on a Chicago school reform initiative called the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, an effort that designed community partnerships with local public schools and was also launched in fifteen other communities. Also serving on the board of the Annenberg Challenge in Chicago were individuals such as Patricia Graham, former dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Arnold Weber, former president of Northwestern University.
Critics may wonder how a self-admitted domestic terrorist rose to lead a well-reputed school reform initiative? Because Mr. Ayers, since his days with the Weatherman, has gone on the straight and narrow. He is currently a distinguished professor of education at the University of Chicago who has garnered attention for his academic efforts in pedagogy, along the way working with officials such as Chicago Mayor Richard Daly.
The second connection is that Mr. Ayers and Senator Obama also served together on the board of an anti-poverty foundation called the Woods Fund of Chicago, which continues to provide support to organizations that seek to educate and empower low-income residents of Chicago.
Third, Mr. Ayers contributed $200 to Senator Obama's Illinois State Senate election campaign in 2001.
So does Senator Obama support a hyper-radical leftist ideology of domestic terrorism, as some skeptics warn? Does he support an unorthodox, militant view of the role of public education? There is no evidence of it. After all, Senator Obama was only eight years old when Bill Ayers committed his violent acts.
I'd love to hear facts about their relationship and how it might impact the next five weeks if you have evidence or conclusions that I've missed here!
Oh, How Names Do Matter!
"I've always said you get 100 votes if you change the name." - California Congressman George Miller, the Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, discussing the likelihood of No Child Left Behind being renewed in the next president's administration.
Representative Miller's comment sheds light on an interesting phenomenon with the controversial law No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The American public overwhelmingly supports action to improve public education, even at the federal level. When asked in general whether they support the goals of the law--increasing student achievement and narrowing the achievement gap for low-income and minority children by holding schools accountable for student performance--large numbers of voters agree.
But when you ask someone how they feel about the actual law named "No Child Left Behind"? Cringe, sneer, boo.
Need numbers? Start with last month's Phi Delta Kappa / Gallup poll, which found that 67 percent of Americans thought the law should be changed or scrapped. Or how about this ETS poll, which found that Americans favored the law 56 percent to 39 percent when it was explained based on its component parts and goals, but were against the law 43 percent to 41 percent when it was actually referenced by name.
Maybe that's why the NCLB is the "10,000 pound gorilla" in the room that neither of the candidates is talking about.
But how, you ask, is it the case that so much about the law rides on the name alone, and not the actual substance? Part of it is a branding issue--interest groups actually opposed to the substance of the law such as the teachers unions have done a great job equating the brand of NCLB with teaching to the test and other unsavory, if vague, notions.
Another part is just a general lack of understanding about what the law actually entails; a post hoc ergo propter hoc effect, so to speak. Public schools have been struggling, particularly in low-income urban and rural areas, for quite some time in the US. Yet today's observers tend to attribute this failure to the most recent event in education policy: NCLB. It's no better logic than attributing my winning $10 on an instant lotto ticket because I had a banana for breakfast, but it's a common enough fallacy that NCLB would be probably unpopular regardless of its name.
However, one thing is certain. Both candidates have been smart to strategically steer clear of mentioning NCLB in their campaign speeches. It's toxic, and it's just as easy to score points by talking about education as a values issue instead of the nitty-gritty that seems to make NCLB so controversial. Seems like we'll have a big gorilla just hanging out until the election is over, when some new catchy name will be unveiled to headline a law that will most likely be strikingly similar to the existing No Child Left Behind Act.
Where's the Love?
(This post originally appeared on Campus Camp Wellstone)
On Monday, Newsweek released a poll showing Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama in a dead heat.
But not among my generation.
With young voters, it's not even close. The largest gap in support by age group is among 18-39 year olds, with an astounding 27 percent lead for Obama. Compare that to the next largest age-based advantage -- 10 percent for McCain among 40 - 59 year olds.
In additional to this latest poll, numbers indicate that 6.5 million people under 30 voted in this year's primaries and caucuses, and the overall youth vote has risen from 9 percent in 2000 to 17 percent in 2008.
These figures prove that young people will be a deciding factor in this election, and in particular, for progressive change. So where is the love?
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Green Jobs Now
On Friday, September 26, Presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama will appear in their first nationally televised debate. The next day, on Saturday, September 27, thousands of people around the nation will take pictures.
The pictures will range from youth in San Francisco holding a solar powered hip-hop festival to a neighborhood block party to clean the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the Showdown in Motown talent show in Detroit, MI that will support Young Detroit Builders.
The effort is part of a national day of action for Green Jobs Now. The thousands of pictures will be used to put pressure on the next Presidential administration to make green collar jobs a national priority -- and make sure that communities of color aren't left out of the dialogue.
The movement toward green-collar jobs is arguably the most organized national youth agenda item in the country. Young folks have made the connection between our economy, access to skilled jobs and the environment. The goal is to build a green economy strong enough to lift millions of people out of poverty.
National youth organizations, including WireTap, The League of Young Voters and other members of GenVote, will push for our next president to outline an effective and sustainable plan for Green Jobs during the first 100 days of the next administration.
Learn how to host an event in your community by following these nine easy steps:
To find an event near you, visit: http://events.greenjobsnow.com/
Coming Soon to a Ballot Box Near You
With the Presidential election and Wall Street's meltdown dominating headlines, it's hard to find news about the ballot measures you'll see in the voting booth this November. California is just one state whose ballots are riddled with important issues that effect young people. So here at Wiretap, we wanted to give you a quick rundown of what to expect and how to get involved in the fight for your rights.
Proposition 2
This measure makes it illegal to confine pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in spaces that don't allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Although many animal rights advocates cheer this measure, some vegans have raised concerns that this law will make it more acceptable to eat animal products. The Humane Society is Prop 2's largest supporter, with more details here: http://yesonprop2.com/
Proposition 4
Prop 4 makes it harder for teenage girls to get abortions without parental consent. If this law passes, it would be illegal for a teenager to terminate her pregnancy without a parent being notified within 48 hours. To stop a parent from being notified, the young person would have to go to juvenile court and request a waiver from the judge. To help protect a woman's right to choose, you can join the Campaign for Teen Safety here: http://www.noonprop4.org/
Proposition 5
Prop 5 is a drug policy reform effort that reduces criminal charges for non-violent drug offenses, shortens parole for drug offenses, and increases funding for drug rehab programs. With Prop 5, California could lead the nation in a new era of drug policy. For more info, visit: http://www.drugpolicy.org/statebystate/california/nora/
Proposition 6
Prop 6 would increase prison sentences for young people and suspected gang members. Officially dubbed the "Safe Neighborhoods Act", the bill is also known as The Runner Initiative by youth advocates who call the measure a deceptive and costly attack against young and undocumented people. For more, visit: http://www.defeatrunner.org/
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Should We Reduce the Voting Age?
This week the National Youth Rights Association released this ad via YouTube and began spreading it across the internet.
I've written about the reduction of the voting age before, yet I still remain fascinated by this topic that still garners so much criticism among the youth movement.
They present a strong argument on DailyKos, but it's quickly met with harsh criticism in the comments section.
Most 16 year olds work and pay taxes, but with no say at all in how their tax money is spent.
Teens will be most effected by issues like education and environment, but have no voice that counts.
16 is a BETTER age to start voting than 18. 16 year olds are more tied to their communities (they are more likely to live at home with their parents). Many 18 year olds are moving to brand new communities to which they have no ties and feel less of a vested interest.
16 year olds can put the government and politics courses they are learning into action, making such coursework more effective and increasing their interest in voting.
Even the government agrees that 16 year olds are presumed to have enough knowledge to vote. In fact the voting rights act of 1965 that anyone with a 6th grade education is presumed to have the "literacy, comprehension, and intelligence to vote in any election." 42 U.S.C. 1971 (c). If a sixth grade education is enough, which shouldn't high schoolers who have completed 9th or 10th grade be able to cast a ballot?
Another solid argument is that there have been tens of thousands of young people under the age of 18 who -- our judicial system has decided -- are adult enough to stand trial as adults.
When I posed this as evidence that our government already considers these youth as adults to some in the youth movement, it was met with urgency to reform the judicial system instead, and spend more time on issues that matter more.
Another argument not included is the high school drop out age. Some states like New Hampshire have raised the age to 18, but in many states in the south it remains at 16.
The age to get married in the US is usually 18, but most states allow it if there is parental consent for those 16 or over. If you're pregnant parental consent is waved in many states.
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New McCain Attack Ad Obliterates The Line
This is the time of the election cycle when things get painful. Candidates and campaign staff, on the one hand, have to dig deep to make tough decisions about tactics and targets with limited time and resources as November 4th draws close. And they do so amidst heigtened attention even after some 20 months of non-stop campaigning with hardly any sleep.
But the most painful part of the campaign season for most ordinary Americans is how we are subjected to senseless lies and irresponsible attack ads which make it virtually impossible to make any kind of accurate judgment about what the two candidates would do for our country.
One of the most disgusting ads I've seen in quite some time was put out just two days ago by the McCain campaign. Understand that I would be the first to call out the Obama campaign if they had put the ad out instead -- my interest here is in challenging either candidate when they misrepresent their own positions and records on the ever-important issue of public education reform, or in this case, when one misrepresents his opponent's views. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the issue is too vital to millions of children and indeed the very future of our nation to play partisan political football with. Judge for yourself in the following 30 second clip being shown in various battleground states:
The ad basically alleges that Barack Obama thinks it is more important to teach kids about sex than it is to teach them how to read. It begins by misrepresenting a series of Education Week and Washington Post articles that actually speak approvingly of Senator Obama's maverick and reform-minded views on school reform, and then goes on to suggest in voice-over -- on top of a picture of a smirking Obama -- that his only accomplishment in education is a sex education bill for kindergarteners. The not-so-subtle implication is that Senator Obama is actually a run-of-the-mill sleezeball or perhaps worse, a pedophile.
The truth? Senator Obama is actually well-regarded by reform-minded education thinkers who respect his bold uncoupling of the Democratic platform on education from the narrowly-focused goals of teachers unions which have dominated Democratic views on school reform for the last half century. And the sex education bill that he passed while in the Illinois Senate? It actually supported age-appropriate sex education that would help teach children how to protect themselves from sexual predators and pedophiles. In other words, if one watches the McCain ad while considering the truth, the ad actually implies that Senator McCain is against providing children with critical information that may help them avoid sexual abuse.
But Aaron, wait! Who are you to say that the McCain ad is mis-representing the Washington Post and Ed Week positions on Senator Obama's education platform? Aren't you no worse than the McCain ad if you don't provide facts to back up your assertions? Fair enough. So don't take it from me that the Washington Post and Ed Week support Senator Obama. Take it from them, directly, here (the Washington Post actually fires back at the McCain camp directly for twisting its words), and here for the original Ed Week piece.
Exclusive Ralph Nader Interview
Originally posted on Rock the Trail, a project of Rock the Vote and WireTap.
Check out the B FRESH/Davey D collabo interview with Ralph Nader, Presidential candidate for the Independent Party, live from the Xcel Energy Center on September 4th, 2008.
Thanks to Pacifica Radio and Davey D's Hard Knock Radio.
Safe Sex Comes to Conventions
Even though Trojan Condoms launched its Evolve America tour last April, the safer sex campaign still made quite an appearance at both the Democratic and Republican conventions. Calling it the "condomvention" Trojan's bus rolled into Denver, Colorado for a huge party the first night of the festivities.
With special guests including Ja Rule, Spike Lee, Alan Cumings, Josh Lucas, Tony Goldwyn, and Gloria Reuben, the party started with open bar and a little comedy.
The Evolve tour targeted delegates, sexual health advocacy groups, policymakers and the presidential candidates themselves, urging them to acknowledge safer sex issues and get them on the political and social agendas.
According to the International Business Times, the tour is designed to engage Americans directly by pledging to use a condom every time and sign a petition for change. This, they say, is in light of:
"condom advertising restrictions on network prime time television in effect, and over a billion dollars spent on abstinence-only education that does not advocate condom use..."
There are two tours continuing from the conventions. Evolve Yourself and Involve Yourself plan to crisscross the country through the final months of the Presidential campaigns.
"Trojan Evolve is a call to action," says Jim Daniels, Vice President of Marketing for Church & Dwight Co Inc. "We're quite literally going city to city asking Americans to pledge to use a condom every time, sign a petition for change and help turn the tide on the unhealthy state of sexual health in this country."
See my video on the campaign below and take the pledge at TrojanCondoms.com
John Edwards: Gay Marriage Advocate?
On a night when the country’s attention was on the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics, and with a barrage of evidence and rumors barreling down on him, populist hero John Edwards quietly admitted that for almost a year he had cheated on his wife Elizabeth, a woman who is possibly more respected than he is and has cancer. Oh, and there’s a baby involved.
Whenever scandals of this nature pop up and the public has to sit through another publicity shot of the apologetic statesman with his tail between his legs and dutiful wife by his side, the same reactions arise. Some see it as a strictly private issue that has nothing to do with a person’s leadership or civic duty. Others feel it one more example of how politicians -- or men in general -- are pigs.
For me, the flawed characters of men like John Edwards bring one question to mind – Why is gay marriage illegal again?
The Edwards scandal, despite its salacious details, has surprisingly been a minor blip on our cultural radar, swept away by the Jonas Brothers and Chinese gymnasts. Part of the neglect is due to the fact that the snooty main stream media was scooped by the lowly National Enquirer. Another factor is that if you remove Elizabeth Edwards’ illness from the tale, it is a story that pops up every few months: charming politician lets his ego and hormones get away from him (and it’s always a man). From Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to Sen. Larry Craig to former NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer, we’re experiencing infidelity fatigue.
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RNC: Journalists Locked Up
(This was originally posted on Rock the Trail -- a project of Rock the Vote and WireTap).
Pre-Convention Drama
Raids of suspected terrorists swept the Twin Cities before the Republican National Convention doors even opened:
..
I was driving down I-94 on Saturday and saw a green school bus pulled over:
Monday Morning
My backyard in St. Paul is overrun with protesters, anarchists, police, secret service agents. The crowd was mostly Republican, but you could spot a few Democrats and Independents walking around in their Obama Ts. There were others -- legal observers, the media and innocent onlookers with strollers and cameras. I walked out of my front door this morning at 9am, near the Cathedral on John Ireland and Kellogg Blvds. Protesters greeted me on their way to the state Capitol nearby, heading to the March on the RNC, gripping signs saying "No Peace for the Warmakers," "No More War" and "WWJB: Who Would Jesus Bomb" with water in hand, expecting a heat wave- a humid 90 degrees.
The Convention
Compared to the DNC, things felt pretty empty here in St. Paul.
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DNC: Talk With Strangers
Strangers have been on my mind a lot this week. It started in Denver, around the time that thousands began to descend onto Invesco field for Barack Obama’s democratic nomination acceptance speech. Our WireTap crew – meaning Kristina and I – got there bright and early at 10am, with one press pass, blisters and unbeatable determination.
After careful networking and a huge dose of luck, we were both able to get into the stadium. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Joseline Pena-Melnyk, perhaps our most memorable person from the convention. Optimistic and warm-hearted, Joseline spoke fondly about letting her kids in Maryland watch the speech on TV only if they finished their homework. After an hour of conversation she revealed herself as an elected official, and spoke candidly about her journey from the Dominican Republic to public office.
There were others – grandmothers from Harlem, rednecks from Missouri, anti-immigration activists from Colorado and anti-establishment writers from New York. Some I connected with, others I just listened to, but we respected one another despite our differences.
We lucked out with great seats, and began our ten hour wait in Denver’s unrelenting sun. There were celebrities and politicians, worthy political observations (secret service agents) and not-so-worthy ones (Al Sharpton’s perm). By the time night fell and the crowd of over 80,000 strong stood screaming and teary-eyed, I couldn’t help but think about the power of strangers brought together for one common unifying cause.
Inevitably, anyone can become family when given the chance.
It’s in this spirit that just days after the historic gathering of millions in Denver that we await Hurricane Gustav’s landfall.
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DNC: Last Night I Waved An American Flag
I was one of the 80,000 people who packed into Invesco Field to see Barack Obama claim the Democratic Presidential Nomination last night. It is hard for me to believe that a man of African ancestry is this close to becoming the President of the United States. I have to be honest: while I knew last night would be an extraordinary historical landmark, I did not expect to leave Denver as a proud and joyful American. But I did.
Last night, for the first time in my adult life, I waved an American Flag. It was just a little thing; a stick and fabric symbol, the same kind ancient veterans in immaculate uniforms hand out on the 4th of July. In my hand, it felt as light as air. It was something to be careful with.
I wasn't waving the Red White and Blue because I am a Democrat, Republican or Independent. This wasn't about party; it was a personal celebration, shared by the 80,000 different Americans who crammed into that stadium. We came because we see this election as a chance to shrug off the partisanship of politics as usual. We came to display our pride, together.
I waved that flag because I believe that change is finally possible in our country. For too long the people who form the bedrock of our nation have been left out of the American Dream. Our greatest leaders have been murdered and destroyed, our institutions broken. We, our friends and families, work ourselves to the bone to make ends meet and can expect each day to simply be more of the same.
After last night's historic event, I woke up convinced that we can realize our beautiful dream. It wasn't the candidate that changed me. It wasn't the speech. It was the faces of those around me showing me that we, as Americans, are sick of the status quo. We are tired of inequality. We are ready to step up to be leaders in the greatest tradition of the men and women who placed this flag, this land, into our hands.
I believe that we have what it takes to tackle the contradictions that continue to divide us. We can truly become the "Change Generation." We face problems unprecedented in human history, and we must meet them as brothers and sisters. We are going to have to work harder every day, to convince the skeptical, and demonstrate the power of the Beloved Community over and over again. If we want it, we can do it. Last night we proved it.