Are you ready for some football?

In honor of the kickoff of the pigskin season, I present you with the all-time Presidential football team.

OFFENSE

Quarterback/Punter - Ronald Reagan

This is by far the most important position in the game and it was a very tough choice. I decided to go with Reagan (6-ft-1, 185 pounds), who played collegiality at Eureka College. Though somewhat small for the modern position of QB, Reagan gets the job for his portrayal of George Gipp in the classic 1940 movie, "Knute Rockne, All-American." Of course it was Rockne that invented the forward pass and decided his team needed to "Win one for the Gipper." Gipp played multiple positions at the University of Notre Dame and Reagan is perfect because to be the quarterback you have to look like a movie star.

Running Back - Dwight D. Eisenhower

You have to go with Eisenhower (5-ft-10, 173 pounds) here because he actually played the position at Army and was known on the gridiron as the "Kansas Cyclone." He hurt his knee tackling the legendary Jim Thorpe in 1912. Throw in the fact that he was a major reason why we won World War II and it's easy to see why we like Ike. Eisenhower is one of just two players on the team on both offense and defense.

Fullback - John F. Kennedy

We've all seen countless images of the Kennedy clan playing football at the family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, so we needed to find a spot for JFK (6-ft-0, 175). Both Reagan and Eisenhower should feel good having the PT-109 captain blocking for them as Kennedy once saved someone's life during WWII by swimming him to safety. Kennedy gripped the guy's lifejacket with his teeth while they swam.

Left tackle and Left guard - William Howard Taft

This is a big task for a big guy, but we decided that Mr. Taft (6-ft-0, 332) could man two positions at the same time. Our country's heaviest President needed a custom-made bathtub built in the White House - he was one large dude.

Center - Gerald Ford

If this team is going to win games it will be because of this guy - the most athletic President in our history. Ford (6-ft-0, 195) was an All-American center at the University of Michigan. He led the Wolverines to the national championship in 1933. See his picture to the right. This is our captain and he was also a linebacker at Michigan, so like Eisenhower, he'll be playing on both sides of the ball.

Right tackle and Right guard - Warren Harding and Grover Cleveland

You've got to have size on the offensive line and these guys will help Ford and Taft protect the quarterback. Harding (6-ft-0, 240) and Cleveland (5-ft-11, 307) round out an impressive group. Harding also holds the title of having the biggest shoe of any President with a size 14.

Tight End - Teddy Roosevelt

I think this Rough Rider will more than hold his own at this important position. Roosevelt (5-ft-10, 200) overcame asthma to box at Harvard and was known to play tennis on the White House front lawn.

Wide Receivers - Barack Obama and George H.W. Bush

You need some guys with sure hands at this position and each one fits the bill. Obama (6-ft-1, 180) led the Occidental College basketball team in scoring in 1979 and is shown above running circles around the First Dog, Bo. Bush (6-ft-2, 195) played first base at Yale and led the school to the College World Series in 1948. Plus, many times during his presidency, quarterback Reagan threw things in Bush's direction.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line - Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton, George Washington and Chester Arthur

On the D-Line, you want some guys that can pressure the quarterback and this group will get the job done. Johnson (6-ft-3, 200) and Clinton (6-ft-2, 232) make up the left side of the unit with Washington and Arthur manning the right, both at 6-ft-2, 222. I think Washington can lead the league in sacks as he's been chopping down cherry trees in the off season.

Outside Linebackers - Eisenhower and Ford (see above)

Middle Linebacker - Richard Nixon

In the National Football League, the middle linebacker is wired on the field so coaches can communicate with him whenever needed. Nixon (5-ft-11, 173) brings a lot of wire tapping experience to the table and he played the position at Whittier College.

Secondary - Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Franklin Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson

We've got some speedsters in the secondary who will be all over the opposition's receivers. Wilson (5-ft-11, 170) played center field at Davidson College. Carter (5-ft-9, 160) can run all day as he was on the cross country and baseball teams at Navy. Pre-polio FDR (6-ft-2, 192) ended the Great Depression and Jefferson (6-ft-2) wrote the Declaration of Independence - enough said.

Kicker - James Madison

I'm not sure if Madison had any athletic talent at all, but this position is reserved for little Oompa-Loompas and he fits that bill at just 5-ft-3, 100 pounds.

Coach - Abraham Lincoln

I want our nation's smartest President at the helm and Lincoln is the definition of a leader.

Water Boy - George W. Bush

Do I really need to elaborate?

So there you have it - the all-time Presidential football team. Enjoy the season!

OUT IN THE FIELD (UPDATE)

111 TOTAL NEW DEMOCRATS

18 REPUBLICAN KILLS

Right way to remember 9/11

It's really hard to believe that it's been eight years since that terrible day. I think this is a sentiment shared by most Americans because it still holds a very dear place in our hearts and each anniversary brings back a flood of varied memories. We will never forget the brave men and women who were killed by a group of cowards with a twisted agenda.

I really didn't want to get political today, but leave it to our conservative friends to go there and I feel the need to respond. From an article in USA Today, Laura Ingraham, guest-hosting on Fox's The O'Reilly Factor last night, said the following, "a smattering of left-wing groups is trying to co-opt 9/11 and make it their day."

Apparently the former Ronald Reagan speechwriter and current a-hole is not happy with President Obama's signing of legislation in April to make 9/11 a National Day of Service and Remembrance. She sees no good in people giving back to their communities today.

"It blurs the importance of what happened," Ingraham said. She went on to say that the day should instead be used to educate the young people "on the threats to freedom and liberty...by Islamic jihadists."

Not surprisingly, people that actually lost someone during the attacks disagree with Ingraham's sentiments.

In the USA Today article, Nikki Stern, who lost her husband at the Trade Center, says she likes the emphasis on service. "I don't want my husband's death to justify an eternal armed-guard mentality. The day is more about the spirit that impelled Jay's brother to run into that building."

Since when did good deeds and service to the community become political? It probably occurred around the same time it became uncool to have the President talk to our schoolchildren. Or was it when we started applauding the denial of health care to our fellow man. Or maybe it began several years ago when we used a tragic event to fight a pointless war by manipulating the emotions of a grieving nation.

Foreclosure in Greenfield

As I walked through a beautiful little neighborhood in Greenfield last night knocking on doors to register new Democrats, I was taken aback by the number of houses in foreclosure. There was one stretch of four houses in-a-row all in the same predicament. It's a sad sign of the times here in California and across the United States.

According to Housing Predictor (www.housingpredictor.com), one in every 357 U.S. households received a foreclosure filing during the month of August. Some 358,471 properties had filings, keeping activity 18 percent above a year ago. California had the third highest rate in the country with one in every 144 homes in foreclosure or in the process. The state posted the highest number of REOs (Real Estate Owned) properties in the country with 92,326 properties receiving a notice in August. A REO is a property that goes back to the mortgage company after an unsuccessful foreclosure activity.

What does this all mean for the future? Opinions vary, but there is some optimism as the total number of foreclosures dipped from July. I just wonder how long these homes in Greenfield, and in other communities in Monterey County, will remain vacant.

OUT IN THE FIELD

We made our way to King City tonight and we're prepared for some opposition in a place that has nearly double the amount of registered Republicans as Greenfield. It was a decent night for a Friday - traditionally the slowest night of the week. Most of the people I encountered were very nice and I was able to convert six new Democrats. Despite the challenge of more Republicans, I think we've got a chance to have a real solid Saturday. We'll wait and see.

106 TOTAL NEW DEMOCRATS

16 REPUBLICAN KILLS

To clap or not to clap

Aside from watching President Obama give one of his best speeches yet, my favorite part of last night was seeing confused Republicans debating when and when not to clap. Here's a great clip from the Jimmy Kimmel show about it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la3lolzqip4).

Like a college professor, Obama passionately broke down the details of his health care plan and at the same time, squashed the various lies/theories that have been dreamed up by the right in recent months. Though I've listened to him discuss the plan many times, it was even more effective hearing him do it in front of Congress and the American people on prime time television.

Let's not pull any punches here Republicans, the President addressed your so-called concerns and even gave you guys tons of credit for your contributions to improving the legislation, but we all know you're still going to kill it. It's what you think you have to do because politics and being re-elected are much more important than saving lives and doing what is good and what is right. You're stuck each day and night with this inner turmoil because I know deep down you feel bad for the people not insured. I really do believe each one of you has a heart.

Of course the most despicable moment of the night came courtesy of Joe Wilson, a Republican representative from South Carolina, who in classy fashion called the President of the United States a liar. I bet when Mr. Wilson was in high school he also used to yell at the nerds and liked giving the smaller boys wedgies. I was very pleased to hear this morning that Wilson's Democratic opponent in South Carolina in the upcoming election received a boatload of new contributions following the outburst.

As I noted above, the speech was one of Obama's best and that's saying a lot considering how good his others have been. The final 15 or so minutes when he spoke of Senator Kennedy were uplifting and right from the heart. Not only did it make me even prouder to be an American, but I'm so so glad I'm on this side of the debate.

OUT IN THE FIELD

It was a decent night in Greenfield though I missed the first game of the NFL season. I happened to catch a little of the beginning because a new Democrat invited me in his home to fill out the paperwork during the opening kickoff. It was also a milestone of sorts as I hit the century mark having registered my 100th new Democratic voter in just over three weeks of work. It was especially fitting because he was a Republican upset at all the cuts made to state workers by the Governator. I was also berated by a Republican who basically told us to enjoy our short time on the planet because the socialist President is going to lead us all to doom. Hate Obama all you want, but it's hard to imagine him presiding over the end of human existence. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Stay tuned!

100 TOTAL NEW DEMOCRATS

16 REPUBLICAN KILLS

Terminate the Terminator

According to the folks over at Uprising Radio (www.uprisingradio.org) a new alliance called Californians for Accountable Leadership has formed in an effort to impeach Governor Schwarzenegger stating that his leadership has constituted a "gross misconduct in office."

Now I know that you can Google the name of just about every high profile politician on both sides of the aisle and find a group trying to have them impeached, but what makes this group stick out is the variety of people from different walks of life involved.

The coalition of community organizations, social service agencies and labor unions will be presenting their demands Thursday to Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senator Darrell Steinberg. The group is contending that the Governator should be impeached because of his line-item veto abuse, negligence in the face of the budget crisis and putting the lives of Californians at risk by making deep cuts in necessary social services.

Based on my experiences thus far out in the field signing up new Democrats, I have only met one person who even admitted to voting for Schwarzenegger and she gave him a very back-handed compliment when she said, "I think he's doing a good job, kind of."

From an Associated Press article in today's Monterey County Herald (www.montereyherald.com), among Schwarzenegger's cuts is the closing of six domestic violence centers. This is yet another example of the convoluted conservative logic of cutting from the bottom versus the top. Why again and again do we see those without band-aids getting cut over and over again?

In addition to the six closings, dozens more are on the verge of shutting down due to the lack of money. Schwarzenegger eliminated the program's $20.4 million budget when he used his line-item authority to veto nearly $500 million in the revised budget passed by the Legislature. Lawmakers had voted to maintain the program but cut its budget by 20 percent.

It's a sad day when abused women and children can't seek help they so desperately need and it shows just how out of touch this guy is with the everyday lives of his poorer constituents. The rally calling for impeachment is on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m outside the Los Angeles offices of Speaker and Senator Pro Term at 300 N. Spring Street.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlLpCh-lE54

Did anyone bring an apple for the President?

Leave it to the Republicans to make a political issue out of the President visiting a school. I wonder why they didn't get upset when a former President wouldn't leave a school?

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rO3F6mZUaE)

Anyway, President Obama gave his much publicized speech today in Virginia and none of the points the Republican and conservative talking heads said would surely be in it were.

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com), a small group of protesters gathered outside Wakefield High School in the Washington D.C. suburb of Arlington, Va. waiting for the President's arrival.

One sign read: "Mr. President, stay away from our kids." I wonder if this person even had a kid at the school. It's hard to believe that someone would be upset that their kid met a President of the United States, something they will be able to talk/brag about for the rest of their lives. Instead, this person holds up a sign with the kind of message normally reserved for visiting child molesters. I want to meet this person holding up the sign because I bet that if he/she does in fact have kids, they will grow up to be Democrats.

I'm trying to remember if any past presidents received gruff for addressing schoolchildren and surprisingly, nothing comes to mind. I recall the local weatherman visiting our kindergarten classroom and thinking that was the greatest thing ever. I can only imagine how cool it would've been to meet any president, especially if they read us a book like, I don't know, "My Pet Goat."

Conservatives contended that Obama's speech would indoctrinate the children with a "socialist" political agenda.

"I think it's a sad, sad day that the political back-and-forth has intruded on anyone speaking to schoolchildren and teachers and parents about the responsibilities that they have as we enter a new school year," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Monday.

Anger over the president's education address prompted the Department of Education to revise a suggestion that children write a letter about how they could help the president. God forbid if schoolchildren give back to their country. We must never forget the inspiring words of another former president that the right liked calling a socialist. Doesn't it seem all the great ones are called socialists (Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and now Barack Obama)?

"And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

John F. Kennedy

Out in the field - It was a decent night in Greenfield as the team had a record-breaking total. I personally was able to sign up nine new Democrats in all, including two more Republican kills. I'm nearing the century mark and hope to hit it over the next two nights.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 90 NEW DEMOCRATS

15 REPUBLICAN KILLS

Milk's legacy shines on

Amazingly in this state of disarray we call California conservative lawmakers have enough time on their hands to COME OUT against a proposed day honoring Harvey Milk.

In Friday's Los Angeles Times will be a story about how conservatives are calling on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto a day to recognize the many achievements of the slain San Francisco supervisor. Milk, the first openly gay elected leader, was gunned down in San Francisco City Hall back in 1978. A movie, "Milk," was made about his life last year and actor Sean Penn won the Best Actor honor at the Oscars for his portrayal of the gay rights icon.

According to the story (www.latimes.com), a proposal for a day to recognize Milk was passed by the Legislature on Thursday and is among more than a dozen gay rights bills offered in the aftermath of Proposition 8, last November's ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage in California.

The proposal, penned by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), would make May 22 "Harvey Milk Day" throughout the state.

Leno told the newspaper, "There are days of special significance for John Muir, for the California poppy. Why would we not have such a day for this unique California hero?"

It's a very simple answer according to opponents - because Milk's gayness will ruin our children and brainwash them into a gay lifestyle.

Randy Thomasson, president of SaveCalifornia.com, protested on the steps outside the Capitol on Thursday saying that "Harvey Milk is and was a terrible role model for kids... He was a public liar that twisted the truth while running for office about his military career... and was a sexual anarchist who had multiple boyfriends." Geez, there's never been a straight politician that didn't get accused of being a "public liar" (see all of them), or twisted the truth about his military career while running for office (see George W. Bush) or had multiple girlfriends (again, see all of them).

Opponents also say that honoring Milk would be endorsing homosexuality and schools might hold mock gay weddings and gay pride parades on campus. When I started writing this entry I wanted to be supportive of the proposed day, but now all this gay talk is making me want to blow a Republican. I can see what they're saying about how cock-eyed the idea really is and I refuse to bend over for the left. I quickly digress.

Not surprisingly, the Governator's office has been receiving waves of phone calls, e-mails and faxes for weeks from both gay rights advocates and conservative Christians so much so that Schwarzenegger's office has created a special phone line to handle the volume.

Now I'll be the first to admit that I'm a big fan of Milk, so my views are a bit biased on this whole controversy. He's a fellow graduate of the University at Albany and I've got to support my peeps. It just seems like there's too much shit going down here for these a-holes to worry about a celebration of Harvey Milk.

Alice Kesler of Equality California, a gay rights organization that fought Prop 8, made a great point in the Times story when she said, "When we honor civil rights leaders, we honor them for their public service, not for their personal lives. This is just a red herring."

Here's where things will get interesting. Last year, Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar proposal placed on his desk, but since then Milk's life has become even more publicized. In addition to the movie, Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, announced Milk would be one of a dozen men and women inducted into the California Hall of Fame this year. In July, President Obama awarded Milk the posthumous Medal of Freedom. It's going to be a lot harder for the Governator to veto it this year, but let's not be surprised when he does.

OUT IN THE FIELD: It was a decent night in Soledad even though the warm California sun nearly burned right through me. Luckily, a kind woman and her little son gave me a freezing cold bottle of water about halfway through. It's amazing what lengths I will go to in the spirit of registering people to vote. BTW, I was able to swing three Republicans tonight and had 11 new Democrats registered in all.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 67 NEW DEMOCRATS

10 REPUBLICAN KILLS

A Whole Lotta Bitin' Going On

Things got so testy at a health care rally last night in Thousand Oaks (near Los Angeles) that an attendee had their pinkie finger bitten off.

Numerous media outlets are reporting that a 65-year-old man rallying against President Obama's reform ideas had his finger bitten off by a pro-reformer during a scuffle. The action all took place as an estimated 100 supporters of health care reform affiliated with Moveon.org had gathered as part of a nationwide array of pre-Labor Day rallies to attract attention in support of Obama's reform plans currently being debated before Congress (www.latimes.com)

Anti-health care-reform protesters gathered across the street and the suspect decided to join them. Pretty soon, biting ensued.

There have been conflicting reports on which side did the biting and who's hurting, but one thing is for sure, this is not a good way to move forward on this debate. As you readers know, I personally attended a health care debate on Monday night and walked away from it wanting to fight someone. Now, I haven't been in a fight in many years and I'm not sure my pearly whites would get involved in an altercation, but I can understand the anger this biter probably had all built up inside. I'm not condoning biting, spitting, tasering or dumping liquid acid on anyone, but I do understand where those sentiments are coming from.

Scratch the part above where I said this isn't a good way to move forward on this debate. I'm actually becoming more pro-biting as I type this. By the way, the anti-health care guy lost his pinkie finger. It's not like he lost a real important finger like the index or middle. Now if he had lost his thumb, I would really come out against such biting, but the pinkie finger is useless just like the pinkie toe. Plus considering what side the older man is on in the debate you have to assume he has a great health insurance plan.

What's another penny when you've got 40 million of them?

A debate is raging in Salinas over a penny while police chief rakes in nearly $400,000 a year.

I had to do a double take on that last part and have been scratching my head for the last 20 minutes. The following rant isn't anti-police because that's the last thing on my mind. I've always been a big supporter of cops and the amazing job they do by putting themselves at risk for the betterment of society. Yeah, I know, there are some bad ones, but name me a profession where every employee is perfect.

This rant also isn't siding with either political party as there are people from both sides of the aisle divided on the complex issue.

Okay, so let's get back to the debate and still being a California newbie, I will try to present the facts as I know them. On Nov. 3 in the city of Salinas there will be an initiative on the ballot - better known as Measure K - that would increase the sales tax in Salinas by 1 cent if passed. Supporters are saying the increase will solve the problem of gang crime that has ravaged the city this year with 21 homicides all related to gang activity. According to the Monterey Herald (www.montereyherald.com), the city has about 3,500 gang members and associates, whom the police say are responsible for almost all violent crime in the city.

In July, the Salinas City Council unanimously voted to put the measure on the ballot. If approved, the sales tax would increase to 9.75 percent, giving Salinas the highest sales tax in the county.

Police Chief Louis Fetherolf told the newspaper that the money raised would be used to hire more police officers and fund gang-prevention initiatives. Nowhere did he mention if some of it might find its way into his paycheck and that of other high-ranking police officials. Oh yeah, this is coming from a guy making almost $400,000 a year. Last time I checked, that number was double what the President of the United States makes. Wouldn't Obama be a great police chief? I digress.

According to the Californian (www.thecalifornian.com), $16.8 million was paid in overtime to the Salinas Public Safety Department in 2008. One member of the police department made $115,000 in OT. Supporters say Measure K will bring $18-20 million in additional revenue to the city each year. Fetherolf says he needs 84 new police officers. I'm trying to follow this logic, so please be patient. If not having enough police officers is the issue, can't they cut the overtime and use that money to pay for some new employees versus raising an already high sales tax that will surely drive consumers even farther away from Salinas???

According to a group "No On K" headed by local businessman Brett Landon, following the last city tax increase (Measure V), the number of Salinas City government officials getting paid more than $100,000/a year jumped from 100 to 243. This doesn't include high cost of taxpayer-funded health and retirement benefits. Coincidence - I think not.

If this measure passes, not only will Salinas have the highest sales tax in the county but it will be making a serious run at Chicago (10.25) for highest in the United States. That's right I said Chicago.

I've tried here to present both sides of the argument. I'm still gaining as much information as I can on it and will make a decision in a timely manner of where I stand. I would like to hear from you the readers, especially Californians that can really provide more depth to my analysis based on your experiences of living here. Thanks for reading.

Pigs Seen Flying Over California

Just when you thought the state couldn't get any more bad news comes a report that one in four Californians will contact H1N1 - better known as the swine flu - this fall.

According to the Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com), state health officer Dr. Mark Horton is predicting just that. In a letter released by the Department of Health, Horton says, "All of us must prepare for the disruptions the novel H1N1 influenza virus may have on our daily lives."

Let's do a quick tally of some major issues in the news right now: the state's broke, unemployment is higher here than anywhere else in the country, half the place is on fire and now many of us are going to be getting the flu. I thought you were an action hero, Mr. Schwarzenegger - aren't you supposed to be saving us from our pending doom?

It makes me wonder if God is angry with California for all the porn being made in the San Fernando Valley. Surely someone must have a grudge with this state.

But seriously, the article goes on to say that health officials believe the combination of H1N1 and the regular flu season will strain the state's health care system as people overflow emergency rooms. Since H1N1 was first detected this spring, 125 Californians have died.

According to the Department of Health, everyday actions that can be taken to help protect against and prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu include:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

If you're looking for more information, go to www.cdph.ca.gov or call 1-888-865-0564.

OUT IN THE FIELD: We changed the playing field today from Salinas to Soledad and had a strong showing from a team perspective. For me, it was a mixed bag with six new Democrats. I really do need to pick up some Spanish learning tapes at the library. I'm picking up a little each day, but I'm still pretty lost unless the person has at least a working knowledge of English.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 56 NEW DEMOCRATS

7 REPUBLICAN KILLS

Standing Together for Health Insurance Reform

I was lucky enough to attend one of Congressman Sam Farr's Town Hall meetings on health care tonight in Salinas and came away with an even greater desire to FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

Farr, who represents the 17th District (the entire coast of Monterey and Santa Cruz County), is a much better person than most as he was able to deflect the negativity of some truly angry lunatics on the right, while appealing to his fans on the left. Though I'm not a violent person, after a few hours of listening to the uneducated rants of the privileged, I was ready to hurt a few and send them crying right to their individual health care providers.

This was Farr's fourth such forum in the last few weeks, so I'm sure he's heard almost every opinion. The person that pissed me off more than all others was a guy who told Farr he needed to listen to those that oppose President Obama's health care legislation because they make up the majority of the audience at all of his forums. Probably the greatest reason more of the dissenters show up at these meetings - and there were also plenty of supporters there as well - is because many of the working class people who need health insurance are actually working at night. They're the ones that served you at the restaurant you frequented before the meeting. Better yet, they're the ones at your home babysitting your kids so you can attend.

The greatest irony of the night was reserved for the people who called out Farr for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the meeting. The right always act like they're the party of patriotism. After rudely interrupting Farr with an impromptu rendition of the Pledge, it was great to see them all get a little humbled when they were called out for the final refrain, "......and justice for all." That's what health care reform is all about - JUSTICE FOR ALL.

I hope the health care reform haters were proud to be represented by a mother who brought her small children to the event, and was carrying a sign that read, "Hitler and Stalin would've loved HR 3200." Even better was the guy wearing a homemade t-shirt that read simply, "Fuck Socialism." Very classy. There's nothing quite like comparing Obama to two guys that combined to kill approximately 50-60 million people. Good stuff.

It was also rewarding to see those who called out specifics of Obama's bill, spun with rhetoric learned from the big mouths of guys like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, get shot down with their diluted theories as Farr had a copy of the entire bill with him. He reminded all those that may not realize some congressman actually do read legislation put in front of them that he had read the 1,200-page document.

Approximately 47 million Americans are currently uninsured and you can count this blogger among them. It's a scary reality I've been living with for a few months now. I'm not asking anyone to pull out a violin and play a song for me because many have gone much longer without it. Last week at the gas pump, I got talking to a limousine driver in his mid-to-late 60's who doesn't have health insurance. He told me he's been lucky in the health department over the years, but he's frightened about what lies in his future.

At a previous job, a person I worked with didn't have health insurance despite the fact that she was a full-time worker that probably did more work than all of us combined. Add in the fact that she's a single mother with two children and you can't help but have some compassion. Have those opposed to health care reform lost this virtue?

While those supporting health care reform were clearly outnumbered at Monday night's event, their voices were loud and they were heard. One of my favorite moments came near the conclusion when a woman from Pacific Grove told the crowd about how proud she is to be an American living at this time with this President and this Congress/Senate. That's the way I feel every day out in the field knocking on doors or chatting with a friend about what Obama is up to. It's the spirit we had in November on Election Night and in Washington D.C. in January at his Inauguration. I remind all of you who supported the President and helped get him elected that the fight is far from over. The fight has just begun. Get involved. As Bono so eloquently puts in a a song from the newest U2 album, "Every generation gets a chance to change the world." This is our chance.

It was a short day in the field and I was able to register four new Democrats. Two of the women were a bit older and had recently become citizens. They were very excited to get signed up.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 50 NEW DEMOCRATS

7 REPUBLICAN KILLS

What can Brown do for you?

Though he hasn't officially announced a run for Governor of California next year, the prospect of a Jerry Brown candidacy has me excited.

Way back in 1992, despite not being able to vote yet, it was Brown I was rooting for to be the next President of the United States. William Jefferson Clinton had other plans and of course, the rest is history.

Fast-forward to the present and it looks like Brown is the Democratic front-runner for the position being vacated by a termed out Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010. Brown, 71, currently serves as the state's Attorney General where he is being applauded by pundits/lawmakers from both sides of the aisle for fighting among other things mortgage fraud, crime and political corruption.

Brown really has done it all throughout his political career with stints as California's Secretary of State, chair of the Democratic Party and Mayor of Oakland. If that's not enough for you, maybe the fact that he already held the job of governor from 1975-1983 will do the convincing.

Though things can always change in politics with the drop of a hat, it appears Brown's chief rival will be Gavin Newsom, the current Mayor of San Francisco. In 2003, the 41-year-old became the city's youngest mayor in 100 years. This looks to be setting up as the classic new ideas vs. old ideas debate for the Dems. Considering the current crisis mode the state of California is in, it's much safer to go with the latter.

According to an article in today's LA Times (www.latimes.com), Brown is leading in polling throughout the state, including in Newsom's own San Francisco (17 points). While last year's presidential election screamed of change, it appears Californians are so scared for their futures that they would rather go with someone they know has been around the block a few times.

As the article notes, history seems to be on Brown's side as very few newcomers have become governor here with Ronald Reagan (1966) and Schwarzenegger (2003) being two notable exceptions. Also hurting Newsom is the fact that very few mayors have become governor without first getting experience on the state side.

It all makes for an interesting upcoming year. Being new to the state, I would love to hear from my fellow Californians with their perspectives on what lies ahead and what's most important for the state's future. Please feel free to comment on the blog and/or send me an e-mail at hastalavistagov@gmail.com.

California Burnin'

It's hard to believe we've already been here a month, but with rent due in just days, that reality is setting in.

Despite the previously posted headaches at the DMV and the limited ability to watch my New York sports teams on a consistent basis, I've loved the move thus far. This is a pretty interesting place to be and I'm learning new things every day.

With that being said, I'm not quite sure what to make of all the fires around here. From what I've heard, Monterey/Seaside is fairly safe from such activity, though we have smelled some smoke in the air from the Gloria fire in nearby Soledad. Apparently things are usually much worse in Southern California, but the Governator has declared states of emergencies in both Monterey and Los Angeles counties.

Speaking of Schwarzenegger, there's a great column/blog entry by Zennie Abraham over at the San Francisco Chronicle (http://www.sfgate.com) about how California's budget continues to shrink, but Arnold doesn't seem to care and the only "fire he gives off is from one of his expensive cigars, which of course are not made in California."

Abraham contends that the planned March 2010 closure of the Fremont New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant will see the elimination of 4,700 jobs, coupled with closure of the Chevron Richmond refinery (5,700 job net loss) equals more devastation in the Bay Area. The Governator's response is priceless:

"Today is a sad say in the history of Fremont as California joins the ranks of states adversely affected by the bankruptcy of General Motors and the worldwide collapse in demand for automobiles... We continue work already in progress... to ensure appropriate employee severance, proper environmental remediation and assistance in transforming the site to alternative uses."

As Abraham notes, nowhere does Schwarzenegger mention anything about finding/assisting in the job search for these TERMINATED employees. From afar in New York, I thought his entire election platform in 2006 centered around creating new jobs in California for the 21st century and making this state the environmental center of the entire country. If you've lived here for a long time, feel free to correct me on my assumptions.

Out in the field today, it was a hot one, often characterized as an Indian Summer. I canvassed a section of East Salinas that I had never been to and had solid results with nine new Democrats signing up.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 46 NEW DEMOCRATS

7 REPUBLICAN KILLS

A DMV Horror Story

Going to the Department of Motor Vehicles is never a fun thing to do. It was one of my least favorite trips back in New York. Outside of the kids who just passed their driver's license tests, everyone at the DMV is very angry from the employees to the customers waiting in line for hours at a time.

With that being said, I usually survived the experience with minimal damage. That was until I moved to California. Here's my story......

Admittedly, I didn't do my homework before arriving at the Salinas location on Thursday afternoon, but I thought I had a solid excuse - I've been driving for 17 years without any marks on my New York license. I figured that I could walk in, do a little paperwork, smile for the camera and be on my way. Ohhhhhhhhh Noooooooooo.

First my car needed a smog test. Apparently my 3-year-old energy efficient Honda Fit needs to be checked as does every car/truck in California. I'm all for improving the environment, so I wasn't that upset about doing it until I got the price tag - $52.

Next, I had to sign up for my California license. Again, this wasn't that big deal as my New York license was set to expire on my birthday in a few weeks anyway and my old picture makes me look like a cross between the Unabomber and Eddie Munster, so no problem. Price tag for this transaction - $28.

Now I have to register my car and the cost do this in New York is a $50 fee plus $15 for new plates for a grand total of $65. In California, how bout $225 - that's right I said $225. If you haven't guessed by now, I was steaming at the DMV today and it wasn't just because of the sticky weather outside. Total cost so far to get my car registered in Cali = $305.

After I get my picture taken, I find out there is a 35 question quiz. Again, I didn't do my homework, but I'm thinking it will be a cake walk, especially since you can miss 6 questions and pass. No - No, it wasn't and I missed 9 so I failed. By the way, I took this test standing after two hours of going from line to line and being handed various numbered tickets. From start to finish, my DMV experience totaled over two hours and guess what - I get to go back because I failed the damn test. I'm hoping I don't get charged another $28 to take it again, but I won't be surprised.

When I do go back, I will make sure not to go on the first, second and third Friday of the month because the Governator has decided to close the office on those days to save the state he's messed up beyond recognition some more cash.

In other news, there's a funny piece over at Starpulse.com about the "5 Most Stunning and Unbelievable Awesome Governor Arnold Schwarznegger Moments." It's a bit pro-Arnold, but it's still humorous nonetheless

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/08/28/5_most_stunning_aamp_unbelievably_awesom

Now for tonight's tally from the road where it was too damn hot walking the precinct. Though many people weren't home, I was still able to get five new Democrats, including a member of something called the Peace and Freedom party. I'm also starting to learn more Spanish as I'm kicking myself every day for taking four years of French in high school. Bete - Bete.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 37 NEW DEMOCRATS

6 REPUBLICAN KILLS

Arnold's Sword

Have no fear California, Conan still has his sword in the governor's office.

According to http://livenews.com, the Governator keeps the huge broadsword he used in "Conan the Barbarian" housed in a plush velvet case to "keep his opponents at bay." Schwarznegger bragged about the sword on Twitter and gave followers a glimpse (Note to self: Start following Arnold on Twitter).

Apparently the sword isn't the only film artifact in his office - a small replica of the T-800 robot and the skeletal figure housed underneath his skin from "The Terminator" - sit behind his desk in Sacramento.

UPDATE: I'm now following Arnold on Twitter

BTW - Arnold is currently at the lowest approval rating of his political career with just 28 percent of Californians happy with the job he's doing.

It was an average night out in the field with five new Democrats signed up and one Republican switch pending. The latter was literally locked inside her house with a faulty doorknob and unable to sign the paperwork. I will be returning tomorrow.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 32 NEW DEMOCRATS

6 REPUBLICAN KILLS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d73K5h7ofVQ

Dedicated to Teddy

It's hard to believe that the leader of our glorious party has passed away, but Senator Ted Kennedy's spirit lives on in all of us proud Democrats.

It was with this sentiment I hit the streets of Salinas, California tonight to get new voters registered Democrat and to convince those in other parties to come over to our side. We targeted the residents of East Salinas, the home of immigrants, the working class and the poor. These are the people Sen. Kennedy fought for throughout his historical 43 years in the Senate.

While driving to the precinct, I tuned into NPR and a political expert said that he was easily one of the top 5 senators of the 20th century and it would be hard to argue against anyone that ranked him No. 1.

Personally, JFK was always my favorite Kennedy and he was the reason I got interested in politics at a very early age. With that being said, my admiration for Teddy has grown over the years and my fingers are crossed that we can finally make health care universal as a dedication to his memory and work.

Back to East Salinas where I was able to get seven people registered Democrat tonight - 1 new voter, 4 Decline to State and my personal favorite, 2 Republicans. Getting a Republican to switch teams feels like getting two new voters because their party is one less and ours is one more.

What we have in the United States is not so much a health-care system as a disease-care system.

- Senator Ted Kennedy on health care reform in 1994

CURRENT TALLY THROUGH 5 SHIFTS

TOTAL OF 27 NEW DEMOCRATS

6 REPUBLICAN KILLS

Here's My Intro

A few weeks back, following 33 years of living in the Empire State, this blogger officially moved to California. Since my arrival, I've been trying to learn everything I can about a place that actually elected Arnold Schwarzenegger its governor.

I didn't really believe he was running California until his face started popping up on the television screen and his voice began interrupting commercial breaks during sports talk on KNBR out of San Francisco. Up until now, I always assumed it was just the plot of another one of his stupid movies or a silly Hollywood creation. There's no fucking way this guy is actually the governor and I stress NO FUCKING WAY!

Well, he sure is and from the people I've spoken to so far, he's not very popular. I guess even his own party can't stand him here. Luckily, for all concerned, Arnold's term ends next year. Many people seem to think the Democrats should win back the governorship in a cake walk, but I'm not buying that it will be so easy. Don't forget, California - YOU ELECTED "The Running Man" Governor.

For someone who helped get the Love Gov elected in New York, I'm one to blast your governor, but it's hard not to. To ensure that the Republicans don't get to put another jerkoff in power and that the Democrats get a two-thirds majority in the state senate and congress, I have decided to join a covert operation with vengeance on its mind. My assignment is three fold: 1) register eligible people to vote; 2) inform the public of what's going on; 3) convert voters registered with other parties, especially Republican scum, into Democrats. The last part is my favorite and I will be keeping a daily tally of how many "hits" I make (converting and/or registering new Democrats) and "kills" (Republican quitters).

The purpose of this blog is to keep readers up to date on my "hits" and "kills," while keeping them informed of what's going on here in Schwarzneggerland. I have chosen an alias as to protect the innocent and no employer of mine has authorized and/or endorsed the content of this blog. Be prepared California because I may be knocking on your door next. If you're not registered as I want you to be, I will take you out - Terminator style.