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.