www.uaprogressiveaction.com
December 5, 2010
Ted Strickland's wise words
Earlier this week, Governor Strickland said there wasn't enough populist discussion in the 2010 campaigns (Ted Strickland: Democrats Suffering From 'Intellectual Elitism').
"I think there is a hesitancy to talk using populist language," the Ohio Democrat said in a sit-down interview with The Huffington Post. "I think it has to do with a sort of intellectual elitism that considers that kind of talk is somehow lacking in sophistication. I'm not sure where it comes from. But I think it's there. There's an unwillingness to draw a line in the sand."...
...But his frustration was evident as the discussion progressed. Talking, unprompted, about the debate over the expiring Bush tax cuts, Strickland said he was dumbfounded at the party's inability to sell the idea that the rates for the wealthy should be allowed to expire.
In a timely coincidence, Democrats are now framing the tax cut issue in a populist way. From the NYTimes story entitled 'Some Democrats Count on ‘Millionaires’ Strategy on Tax Cuts':
“Just as the death tax sort of put Democrats on the defensive on the estate tax,” Mr. Schumer said in a telephone interview, “the millionaires’ tax is putting the Republicans on the defensive on tax policy.” He added, “I think it is a potent issue with the public.”
Unfortunately, Republicans have framed this issue long ago:
The strategy is hardly a slam-dunk, largely because it is late. Republicans have framed any eliminated tax cut as a pro forma increase. As such, failing to extend the current rates for millionaires may well be seen as less a cut for rich people than a tax increase on someone.
OSU's Dr. Lonnie Thompson to speak on climate change
Lonnie Thompson, OSU Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences and Research Scientist in the Byrd Polar Research Center will be the featured speaker of the Columbus Natural History Society monthly meeting on Monday, December 6, 7:45 p.m. at the OSU Museum of Biological Diversity, 1315 Kinnear Road on campus. Professor Thompson will present "Climate Change: The Evidence and Our Options".
Includes 17-minute video showing a research team actually drilling an ice core.
Rolling Stone magazine says that there is no person in the world that has spent more time above 18,000 feet than Lonnie Thompson.
Also featured, two short documentaries: Core Catchers filmed by Ryan Vachon on a 2009 Cordillera Blanca, Peru expedition and a recent May/June 2010 ice core drilling in New Guinea. Don't miss this opportunity to meet Professor Thompson, and learn about his world renowned work.
Full Steam Ahead, Ted!
Gov.-elect John Kasich has vowed to scrap a proposed passenger rail line linking Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland ('John Kasich Promises No 3-C Rail Project'), but Jennifer Brunner has a great idea --- tell Governor Strickland to keep moving on passenger rail service in Ohio:
Earlier this week, Governor Strickland said there wasn't enough populist discussion in the 2010 campaigns, and now he's speaking freely about it. I agree. We need to advance policy that helps the most people in the most far reaching ways. And our leaders need to hear from us.
With the state government passing from one administration to another, we stand to lose $400 million federal dollars (no state match required) to give Ohioans passenger rail service for the first time in decades. Other states are poised, waiting for Ohio to give up a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect our cities, reclaim our rich transportation heritage and give our diverse people more ways to literally come together. I'm asking you to tell Governor Strickland to keep moving on passenger rail service in Ohio.
More info: