Save the Filibuster!

With the threat of the "nuclear option" looming over the use of the filibuster in the US Senate, more and more Americans are paying attention to this coming historic political event. As Democrats, we should do all we can to show support for Senators willing to stand up to Sen. Frist, Bush and his "activist" judges, and their reactionary supporters. Phone calls and letters of support to our Democratic Senators are a good beginning, as well as voicing your opinion to those who are leaning towards supporting the undemocratic measure (ie, our own Sen. Martinez).

However, I'm looking to expand on this by planning an event hosted by the Young Democrats that will draw more attention to the issue of the filibuster, which has been used to protect the rights of the minority in Congress for centuries. Universities around the country, including the University of Texas at Austin and Frist's own alma mater of Princeton, are staging 24-hour "filibusters" to protest the majority leader's radical proposal to change the rules in the middle of the game. Click on the link for the story. We as young, motivated Democrats should be doing something just as innovative.

My idea is to have a "filibuster film festival" where we show a movie (my initial choice is, of course, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) and/or a short film, documentary, or special report, and invite all Democrats in the area to attend. In case you don't know, the plot of the movie is about a naive man who is appointed to the US Senate and doesn't back down from powerful senators when they try to pass an unfair and corrupt bill. An event like this may get some good publicity and local press coverage, give us a venue to collect pledges of support, and possibly a way to hold a fundraiser. Local politicians could be involved, and we could also stage this as an early rally/fundraiser for Sen. Nelson, who will be one of our staunch defenders of the filibuster. I have been told that there may be film royalty related issues that would make something like this impossible, and time may also be a problem, so this is why I'm bringing this to the blog.

I encourage comments from all of you, especially those with knowledge of how film royalty laws may or may not affect fundraising. Our time frame is limited (1 to 2 weeks), b/c this battle will probably begin in the Senate next week (May 16-20), so we need to get moving if we go ahead with this. We should talk this out initially using the blog site, and then more privately to work out the details. You can also contact me personally at cwfetrow@yahoo.com.

Remember, if this event doesn't happen, we still need to win the debate in the realm of public opinion, and it all starts with you as an individual. Use your words carefully, pointing out as much as possible the hypocrisy of Sen. Frist's argument. I look forward to discussing this with all of you.

Choice Takes a Hit (Again)

Recently it was released that Bush advisor Dr. Hager wrote a "minority" opinion on the subject of approving Emergency contraception for over-the-counter use. The "doctor" who recommeds bible passages to deal with PMS among other things, is firmly anti-choice. The FDA voted to approve EC for OTC use, but its recommendation was ignored, only the 2nd time in 50 years that has happened.

Read more about that by clicking on the link in the above article.

Session in Florida ended with the passage of three severely anti-choice pieces of legislation. In addition nationwide, the new trend in pharmacies is to deny women their birth control or prescribed emergency contraception. Oh, and of course, it's still not covered by insurance.

This is just a little wake up call. Here is a summary of the Florida legislation from Planned Parenthood of Florida:

Parental Notification:

The Parental Notice of Abortion Act passed in both the Senate and House, and its terms are as follows:

* The referring or providing physician must attempt to provide “actual” notice to the parent or legal guardian in person or by phone. If they are unable to provide actual notice after a reasonable attempt, then they must provide “constructive” notice by certified mail.

* The bill also has a judicial waiver of notification process and the Supreme Court is requested to develop rules and forms for the process. Any minor regardless of age can petition the court for a judicial waiver. The minor can go to any circuit court within the jurisdiction of her District Court of Appeals in which she resides (there are only 5 districts in FL) and present any relevant evidence. The court is not required to appoint a guardian ad litem, but it may provide an attorney for the minor at no charge to the minor.

* The court must rule within 48 hours after the minor’s petition is filed. The judge must grant a waiver of notice if the minor is found to be sufficiently mature to decide whether to terminate her pregnancy, if the minor is a victim of sexual or child abuse by a parent or guardian, or if it is in the best interest of the minor.

* A doctor may provide an abortion to a minor in a medical emergency without noticing the parent. Parental notification is also waived if the minor is or has been married, or has a minor child dependent on her.

* The law takes effect on July 1, 2005.

Unborn Quick Child:


Prior to the passage of this bill, current law stated that if a woman is injured in a criminal act that results in death, it was one act of murder. If that woman was pregnant with a “quick child” and lost her pregnancy, the loss of the pregnancy was one act of manslaughter. The term “quick child” was not defined in statute, but case law defined it as when the woman felt quickening or movement in the womb (about 16 weeks). The new law changes the term to “unborn quick child” and makes the termination of pregnancy through an injury to the woman an act of murder (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree) but it statutorily redefines an “unborn quick child” as a viable fetus, which is when the fetus can live on its own outside of the mother’s body (roughly 24 weeks). It is important to note that a murderer could go to jail for 25 years to life just for “killing” a viable fetus regardless of whether the woman dies during the violent act. However, if both the woman and the fetus “die,” then the two sentences would be served concurrently and not consecutively. Upon the Governor’s signature, the law takes effect on Oct. 1, 2005.


Clinic Licensing (TRAP) Bill:

This bill increases the licensure and regulation requirements for clinics that provide 2nd trimester abortion procedures. Realistically, most of the provisions in the bill are already required of clinics by the National Abortion Federation (NAF) or by Planned Parenthood, so most clinics will have an easy time complying with the regulations. Upon the Governor’s signature, the law takes effect on July 1, 2005, but there is another provision in Florida Law that says that no rules under this chapter can be enforced for a year upon passage.

The bottom line is choice is being eroded all over the place and we need to step up the action to prevent that. Pensacola is hosting an "It's Great to Wait" rally this month to advocate abstinence, which is great and all, but education is better.

I'd like to see the Lean YDs getting more involved with these issues instead of just watching them happen. If you are interested, please e-mail me or call me to brainstorm.

"I believe in family values"

"I believe in family values," Stelling testified Tuesday.

The Tallahassee Democrat picked up a story from the AP Wire regarding the Seminole County GOP Chair Jim Stelling. It seems Mr. Stelling narrowly lost his bid for RPOF Chair in 2003 because Nancy Goettman, now of Texas, sent a letter to their eligible voters pointing out that he had been married six times and accused him of spousal abuse. The judge found in favor of Mr. Stelling because there is no proof of spousal abuse and because Mr. Stelling has only been married five times.

The current chair of the RPOF is Carole Jean Jordan who narrowly beat Mr. Stelling in an election held days after the letter was mailed out. Mr. Stelling quickly took his complaint to court to try to repair his good name.

After a lot of negative talk about this last weekend's FDP chair election, which ended up running very smoothly and without controversy, reading this in the paper today reminded me that every political organization has at least a little infighting amongst their leadership.

UPDATE:
Check out this story from the Orlando sentinel Democrats on upswing in Seminole

B103 Rocks, or Whatever the Country Music Equivalent is....

Tallahassee Supporters help the LCYDs! B103, a locally owned radio station, is helping local charitable and service organizations with their newest contest. Monday through Friday, four times a day, between the hours 6AM and 6PM, now through June 17 B103 is giving away a at least $100 to different local charitable and service organizations and up to $500. The Leon County Young Democrats have qualified for this contest.

How do we win? By listening to B103. Four times a day B103 will call out the name of a member of one of the participating groups and that members groups name and then anyone with that group can call in (422-1031) and provide them with the email and phone number for that group and the group wins!

An example B103 might say would be: 'We would like to thank Frosty D. Snowman with the Leon County Young Democrats for his commitment to the people of Tallahassee.' Then anyone can call 422-1031 and provide them with the phone number and email for the LCYDs.

What is the phone number provided for the LCYDs? 850-222-3411

What is the email provided for the LCYDs? LeonYD@yahoogroups.com

I hope we can all try to listen to B103 as much as possible during the busy day. I have already learned that Actress Renee Zellweger and Country Music Star Kenny Chesney got married this last weekend and that I remember a lot of songs that my rural upbringing exposed me to.

Crist is first Republican into the Gubernatorial Race

Charlie Crist, or Chain Gang Charlie become the 'first' Republican to announce a bid for the Governor’s office. Yesterday he had his papers filed by John Walsh, of America's Most Wanted fame. He joins the race where Congressman Jim Davis and Senator Rod Smith are currently representing the Democratic Party.

I will point out that there are other candidacy running as Democrats and as Republicans but they aren't receiving any coverage from the media. The state division of elections list all qualified state level candidates and I would recommend checking it out every now and again over the next 14 months as we wait to see everyone who qualifies for office.

Also note that we are waiting to see what the under estimated Lt. Governor Toni Jennings does along with State CFO Tom Gallagher, and we are waiting to see who decides to run against Senator Nelson.

For a positive opinion essay written today check out the Mike Thomas Article form the Orlando Sentinel: Is Crist Dumb?