Mireya on February 6, 2008

Hey Del,

Congratulations for becoming a rafter! Also, we (at work) got the photo of you with Obama and Jesse Jackson! Excellent!

Frenchdel on January 22, 2008

I'm more than THRILLED to have been chosen as a regular contributor (A RAFTER)!!! Thanks to everyone for their support. Updated contributions will be added within the next day or two, so keep coming back. I've got A LOT to say about the primaries! In the meantime, check out some of the updated comments (from recent weeks) I've penned below.

The Jap on December 20, 2007

Del, keep up the good work! Your passion will never end and I always look forward to your insight! Love it :)

Frenchdel on December 18, 2007

So let's say that you break the law. Let's say you steal a computer from Best Buy. Later, you get caught but you use the excuse that someone in law enforcement told you to steal it. "Everything will be alright," they say. What should happen to you?

If you're like most rationale people, you'd probably think the person in the above example should be in trouble with the law. Despite being told to do something illegal, we all know that thievery is illegal with consequences.

The government now wants you to believe that phone companies--who have legal departments that know the law very well--are merely innocent third parties who were simply following orders by the administration to tap and spy on Americans and turn over all calling records to the government.

Now, this sounds like a great idea when framed in such a way as to protect citizens against those evil terrorists. And, you might even say "who cares! I don't have anything to hide." You're right. But, let's look a bit deeper.

First, the law was broken plain and simple. Telecommunications companies know that any request from the government, for whatever reason, must include a warrant from a court. This goes at the heart of our democracy. If corporations can now start breaking the law because someone says to do so and get away with it, I say we have fallen into corporate anarchy like we've never seen before.

Second, John Doe in Oklahoma may not be having 'terrorist-like' conversations on his phone, but he might work for a senator (party affiliation irrelavent) and be speaking with a member of his staff. A member of the opposite party may have power enough to simply request these records and conversations in order to gain a political advantage. Once that starts happening the entire foundation on which our government has been established (fair elections) is ruined. Going before a court and explaining the need for such records assures that folks with greed or power hungry motives aren't cherry-picking other folks out of a line-up for political or any other purposes. You may care less about politics and could care less whether or not some official has his phone tapped, but you should, otherwise you have no business calling yourself a proud American or waving your flag in my face!

P.S. I commend Chris Dodd for his actions on the Senate floor yesterday that would have blocked the Senate from voting on blanket immunity for phone companies that participated in these illegal activities. Mark a victory for the People (as many politically-concerned citizens wrote, called and faxed their elected officials yesterday to voice their support for Chris Dodd!).

Mikey on December 18, 2007

I read your blog. I agree with what you said and what nationalpopularvote.com is advertising and educating. We do not have a Government faithful in Democracy, they are faithful in a dictator and try to blind us by painting propaganda of Democracy over our dictator and his power. I think George W. Bush actually sat back after he "won" both presidential elections and said "I'm going to blow up the world"......and of course he is the most protected and safe man in the world so he wouldn't be affected by a nuclear holocaust. I have my own candidate in mind for the white house after Bush is done, and I do not preach on why and my opinions about that specific candidate however I do preach and give my opinions freely about preferring a Democratic leader and why I oppose a Republican leader. A lot needs to change, and it won't be changed by our future Presidents, but by the American People. For example: Police officers are expect to "Protect and to Serve". They are guaranteed to do their job and break the law in the process without reprimands. When filing a complaint against a Police Officer, you are not guaranteed that anything will happen. To change the position of power to balance it between the people and the governments (city, county, state, federal) there needs to be organizations in place that guarantee reprimands to Police Officers when they break the law, because their buddies aren't going to write them a ticket for speeding in the police cruiser when they have NOT been called to intercept, or respond. It's somewhat pathetic and off subject but a good example to the point I'm trying to make.

Too much technical information, you have to read between the ilnes. Should everyone purchase a copy of their city, county, state and federal municipal and revised codes? Should you call the police or your insurance company every time you want to get behind the wheel of your own vehicle just to make sure you have a valid drivers license? Should you research and memorize another city and states laws before you go to vacation there?

There should be one law that applies to all 50 states, you are not safe and they designed it to be a giant money making machine, because we do not obsess over being tedious and knowing every law, it's twisted and different from city to city, county to county, state to state.

Did you know that Martial Law suspends the Constitution, and the Bill Of Rights is part of the Constitution. Do you think Bush would never pull a fast one and declare Martial Law nationwide? Martial Law happened during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. A great example of Martial Law is how the people are forced to live in the movie "28 Days Later". The Police become ordinary civilians and the Military becomes our new judicial enforcement!!! Doctors will be forced to work for free....basically it would be like living under the Chinese Goverment...........We might as well accept our new government as being something in between Dictatorship and a Monarchy, I'd rather have a Monarchy than dictatorship. The British are more happy than we are......and they don't like our government just as much as we dislike our government.

Okay I'm done I'm pissed and tired.

At least we still have Expose' and Gioia.....Lets vote for her to be our next President ;)

Take care

-Mikey-

Jim on December 4, 2007

Admittedly, I tried my hardest to find a flaw in Kucinich?s statement. I tried my hardest to find even one time he voted for something against the rights of people or for something in the best interest of the country; I couldn?t find one. My logical sense is trying to tell me that this is a fluke, that Kucinich accidentally or luckily voted ?correctly? in every situation. However, life doesn?t work that way. He literally and virtually voted correctly every single time. He truly does have the people?s best interest in mind when organizing, creating or voting on laws.

I have been teetering between a select few candidates; each good (and bad) in their own ways. Kucinich presently seems to have his head on straight, yet the media portrays him as a ?kook? (which is a whole different issue). He seems to be the only candidate to realize that we are in a state of emergency and is trying to trying to create panic in people to realize the dilapidated state we are in?our country is on a frightening downward spiral and he can start to repair the reversible damage.

I only hope that we have as much sense as the people in other nations to pull ourselves out of this conservative hell that has been planned and played-out for the past 20+ years. Let?s follow Spain, Australia, Japan, Germany and yes, even Russia, to find a better solution to the destruction that has overtaken the world.

Frenchdel on December 3, 2007

"...the president of the United States is called upon to make the right decision at the right time. And you've seen here tonight people who voted for the war, voted to fund the war, now they have a different position. People voted for the Patriot Act. Now they have a different position. People voted for China trade. Now they have a different position. People who voted for Yucca Mountain. Now they had a different position. Just imagine what it will be like to have a president of the United States who's right the first time. Just imagine."

That's the one soundbite I took away from the Democratic debate in Las Vegas. Those words are powerful, as was the delivery by its orator, Dennis Kucinich.

Has anyone pondered this thought? Candidates are constantly telling you how they've learned a lesson and that they would vote differently today had they known then what they know now. But, what if a candidate had a hard set up principles that didn't change with the wind or change with the polls? It's sad because Kucinich is that candidate. People like individuals who can take a stand, who are passionate about their beliefs; Dennis is that individual.

If you're a Democrat reading this, I encourage you to take another look at Dennis as you prepare for your primary/caucus vote in the upcoming months. If you're an independant, I hope you'll research this principled and competent candidate. Finally, if you're a Republican or conservative who really believes in the Constitution and its traditions, I encourage you to open your mind to a progressive candidate and find out more about Rep. Kucinich.

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them. Feel free to leave a comment on this page. I try to reply to everyone.

Frenchdel on November 26, 2007

Thanks for your comment Dej. Very interesting, actually. It's very similar to something that's been discussed recently on the Randi Rhodes show on Air America Radio! Do you listen to her too? I was surprised to see the reference to the frog in the pot. Again, thanks for commenting and check back often to see some of my other posting/musings in the hopes that I'll be a regular on here!

Dej on November 21, 2007

It's happened before - remember Naziism in the 1930's? McCarthyism? Make the people feel paranoid- make them fear those who are deemed to be different, or not part of "us" and the population gradually will accept any infringement of their own rights for the "good of the state, for security." Then implement complex laws and processes that purportedly will help alleviate the paranoia, provide more security against the evil "others"
but in truth they only help to maintain a constant state of fear and paranoia which reinforces the need to continue the status quo of erosion of civil rights.(been to an airport lately?)
What's the solution? That's the trick question. There's an old story- put a frog in a pot of boiling water and he will jump out to stay alive and free. Put him in a pot of cold water and gradually bring it to the boil, and he will not notice the slow change and eventually be boiled to death. Hey people, it's getting warm in here!

Liz on November 15, 2007

I totally agree with you- it's so frustrating that basically my vote means nothing in the primaries. Great job on this- I love your enthusiasm!

Sandra on November 14, 2007

Great job Del. Is there anyone in politics we can trust?

Frenchdel on November 13, 2007

I haven't heard a lot from you regarding the Impeachment issue. I commented on it here a few days ago when Rep. Kucinich brought it to the House floor. If you haven't been following the news, the bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Headed by Rep John Conyers (Mi), this committee was seen as the hawk of the administration pre-2006 Democratic win. Now, the Democratic leadership has put so much pressure on Conyers and others, that impeachment is still being publicized as "off the table." Unfortunately for the Democratic leadership, their constituents are getting very noisy, which also proves just how out of touch with reality and the public they really are. First, let's look at some facts and debunk this notion by the Democrats that they would somehow be rebuked by the public for such a move. Fact #1: Dick Cheney hasn't mustered more than a 10% approval rating in years. I can't find a poll that shows him above even 15% in years. Right there tells us that he isn't really viewed in the most favorable light. Fact #2: In 1996 Republicans brought impeachment hearings against President William Jefferson Clinton for lying about a blow job--a personal matter. They even had enough votes to push the impeachment to the Senate for a 'removal from office' hearing. Luckily they lost. Nevertheless, this ridiculous political move by the Republicans did not cost them a thing; they still held a majority in the House and Senate until 2006 and they won the White House in 2000 (albeit illegally) and 2004. Now, in 2007, we find ourselves with an adminstration so ego-driven, so audacious as having lied to Congress, the public, manipulated intelligence, etc, etc, etc and we have proof. This is not about politics anymore; this is about the very foundation of our democracy. It sounds dramatic, but it really is. If the offenses made by Bush, Cheney and co. are not considered impeachable (and removeable from office), I don't know what would be. I know a blow job (or adultery) are not.

If you are truly proud to be an American and truly tout the 'ideals' of the American dream, it's time to STOP being apathetic, stop shrugging and waiting for someone else to take care of it and take action! Call or email your senators and representatives. Visit www.house.gov and find Rep. John Conyers (chair of the Judiciary Committee). Tell him you want an impeachment hearing. You want to hear the evidence and facts. Call Nancy Pelosi and tell her that impeachment should not be taken off the table before we hear the facts.

MD on November 12, 2007

So was the comment from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez correct that "The devil came right here... And it still smells of sulfur today" when he visited the UN on 20 Sept 2006?

Johnny on November 12, 2007

Exactly! get rid of the electoral crap.
As far as this kid goes - I am glad we feel the same way. I would want to know the answers to some of the questions he asked, but that is not the way to go about it. Had he followed the rules of the Q&A and been calm about it maybe (i know it's a long shot) Kerry would have answered him.

Antonette on November 7, 2007

Fantastic points and fantastic writing Del! I actually read the same comments on CNN and thought the same damn thing. I think these people are the crazies, not the ones expressing their freedom of speech!

Jim on November 7, 2007

Where I agree that it is disheartening that the democrats are indeed afraid of how the public will react, I think there are more important things that the elected government needs to worry about: SCHIP, Iraq, Russia, N. Korea, (now) Georgia, Global Warming, Socialized Health Care...the list continues.

It gives me a great feeling to imagine Cheney with his tail between his legs and head down, leaving office, but there is merely a year left...our officials should be rallying support for the items already on the table.

I do like Kucinich, but I can't help to think that this is a last-resort attempt to gain the far left's support and raise his status.

Frenchdel on November 7, 2007

Nancy Pelosi Wasn't Lying

In case you missed it, there was high drama in the US House of Representatives yesterday, if there is such a thing. Even I was amazed at what I was watching on CSPAN as Dennis Kucinich introduced his bill to bring amount impeachment charges against VP Dick Cheney. The scene was nothing like I or the pundits had expected. Instead of the motion being tabled, the Republicans played a fast one on the Democrats at the last minute and changed their votes within the final seconds of the open vote. It appeared that the motion that THE DEMOCRATS invoked to table Kucinich's (a DEMOCRAT) bill was about to fail, which meant debate in the full house would take place. But then, as the gavel fell, the Democratic Majority Whip, seeing his motion was about to fail, rescinded the motion and introduced a new motion to send the question to committee, where they hope more 'in-line' Democrats will squash it.

Does this all sound odd to you that Republicans would vote to debate the impeachment of a Republican VP? That Democrats would vote against one of their own? It IS!!!

Democrats are afraid the public will be upset with an impeachment debate and see it as retribution, painting them as bitter over the many faults of the Bush Administration. Nancy Pelosi said from day one that impeachment is off the table and she meant it. But, let's take a look at history about this question of the public.

First, the Republicans dragged our country through a painful impeachment trial of Clinton for lying about a BJ yet they won in 2000 (or at least they were appointed) and then again in 2004. Then, when the public finally had enough, they voted them out in 2006; the Democrats felt they had a mandate to end the war and the shananagans of this administration. Further, with respect to this Cheney issue, Dick has had a consistent approval rating of less than 12% for years. Finally, as if the Democrats needed anymore proof that the public is behind them, the Democrats won last night in states like Kentucky and Virgina. Yeah. Kentucky!

Either the Democrats are not concerned with governing for the People, they are truly spineless or they are really out of touch with the American public. It's incomprehensible quite frankly. What do you think?

David Garcia on November 7, 2007

Very entertaining and interesting comments. Do you write for anyone now? If not you should!

Mikey Mac on November 6, 2007

The leaders of the United States like to be considered proponents of universal suffrage despite disfranchisement due to criminal conviction. To a degree I understand why, in many states, those with felony convictions are unable to vote while serving their terms. However, in some states the disfranchisement extends years after release from custody. Universal suffrage consists of the extension of the right to vote to all adults, without distinction as to race, sex, belief, intelligence, or economic or social status. You have to take the good with the bad.

evakaneva on November 6, 2007

I agree with the commentary here about people not getting mad 'en masse' until they lose some of the comforts and conveniences that are cherished. In other words, when the current administration has finally tanked the U.S. economy, and we start relating politics directly to the sacrifices we will have to make once we run out of credit (no more Starbucks, SUVs, or sweaters from J Crew!) - that's when the general public will start caring about politics again!

ps Cheney is the evilest muther on the planet!

Frenchdel on November 5, 2007

Breaking news!!!
Tomorrow is the day. Dennis Kucinich is bringing up a bill in front of the full house for a vote...a vote to draw up articles of impeachment against Cheney. Let your reps know you support this bill if you are sick of Cheney and his shananagans! Below is my letter. Feel free to use it to your rep. go to www.house.gov to find and write your rep. Here is a CBS news artile on it too http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/05/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3452852.shtml

Mr. Emanuel,

I am writing to you today to urge you to support the bill that will come before the house as a priviledged bill brought up by Rep Dennis Kucinich regarding the articles of impeachment sought against VP Dick Cheney.

This man, along with George W., has left our country in shambles and has left us less safe than ever. Furthermore, under the veil of "homeland security," he has broken not only US law but international law.

Now is the time to vote on this measure. Democrats needs to get a backbone and vote on this. Everything shows that there will not be a backlash against the dems for such a vote.

As one of your consituents (and one who voted for you), I count on you to make my voice heard. I count on you to support this bill by voting for impeachment of Dick Cheney.

Thanks,

Del Phillips

Frenchdel on November 5, 2007

Hey everyone. Thanks for your support and comments! Don't forget to keep coming back. You can even comment on those who have left comments!

Ryan on November 5, 2007

yes yes yes! great thoughts. we need more people like Del around here. get mad--stay mad! ITS TIME FOR CHANGE.

The Jap on November 5, 2007

Oh Del, I have always envied the way you follow politics. Always so educated and passionate!
I agree with many of your ideas and also agree that the people need to make a stronger stand when it comes to politics!
Keep up the strong and true ideas! We need a leader like you to make a stand.

Jenny on November 5, 2007

It's people like you who help political dummies like me to pick up on the nuances in politics. Thanks for your voice!

Jody on November 4, 2007

Del, pay CLOSE attention to Jay's comment "once you are noticed, be prepared to be respectable". May I add respectFUL as well. I know you have passion, just don't get catty.

Remember that most of what we're "fed" comes from a media industry run rampant....the same companies that bring us a panty-less Britney also bring us "news". I've been traveling in world hot spots when supposedly all hell broke loose according to the media - my experience in actually being there was very different. Keep those grains of salt handy....

Kate on November 3, 2007

Part of me agrees with the above posting. I am not a fan of the heavyhandedness. The other part of me agrees with every use of the taser I have seen on COPS.

It seems like a lot of people are more upfront and make excuses for behavior later these days nevermind the questions. Like doing these free speech zones. Angelina Jolie and Hollywood stars apparently have been for years setting the parameters of what can be discussed. Now it seems a bit more overt.

Where are the good ole days of the snappy comeback? I miss the zinger, the one liner, the politician who could put a person in their place without the use of a taser.

cory l on November 3, 2007

we do live in police states, i think. racism in the US and Canada operates in that way we will hear about a white guy being tasered at an election rally as an event, when racial profiling by cops is an everyday reality for lots of people. a same majority of people who don't feel invested in the electoral process for past vote frauds where racial profiling was nation state sanctioned and black communities' votes were undermined. See http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1208-31.htm
As far as the Democrats go, what did the democrats in florida teach us again in 2004 when they didn't stand behind the Congressional Black Caucus objection to the awarding of the Florida votes to Bush. Can't find a link for that one. Anyways, i would argue that policing is a fundamental aspect of state governmentality. we should ask how a police state also implicates us in policing each other.
those are my two cents after a night of dancing. coherent, maybe not. am i american no. there is lots to complain about our racist practices up in canada too. similar legacy...
thanks for the postings.

Frenchdel on November 2, 2007

Thanks for your comments Jay and Tam. While
anger doesn't consume me on a continual basis, it
does, from time to time, help to fuel and sustain
my passion for politics and for the betterment of
our government. I think the day I lose that would
be the day I give up trying. The post to which you
refer was one of my more 'passionate' days. I just
hope people don't miss the point that despite the
fact that "taser boy' may have been a bit obnoxious,
his passion and right to question elected officials
should have never come into question as it did by
some. Check out some of my other musing if
you're interested on my blog at www.myspace.com/
frenchdel . And, keep checking back here; hope
that I'll be featured regularly so we can have a lively
discussion/debate. Cheers!

Tam J on November 2, 2007

Your enthusiasm and passion is a breath of fresh air, but remember to never let anger cloud your judgement. Keep up the good work!

Jay Baldridge on November 2, 2007

Education is the foundation on which this world unsteadily stands. With so many civil wars and threats, this foundation is cracked and is in need of repair. Unfortunately, we do live a capitalist world. Sometimes it isn't in the best interest to educate all...education is power, and some want to keep it.

Del, you represent one of my favorite quotes - "What the nation does is also done by each individual, and so long as the individual continues to do it, the nation will do likewise" Carl Jung. Keep doing what you are doing=)

Speak out, and get noticed...however, once you are noticed be prepared to be respectable. That young man who was "tasered".....have we heard his views since? Perhaps if he did stand down, and wasn?t humiliated to the floor, he may still have a voice worth listening to.

Jim on November 2, 2007

Maybe we should put all the candidates in a house and vote them off every week- That seems to be the only way to get people to vote in this country!

Better yet, let's record the people in the White House 24/7 and vote one of those people off each week.

Frenchdel on November 2, 2007

Yeah..and we see where that has led us over the last 7.5 years. It's time to get angry and let those who 'lead' know that.

Jody on November 2, 2007

Anger is never the right approach. We need clear heads, not knee jerk reactions.

Giaconda on November 2, 2007

I know several who have never voted... and when asked why...the reply? "Eh." You cannot ask when are people going to get angry 'en masse' until you answer why are so many...so apathetic. It would seem to me that anger would stem from disappointment in our options, etc. Why the apathy?

AL on November 2, 2007

People will start getting angry 'en masse' when you
take away thier "reality" TV, dollar burgers and
mucho grande vehicles......or when they've got
enough time and energy from being beaten down
by the system and working two jobs to muster up
the courage.

Frenchdel on November 2, 2007

I think it would be nice to know 'exactly' what happened in the room, but my point in the article is the reaction of a good number of people. To make statements about doing what the police tell you no matter what is pretty scary. Additionally, there are a lot of people on newspaper sites commenting on his questioning. That he was 'wacky.' Well, the guy actually had legit and good questions. He confronted Kerry in a poignant way and many people seem to think we should no longer be directly questioning our elected leaders. Good for him...it's not as if the media (who USED to represent the people's voice) are doing the job anymore. I would content we wouldn't be in Iraq had they put more pressure on the administration to answer questions.

Michael Banko on November 2, 2007

Fact is that most likely none of us was in the room when the student got tased. Videos SEEM to show him trying to stand his ground out of fear of not knowing why the police were trying to subdue him. But, I wasn't there. I'd love to hear from somebody that was actually in that room. I went to school at UF, and the University Police Department during that time (or any other that I'm aware of) never infringed on our freedoms. There are two sides to every story, but a taser is a very extreme measure to simply calm somebody down when they're not exhibiting any threatening behavior or holding a weapon of any kind.

Andrea H on November 2, 2007

I really like your passion. You seem to really know the issues and have an opinion that needs to be heard by others. Keep it up.

Loveday on November 2, 2007

If the founding fathers saw what the white house has done to our rights they would roll over in their graves. I'm mad as hell too. I came here from Canada and became a citizen. What's Up

Jon J on November 2, 2007

That moron in Florida deserved to be tased, bro! He was acting like a fool!

Jim on November 2, 2007

The electoral college was instituted to give states with a small population more say. That really doesn't seem to apply anymore; the majority of the U.S. is populated. If I vote Democrat, I want my vote to count for the Democratics, even if the we "lose the state" to the Republicans. Although, if we abolish the electoral vote process, it may be more difficult for the media to make a game out of pitting the "red" and "blue" states against each other!

Michael Banko on November 2, 2007

Education is the foundation upon which one has the abilities to make better decisons, both personally and globally. Why not give people a lesson on the Electoral College? There is also a reason why the Founding Fathers established it.