Democracy for New Mexico

Obama Shares 'My Plan for Iraq' in NY Times Op-Ed

Obama has an op-ed in today's New York Times laying out his position on Iraq. I imagine one reason he put it out now is that he's being accused by some of backtracking on his pledge to start withdrawing troops on day one if he wins the presidency. Obama ran into some wary criticism recently when he said he'd be willing to "refine" his Iraq policy if conditions warrant.

In today's op-ed, Obama pivots off al-Maliki's recent request for a troop withdrawal timetable, and reiterates his firm intention to end the war as quickly as possible. You really should read the entire op-ed. What's your reaction? Excerpts:

The call by Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki for a timetable for the removal of American troops from Iraq presents an enormous opportunity. We should seize this moment to begin the phased redeployment of combat troops that I have long advocated, and that is needed for long-term success in Iraq and the security interests of the United States.

... Only by redeploying our troops can we press the Iraqis to reach comprehensive political accommodation and achieve a successful transition to Iraqis’ taking responsibility for the security and stability of their country. Instead of seizing the moment and encouraging Iraqis to step up, the Bush administration and Senator McCain are refusing to embrace this transition — despite their previous commitments to respect the will of Iraq’s sovereign government. They call any timetable for the removal of American troops “surrender,” even though we would be turning Iraq over to a sovereign Iraqi government.

... In this campaign, there are honest differences over Iraq, and we should discuss them with the thoroughness they deserve. Unlike Senator McCain, I would make it absolutely clear that we seek no presence in Iraq similar to our permanent bases in South Korea, and would redeploy our troops out of Iraq and focus on the broader security challenges that we face. But for far too long, those responsible for the greatest strategic blunder in the recent history of American foreign policy have ignored useful debate in favor of making false charges about flip-flops and surrender.

It’s not going to work this time. It’s time to end this war.

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Tuesday: DPNM Day of Action While McCain's in ABQ

From the Democratic Party of New Mexico:

A DAY OF ACTION

While John McCain campaigns at a closed event at Hotel Albuquerque

Join us to wave signs, cheer on our Democratic candidates and send John McCain the message that New Mexicans are Ready for Change

GUEST SPEAKERS: Chairman Brian S. Colón and Elected Officials and Candidates

WHEN: Tuesday, July 15 at 10:30 AM

WHERE: Old Town Gateway Park at Mountain and Rio Grande in Albuquerque

QUESTIONS: Call Buck at 505-830-3650

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NM-Sen: CQ Politics Rates Race in Top Five Takeover Chances

Our U.S. Senate race between Dem Rep. Tom Udall and GOP Rep. Steve Pearce continues to get national attention. Bob Benenson of CQ Politics considers the race among the in the nation for a Dem pickup:

New Mexico, a swing state, where six-term Republican Pete V. Domenici’s decision not to seek re-election has created a golden opportunity for a Democratic takeover. Five-term Rep. Tom Udall, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, has opened up a big lead in polls over the Republican nominee, strongly conservative three-term Republican Rep. Steve Pearce. Pearce won a narrow victory in the June 3 primary over the state’s third House member, Heather A. Wilson, whose image as a less-hardline conservative than Pearce led some GOP strategists to view her as potentially a stronger contender against Udall. Running in a state that is split very evenly between the parties, Pearce is staking his hopes on persuading voters that Udall’s House record is too liberal. This race is rated Leans Democratic, which means Udall has an edge in a contest that still is highly competitive.

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Obama Loses Ground Overall and With Independents in National Newsweek Poll

I guess Obama's suddenly politics-as-usual campaign honchos, who've engineered a new "let's become like every other spineless Dem" strategy for their candidate over the past few weeks, have caused Obama to lose ground nationally, not gain it. According to the latest Newsweek poll, Obama is now beating McCain by only 3 points at 44-41%, down from the 15-point lead he held in last month's Newsweek survey, when he was up 51-36%. And keep in mind, Obama's numbers have gone down during a period when McCain's campaign has been stumbling, unraveling and producing negative news almost every day. Let's just hope the Newsweek poll is an anomaly or wrong.

But if it's on target, Obama's so-called "centrist" back-tracking on the Iraq war, a woman's right to choose, the death penality, guns, NAFTA and -- most of all -- FISA, have appealed to "moderates" and independents so strongly that his numbers are ... shooting downward. Even worse, many of the young people and activists of all ages who have strongly supported him online and on the ground seem to be backing away and losing passion and trust for Obama. His small donors on the web are reportedly lagging. Grumbling is heard everywhere in the much maligned Dem base, from the netroots to the local Dem rank and file. As Newsweek reports:

In the new poll, 53 percent of voters (and 50 percent of former Hillary Clinton supporters) believe that Obama has changed his position on key issues in order to gain political advantage.

More seriously, some Obama supporters worry that the spectacle of their candidate eagerly embracing his old rival, Hillary Clinton, and traveling the country courting big donors at lavish fund-raisers, may have done lasting damage to his image as an arbiter of a new kind of politics. This is a major concern since Obama's outsider credentials, have, in the past, played a large part in his appeal to moderate, swing voters. In the new poll, McCain leads Obama among independents 41 percent to 34 percent, with 25 percent favoring neither candidate. In June's NEWSWEEK Poll, Obama bested McCain among independent voters, 48 percent to 36 percent.

And what has he gotten in return for dissing his most ardent supporters? Nothing. The GOP and the pundits keep doing what they always do -- bashing Dems whether their criticisms are based on reality or not. The independents he's supposedly trying to attract are evidently starting to see him as just another expedient politician unwilling to stand up for what he believes in. By trying to please the mythic and poorly defined "middle" -- and embracing the "conventional wisdom" that's been proven anything but wise in the past -- Obama is managing to deflate a lot of the passion and excitement that was the strength of his campaign.

I certainly don't like to be highly critical about our presumed Dem nominee at this stage of the game. But what choice do I have? I can't tell you how many people I've spoken with who have said that, while they'll still probably vote for Obama, at this point they don't intend to volunteer for his campaign or donate any more money. What a lost opportunity for Obama and for progress. What did it gain him to vote with all of the Party's most Republican-lite Senators -- and on the opposite side of the Party's most popular and respected Senators -- on FISA? Absolutely nothing except distain from those who understand what was at stake in the battle.

I hope he and his campaign get the message and get back on track quickly and forcefully. In order to win, he needs widespread and enthusiastic participation by the Dem base, young voters, new voters and independents. These are the very people he's recently been seen to be dismissing and patronizing while he panders to some ill-defined group of voters who don't seem to be out there for him. Wake up Obama, before it's too late.

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NM Attorney General and Environment Department Intervene in Desert Rock Suit

Bravo to Attorney General Gary King and the NM Environment Department. Let's hope this works and that a new Dem administration is in place before the Desert Rock coal-fired power plant can be approved for construction. The Durango Herald reports on a move yesterday by the AG's office and the ED to intervene in a lawsuit between the EPA and proponents of the plant that's been proposed for land on the Navajo Nation in the Four Corners area of New Mexico:

New Mexico's attorney general and environmental department say the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant cannot be given an air-quality permit by a July 31 deadline because it would be a violation of the Endangered Species Act. More studies - which will take months, at a minimum - are required, they say.

The two offices filed a joint motion Thursday to intervene in a federal lawsuit between proponents of the power plant and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Desert Rock developers are suing the EPA for delaying action on a Clean Air Act permit for the plant.

The AG's office issued a press release yesterday explaining the action:

"New Mexico can not afford to sit idly by as attempts are being made to skirt the legal requirements for a new coal-fired power plant to be built in the state," says Attorney General Gary King.

... "This permitting process is truly putting the cart before the horse. We believe there are a number of regulatory issues that need to be addressed by the EPA before it can make a decision on this permit," says Attorney General King. "The effects on fish and other wildlife under the Endangered Species Act must be considered; carbon dioxide pollutant levels must be determined; compliance with new federal standards for ozone pollution must be met; and the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for hazardous air pollutants have yet to be addressed by the EPA."

... In a letter last month to the EPA, AG King and Governor Bill Richardson warned that fast-tracking the permit for Desert Rock without the required analyses could worsen air quality and adversely affect the health of those in the region.

Additional legal action is being contemplated by environmental groups:

Mike Eisenfeld, the New Mexico energy coordinator for the San Juan Citizens Alliance, said a coalition of environmental groups will likely file a motion today to dismiss the lawsuit between Desert Rock and the EPA outright.

Spearheading the dismissal motion is the organization Earth Justice; others participating include the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, San Juan Citizens Alliance and Diné Care, a group founded by Navajo tribal members opposed to the power plant.

Eisenfeld said if the lawsuit is not dismissed, the groups will push for a change of venue. It is currently being heard in federal court in Texas, and the groups believe it should be moved to New Mexico or California, which is the home state of the EPA's Region 9, which oversees operations in New Mexico.

Meanwhile, the EPA has been unilaterally attempting to water down clean air standards that govern how air quality is measured in areas that take in 48 national parks, including Mesa Verde in southwest Colorado in the Four Corners area. Gee, do you think it has anything to do with clearing the way for the filthy pollution of the Desert Rock power plant nearby?

A repository of material on the power plant is at the desert-rock-blog. Also see the website of the San Juan Citizens Alliance.

You can find some of our previous coverage of this issue here and here, including links to additional posts and other sources of information.

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DCCC to Spend Million on Ads in NM-01 and NM-02

Talking Points Memo obtained a obtained a list of races the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) intends to target in September and October, when they'll run more than $34 million worth of TV ads in 31 districts. It's clear that the DCCC will be casting a wide net and spending money in a number of traditionally Republican districts.

The contest in NM-01 between Dem Martin Heinrich and Repub Darren White will get $1.3 million in ad support from the DCCC an an effort to take the seat held by Heather Wilson for the Dems. Last time out, Dem and former AG Patricia Madrid was defeated by fewer than 900 votes. And in NM-02, long considered a safe seat for the Repubs, the DCCC will kick in $1.2 for ads promoting Harry Teague over his GOP rival, Ed Tinsley -- Steve Pearce's current seat. That's a signficant amount of cash. Imagine what the airwaves will look like this Fall. Well, maybe you shouldn't!

The DCCC list includes races in GOP strongholds challenging Repub members of Congress in places like Alaska (Young), Arizona (Renzi), Colorado (Musgrave), Florida (Feeney) and North Carolina (Hayes). About two thirds of the DCCC's funds will be spent in districts currently held by Repubs.

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Author to Discuss “César Chávez and the Common Sense of Nonviolence”

José-Antonio Orosco will discusses and sign his book “César Chávez and the Common Sense of Nonviolence" at these bookstores:

• 3:00 PM Saturday, July 12, at , 4022 Rio Grande NW, Albq.
• 7:00 PM Saturday, July 12, at Page One, 11018 Montgomery NE, Albq.
• 5:00 PM Monday, July 14, at Garcia Street Books, 376 Garcia St., Santa Fe

The publisher, the University of New Mexico Press, provides this synopsis:

César Chávez has long been heralded for his personal practice of nonviolent resistance in struggles against social, racial, and labor injustices. However, the works of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. have long overshadowed Chávez's contributions to the theory of nonviolence. José-Antonio Orosco seeks to elevate Chávez as an original thinker, providing an analysis of what Chávez called "the common sense of nonviolence." By engaging Chávez in dialogue with a variety of political theorists and philosophers, Orosco demonstrates how Chávez developed distinct ideas about nonviolent theory that are timely for dealing with today's social and political issues, including racism, sexism, immigration, globalization, and political violence.

David Steinberg interviewed the author in the Albuquerque Journal. Excerpt:

Most people know that César Chávez was a pioneer organizer of farm workers and a civil rights activist, but don't consider him a thinker. José-Antonio Orosco, an associate professor of philosophy at Oregon State University, wants the public to get a fuller picture of the man.

“I call him a community intellectual, and not a traditional one,” Orosco said in a phone interview. “He learned about social problems from the ground up and learned to motivate people, that they are the ones with power. If he gets them to understand their own power, they can accomplish so many social reforms,” said Orosco, who is a graduate of Albuquerque's West Mesa High School.

... Orosco said Chávez described himself as having a “common sense of nonviolence.” In reading Chávez's speeches and his writings in farm workers' newletters, Orosco concluded that he had original thoughts about nonviolence, about the causes of poverty and conflict, and what democracy means. “I became convinced that he is a philosopher of nonviolence,” he said. “If we look at history, Chávez said, not much is accomplished with violence.”

Orosco said Chávez's genius was his understanding of the political and economic forces in society, the obstacles that keep people poor. Chávez, he said, was fascinated with the nonviolent philosophies of Mohandas Gandhi and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.   

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Santa Fe Community Partnership Hosts Reception

SANTA FE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
a program of
NEW MEXICO VOICES FOR CHILDREN
Requests Your Presence at Their
2008 SUMMER RECEPTION AND FUNDRAISER
Friday, July 25, 2008, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
at Nussbaumer Fine Art Gallery
314 S. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish – Invited Guest
Entertainment – Raffle
Ticket Price: $25.00
Purchase at the door or on-line at www.nmvoices.org
Catered by: Cowgirl Restaurant
"Creating a Brighter Future One Partnership at a Time"

Saturday: Obama Campaign for Change Training at Four NM Locations

From Adrian Saenz, NM State Director, Obama for America:
This weekend, Obama staff and our Campaign for Change will be leading training sessions in four locations -- Clovis, Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces -- to teach supporters all of the skills they will need to effectively organize their communities. They'll also introduce a special new program -- Obama Neighborhood Teams. Obama Neighborhood Teams are volunteer groups of supporters who together are leading our movement for change in our New Mexico communities.

No previous experience is required to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action. Click here to sign up to attend a New Mexico Campaign for Change training session and learn about Obama Neighborhood Teams.

You can find more upcoming Obama events happening all over New Mexico on the Obama New Mexico page.

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Saturday: Lt. Gov. Denish Headlines Progressive Community Kick-Off Day of Action

America Votes and Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund are inviting New Mexico’s greater progressive community to a kick-off for the general election season with a “Day of Action” rally and activist mobilization. Lt. Governor Diane Denish, State Auditor Hector Balderas and Dr. Shadi Battah will be on hand to rev up the crowd:

WHERE:
Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund /
SEIU International Headquarters
1600 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque
(between Lomas and Menaul)

WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 2008

WHAT:
Canvasses Launch: 9:00 AM
Return for Lunch
Rally with Lt. Gov. Denish and Others: 12:45 PM -1:15 PM

For more information contact David Kirk:
Office: (505) 255-2326
Mobile: (202) 288-6951
DKirk@defendersactionfund.org   

America Votes coordinates independent electoral activity to create a permanent progressive infrastructure nationally and in the states. Our coalition partners share innovative strategies and resources to maximize our electoral impact. America Votes ensures that massive progressive voter mobilization campaigns build lasting capacity and works with 28 partner coalitions in New Mexico.

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund (www.defendersactionfund.org) provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.