Saturday, June 07, 2003
np: miles davis - kind of blue
here's a heads up on the current tax shennanigans going down on capitol hill. this recent tax cut, the 2nd such debacle in bush's term in office, is an even more audacious slap to the face of the average working person, especially those hovering around minimum wage. for those of you who might have fallen for the "$300 tax rebate = revived economy" bullshit back in 2000, i think you can see where it's landed us. the unemployment rate has climbed to 6.1% this week. and so to further dig the hole, bush brings us another set of reductions. none of which are doing anything for those in dire need.
and as the economy in individual states continue to suffer, we see how the administration sets up programs like head start to take the fall. just look at my previous post for that info.
i'm really not sure what to feel about the 2004 election. it's going to be a hellacious fight. and i'm scared about the outcome. if there was a stronger candidate somewhere to oppose bush i would feel more confident in the tide shifting. but there isn't. the best candidates (i.e. the ones i agree with) are a little too far left to get safely elected. but you best believe the grassroots work will be aflame. as will this blog as we get in closer to election season.
by the way, the philadelphia boy scout chapter recently added "sexual orientation" to its non-discrimination policy. it joins the boston and san francisco chapters as the lone ones in the nation to take that stand. one of my former scouting alumni (yes, i was a boy scout) likes to send me (as well as a bunch of others on his email lists) updates from a grassroots organization that keeps tabs on these sorts of things and then organizes vocal responses. it tends to be very anti-gay involvement in scouting. here's what was said in the email at the culmination of the letter:
We urge you to voice your disappointment and concern over this
disturbing decision that not only undermines the moral code of
the BSA, but potentially jeopardizes the safety of 87,000 boys!
Please contact Bill Dwyer, the Scout Executive with the
Philadelphia Cradle of Liberty Boy Scout Council at:
Phone: 215-988-9811, or fax him at: 215-988-9825.
Let him know that you oppose the leadership, and direction that this
council has taken.
The Boy Scouts are worth fighting for. Let's fight back against
these radical groups that are out to destroy all that is good and
decent in our society!
so, since my friend was nice enough to pass along this information, should you feel so inclined, give bill dwyer a call and let him know that you support his council's decision and applaude his efforts to make scouting an organization that promotes understanding and equality while building truly good members of our society. or at least..that's what i'd do.
