Connecticut Bob has done us all a great service in compiling videos (most of which he filmed and uploaded himself) of stump speeches from Democratic candidates for a variety of statewide offices.
So in lieu of a real post today, here are links to the unedited candidate videos, in alphabetical order by candidate’s last name:
Last night I attended an Open Health Care Forum organized by my friends (and fellow Cardinals) Emily Langner and Deb Hall. The esteemed panelists–Katie Robbins from Healthcare-Now!, Donna Smith from the California Nurses Association (also featured in Sicko!), and U.S. Congressman John Conyers, author of HR 676–spoke for the majority of the program before it was opened up to questions.
U.S. Congressman John Conyers and Katie Robbins at the Open Health Care Forum at Wesleyan University, May 28, 2009
All of the panelists spoke about the need for a national single-payer health care system. I can’t recall ever having been to a health care event specifically geared toward the single-payer argument, though it is an end that I believe we should strive for myself. However, I also believe that there is more than one path between what we have now (which can hardly be called a health care system) and a single-payer health care system, and it was my impression that the panelists have chosen the direct path.
Wherever you stand, if you want to learn more about single-payer or HR 676, you can’t do much better than to hear about it straight from Congressman John Conyers, who authored the bill. You can see his remarks and those of others in the videos from the panel are below, which are arranged in chronological order. I ran out of tape after about 93 minutes, so the second part of the Q&A video was recorded to my digital still camera in two video clips, with a dramatic difference in quality.
Full Disclosure:I am the Online Organizer for the Connecticut Citizen Action Group. However, this being my personal blog, it is maintained on my own time using my own resources. The content of this blog post should be attributed to me, and not my employer. All that said, take my opinions on health care reform with as much salt as you like.
Last week, State Rep. Tim O’Brien announced the formation of an exploratory committee as he considers running for Mayor of New Britain. The Italian Fraternal Society was packed for the announcement on St. Patrick’s Day Eve, with upwards of 200 turning out.
State Rep. Timothy O’Brien announced he was considering a run for mayor Monday night and ignited a crowd of nearly 200 Monday night with an oration promising better times, renewed vision and a new beginning for city residents.
“We can do it better,” O’Brien exhorted several times in what may be a campaign slogan voters will be seeing this fall.
[...]
O’Brien said he would be going into the community during the next two months to find out what the major concerns of residents.
“New Britain needs hope,” he said. “We need to take back the country that was ours to begin with. I believe in you and I know you believe in New Britain.”
When you watch Tim O’Brien’s speech–even if you know nothing else about him–you will learn two things:
He is passionate about New Britain, and sees enormous potential for this city.
He has a tremendous base of support for his exploratory candidacy. So much so in fact that I had to cut the first five minutes of the speech during which he thanked all of the many people who came to speak on his behalf.
I am excited about the possibility of Tim throwing his hat into the ring. New Britain needs deserves a mayor who is not only committed to the city, but who envisions a bright future it too. Tim O’Brien is that person.
Click the thumbnails to view photos from the event.
New Hampshire is getting a huge amount of attention this election cycle. It was lavished with attention and candidate visits last year because of its first-in-the-nation primary, and this year because it is a swing state.
Apparently, NH is where the action is. So when I had the chance to go to the Merrimack County Democrats fundraiser to see Ned Lamont speak, I took it. Below are some highlights from his speech:
I was first exposed to Watchmen during my early college years (OK…last year), so imagine my surprise when I heard an 11 year old Smashing Pumpkins tune from a lousy Batman flick backing up the teaser trailer for the Watchmen movie.
Connecticut Bob has done us all a great service in compiling videos (most of which he filmed and uploaded himself) of stump speeches from Democratic candidates for a variety of statewide offices.
