Mary Bono, sometime Congresswoman for the CA-45 Congressional District has been renowned for her absentee voting system.  No, I do not mean that she has developed a better method for Vote By Mail for Nationwide distribution.  Rather, Bono has identified a way to marginally represent her Riverside County District by masking her many missed procedural and bill votes.  Seems that Bono did not get the memo from Nancy Pelosi, D-CA regarding increasing the hours of the Congressional work week.  Also, it seems that Bono is much more interested in registering herself on Connie Mack, R-FL, than registering her opinion on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

To summarize, Bono obviously takes the same amount of vacation time that the rest of the Congress takes during Congressional recesses.  In addition, Bono obviously feels it necessary to take additional time.  Bono took addional vacation time during the Congressional work week of March 5-9, 2007, and again during the work week of June 6-9, 2006.  I fathom that Bono needs more than average amount of downtime from her strenuous voting schedule.

Being her employer, I do not recall that Bono ever provided me with a medical excuse or explanation as to why she takes so much time off.  As a former supervisor at one of the biggest retail concerns in the country, if someone kept Bono’s work schedule, I would have to give the requisite reprimands and then suspension and then termination.  At present, I am a sole practitioner.  I do not take this much time off, and I work for myself!!!  Jesus!!!

Bono missed 43 votes in 2007, 38 in 2006, and 19 in 2005.  Seems that as the Republican spirits declined during 2005 – 2006, so did Bono’s.  Or maybe she just became busier trying to justify herself to her constituents?  Also, please note how often during the corrupt Republican regime in the House, Bono missed days on Tuesdays (the first day of their work week) and Thursdays (the last day of their three-day work work)!!!  In my profession, the issue of substance abuse is considered when employees consistently miss the first day of the work week.  In politics, as with Fred Thompson, the alternative hypothesis is laziness.

Paul Clay, Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives CA-45 has indicated that he will raise voters’ expectations rather than lower them, will vote rather than miss votes on the floor, and will adequately represent the interests of all peoples of the Coachella Valley rather than the monied few.

The following is a list from The Washington Post of Missed Votes by Mary Bono/Congress Votes Database/

Date / Vote / Bono Position / GOP opinion / DEM opinion

10/30/07 (Tuesday) Vote 1013: H RES 773: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 3867) to Update and Expand the Procurement Programs of the Small Business Administration, and for Other Purposes. Not Voting No Yes

10/24/07 (Wednesday) Vote 997: H RES 764: Providing for Consideration of H.R. 505, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007. Not Voting No Yes

9/10/07 (Monday) Vote 866: H RES 643: 9/11 Commemoration Not Voting Yes Yes

9/10/07 (Monday) Vote 865: H RES 257: Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Not Voting Yes Yes

8/4/07 (Saturday) Vote 824: On Motion to Adjourn Not Voting Yes No

8/2/07 (Thursday) Vote 816: H R 3161: Making Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes. Not Voting None Yes

8/2/07 (Thursday) Vote 815: H R 3161: Making Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes. Not Voting Present Yes

7/31/07 (Tuesday) Vote 776: H R 3161 Not Voting Yes No

7/31/07 (Tuesday) Vote 775: Call in Committee Not Voting Present Present

7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 686: H R 3043: Making Appropriations for the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes Not Voting No Yes

7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 685: H R 3043: Making Appropriations for the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes Not Voting Yes No

Other missed votes:

7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 684: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 683: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 682: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 681: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 680: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 679: H R 3043 Not Voting No No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 678: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 677: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes Yes
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 676: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 675: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 674: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 673: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 672: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No

3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 135: H R 720: Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 Not Voting No Yes
3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 134: H R 720: Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 Not Voting Yes Yes
3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 133: H R 720 Not Voting Yes No
3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 132: H RES 229: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 720) to Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Authorize Appropriations for State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds, and for Other Purposes Not Voting No Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 131: H RES 202: Providing for the Expenses of Certain Committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Not Voting No Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 130: H R 700: To Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Extend the Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Projects. Not Voting Yes Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 129: H R 700: To Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Extend the Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Projects. Not Voting Yes Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 128: H R 700 Not Voting Yes No
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 127: H RES 219: Providing for Consideration of the Resolution (H. Res. 202) Providing for the Expenses of Certain Committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress Not Voting No Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 126: H R 710: Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 125: H R 569: Water Quality Investment Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 124: H R 569: Water Quality Investment Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 123: H R 569 Not Voting Yes No
3/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 122: H RES 149: Supporting the Goals of International Women’S Day Not Voting Yes Yes
3/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 121: H RES 98: Honoring the Life and Achievements of the Late Dr. John Garang De Mabior Not Voting Yes Yes
3/5/07 (Monday) Vote 120: H R 497: The Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/5/07 (Monday) Vote 119: H R 995: To Amend Public Law 106-348 to Extend the Authorization for Establishing a Memorial in the District of Columbia to Honor Veterans Who Served in the Armed Forces Not Voting Yes Yes

2/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 77: H R 386: Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District Conveyance Act Not Voting Yes Yes
2/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 76: H R 161: Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act Not Voting Yes Yes

11/15/06 (Wednesday) Vote 523: H RES 1078: Congratulating the St. Louis Cardinals on Winning the 2006 World Series Not Voting Yes Yes
11/15/06 (Wednesday) Vote 522: H R 5585: Financial Netting Improvements Act Not Voting Yes Yes

6/28/06 (Wednesday) Vote 331: On Motion to Adjourn Not Voting No No
6/22/06 (Thursday) Vote 318: H RES 323: Supporting the Efforts to Increase Childhood Cancer Awareness, Treatment, and Research Not Voting Yes Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 250: H R 5522: Making Appropriations for Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2007, and for Other Purposes Not Voting Yes Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 249: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 248: H R 5522 Not Voting No No
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 247: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 246: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 245: H R 5522 Not Voting No No
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 244: H R 5522 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 243: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 242: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 241: H R 5252: Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 240: H R 5252: Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 239: H R 5252 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 238: H R 5252 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 237: H RES 850: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5252) to Promote the Deployment of Broadband Networks and Services Not Voting Yes No
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 236: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 235: H RES 850: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5252) to Promote the Deployment of Broadband Networks and Services Not Voting Yes No
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 234: S 2803: Mine Improvement and New Emergency Respose Act Not Voting Yes Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 233: H R 5449: To Amend Title 49, United States Code, to Modify Bargaining Requirements for Proposed Changes to the Personnel Management System of the Federal Aviation Administration Not Voting No Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 232: H R 5254: Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act Not Voting Yes No
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 231: H R 5254: Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act Not Voting No Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 230: S 193: Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act Not Voting Yes Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 229: H R 5521: Legislative Branch Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 228: H RES 842: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5254) to Set Schedules for the Consideration of Permits for Refineries Not Voting Yes No
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 227: H RES 842: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5254) to Set Schedules for the Consideration of Permits for Refineries Not Voting Yes No
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 226: H R 5441: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 225: H R 5441: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 Not Voting Yes No
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 224: H R 5441 Not Voting Yes No
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 223: H R 5441 Not Voting Yes No

5/24/06 (Wednesday) Vote 200: H R 5427 Not Voting No Yes

4/26/06 (Wednesday) Vote 103: H RES 774: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5020) to Authorize Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 for Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for Other Purposes Not Voting Yes No

3/2/06 (Friday) Vote 18: H RES 702: Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 4167, National Uniformity for Food Act Not Voting Yes No

2/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 7: H R 4297: Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act Not Voting No Yes
2/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 6: H RES 657: Honoring the Contributions of Catholic Schools Not Voting Yes Yes
2/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 5: H RES 670: Congratulating the National Football League Champion Pittsburg Steelers for Winning Super Bowl Xl and Completing One of the Greatest Postseason Runs in Professional Sports History Not Voting Yes Yes

6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 282: H R 2745: Henry J. Hyde United Nations Reform Act Not Voting Yes No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 281: H R 2745 Not Voting No Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 280: H R 2745 Not Voting No No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 279: H R 2745 Not Voting No No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 278: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 277: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 276: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 275: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 274: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 273: H RES 324 Not Voting Yes No
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 272: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 271: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 270: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 269: H RES 315: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 2863), Department of Defense Appropriations, Fy 2006 Not Voting Yes No
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 268: H R 2862: Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations, Fy 2006 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 267: H R 2862 Not Voting Yes No
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 266: H R 2862 Not Voting No Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 265: H R 2862 Not Voting No Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 264: H R 2862 Not Voting No Yes

(Are you in San Francisco? Come help out! – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

If you happen to be in San Francisco, Mayor Newsom has got some work for YOU! Tomorrow morning (Sunday), you can help clean the area around Pier 98, in the Bayview area. The events will start at 9:30 tomorrow. Directions and more details in the press release over the flip.

MAYOR NEWSOM OFFERS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY IN OIL SPILL-AFFECTED WETLAND
  AREA
Effort is underway to collect stressed birds and assist with hazardous
  materials

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – On Sunday, November 11 at 9:30am, a volunteer event to
support the oil spill response effort will take place at Heron’s Head Park
located at the intersection of Jennings Street and Cargo Way. Volunteers
are needed to assist in checking wildlife sanctuaries and adjacent
properties on the inner San Francisco Bay. The objective is to pick up
debris, observe and report stressed birds to the Unified Command Center and
assist with the disposal and report of hazards.

Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and China Beach have been evaluated and work
plans are being executed by a cleanup company, city, state and federal
workers. As these efforts support the region’s activities to mitigate the
spill, additional efforts are needed to safeguard the shoreline of San
Francisco and sensitive wildlife areas.

There are a number of critical wildlife sanctuaries and restored wetlands
that are homes to indigenous bird species and provide cover for migrating
birds. Coastal birds may seek refuge in these areas and could have been
exposed during the oil spill. These sanctuaries include India Basin, Islais
Creek, Mission Creek and Warm Water Cove. All are accessible from the
parking/staging area at Pier 96.

Although the approaches to these areas are industrial and residential, the
Bay walk provides access to the wetland areas. More distant assignment of
volunteers will be supported with City and County of San Francisco buses.

The Department of Public Works, the Port of San Francisco, and SF Connect
will assist with gloves, disposable bags, safety vests, disposal, and
provide coordination to other City agencies.

Those who have questions about the volunteer effort, need directions to the
volunteer location, or want more information on the oil spill should call
3-1-1 or visit the website
http://www.sfgov.org…

DIRECTIONS TO PIER 98 @ CARGO WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

North on 280:
  1. Take Cesar Chavez Exit
  2. Turn right at Cesar Chavez
  3. Turn right at 3d Street
  4. Turn left at Cargo Way
  5. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

South on 280:
  1. Take the Mariposa St. Exit
  2. Merge onto Pennsylvania Avenue
  3. Turn right at Mariposa Street
  4. Turn right at 3d Street
  5. Turn left at Cargo Way
  6. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

South on 101:
  1. Take Cesar Chavez Exit
  2. Follow signs for Army St. East, and merge onto Army St./Cesar
  Chavez
  3. Turn right on 3d Street
  4. Turn left onto Cargo Way
  5. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

North on 101:
  1. Take Potrero Avenue/ Cesar Chavez Exit
  2. Turn right onto Cesar Chavez
  6. Turn right on 3d Street
  3. Turn left onto Cargo Way
  4. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

The 2007 United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) is meeting in the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA from November 7 – 10.  Palm Springs is the smallest city to ever host the conference.  However, this marks the largest attendance of health care experts, service providers and those living with AIDS thus far in the 11 year history of the USCA.  The USCA has had an impressive list of sessions, including institutes, seminars, workshops, roundtables, and posters.

The Desert Sun reported on the official Mayors’ Welcome Reception at Hotel Zoso:

Hundreds of people, gathered in Palm Springs for the country’s largest annual AIDS conference, raised their index fingers to the sky Thursday night.

One.

For the millions of ones lost to the epidemic. For the millions of ones who survive. And, for the millions of ones who continue the fight.

It was a common message shared during an otherwise festive cocktail party – the official Mayors’ Welcome Reception at Hotel Zoso – for the National Minority AIDS Council’s 2007 United States Conference on AIDS.

“Too many people, for a long time, have (believed) that this is a gay man’s disease,” said Clayton Barbour, medical director of the Desert AIDS Project’s Wells Fargo HIV Health Center.

“But we are a diverse community. And everyone is at risk.”

The USCA 2007 Sponsor is the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC).  NMAC was established in 1987, and is the premiere National organization dedicated to developing leadership within communities of color to address the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  For additional information on NMAC, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact NMAC offices directly at NMAC – Main Office, 1931 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-4432, Tel: (202) 483-6622, Fax: (202) 483-1135; (202) 483-1127.

More below the flip…

USCA 2007 is the nation’s largest AIDS conference.  USCA 2007 is covering all areas of HIV/AIDS related topics such as Treatment and Research, Housing, Nutrition, Prevention, Public Policy, Building Healthy Organizations, Care and Primary Care, and other special issues.  USCA 2007 has over 150 exhibitors and has attracted over 4,000 attendees working in all areas of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic.  USCA 2007 highlights the risk of HIV/AIDS in the Native American community.

“Too many people, for a long time, have (believed) that this is a gay man’s disease,” said Clayton Barbour, Medical Director of the Desert AIDS Project’s (DAP) Wells Fargo HIV Health Center.  DAP provides medical care and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Coachella Valley.  Free, anonymous HIV testing is available, as well as counseling, home health services, legal assistance, and assistance with housing, medications, food, re-employment, and more.  Prevention and education outreach is available to any group.  As a fundraiser, DAP operates 5 thrift stores including Revivals in Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Desert Hot Springs.  To make a donation, volunteer, or for more info on DAP call 760-323-2118.

USCA 2007 Program Partners include:

• AIDS Action
• The AIDS Institute
• AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families
• AIDS Medicine and Miracles
• American Academy of HIV Medicine
• Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
• Association of Nutrition Services Agencies
• The Balm in Gilead
• CAEAR Foundation
• Camp Heartland
• Elton John AIDS Foundation
• LIFEbeat
• Mothers’ Voices – United to End AIDS
• The NAMES Project Foundation
• National AIDS Housing Coalition
• National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors
• National Association of People with AIDS
• National Native American AIDS Prevention Center

I got this mailer today:

Apparently, voting by mail is “carbon-free”!  And to prove that point, the carbon-free voting people have sent me a four-page glossy mailer to tell me so.  But it’s printed on soy ink!  And if you vote permanent absentee, you don’t have to get in your car to get to your polling place!  And anyway, they puchased carbon offsets to mitigate these campaign activities!

So what the hell is going on here?  Why is an environmental group sending a mailer touting “carbon-free voting,” which, um, pretty much doesn’t exist?  Well, that would be explained by the picture of Fran Pavley on the back.

Now, Fran’s great.  As Assemblywoman she authored the landmark global warming law that will hopefully become a model for the nation, AB32.  But she’s also running for State Senate to replace the termed-out Sheila Kuehl, and obviously she’s interested in raising her profile.  So everyone in the Senate district, my district, got this mailer.  The LA Times ran a story on it.

The mailer is being derided by some, while others are questioning whether it is improperly trying to influence a state Senate election in the West L.A. area by prominently featuring one of the candidates, former Assemblywoman Fran Pavley.

“It looks dubious,” said Tracy Westen, chief executive of the Center for Governmental Studies, a Los Angeles-based non-partisan group that promotes political reform in Los Angeles. “It’s coordinated with her, it has her picture on it and it is going into that Senate district.”

Her main foe in the race, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, wouldn’t comment for the story.

There are about 500 good reasons for vote-by-mail, and since Republicans kind of have a head start on permanent absentee organization I’m happy to see someone on the left promoting it.  But calling it “carbon-free” is a stretch.  And using it as a cover to tout a Senate candidate is pretty suspect.

(I wonder what their excuse for sitting on the size of the spill is. – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

The oil spill kind of makes you want to revisit the so-called Pres. Bush’s so-called energy policy.  His policy seems to consist of (1) Arctic drilling, made easier by global warming, (2) unfettered oil conglomerates unregulated by the Federal Government, (3) invade Iraq to secure vast oil reserves, and (4) label any opponent as (fill in the blank).

Received this press release from George Zander, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) staffer in the Cathedral City office. Flip it…

Admiral Allen assures Senator Boxer a major investigation will take place

Washington , D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today received a briefing from Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, about the container ship accident that led to the spill of 58,000 gallons of heavy-duty bunker fuel oil into the San Francisco Bay. 

Boxer said, “I believe Admiral Allen is very sincere in his desire to get to the bottom of this situation.  Admiral Allen assured me there will be a major Marine Casualty Investigation in conjunction with NTSB, and he is determined to see this through.  I will continue to be in close touch with him on this issue and hold him to his word that those responsible for the severe breakdown in communication will be held accountable.” 

Boxer had written to Admiral Allen yesterday after learning that the Coast Guard waited hours before disclosing the full extent of the oil spill to San Francisco officials and the public. 

Boxer’s staff will also be receiving a briefing from Admiral Craig Bone later today.

Well, after months and months of having a “plan” with no associated bill in the Legislature, Arnold has a bill! This probably should be a quick hit, but I wanted to give everybody the opportunity to discuss this. So, thank you Capitol Alert. So, without further discussion, here is the Governor’s ABX1 2.  Oh, here’s the Democratic plan ABX1 1.