Tag Archives: Iraq

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Will Nunez Kill Iraq Initiative?

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In the Capitol Notes podcast it was suggested that Perata’s Iraq resolution, a non-binding initiative that would call for immediate withdrawal from Iraq and a new emphasis on a international engagement, will have a difficult time getting out of the Assembly.  Anthony York stated that he would be “surprised” if it does make it to the governor’s desk. 

Frankly, I had not even thought that this would be an issue.  The reporters believe that his support for Hillary Clinton and her stance on Iraq would motivate him to kill the measure.  The thinking goes, that he would not want this to become an issue for her in the presidential campaign, given her current larger struggles on the issue.  They also indicate that in general, the interest in the Assembly for this measure is less than in the Senate.

I find this exceedingly disappointing.  Voters should be able to express their opposition to the war on the ballot.  Non-binding or not this would be a powerful statement by the California voting public and can be used as a lobbying tool to encourage the California delegation to get our troops out of Iraq.

The increase in turnout is a good thing and I would be surprised that Nunez would pass that up, given the benefits for his term limit initiative.  Killing Perata’s ballot measure certainly would bring a great deal of backlash against Nunez from the large numbers of Democratic voters who actively oppose the war in Iraq:  the very people who generally do not support Hillary Clinton.  This measure should have a chance at Arnold’s desk.

Kate Fulmar notes that Arnold once said that “non-binding resolutions are pointless, and just a way to pay politics.  At the same time he is Mr. Direct Democracy”.  This puts Arnold in a bind.  However, he doesn’t lose much by letting it go past him.  Those who would want him to kill it have already written off Arnold.  He can always let it sit on his desk for 30 days, which would automatically let it advance.  Nunez and the Assembly should vote to move Perata’s initiative go forward.

Bay Area

Sen. Perata’s Out of Iraq Ballot Measure Passes Senate

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Sen. Don Perata’s advisory “Out of Iraq” proposed ballot measure has cleared its first hurdle by passing the Senate.  (LA Times).

“That war is costing California dearly,” said Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland), who sponsored the measure and noted that 340 soldiers from the state had died so far.

The resolution is an advisory measure that voters would consider on the presidential primary ballot next February. The proposal is expected to be approved by the Assembly, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not said publicly whether he will sign it.  Democrats depicted Perata’s nonbinding measure — a rarity in California’s century of direct democracy — as a way to prod President Bush to give up on the increasingly unpopular war. They decried the conflict as a waste of money that could have been better spent on domestic concerns.

For those at the California Democratic Party, you might recall this measure from the debacle with the quorum call vote.  You see this was the resolution that originally proceeded through the resolutions committee, and when there were suggested changes, the thing blew up. The quorum call was made, and the rest is history.

But there is a lesson in local progressive action in this story as well. Follow me over the flip…

You see, while this would be the first state to have such an advisory measure, it is not the first such ballot measure in the state. You see back in November 2004, San Francisco progressives placed Measure N, a measure that announced withdrawal as the preferred policy of San Francisco. 

Supervisor Chris Daly and his progressive allies today plan to put a “Bring the Troops Home” resolution on the November ballot, timing the move to coincide with the Monday handover of power in Iraq.

“The federal government should take immediate steps to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and bring our troops safely home,” the single-page Daly resolution reads, in part.

Municipalities in the Bay Area and around the country have put their elected legislatures on record opposing the Iraq occupation, but San Francisco would be the first to put the issue directly to the voters.

“I think the City and County of San Francisco needs to weigh in on the atrocities that the Bush-Cheney-Ashcroft bunch have really committed,” said Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, who with Daly, Matt Gonzalez and Tom Ammiano plans to sign his name to send the resolution to the electorate. “They have made us unfortunately one of the most hated countries in the world right now and it’s very sad. This didn’t have to be.

“I think San Francisco voters will undoubtedly pass this thing with an overwhelming majority. Thank God, thank God.” (SF Examiner 6/29/2004)

That measure passed with the support of nearly 2/3 of San Francisco voters. 63.33% to be exact, but I’m imagining that would be higher today. Substantially higher.

And now, a similar measure is coming to the California ballot.  But progressives, specifically, Supervisors Daly, McGlodrick, Gonzalez, and Ammiano,  led the way.  You see we aren’t called progressives for nothing, we lead, we um…progress. So, things come full circle sometimes, and this just shows how important getting out and leading on the issues of the day is for progressives.

So, good work Don Perata, congrats on following the lead of San Francisco’s crraaazzy progressive Supervisors.

Prisons

SB 840 (Single Payer Health Care) Passes State Senate

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Thanks to Frank Russo for informing us that Sheila Kuehl’s SB 840, the single-payer health care plan which is the the result of years of work and refining, has passed the California State Senate for the second straight year.  The mostly party-line vote was 22-14, with only Lou Correa voting with the Republicans against the bill.

Speaker Nunez and President Pro Tem Perata have health care bills up for votes, likely tomorrow, that are expected to pass.  Then the other chamber gets a crack at them all, then there will be some process of negotiation and merging of all of these health care-related bills resulting in whatever the Governor and the Legislative leaders decide is an acceptable final product.  It’s great that, by virtue of continuing to push SB 840 and not backing down, Sen. Kuehl will be in that room for those negotiations.  So this is not a fool’s errand, it’s a vital step to continue to push this state toward universal single payer healthcare and show the nation that it can be done.

On the flip for more legislative news…

In other news that really warms my heart, Sen. Gloria Romero’s SB 110, providing for an independent sentencing commission that will have the power to recommend sentencing guidelines, the TRUE way to reform our broken prison system, passed the State Senate.  Better yet, a companion bill passed the Assembly, so it looks like this sentencing commission proposal has a very good chance of winding up on the Governor’s desk.  Lou Correa again was the only Democratic Senator to vote against the bill.  I sense a pattern.  But it passed, and that’s spectacular news.  Hopefully the final bill will give the commission some teeth to actually mandate sentencing reform, and take the process out of the hands of “tough on crime” legislators.

And the Senate also voted to put the nonbinding Out of Iraq resolution on the February 2008 ballot.  I only really appreciate this in the sense that I’d love to see the Governor have to sign it.  Will he protect his party or “let the people decide?”  Other than that, I’m apathetic toward it, and I do believe it’s a stalking horse to get more Democrats to the polls in February, who may be more disposed to approving the term limits initiative that would allow the Democratic leadership to stay in office.

Los Angeles Area

Iraq Veterans take Los Angeles by Storm!

(“Truth is the first casualty” – promoted by Brian Leubitz)

On Sunday, June 3rd 2007, the Los Angeles chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War conducted Operation First Casualty. Former Marine Sargent Jason Lemiuex, who served three deployments in Iraq stated, “…under the premise that the first casualty of war is the truth. And the American people are getting fed this notion that we’re in Iraq spreading freedom and making Iraq safe for democracy when really we’re imposing a state of martial law on the people over there.” For more details and video, read on…

Taking the streets of Santa Monica by storm, Operation First Casualty was a huge success in raising awareness amongst the general population about the need to bring the troops home now. As veterans of the Iraq war shouted at, searched and hooded civilian volunteers, passers-by got a taste of what an occupation is like. During the street theatre, reenactments of a combat patrol, a riot with mass detention, and a soldier wounded by a roadside bomb occurred.

Tim Goodrich
Co-founder, Iraq Veterans Against the War

Los Angeles Area

Jane Harman and Iraq — Against the Supplemental (But Not Really)

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(So did Joe Klein actually get it right (kinda sorta)? Did Jane Harman plan to vote “Yea” before doing a “Nay”? I really don’t know, but Pete has an interesting theory. – promoted by atdleft)

crossposted at Daily Kos

OK, more than a week has passed since the Iraq supplemental vote, and I’m pretty dumbstruck that the incongruity of Jane Harman’s vote against the bill and her statements to Joe Klein of Time magazine about the vote hasn’t gotten more attention. 

Here’s the deal —

According to Harman, as told to Klein*:

1. Voting against the supplemental bill was voting against providing troops the equipment and the armor they need.

2. Voting No was not something she could bring herself to do because of her view noted above.

3. She voted against the bill in the end not because she changed her view noted above in 1., but because she says she felt it was her responsibility to vote how her anti-war constituents wanted her to vote.

Well, so what does all this mean?

1.  Harman was aware that the bill would pass at the time she switched from a Yes vote to a No vote. 

There’s a second source on this one: Politico says she changed her mind “shortly before it came to the floor”.  As far as Klein and Harman, I’m guessing she authorized Klein to say she’d already voted, which suggests the vote was very imminent.

2.  Her press statement criticizes an argument as false that she believes to be true. 

Namely, the “you’re endangering our troops if you vote no” argument.  The same day her press release was put out calling such an argument “manipulation” and “rubbish, she  made that exact argument to defend a “Yes” vote and she still stands behind that argument today(despite voting No on the bill).

3.  Based on 1. and 2. above, it’s reasonable to assume she reconciled herself to voting No on the bill and switched because by that time she knew it was going to pass and her vote wasn’t needed. 

Surely the fact that it would also help protect her from the wrath of constituents reeling from multiple military deaths was a motivating factor too. 

Sadly, this evening, the front page of the local South Bay newspaper website had four main stories on its front page – every single one of them about a local soldier’s death.

Friends, fellow Americans line Torrance streets to mourn a passing warrior
Wilmington soldier killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb
Death of Spc. Alexandre Alexeev is third from South Bay in two weeks.
Everyone came to pay their respects to a South Bay son
Services Sunday for Pfc. Daniel Cagle of Del Aire

The whole screen has no other articles in view.  They are all about local soldiers dying. 

Digby is right when he suggests that this dynamic must have played a part with Harman switching, but he gives credit to Harman where I think it very well could be a Lieberman-esque effort at “window dressing”.  Harman knew by that time what the outcome would be, and this dynamic isn’t getting her to change her thinking, only how she’s voting when it doesn’t make a difference. 

4.  If her vote would have actually made a difference in the outcome, there’s no way in hell that she would have voted against the supplemental because she  believed (and believes) to do so would lead to soldiers’ deaths. 

She  contrasts herself with all the anti-war folks who wanted a No vote on this blank-check bill: She is concerned in soldiers’ welfare; they are not.

I had those kids on the C-130 [deploying to Iraq] in my mind, but I also had to consider the overwhelming opposition to this war in my district–and, in the end, my responsibility was to the people I represent.

5.  Harman played absolutely no beneficial role in getting this blank-check supplemental defeated because she was for it until the very last minute, and even then personally disagrees with how she felt she had to vote.  For all we know, she was working behind the scenes to get people to vote for it.

‘* A note about relying on Harman’s statements as reported by Joe Klein on his Time magazine blog:  Klein gets things wrong.  A lot. And what Harman is reported as saying is pretty outlandish – I mean, Klein’s got her saying that she voted for a bill that she voted against, and implying that her very own vote is going to lead to the death of some American troops.  Couldn’t be possible, could it?

But consider: Klein posted a followup a day later and transcribed a voice mail he says he received from Harman in which she vouches for the accuracy of their conversation as Klein reported it. 

[…]
Your account of our conversation was accurate and I stand by what I said to you.
[…]

Also, consider how damaging these statements are to her credibility and the fact that her press office made no effort to clarify the record. (How many days has it been since the vote?)  And I personally talked to Harman’s press secretary and made sure he was aware of what Klein had quoted Harman as saying.  He was very aware and yet declined the opportunity to dispute any of it or point me to anywhere where they had previously disputed it.

Isn’t it reasonable to assume that the only reason Harman is not doing anything to correct the record about what Klein reported her as saying – is because she actually said it?

I think I’m bending over a little backwards to be fair to Harman — it’s not like I’m pretending to read nefarious thoughts into her mind.  These are things she said on the record which got published by Time magazine.  The onus is really on her to correct the record if anything is wrong, and nothing suggests she’s done that.  But if there’s something out there that’s not available online that for some reason Harman’s office is not sharing on this, please share in the comments.

Frankly, I’d be happy to find out that Klein did in fact get it wrong but Harman is protecting his errors until and unless she starts paying a price for what he wrote.  But it’s got to be one or the other:  Either Klein is simply making up things Harman said or Harman is being super-disingenuous on her Iraq war vote.

Prisons, San Diego

Open Thread

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And we’re back with a hip hop revival.

In your news roundup, San Diego women’s prison Las Colinas will close by order of a grand jury which found the overcrowding to have reached “barely humane” levels, whatever that means. 

Pre-trial hearings began today for Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, the commanding officer of the Marines involved in the Haditha killings.  On the menu: violation of an order and dereliction of duty.  Contrary to what I’m sure many on the Right wish was popular opinion, nobody wins in this.

And finally, our good friend Ruben Navarrette has a perplexing analysis of low-skill jobs and immigration.  He spends the first half of his op-ed establishing that Americans don’t want low wage jobs, and that they indeed look down on such jobs.  Then he dives right into the notion that maybe low-skilled workers would be better off if they got more skills.  Huh? Didn’t you just tell us that the problem was that America’s home-grown workforce was overskilled?  So your conclusion is, people need more skills?  He falls into the classic trap of “they’re stealing our jobs” blowhards while seemingly trying to refute it.  Nobody actually knows of large numbers of people who can’t get jobs because of immigrants, they just hear tell of them.  Yet they must be real, and I guess they need to call Lincoln Tech.

15 years after their last sighting, X-Clan is putting weak MCs on notice.  Now dance to the rhythm of the evolved drum.  X-Clan – Weapon X.
“You can be a strange fruit and be straight innocent.”

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The Bizarre Relationship between Jane Harman & Joe Klein

If you check out the Quick Hits Section on the front page, you’ll see one QH about Joe Klein and Jane Harman, and another about Atrios declaring himself the wanker of the day.  All very good, but what does that mean? Well, it’s the case that truly illustrates that, well, dday was right:  Jane Harman has changed over the past year and a half or so. And for that, we owe a debt of gratitude to Marcy Winograd.

So, um, what is all this insider jibberish? Flip it!

Well, I think we should first posit that Joe Klein (aka Joke Line, author of Primary Colors and current columnist at Time Magazine) has absolutely no journalistic credibility. There, now that’s out of the way.  On 5/25, Joke Line reported this quote from Rep. Harman:

But I flew into Baghdad on a troop transport with 150 kids, heading into the field. To vote against this bill was to vote against giving them the equipment, the armor they need. I couldn’t do that. (Swamperiffic 5/25/07)

Now, the only trouble, as Booman pointed out is that Jane Harman actually voted against the funding resolution. So, on 5/26, Klein puts up this voicemail message from Harman:

I apologize for not calling to tell you that I changed my mind. Your account of our conversation was accurate and I stand by what I said to you. We were faced with two miserable choices. I had those kids on the C-130 [deploying to Iraq] in my mind, but I also had to consider the overwhelming opposition to this war in my district–and, in the end, my responsibility was to the people I represent.

So, somehow Harman had the responsibility to notify Klein of her decision to change her mind? How pathetic is this that a) Harman felt the need to apologize to Klein and b) that Klein didn’t bother to f’ing check the roll call. Yeah, that’s really hard. And oh, by the way, Harman also joined Jerry McNerney and Pete Stark in voting against the rule to bring the vote to the floor.

But, that being said, that quote is really interesting. It is essentially an admission that Harman was out of line with her constituency and is now working to get back in line. Now, I reject her premise that a vote against was a vote to deny the troops anything. A vote against was a call for Bush to bring the troops home. The Pentagon has plenty of money to withdraw our troops safely, and leaders like Rep. Woolsey have authored measures too grant additional funds to fully fund the withdrawal.  It’s long past time to get out and quit playing patriotic games with the lives of our troops. That the mission was flawed says nothing about the talents of our troops. They are still the best in the world. But even the best fighting force in the world is no match for poor planning and the rejection of facts.

Uncategorized

California Remembers Its Sons and Daughters

(Rest in Peace – promoted by Lucas O’Connor)

California has lost 358 of its children in this war and occupation.  Every corner of the state has felt the loss, and we all pray for the safe return of all those still serving.  Of those fallen, the world is less for their loss, and will be made greater in their honor.

Aguanga West, Jeromy D. Lance Corporal 25-Nov-2006
  Alameda Boyles, Aaron Lance Corporal 24-Sep-2004
  Alhambra Griffin Jr., Darrell R. Staff Sergeant 21-Mar-2007
  Alpaugh Moore, Christopher  Staff Sergeant 19-May-2007
  Alpine Perry, Joseph W. Sergeant 02-Oct-2006
  Alta Loma Isshak, Daniel Staff Sergeant 03-Oct-2006
  American Canyon West, Phillip G.  Lance Corporal 19-Nov-2004
  Anaheim Briones Jr., Pablito Pena Seaman 28-Dec-2004
  Anaheim Henry, Raymond L. Private 1st Class 25-Apr-2006
  Anaheim Lee, Samuel S. Private 1st Class 28-Mar-2005
  Antioch Schelle, Daniel R. Staff Sergeant 24-Sep-2005
  Apple Valley Sickels, Kenneth L. Private 1st Class 27-Sep-2004
  Aptos Jones-Huffman, Kylan A. Lieutenant 21-Aug-2003
  Arcadia Colnot, Kyle A. Sergeant 22-Apr-2006
  Arleta Ayon, Eric A. Private 1st Class 09-Apr-2004
  Arroyo Grande Mora, Michael A. Private 1st Class 14-May-2004
  Auburn Mizener, Jesse D. Private 1st Class 07-Jan-2004
  Auburn Waters, David L. Private 14-Oct-2004
  Azusa Harris-Kelly, Leroy Private 1st Class 20-Apr-2004
  Bakersfield Perry, David S. Staff Sergeant 10-Aug-2003
  Bakersfield Villatoro Jr., Ramon A. Private 1st Class 24-Jul-2005
  Bakersfield Farr, Clay P. Specialist 26-Feb-2006
  Bakersfield Baroncini, Jr., Lester Domenico Sergeant 15-Oct-2006
  Bakersfield Garcia Jr., Alberto Private 1st Class 13-Mar-2007
  Baldwin Park Haro Marin Jr., Atanasio Sergeant 03-Jun-2003
  Baldwin Park Salas, Rudy Corporal 20-May-2004
  Baldwin Park Figueroa, Gabriel J. Private 1st Class 03-Apr-2007
  Banning Palmer, Joshua M. 1st Lieutenant 08-Apr-2004
  Barstow Hayes, James F. Sergeant 1st Class 06-Nov-2005
  Bay Point Hodges, Erick J. Lance Corporal 10-Nov-2004
  Bell Gardens Mora, Jose L. Specialist 24-Oct-2003
  Benicia/Vallejo Shumney, Dustin M. 1st Lieutenant 26-Jan-2005
  Big Bear Ciity Landaker, Jared M. 1st Lieutenant 07-Feb-2007
  Bloomington Blanco, Joseph A. Corporal 11-Apr-2006
  Blythe Taylor III, Norman R. Sergeant 17-Oct-2006
  Calexico Silva, Alfredo B. Sergeant 15-Sep-2005
  Calexico Acosta, Steven Private 1st Class 26-Oct-2003
  Caliente Zanutto, Adam O. Corporal 06-Mar-2006
  Campbell Estep, Adam W. Sergeant 29-Apr-2004
  Canyon Country Larsen, Cole W. Private 1st Class 13-Nov-2004
  Carlsbad Watkins, Glenn J. Corporal 05-Apr-2005
  Carson Cagle, Daniel P. Private 1st Class 23-May-2007
  Castro Valley Johnson, Robert S. Staff Sergeant 21-Dec-2004
  Cathedral City Sun, Ming Private 1st Class 09-Jan-2007
  Ceres NavarroArellano, Juana Lance Corporal 08-Apr-2006
  Chico Clark, Arron R. Specialist 05-Dec-2003
  Chino Marencoreyes, Douglas Jose Corporal 18-May-2003
  Chino Simpson, Abraham Lance Corporal 09-Nov-2004
  Chino Nolasco, Marcos O. Specialist 18-May-2004
  Chula Vista Silva, Erik Hernandez Corporal 03-Apr-2003
  Chula Vista Idanan, Michael J. Sergeant 19-Nov-2005
  Chula Vista Bachar, Salem Corporal 13-Apr-2006
  Chula Vista Spivey, Curtis R. Specialist 02-Apr-2007
  Citrus Heights Hines, Keicia M. Sergeant 13-Jan-2004
  Clovis Hubbard, Jared P. Lance Corporal 04-Nov-2004
  Clovis Butterfield, Anthony E. Lance Corporal 29-Jul-2006
  Clovis Packer, Steven M.  Sergeant 17-May-2007
  Concord Zieske, Benjamin T. Private 1st Class 03-May-2006
  Concord Nygardbekowsky, Mick R. Corporal 06-Sep-2004
  Corcoran Orosco, Adrian N. Sergeant 09-Dec-2005
  Corona Young, Ryan C. Sergeant 02-Dec-2003
  Corona Castro, Jonathan Corporal 21-Dec-2004
  Corona Franco, Jason Private 1st Class 31-Oct-2006
  Cottonwood Turner Jr., Thomas B. Sergeant 14-Jul-2006
  Covina Johnson, Stephen P. Corporal 26-Jan-2005
  Covina Creed, Matthew W. Specialist 22-Oct-2006
  Culver City Payton, George J. Lance Corporal 14-Nov-2004
  Cutler Chavez Jr., Javier Private 1st Class 09-Feb-2006
  Cypress Daclan Jr., Edgar P. Specialist 10-Sep-2004
  Delano Orozco, Osbaldo 1st Lieutenant 25-Apr-2003
  Discovery Bay Graves, Joseph A. Specialist 25-Jul-2006
  El Centro Montes, Luis A. Sergeant 07-Sep-2006
  El Dorado Shuder, Brad S. Lance Corporal 12-Apr-2004
  El Monte Casanova, Jose Private 1st Class 13-Oct-2003
  El Segundo Kenyon, Rex C. Chief Warrant Officer 3 16-Jan-2006
  Elk Grove Johnson, Ty J. Corporal 04-Apr-2006
  Escondido Gannon II, Richard J. Captain 17-Apr-2004
  Escondido Beckstrand, James L. Specialist 29-Apr-2004
  Escondido Suarez del Solar, Jesus Alberto Lance Corporal 27-Mar-2003
  Eureka LaMont, Andrew David Captain 19-May-2003
  Exeter Unger, Daniel Paul Private 1st Class 25-May-2004
  Fair Oaks Acosta, Genaro Specialist 11-Nov-2003
  Fallbrook Pena-Romero, Jorge Luis Staff Sergeant 16-Jul-2005
  Fallbrook Sonoda Jr., Mike T. Sergeant 22-Sep-2005
  Folsom Barnhill, Michael S. 1st Sergeant 28-May-2005
  Folsom Thrasher, Robert B. Sergeant 11-Feb-2007
  Fontana Tamayo, Fernando S. Lance Corporal 21-Dec-2006
  Foothill Ranch Pollard, Justin W. Specialist 30-Dec-2003
  Foster City Dang, Andrew S. Lance Corporal 22-Mar-2004
  Freedom Hendrix, Jason R. Staff Sergeant 16-Feb-2005
  Fremont Layfield, Travis J. Lance Corporal 06-Apr-2004
  Fremont Willey, Cheyenne C. Sergeant 23-Dec-2005
  Fresno Rangel, Jose C. Staff Sergeant 23-Jan-2005
  Fresno Baro, Jeremiah A. Corporal 04-Nov-2004
  Fresno Reali, Regina C. Sergeant 23-Dec-2005
  Fresno Rojas, Michael M. Corporal 18-Apr-2007
  Garden Grove Monsoor, Michael A. Petty Officer 2nd Class 29-Sep-2006
  Gilroy Ailes, Jeramy A. Lance Corporal 15-Nov-2004
  Glendale Ravago IV, Rel A. Specialist 23-Nov-2003
  Glendora Elias, Elias Specialist 23-Dec-2006
  Glendora Howey, Blake H. Lance Corporal 18-Feb-2007
  Grass Valley Lucente, John A. “JT” Lance Corporal 16-Nov-2005
  Hanford Pulido, Victor H. Toledo  Corporal 23-May-2007
  Hawthorne Mayhan, Ryan L. Lance Corporal 21-Dec-2006
  Hayward Balsley, Michael Private 1st Class 25-Jan-2007
  Heber Manzano, Pablo Private 1st Class 25-Aug-2003
  Hemet Chappell, Jason K. Specialist 24-Jan-2004
  Hemet Estrella, Michael A. Corporal 14-Jun-2006
  Hemet Stanton Jr., Kenny F. Private 1st Class 13-Oct-2006
  Hemet Sare, Charles O. Hospital Corpsman 23-Oct-2006
  Hemet Yoakum, Keith  Chief Warrant Officer 02-Feb-2007
  Hesperia Hernandez, Armando Sergeant 01-Aug-2004
  Huntington Beach Glimpse, Marcus S. Lance Corporal 12-Apr-2006
  Huntington Beach James, William C. Corporal 09-Nov-2004
  Huntington Park Romero, Ramon Private 1st Class 22-Aug-2005
  Huntington Park Contreras, Andres J. Sergeant 15-Jul-2006
  Huntington Park Tejeda, Luis E. Corporal 30-Sep-2006
  Imperial Cherry, Marcus M. Lance Corporal 06-Apr-2004
  Indio Gonzalez, Jesus Angel Corporal 12-Apr-2003
  Ione Ornsby-Adkins, Jay-D H. Private 1st Class 28-Apr-2007
  Irvine Horn, Sean Private 1st Class 19-Jun-2004
  Irvine Soltes Jr., Charles R. Major 13-Oct-2004
  Irvine Taylor, Keith Edward Lieutenant Commander 29-Jan-2005
  Irvine Probst, Michael S. Lance Corporal 14-Feb-2006
  Irvine Daily, Mark J. 2nd Lieutenant 15-Jan-2007
  La Crescenta Steinbacher, Nicholas P. Specialist 10-Dec-2006
  La Habra Lopez Lopez, Hugo R. Lance Corporal 27-Jan-2006
  La Mesa Adams, Thomas Mullen Lieutenant 22-Mar-2003
  La Puente Corniel, Marcelino Ronald Sergeant 31-Dec-2005
  La Puente LaBouff, Douglas A. Major 07-Jan-2006
  La Puente Gonzalez, Mario D. Lance Corporal 14-Nov-2006
  La Puente Morales, Jason M. Private 1st Class 18-Apr-2007
  Lake Elsinore Parker, Daniel R. Private 1st Class 12-Aug-2003
  Lake Hughes Stewart, Ian W. Corporal 12-Dec-2004
  Lancaster Walker, Allan K. Staff Sergeant 06-Apr-2004
  Lancaster Clark, Ryan. J. Corporal 29-Jun-2006
  Lancaster Leon, Christopher D.  Corporal 20-Jun-2006
  Lancaster Freeman Jr., Walter Private 1st Class 04-Apr-2007
  Lathrop Vega, Michael W. 1st Lieutenant 20-Mar-2004
  Le Grand Granados, Cesar A. Corporal 15-Sep-2006
  Lemoore Bow, Jeremy D. Lance Corporal 30-Oct-2004
  Livingston Lau, Karina S. Private 1st Class 02-Nov-2003
  Lodi Hagy Jr., Guy Stanley Staff Sergeant 13-Sep-2004
  Lomita Diaz Varela, Sergio R. Specialist 24-Nov-2004
  Lompoc Argel, Derek Captain 30-May-2005
  Long Beach Torres, George D. Private 1st Class 11-Apr-2004
  Long Beach Marcus Jr., Lyndon A. Private 1st Class 03-May-2004
  Long Beach Davis Jr., Anthony J. Sergeant 23-Apr-2005
  Long Beach Collins, Randy D. Sergeant 1st Class 24-May-2005
  Long Beach Castellano, Stephen A. Private 1st Class 28-Jan-2005
  Long Beach Guerra, Ernesto R. Private 29-Jul-2005
  Long Beach Martinez Salazar, Roberto L. Specialist 04-Feb-2006
  Long Beach Toomalatai, David T. Private 1st Class 27-Jan-2007
  Long Beach Sunsin-Pineda, Astor A.  Specialist 02-May-2007
  Los Altos Hills Sigua, William M. Sergeant 31-Jan-2007
  Los Angeles Pineda, Carlos Corporal 24-Jun-2005
  Los Angeles Whitley, Dion M. Lance Corporal 15-Jun-2005
  Los Angeles Monzon Jr., Milton M. Sergeant 24-Jul-2005
  Los Angeles Garcia-Arana, Juan de Dios Staff Sergeant 30-Apr-2005
  Los Angeles Menyweather, Eddie E. Staff Sergeant 23-Nov-2003
  Los Angeles Gonzalez, Benjamin R. Lance Corporal 29-May-2004
  Los Angeles Penamedina, Abraham D. Staff Sergeant 27-Apr-2004
  Los Angeles Marshall, John Winston Sergeant 1st Class 08-Apr-2003
  Los Angeles Martinez-Flores, Francisco Abraham Private 1st Class 27-Mar-2003
  Los Angeles Gonzalez, Jorge Alonso Corporal 23-Mar-2003
  Los Angeles Lu, Victor R. Lance Corporal 13-Nov-2004
  Los Angeles Martinezluis, Trinidad R. Sergeant 28-Nov-2004
  Los Angeles Figueroa, Luis A. Lance Corporal 18-Nov-2004
  Los Angeles Razani, Omead H. Specialist 27-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Lopez, Edgar E. Sergeant 28-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Villanueva, Joselito O. Sergeant 1st Class 27-Sep-2004
  Los Angeles Sandoval-Flores, Felipe D. Lance Corporal 02-Apr-2006
  Los Angeles Guerrero, Salvador Lance Corporal 09-Jun-2006
  Los Angeles Abad, Roberto Corporal 06-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Perez, Geoffrey Private 1st Class 15-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Muy, Veashna Lance Corporal 23-Jun-2005
  Los Angeles Carrillo, Alejandro Sergeant 30-Jan-2007
  Los Angeles Young, Christopher D. Specialist 02-Mar-2007
  Los Angeles area Nason, Christopher G. Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) 23-Nov-2003
  Los Angeles/Rosemead Arrelano Pandura, Carlos Corporal 20-Jan-2006
  Manteca Palmer II, Charles O. Corporal 05-May-2007
  Merced Pickard, Joshua D. Corporal 19-Dec-2006
  Mission Viejo Tran, Quoc Binh Sergeant 07-Nov-2004
  Mission Viejo Crocker, Ricardo A. Major 26-May-2005
  Mission Viejo Santee, Daniel J. Lance Corporal 14-Apr-2007
  Modesto Sanchez, Oscar Private 1st Class 29-Dec-2004
  Modesto Anderson, Michael D. Corporal 14-Dec-2004
  Modesto Long, Bunny Lance Corporal 10-Mar-2006
  Modesto Simons, Aaron William Lance Corporal 24-Apr-2006
  Modesto Gage, Joseph A. Staff Sergeant 02-Nov-2006
  Monrovia Mercado, Raul Lance Corporal 07-Jan-2006
  Moreno Valley Richardson, William D. Corporal 03-Apr-2005
  Moreno Valley Tetrault, Jason Lance Corporal 09-Jul-2003
  Mountain View Ballard, Kenneth Michael 1st Lieutenant 30-May-2004
  Napa Bosselmann, Kirk J. Corporal 27-Nov-2004
  National City Burdick, Richard A. Staff Sergeant 10-Dec-2003
  Newhall Sellen Jr., Dennis L. Specialist 11-Feb-2007
  Norwalk Rodriguez, Jose F. Gonzalez Private 1st Class 12-May-2003
  Novato Fuhrmann II, Ray M. Specialist 18-Aug-2005
  Oceanside Tainsh, Patrick S. Sergeant 11-Feb-2004
  Oceanside Neubauer, Paul C. Sergeant 23-Sep-2005
  Oceanside Herrera, David L. Sergeant 28-Jan-2006
  Oceanside Soukenka, Richard A. Sergeant 27-Feb-2007
  Ontario Perez, Jose R. Corporal 18-Oct-2006
  Ontario Salcido, Rudy A. Sergeant 1st Class 09-Nov-2006
  Orange Bertolino, Stephen A. Staff Sergeant 29-Nov-2003
  Orange Wine, Trevor A. Specialist 01-May-2004
  Orange Garibay, Jose Angel Corporal 23-Mar-2003
  Orange City Chao, Cornell C.  Chief Warrant Officer 28-Jan-2007
  Oxnard Luna, Kevin M. Private 1st Class 27-Jan-2005
  Oxnard Ortega, Elijah M. Private 26-Sep-2005
  Oxnard Espiritu, Allan M. Petty Officer 2nd Class 01-Nov-2005
  Pacoima Ramirez, Angel De Jesus Lucio Sergeant 11-Nov-2006
  Palmdale Allen, John E. Sergeant 17-Mar-2007
  Paradise Walberg, Steven J. Private 1st Class 15-Apr-2007
  Pasadena Escobar, Sergio H. Lance Corporal 08-Oct-2005
  Pasadena Rosema, Adam J. Specialist 14-Mar-2007
  Pico Rivera Mora Jr., Arthur A. Sergeant 19-Oct-2005
  Placentia Harrell, William M. Staff Sergeant 08-Apr-2004
  Placentia Bridges, Michael P. Private 02-Nov-2006
  Placentia Kim, Jang H. Private 1st Class 13-Nov-2006
  Pomona Baez, Cesar O. Petty Officer 2nd Class 15-Jun-2005
  Pomona Guy, Shaker T. Sergeant 29-Oct-2005
  Pomona Gudino, Sergio Specialist 25-Dec-2005
  Porterville Mitchell, Michael W. Sergeant 04-Apr-2004
  Ramona Ojeda, Ramon C. Specialist 01-May-2004
  Rancho Cucamonga Paine, Mark C. Captain 15-Oct-2006
  Rancho Cucamonga Carter, Lawrance J. Sergeant 29-Dec-2006
  Redding LaWare, Casey M. Private 1st Class 09-Apr-2005
  Redding Gifford, Micah S. Specialist 07-Dec-2006
  Redlands Widner, Vernon R. Corporal 17-Nov-2005
  Redlands Gunterman, Hannah L. Private 1st Class 04-Sep-2006
  Redlands Farrar Jr., William A. Private 1st Class 11-May-2007
  Redondo Beach Brock, Sean Lee Captain 02-Feb-2005
  Reedley Lusk II, Joe Fenton Captain 21-Jan-2005
  Rialto Molina Bautista, Jorge A. Staff Sergeant 23-May-2004
  Rialto Santos, Luis D. Specialist 08-Jun-2006
  Ridgecrest Jenkins, Troy David Sergeant 24-Apr-2003
  Riverside Bryant, Todd J. 2nd Lieutenant 31-Oct-2003
  Riverside Tyson, Andre D. 1st Lieutenant 22-Jun-2004
  Riverside Hunt, Justin T. Lance Corporal 06-Jul-2004
  Riverside Cutter, Brian K. Private 1st Class 13-May-2004
  Riverside Morrow, Jason W. Corporal 27-Jun-2006
  Riverside Klasno, Rhys W. Specialist 13-May-2007
  Roseville Silva, Sean A. Private 09-Oct-2003
  Sacramento Stevens, Joseph W. Staff Sergeant 24-Jan-2005
  Sacramento Duplantier II, Arnold Sergeant 22-Jun-2005
  Sacramento Lawson, Issac S. Specialist 05-Jun-2006
  Sacramento Brown, Timothy W. Lance Corporal 14-Nov-2006
  San Bernardino Grilley, Sean R. Corporal 16-Oct-2003
  San Bernardino Alvarez, Nicanor Corporal 21-Aug-2004
  San Bernardino Watkins, Timothy D. Specialist 15-Oct-2005
  San Bruno Zawaydeh, Angelo A. Private 1st Class 15-Mar-2006
  San Clemente Miersandoval, Eliu A. Sergeant 31-Jan-2004
  San Diego Peralta, Rafael Sergeant 15-Nov-2004
  San Diego Ragimov, Mourad Lance Corporal 26-Jan-2005
  San Diego Ramirez, Eric U. Specialist 12-Feb-2004
  San Diego Velasquez, Paul A. Staff Sergeant 02-Nov-2003
  San Diego Jimenez, Oscar 1st Lieutenant 11-Apr-2004
  San Diego Jones, Devon Demilo Private 04-Apr-2003
  San Diego Rosacker, Randal Kent Corporal 23-Mar-2003
  San Diego Holley, Matthew J. Specialist 15-Nov-2005
  San Diego Doria, Richwell A. Staff Sergeant 07-Nov-2006
  San Diego Wilson, Jamie D. Staff Sergeant 22-Jan-2007
  San Diego Madore Jr., Ronnie G. Specialist 14-Feb-2007
  San Diego Kowalczyk, Stephen M. Specialist 14-Mar-2007
  San Francisco Rose, Christopher D. Corporal 29-Jun-2006
  San Francisco Moore, Keith J. Private 1st Class 14-Oct-2006
  San Francisco De Leon, Mario K. Sergeant 16-Apr-2007
  San Jose Mihalakis, Michael G. Specialist 26-Dec-2003
  San Jose Roodhouse, Edwin William Specialist 05-Dec-2004
  San Jose Menusa, Joseph Gunnery Sergeant 27-Mar-2003
  San Juan Capistrano Gardner, Derek L. Lance Corporal 06-Sep-2004
  San Luis Obispo Seigart, Carl Leonard Sergeant 14-Feb-2007
  San Marcos Moore, Jason William Lance Corporal 19-May-2003
  San Marino Blecksmith, James P. “JP” 2nd Lieutenant 11-Nov-2004
  San Ramon Crowley, Kyle D. Lance Corporal 06-Apr-2004
  Santa Ana Reynosasuarez, Rafael Lance Corporal 29-May-2004
  Santa Ana Ceniceros, Manuel A. Lance Corporal 26-Jun-2004
  Santa Ana Mendoza, Antonio Corporal 03-Jun-2005
  Santa Clarita Flores-Mejia, Jose Ricardo Private 1st Class 16-Nov-2004
  Santa Cruz Perez, Andres H. Corporal 14-Nov-2004
  Santa Cruz Jacobs, Morgen N. Specialist 07-Oct-2004
  Santa Fe Springs Nakamura, Paul T. Specialist 19-Jun-2003
  Santa Maria Rimes, Garrywesley Tan Corporal 01-Apr-2005
  Santa Maria Heredia, Joseph J. Corporal 20-Nov-2004
  Santa Rosa Kynoch, Joshua J. Corporal 01-Oct-2005
  Santa Rosa Viglienzone, Caesar S. Private 1st Class 01-Feb-2006
  Santa Rosa Williams, Jesse L. Staff Sergeant 08-Apr-2007
  Santee Geurin, Cory Ryan Lance Corporal 15-Jul-2003
  Saugus Slocum, Richard Patrick Lance Corporal 24-Oct-2004
  Scotts Valley Spence, Joseph B. Lance Corporal 26-Jan-2005
  Sebastopol Ottolini, Michael C. Staff Sergeant 10-Nov-2004
  Shafter Barraza, Ricardo Staff Sergeant 18-Mar-2006
  Simi Valley Gibson, Christopher A. Corporal 17-Apr-2004
  Simi Valley Venegas, Juan C. Lance Corporal 07-Apr-2005
  Simi Valley Diraimondo, Michael A. Sergeant 08-Jan-2004
  Simi Valley Tessar, Jonathan Sergeant 1st Class 31-Oct-2005
  Smartville Strain, Adam J. Lance Corporal 03-Aug-2005
  Sonoma O’Day, Patrick Terence Lance Corporal 27-Mar-2003
  Sonoma Shea, Timothy M. Corporal 25-Aug-2005
  South Gate Padilla Aleman, Geovani Hospitalman 02-Apr-2006
  South Gate Ayala, Luis G. Specialist 28-Dec-2006
  Spring Valley Cronkrite, Brud J. Sergeant 14-May-2004
  Stockton Taylor, Mark D. Major 20-Mar-2004
  Stockton Emanuel IV, William River Specialist 08-Jul-2004
  Stockton Mariano, Robbie M. Private 05-Jan-2006
  Stockton Evey, Jason M. Staff Sergeant 16-Jul-2006
  Stockton Crutchfield, Michael J. Specialist 23-Dec-2006
  Stockton Fontanilla, Victor M. Private 1st Class 17-May-2007
  Sun Valley Gonzalez-Iraheta, Felix G. Sergeant 03-May-2007
  Sun Valley Stewart, Carla Jane Specialist 28-Jan-2007
  Sunnyvale Lee, Bumrok  Corporal 02-Jun-2004
  Tehachapi Sprayberry III, Marvin R. Sergeant 03-May-2004
  Tehama Kiser, Timothy Craig Sergeant 28-Apr-2005
  Temecula Saxton, Stephen P. Sergeant 03-May-2005
  Temecula Freeman, Brian Scott Captain 20-Jan-2007
  Thousand Oaks Melia, Anthony C. Lance Corporal 27-Jan-2007
  Torrance Wood, Brian M. Sergeant 16-Apr-2004
  Torrance Anzack Jr., Joseph J. Private 1st Class 23-May-2007
  Tracy Bridges, Steven H. Staff Sergeant 08-Dec-2003
  Tracy Martinez, Jesse J. Private 1st Class 14-Jul-2004
  Tracy McCaffrey Sr., Patrick R. Sergeant 22-Jun-2004
  Tracy Nguyen, Tung M.  Sergeant 1st Class 14-Nov-2006
  Tracy/San Joaquin Dewey, Brandon Christopher Lance Corporal 20-Jan-2006
  Trinity Center Brown, Jeffery S. Sergeant 09-Aug-2006
  Turlock Hill II, Raymond D. Captain 29-Oct-2005
  Turlock Brehm, Dale G. Sergeant 18-Mar-2006
  Ukiah Buzzard, Jason J. Sergeant 21-Jun-2006
  Vacaville Sheehan, Casey Specialist 04-Apr-2004
  Vacaville Bonifacio Jr., Jerry L. Staff Sergeant 10-Oct-2005
  Vallejo Mariano, Jude C. Master Sergeant 10-Feb-2004
  Van Nuys Almazan, David J. Sergeant 27-Aug-2006
  Ventura Hill, Christopher K. Specialist 11-Mar-2004
  Ventura Bitz, Michael Edward Sergeant 23-Mar-2003
  Ventura House, John Daniel Petty Officer 3rd Class 26-Jan-2005
  Victorville Wiscowiche, William J. Lance Corporal 30-Mar-2004
  Vista Twyman, Wade Michael Specialist 04-Mar-2005
  Vista Dunlap, Brian E. Sergeant 24-Sep-2005
  Vista Bisson, Jeffrey D. Specialist 20-Jan-2007
  Walnut Creek Coon, James J. Private 1st Class 04-Apr-2007
  Watsonville Gonzalez, Victor A. Lance Corporal 13-Oct-2004
  Weimar Andrews, Harley D. Specialist 11-Sep-2006
  West Covina Kim, Louis G. Specialist 20-Feb-2007
  West Hills Ashcraft, Evan Asa Corporal 24-Jul-2003
  Westminster Rosaleslomeli, Victor A. Staff Sergeant 13-Apr-2004
  Whittier Bolor, Kelly Sergeant 1st Class 15-Nov-2003
  Wildomar Hannon, Fernando B. Private 1st Class 15-Aug-2004
  Wildomar Bouchard, Nathan K. Sergeant 18-Aug-2005
  Willows Vue, Thai Specialist 18-Jun-2004
  Wilton Nurre, Joseph C. Sergeant 21-Aug-2005
  Winchester Webb, Christopher R. Staff Sergeant 07-Mar-2007
  Winnetka Walter, Rowan D. Private 1st Class 22-Feb-2007
  Woodlake Holguin, Manuel J. Specialist 15-Jul-2006
  Woodland Arroyave, Jimmy J. Staff Sergeant 15-Apr-2004
  Yorba Linda/Brea Brattain, Joel K. Private 1st Class 13-Mar-2004
  Yreka Hancock, Michael S. Sergeant 24-Oct-2003
  Yuba City Parkerson III, Harvey Emmett Sergeant 18-Aug-2004

Uncategorized

One Nation, One Moment, One Action

2 Comments

(Go Congressman!- blogswarm;
Now cross-posted at MyDD! Go over and rec it! : ) – promoted by atdleft)

NOTE: The initial inspiration for Jerry McNerney to advocate this action was a Daily Kos diary titled “Will he still love me?” by testvet6778; this is also cross-posted on Jerry’s Blog… – Eden w/ McNerney for Congress

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Today is Memorial Day, a time to recognize and honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation for over two centuries, from the American Revolution to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While this day is always a solemn national event, I know many Americans are feeling a profound sense of pain on this particular Memorial Day. The thoughts and feelings you have expressed to me about how to support our troops in this time of war — in-person at my “Congress At Your Corner” events, by phone, through email, or in the hundreds of comments on my blog — is a reflection of that deep sentiment.

More below the fold, including a very important action you can take to support our veterans living with Traumatic Brain Injury and an update on our effort to save the Livermore VA hospital from being closed…

While our country may be divided about how best to support our troops in these conflicts abroad, this day is about uniting to remember those who have given their all to our nation.

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Today, you can join millions of your fellow Americans in reconciliation and respect by observing the “National Moment of Remembrance,” a national minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada says, this is “a way we can all help put the `memorial’ back in Memorial Day.”

We have a duty as Americans to remember the people who have sacrificed for our country. And, we also have a duty to take care of returning veterans whose body, mind or spirit may be wounded in the conflicts they fight abroad. That’s why I’ve recently led the effort to pass legislation that will significantly increase funding and research into Traumatic Brain Injury (or “TBI”), often caused by roadside bomb explosions.

Last year, I asked you on Memorial Day to financially support a grassroots organization called “Operation Helmet,” which provided special blast-protective headgear to troops in combat to prevent TBI. Your generosity — and the response by thousands of other Americans — was so profound that Operation Helmet recently announced that it no longer needed to solicit donations.

This year, no matter your feelings about the war, I want to ask you to join together again in collective action to heal our soldiers and our nation. Bob Woodruff, the former ABC News anchor who suffered a serious brain injury after a roadside bomb explosion last year, has founded the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury to help soldiers suffering from TBI to receive cognitive rehabilitation.

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http://www.bobwoodru…

On behalf of all the veterans who continue to suffer the ill effects of these horrific injuries, today I would like you to seriously consider making a contribution of whatever amount you can afford to the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Rest assured that contributions to the Woodruff Family Fund will actually go to the cause of caring for our veterans. When you click the “Donations” link at the web site above, you will be redirected to the Brain Injury Association of America. Under the section “Program Area," please click the scroll bar to select “Bob Woodruff Family Fund for TBI” as the recipient of your donation.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important request on this solemn day.

Sincerely,

Jerry

P.S. Many of you have recently asked me how we can save the veterans hospital facility in Livermore from closing due to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs federal budget cutbacks. Rest assured that I will continue to focus my energy on keeping the Livermore VA hospital open and potentially expand its services to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

With growing support for my PTSD proposal for Livermore from major newspapers across our region, there is a growing consensus that keeping the Livermore VA open and reshaping its mission would be in the best interests of our veterans. You can read those newspapers editorials and other posts on my efforts to keep the Livermore VA open by clicking here to read the “Veterans Affairs” section of my campaign blog.

Bay Area

Another Memorial Day and Insiders Still Don’t Get Iraq

10 Comments

The insiders are gratuitously behind the curve in understanding Iraq:

Congressman Jerry McNerney, who took a lot of heat from progressives for his last vote on Iraq, this time defied Democratic leadership and voted no on the bill to pass the federal budget.

In reality, last time McNerney voted against Speaker Pelosi and voted with the minority (59) of Democratic members who want to stay in Iraq. Thursday, he defied the President and joined the Speaker in voting with the majority (140) of Democrats against capitulating.

The other day, the San Francisco Chronicle ran a great acticle on Facebook activism. So take advantage of the potential. Sign up an account and join the group: Proud of Jerry McNerney. And be friends with Jerry McNerney. This is a great use of 5 minutes for some Memorial Day activism.

And, of course, join the group: Calitics. It is critical for those of us who do “get it” to become better networked.

Updated to add the kick-ass pic of our friend who crashed the gate.