1

Deux!

Welcome Howie and Tom.

Welcome, future Senator Allen.

I joined up and lit a candle.

Welcome back to FDL, Tom. Glad you could make it tonight. Are we getting any closer to ending this mess in Iraq? Or do we just have to wait for Bush to leave the White House and then hope that Hillary does the right thing? (And, of course elect a lot of new and better Democrats.)

Hi Howie, Hi Tom!

I would love to see Susan Collins defeated. I have relatives in Dresden, and they certainly don’t feel like she represents them.

Toby Wollin @ 5

I joined up and lit a candle.

thanks for participating in this on-line peace rally. i want to thank the Blue America community for your support. i am glad to be back at FireDogLake to talk about Iraq and anything else on your mind.

Loo Hoo. @ 8

I would love to see Susan Collins defeated. I have relatives in Dresden, and they certainly don’t feel like she represents them.

Susan and I are on opposite sides of the Bush Iraq policy and the Bush economic plan. Neither makes any sense for Maine.

How did Susan Collins ever get elected to the Senate from Maine? Hopefully that error will be corrected in 13 months.

Loo Hoo. @ 8

I would love to see Susan Collins defeated. I have relatives in Dresden, and they certainly don’t feel like she represents them.

she’s got it comin’ to her

here comes Senator Tom Allen

Steve-AR @ 11

How did Susan Collins ever get elected to the Senate from Maine? Hopefully that error will be corrected in 13 months.

I am confident that we can win this race, because what I have fought for in Congress makes sense for all those middle class families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Tom, there was a lot of discussion back at the time of the Lieberman fund raiser for Collins that the Senate race in Maine would get national attention in the same way that the Lamont-Lieberman race did in CT- unprecedented visits from pols, robocalls that were widely resented by CT residents not used to this type of campaigning, and so forth. Do you see this happening in Maine? I don’t see these type of tactics “working” well at all, given what I know of Mainers. Just interested to know what you foresee in terms of campaign tactics. And, of course, I’d much like to hear your “on the ground” view as to the mood among Maine voters. Thanks.

I wrote my Congressman(R) and Senator(R) and asked why after so much money Baghad still has about 2 hours of electricty a day, but never got an answer.

Good Luck, future Senator!

Valley Girl @ 14

Tom, there was a lot of discussion back at the time of the Lieberman fund raiser for Collins that the Senate race in Maine would get national attention in the same way that the Lamont-Lieberman race did in CT- unprecedented visits from pols, robocalls that were widely resented by CT residents not used to this type of campaigning, and so forth. Do you see this happening in Maine? I don’t see these type of tactics “working” well at all, given what I know of Mainers. Just interested to know what you foresee in terms of campaign tactics. And, of course, I’d much like to hear your “on the ground” view as to the mood among Maine voters. Thanks.

This race will get national attention because having another Democratic Senator will clearly help change the direction of the country. But it will be decided by the people of Maine. In Maine, most people are upset by the situation in Iraq and want to see our troops brought safely home. They also want affordable, accessible, quality health care. This is a huge problem for the small business community. In short, Maine people want change, and I offer just that.

I love Maine, but could love it more if it had some progressive Senators.

How much longer will this nightmare go on?

I’ve witnessed a continual backsliding of progressive ideas in America since the 60s… and the rise of the selfish right wing.

When will the people speak unequivocally and throw the right out?

Hi future Senator Allen
I lit a candle. I meant to hit CT. Looks like I might have ended up in Long Island.

Hi Tom. I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but I’m chewing my own guts every day over the failure of the Congressional Democrats, both houses, to put themselves on the line over two issues: ending the Iraq involvement, even if it requires defunding, and attempting to impeach Bush and Cheney. In the first case, I see the imperative as stopping the loss of American lives (and treasure), and in the second, an historically valid repudiation of all the crimes and malfeasance they have engaged in. I am also distressed that there has never been a serious inquiry into the fabrication of the case for going to Iraq in the first place. From your vantage point, what are the leaders really thinking, and why don’t they care that they are appearing to be so damn spineless?

Mainers are very strong and independent people… how can they stand the bush bot Collins?

Sandman @ 15

I wrote my Congressman(R) and Senator(R) and asked why after so much money Baghad still has about 2 hours of electricty a day, but never got an answer.

Good Luck, future Senator!

There is an answer. Recent press reports indicate that armed militias outside of Baghdad control switches that keep more electricity in other parts of the country than in Baghdad. The national government has much less control in the provinces than I expected before my trip to Iraq in early August. What a mess.

What do you think are the correct choices for the next president to make respective of Middle East foreign policy?

SanderO @ 17

I love Maine, but could love it more if it had some progressive Senators.

How much longer will this nightmare go on?

I’ve witnessed a continual backsliding of progressive ideas in America since the 60s… and the rise of the selfish right wing.

When will the people speak unequivocally and throw the right out?

November 2008, with your help!

Valley Girl @ 14

Tom, there was a lot of discussion back at the time of the Lieberman fund raiser for Collins that the Senate race in Maine would get national attention in the same way that the Lamont-Lieberman race did in CT- unprecedented visits from pols, robocalls that were widely resented by CT residents not used to this type of campaigning, and so forth. Do you see this happening in Maine? I don’t see these type of tactics “working” well at all, given what I know of Mainers. Just interested to know what you foresee in terms of campaign tactics. And, of course, I’d much like to hear your “on the ground” view as to the mood among Maine voters. Thanks.

Robocalls did not do Lieberman any service. Even the dirty ones that were not from the Lamont campaign, but used Lamont’s voice. What a mess trying to unravel that.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 21

What do you think are the correct choices for the next president to make respective of Middle East foreign policy?

First, we need to set a deadline to bring our troops home and create maximum pressure on the political leaders in Iraq to compromise their differences. A deadline will also force the neighboring countries to take greater responsibility for promoting stability in Iraq. Moreover, all the other issues need robust diplomatic efforts, instead of assuming we can force our will on the rest of the world.

Tom, thanks for you reply. Let me add that I have been spending some time each summer in the same place in Maine (Cape Rosier) for nigh on 20 years, and have some perspective on Mainers.

And, re: the health care issue, I was just over at Turn Maine Blue, and the latest entry addresses exactly the health care issue, quoting from an editorial in a Rockland paper. I have spent more time in rural Maine than in the cities, such as Portland, and it seems like the health care issue particularly impacts rural Maine.

Rockland’s Courier-Gazette Calls for Single Payer Health Care

What is you view on creating a single payer health care system?

Tom, I wanted to say thank you and keep up the good work. I lit a candle for peace (Am I the sole progressive in AZ?).

Bush increased spending 41% in just 6 years, and increased revenue by only 21%. As you know that does not even count the costs of the war which is funded using supplementals.

Publicly Bush is proud of his record, it does not seem possible that anyone could be proud of this record.

Tom Allen,
some of us believe the Kyl/Lieberman amendment brings us closer to war with Iran. (Something I would fight tooth and nail against). What’s your perspective?

DesertedInAz @ 26

Tom, I wanted to say thank you and keep up the good work. I lit a candle for peace (Am I the sole progressive in AZ?).

There are at least three at FDL.

My candle shines in the southernmost California spot.

Thank you for being here. What are your views on Afghanistan and what would your plans entail?

Tom Allen @ 25

Oklahoma kiddo @ 21

What do you think are the correct choices for the next president to make respective of Middle East foreign policy?

First, we need to set a deadline to bring our troops home and create maximum pressure on the political leaders in Iraq to compromise their differences. A deadline will also force the neighboring countries to take greater responsibility for promoting stability in Iraq. Moreover, all the other issues need robust diplomatic efforts, instead of assuming we can force our will on the rest of the world.

What should we do about mercenaries like Blackwater?

I am dripping peace-wax in the Ozarks. Welcome Tom and thank you for running. I will be sending another contribution your way through Blue America soon.

Just curious, what committee assignments are you hoping for after the election?

Valley Girl @ 25

Tom, thanks for you reply. Let me add that I have been spending some time each summer in the same place in Maine (Cape Rosier) for nigh on 20 years, and have some perspective on Mainers.

And, re: the health care issue, I was just over at Turn Maine Blue, and the latest entry addresses exactly the health care issue, quoting from an editorial in a Rockland paper. I have spent more time in rural Maine than in the cities, such as Portland, and it seems like the health care issue particularly impacts rural Maine.

Rockland’s Courier-Gazette Calls for Single Payer Health Care

What is you view on creating a single payer health care system?

I have spent more time on health care than any other issue during my time in Congress. There are several ways to get to universal coverage, a single payer system is one. I believe we are more likely to enact legislation that covers all Americans and holds down health care costs for those who have insurance today, if we design a unique American plan. We have to be bold and we have to act promptly after the Nov 2008 election when we have a Democratic President and a working majority in the U.S. Senate.

Dru @ 31

Thank you for being here. What are your views on Afghanistan and what would your plans entail?

I was there in early August. The Taliban has gained some strength, but the Afghan people are more united than the Iraqis and they have 6 million kids in school today as compared to 1 million five years ago. It is still a dangerous place, but there are encouraging signs of progress. Afghanistan is still a doable project, one where our European allies are playing a constructive role.

Thanks for being here today, Tom. You warm a foul-mouthed fem blogger’s heart.

Tom, I know I am putting you on the spot, but I am really trying to get a further sense of what it’s like for you on the campaign trail in Maine. I understand that how people are frustrated with our current situation, but I am interested to know also the mood of the voters you encounter as to Collins. How much is she being taken to task for her role in enabling the Iraq war, and so forth? Do Mainers understand how much she has let them down? And, so forth.

Tom I also remember this day five years ago. I was in complete and utter shock during and after the vote, although was so proud of Rep Kucinich and Rep Strickland Ohio) (our congress person at that time) who voted against the resolution.

Before the invasion I followed every word that General Zinni, Scott Ritter, Flyntt Leverett, CIA analyst and so many more who questioned the validity of the intelligence and the wisdom of a pre-emptive invasion of Iraq.

After hearing Iaea’s El Baradei in early March of 2002 at the UN telling the world that the Niger Documents were false, that left absolutely no doubt that the Bush administration had been completely lying to the American people and the world.

So many people would be alive and well today if the Bush administration crazies had been stopped from committing crimes against the Iraqi people.

What do you think about H.R 1400 the Counter Proliferation Bill that Rep Lantos just rushed through the house, which defines the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a “terrorist organization?

Will the Bush administration pre-emptively attack Iran?

jane hamsher @ 37

Thanks for being here today, Tom. You warm a foul-mouthed fem blogger’s heart.

Heh!

Rep. Allen,

Man, You Rock! Keep fightin’ the good fight and please don’t let them DeeCee tools change you! Some scratch is on its way to you, bro.

Eureka Springs @ 33

I am dripping peace-wax in the Ozarks. Welcome Tom and thank you for running. I will be sending another contribution your way through Blue America soon.

Just curious, what committee assignments are you hoping for after the election?

That is a little like picking out the drapes! How about being chair of Government Affairs and Homeland Security so I could do the oversight of Halliburton and other independent contractors that Susan Collins refused to do for four years?! Actually, I have plenty of time to think about it. Thanks for your support.

Congressman Allen–

what does a Dem strategy to make a “preventive” war with Iran impossible look like? What part can we play in it?

Yea what Valley Girl said @ 38… can you feel a victory or is there still a blind right wing up there who don’t get that they are being screwed?

jane hamsher @ 36

Thanks for being here today, Tom. You warm a foul-mouthed fem blogger’s heart.

Thanks for having me here, Jane.

I’ve sent you money, thankful to have you on our side and hoping that when you are in the Senate we will also have an excellent new Senator from NM.

Tom Allen @ 41

Eureka Springs @ 33

I am dripping peace-wax in the Ozarks. Welcome Tom and thank you for running. I will be sending another contribution your way through Blue America soon.

Just curious, what committee assignments are you hoping for after the election?

That is a little like picking out the drapes! How about being chair of Government Affairs and Homeland Security so I could do the oversight of Halliburton and other independent contractors that Susan Collins refused to do for four years?! Actually, I have plenty of time to think about it. Thanks for your support.

I like your taste! Homeland Security.. oh yes! Katrina, melting ICE, and those precious missing civil liberties..)

Tom Allen @ 42

Eureka Springs @ 33

I am dripping peace-wax in the Ozarks. Welcome Tom and thank you for running. I will be sending another contribution your way through Blue America soon.

Just curious, what committee assignments are you hoping for after the election?

That is a little like picking out the drapes! How about being chair of Government Affairs and Homeland Security so I could do the oversight of Halliburton and other independent contractors that Susan Collins refused to do for four years?! Actually, I have plenty of time to think about it. Thanks for your support.

Future Senator Allen, I certainly hope that you are making it a point to highlight the woefully bad/ e.g. none work of Susan Collins and Lieberman on the Government Affairs and Homeland Security committee.

Professor Foland @ 43

Congressman Allen–

what does a Dem strategy to make a “preventive” war with Iran impossible look like? What part can we play in it?

?

Professor Foland @ 42

Congressman Allen–

what does a Dem strategy to make a “preventive” war with Iran impossible look like? What part can we play in it?

We have passed resolutions in the House that would require the President to come to Congress before any strike. But we know we cannot trust this Administration to give us an accurate assessment of what is happening in Iran. You can keep the issue alive by contacting your elected officials and writing letters to the editor of your local paper. But this is serious.

Ditto to toby martin’s comments @ 19. What an awful anniversary.

Rep. Allen -

1. Do Members of Congress ever get collective ‘remedial education’ about the meaning and the history of the provisions of the Constitution they are sworn to support and defend (even when ‘inconvenient’)? If not, is this something you might suggest to your leadership as a future caucus retreat topic? [Or do the Congressional Democrats prefer the “Royalist” approach to the Constitution, as Pelosi seems to - where the Executive Branch reigns supreme?]

2. Do you wish the future Iraq to effectively be an American colony – just as long as it’s “peaceful” – in order to allow Big Oil (presumably for some benefit to the American economy) unfettered access on their own terms to the gigantic Iraqi oil fields? And do you know (even if you won’t publicly tell us) whether or not your party leadership prefers an Iraq-as-oil-colony outcome – provided it doesn’t take too many more years to achieve a ’stable’ state, or a final fragmentation of Iraq (which seems to be the ongoing U.S. policy there, words to the contrary notwithstanding)? [Please encourage your colleagues to listen to the opinions of the Iraqi people themselves, rather than to the corrupt former exiles propped up as a puppet Iraqi Green Zone government by the American occupiers.]

3. I really salute the Congressional members of the Democratic Party who are willing to publicly challenge its leadership when they are obviously leading the country astray in pursuit of narrow party interest [see PAA, see Kyl/Lieberman & A*P*C]. Such Democrats as Lynn Woolsey, Jim Moran, Dave Obey, Jack Murtha, Jim Webb, Russ Feingold and a few others have recently taken such gutsy stands by speaking truth to power, and that is what this nation desperately needs, never mind the selfish interests of the political party itself.

4. Please listen to John Tierney and Rush Holt with regard to the revisions to the PAA/FISA legislation – and do your utmost to help them get the Holt bill a fair hearing in committee and on the floor.

Thank you.

My peace candle is dripping blue in South Bend, Indiana. I am contributing this year as much as I can afford to the progressives who shine a bright candle on the darkness of the current administration’s policies. I am solidly for single payer health care, but realize that a more realistic plan may be what we can achieve.

Thanks for coming to talk to us at the Lake!

Tom Allen @ 36

Dru @ 31

Thank you for being here. What are your views on Afghanistan and what would your plans entail?

I was there in early August. The Taliban has gained some strength, but the Afghan people are more united than the Iraqis and they have 6 million kids in school today as compared to 1 million five years ago. It is still a dangerous place, but there are encouraging signs of progress. Afghanistan is still a doable project, one where our European allies are playing a constructive role.

Canadian allies too.

Hillary on Olberman tomorrow night.

[RBG Note; let’s keep on topic for this thread please. Thanks.]

Tom Allen @ 36

Dru @ 31

Thank you for being here. What are your views on Afghanistan and what would your plans entail?

I was there in early August. The Taliban has gained some strength, but the Afghan people are more united than the Iraqis and they have 6 million kids in school today as compared to 1 million five years ago. It is still a dangerous place, but there are encouraging signs of progress. Afghanistan is still a doable project, one where our European allies are playing a constructive role.

Thanks for your response. Could you elaborate on the “signs of progress” you observed? Are you concerned about the increasing fundamentalism, gains the Taliban has made and that Karzai can’t even get them to negotiate with his government?

pow wow 51 — I have not read the Holt bill but I have heard it is good. The ACLU thinks highly of it.

pow wow @ 49

Ditto to toby martin’s comments @ 19. What an awful anniversary.

Rep. Allen -

1. Do Members of Congress ever get collective ‘remedial education’ about the meaning and the history of the provisions of the Constitution they are sworn to support and defend (even when ‘inconvenient’)? If not, is this something you might suggest to your leadership as a future caucus retreat topic? [Or do the Congressional Democrats prefer the “Royalist” approach to the Constitution, as Pelosi seems to - where the Executive Branch reigns supreme?]

2. Do you wish the future Iraq to effectively be an American colony – just as long as it’s “peaceful” – in order to allow Big Oil (presumably for some benefit to the American economy) unfettered access on their own terms to the gigantic Iraqi oil fields? And do you know (even if you won’t publicly tell us) whether or not your party leadership prefers an Iraq-as-oil-colony outcome – provided it doesn’t take too many more years to achieve a ’stable’ state, or a final fragmentation of Iraq (which seems to be the ongoing U.S. policy there, words to the contrary notwithstanding)? [Please encourage your colleagues to listen to the opinions of the Iraqi people themselves, rather than to the corrupt former exiles propped up as a puppet Iraqi Green Zone government by the American occupiers.]

3. I really salute the Congressional members of the Democratic Party who are willing to publicly challenge its leadership when they are obviously leading the country astray in pursuit of narrow party interest [see PAA, see Kyl/Lieberman & A*P*C]. Such Democrats as Lynn Woolsey, Jim Moran, Dave Obey, Jack Murtha, Jim Webb, Russ Feingold and a few others have recently taken such gutsy stands by speaking truth to power, and that is what this nation desperately needs, never mind the selfish interests of the political party itself.

4. Please listen to John Tierney and Rush Holt with regard to the revisions of the PAA/FISA – and do your utmost to help them get the Holt bill a fair hearing in committee and on the floor.

Thank you.

That is quite a list.

1. We grapple with constitutional issues as they come up. Perhaps we would do better with a refresher course!

2. We need to leave Iraq. Colonization is a bad old idea. We need to break free of our oil dependency with bold new policies on energy and climate change.

3. We Democrats have our differences but we are fighting for the same things. No one ever said this would be easy.

4. I do.

Eureka Springs @ 47

Tom Allen @ 41

That is a little like picking out the drapes! How about being chair of Government Affairs and Homeland Security so I could do the oversight of Halliburton and other independent contractors that Susan Collins refused to do for four years?! Actually, I have plenty of time to think about it. Thanks for your support.

I like your taste! Homeland Security.. oh yes! Katrina, melting ICE, and those precious missing civil liberties..)

Do you think you could get Sen. Lieberman to start investigating Katrina, and contractors?

Tom Allen @ 50

Professor Foland @ 42

Congressman Allen–

what does a Dem strategy to make a “preventive” war with Iran impossible look like? What part can we play in it?

We have passed resolutions in the House that would require the President to come to Congress before any strike. But we know we cannot trust this Administration to give us an accurate assessment of what is happening in Iran. You can keep the issue alive by contacting your elected officials and writing letters to the editor of your local paper. But this is serious.

Any chance of taking back the Kyl/Lieberman ammendtment?

mui @ 59

Tom Allen @ 50

We have passed resolutions in the House that would require the President to come to Congress before any strike. But we know we cannot trust this Administration to give us an accurate assessment of what is happening in Iran. You can keep the issue alive by contacting your elected officials and writing letters to the editor of your local paper. But this is serious.

Any chance of taking back the Kyl/Lieberman ammendtment?

Maybe Larry Craig could do it?

mui @ 56

Eureka Springs @ 47

I like your taste! Homeland Security.. oh yes! Katrina, melting ICE, and those precious missing civil liberties..)

Do you think you could get Sen. Lieberman to start investigating Katrina, and contractors?

He appears to be no more interested in investigating waste, fraud and abuse by independent contractors than Susan Collins was as Chair.

Mr. Allen, which committees would you like to serve on in the senate, and why?

what bothers me most about democrats is they insist on framing every discussion using the terms republicans and the administration use

this is not a war on terror, it was a war that facilitated terror, this is not America’s war, this is this administrations war

our military cannot possibly “loose” this war, they completed their task and what is left are politiical solutions, NOT military solutions

our armed forces are NOT escorts, they are NOT the private police force of the Iraqi’s, they are NOT diplomats, they are NOT NOT NOT painters of schools

they are NOT there to insure the profit of war profiteers

they are NOT private guard to build friggin “embasies” the size of the vatican

this is the adminstrations occupation, NOT America’s war and CERTAINLY not the responsibility of the rest of the country

this administration attacked a country it KNEW with no doubt posed NO threat

this administration attacked a country when it was informed by it’s OWN aids the action would help terrorists, NOT America

it was informed they would be DESTABALIZING the middle east

so ENOUGH with “we can’t afford to loose”

the president has lost, this is the most inept conduct ANY commander has handled the military

they are military MORONS, every single prediction they’ve made failed, every gauarantee has fallen

every stitch of advice against the unprovoked attack has been true

yet when the administration makes yet another claim our politicians want to stand around to “see if it’s gonna work”

it can’t work, our armed forces are stretched too thin, our treasure is squandered, our assets exhausted

and I DON’T want to hear;

“we need a veto proof majority”

becausee we DO NOT

the president can veto the bill all he wants, he gets no funding for his occupation unless congress approves his bill

HIS VETO MEANS NOTHING

and congress making believe we need some kind of veto proof majority is REDICULOUS

and the SAME THING goes for impeachment

this president initiated an UNPROVOKED attack, he DIVERTED the assets we NEEDED to fight terrorism, when he was TOLD that diversion would make the fight against terrorism almost impossible to win

he then trashed our constitution, insists the protections are “obsolet” and then he has the NERVE to insist he is allowed to STEAL our intilectual property simply by making believe it is for national security

and warentless tapping IS STEALING

that’s the ONLY reason they want to do it with nobody to make CERTAIN they aren’t stealing

there is NO reason warrants aren’t obtained, we ALL know they can initiate their search long before they even apply for a warrant

all they have to do is at some point in time show why they even THOUGHT a person needed to be listened in on

there is no case for “expedience’ to be made, there is NO reason to refuse to allow a check to make sure they aren’t stealing unless they ARE stealing

so if I may, PLEASE do not allow this administration to frame the discussion on their terms, use OUR terms and insist on using our terms

whew, rant over, now to spell check

Tom Allen @ 61

mui @ 56

Do you think you could get Sen. Lieberman to start investigating Katrina, and contractors?

He appears to be no more interested in investigating waste, fraud and abuse by independent contractors than Susan Collins was as Chair.

Well if you win, and there’s a larger Dem Senate majority, maybe *clasp hands*.
Investigation on former FEMA/Heimat Security and New Orleans, plus Blackwater is so long overdue in the Senate cmmtte, it’s practically an insult to the nation.

raven @ 60

mui @ 59

Any chance of taking back the Kyl/Lieberman ammendtment?

Maybe Larry Craig could do it?

Oh now, hey now.

what bothers me most about democrats is they insist on framing every discussion using the terms republicans and the administration use

this is not a war on terror, it was a war that facilitated terror, this is not America’s war, this is this administrations war

our military cannot possibly “loose” this war, they completed their task and what is left are political solutions, NOT military solutions

our armed forces are NOT escorts, they are NOT the private police force of the Iraqi’s, they are NOT diplomats, they are NOT NOT NOT painters of schools

they are NOT there to insure the profit of war profiteers

they are NOT private guard to build friggin “embassies” the size of the Vatican

this is the administration’s occupation, NOT America’s war and CERTAINLY not the responsibility of the rest of the country

this administration attacked a country it KNEW with no doubt posed NO threat

this administration attacked a country when it was informed by it’s OWN aids the action would help terrorists, NOT America

it was informed they would be DESTABILIZING the middle east

so ENOUGH with “we can’t afford to loose”

the president has lost, this is the most inept conduct ANY commander has handled the military

they are military MORONS, every single prediction they’ve made failed, every guarantee has fallen

every stitch of advice against the unprovoked attack has been true

yet when the administration makes yet another claim our politicians want to stand around to “see if it’s gonna work”

it can’t work, our armed forces are stretched too thin, our treasure is squandered, our assets exhausted

and I DON’T want to hear;

“we need a veto proof majority”

because we DO NOT

the president can veto the bill all he wants, he gets no funding for his occupation unless congress approves his bill

HIS VETO MEANS NOTHING

and congress making believe we need some kind of veto proof majority is RIDICULOUS

and the SAME THING goes for impeachment

this president initiated an UNPROVOKED attack, he DIVERTED the assets we NEEDED to fight terrorism, when he was TOLD that diversion would make the fight against terrorism almost impossible to win

he then trashed our constitution, insists the protections are “obsolete” and then he has the NERVE to insist he is allowed to STEAL our intellectual property simply by making believe it is for national security

and warent less tapping IS STEALING

that’s the ONLY reason they want to do it with nobody to make CERTAIN they aren’t stealing

there is NO reason warrants aren’t obtained, we ALL know they can initiate their search long before they even apply for a warrant

all they have to do is at some point in time show why they even THOUGHT a person needed to be listened in on

there is no case for “expedience’ to be made, there is NO reason to refuse to allow a check to make sure they aren’t stealing unless they ARE stealing

so if I may, PLEASE do not allow this administration to frame the discussion on their terms, use OUR terms and insist on using our terms

whew, rant over, now to spell check

perris@63
Ditto! You state it perfectly. A rant to my liking!!

Perris……..wow you be hot man.

I wanted to add, I think a great ad is showing the 363 tons of cash that Bush sent to Iraq. Nobody approves of that!

Tom, I guss I did put you too much on the spot with my earlier inquiry at #19. That was not my intent, but I understand your reticence. Perhaps I could reframe the essence more generally.

The perception among many out here is that the Republicans are ready to fight to the death on each and every issue, and do so as a matter of pride. The Democrats, by contrast, appear only willing to make a token stand, and then crumble. I could cite dozens of examples of this, but we all here, and I’m sure you as well, know what I’m talking about. This unwillingness to fight hard has become the perception and the reality, and it causes many, myself included, to feel like we should abandon the Democratic Party, take our lumps with the Republicans for a couple of terms, and put all our energy into forming a third party that will not run from a fight, or back down until there is a clear winner on the important issues.

Is there any understanding in Washington that we are thoroughly disgusted at having to rely on impotent champions? Are they planning to change any time soon?

Future Senator Allen, again, trying to get some idea of the mood you encounter on the campaign trail. So far, it seems that Iraq and Health care are the two big issues with Maine voters.

What are the other “top” issues? How do Mainers rank “Blackwater”, the FISA mess, and so forth- what are they paying attention to in terms of your campaign?

Congressman, I know this sounds like a stupid question. But what the heck, I am just an ordinary citizen. Is there *any* chance we the people, could get our money back from contractors like Blackwater that have possibly shanghaied billions from the government? I mean as an American I am desperate about how much went into the war, how much of a financial hole we are in, and how are we going to get back on track. Plus I believe there should be some measure of justice.

Mr Allen, can you explain the fact that there is still support in congress for policies that most people now think are failed and clearly want changed.

What are the republicans in congress smoking to believe in that alternate reality?

They say they don’t read opinion polls. Do you think so? Are they in denial or some sort of cognitive dissonance?

perris @ 61

what bothers me most about democrats is they insist on framing every discussion using the terms republicans and the administration use

this is not a war on terror, it was a war that facilitated terror, this is not America’s war, this is this administrations war

our military cannot possibly “loose” this war, they completed their task and what is left are politiical solutions, NOT military solutions

our armed forces are NOT escorts, they are NOT the private police force of the Iraqi’s, they are NOT diplomats, they are NOT NOT NOT painters of schools

they are NOT there to insure the profit of war profiteers

they are NOT private guard to build friggin “embasies” the size of the vatican

this is the adminstrations occupation, NOT America’s war and CERTAINLY not the responsibility of the rest of the country

this administration attacked a country it KNEW with no doubt posed NO threat

this administration attacked a country when it was informed by it’s OWN aids the action would help terrorists, NOT America

it was informed they would be DESTABALIZING the middle east

so ENOUGH with “we can’t afford to loose”

the president has lost, this is the most inept conduct ANY commander has handled the military

they are military MORONS, every single prediction they’ve made failed, every gauarantee has fallen

every stitch of advice against the unprovoked attack has been true

yet when the administration makes yet another claim our politicians want to stand around to “see if it’s gonna work”

it can’t work, our armed forces are stretched too thin, our treasure is squandered, our assets exhausted

and I DON’T want to hear;

“we need a veto proof majority”

becausee we DO NOT

the president can veto the bill all he wants, he gets no funding for his occupation unless congress approves his bill

HIS VETO MEANS NOTHING

and congress making believe we need some kind of veto proof majority is REDICULOUS

and the SAME THING goes for impeachment

this president initiated an UNPROVOKED attack, he DIVERTED the assets we NEEDED to fight terrorism, when he was TOLD that diversion would make the fight against terrorism almost impossible to win

he then trashed our constitution, insists the protections are “obsolet” and then he has the NERVE to insist he is allowed to STEAL our intilectual property simply by making believe it is for national security

and warentless tapping IS STEALING

that’s the ONLY reason they want to do it with nobody to make CERTAIN they aren’t stealing

there is NO reason warrants aren’t obtained, we ALL know they can initiate their search long before they even apply for a warrant

all they have to do is at some point in time show why they even THOUGHT a person needed to be listened in on

there is no case for “expedience’ to be made, there is NO reason to refuse to allow a check to make sure they aren’t stealing unless they ARE stealing

so if I may, PLEASE do not allow this administration to frame the discussion on their terms, use OUR terms and insist on using our terms

whew, rant over, now to spell check

Whew is right! I know where you are coming from. My goal in this campaign is to do everything I can to change the direction of the country, in our domestic, economic and foreign policy. People in Maine are struggling with stagnant wages and rising costs. They find it harder to cope in a world of greater insecurity and all they want is a fighting chance for a better life for themselves and their families.

perris @ 65

This is exactly what I mean. We are thoroughly disgusted out here, and have many, too many, reasons for feeling the way we feel. Some things are worth fighting for, even if you lose.

Edited and released by MOD

Tom Allen @ 71

[znip]

People in Maine are struggling with stagnant wages and rising costs. They find it harder to cope in a world of greater insecurity and all they want is a fighting chance for a better life for themselves and their families.

I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

mui @ 70

Congressman, I know this sounds like a stupid question. But what the heck, I am just an ordinary citizen. Is there *any* chance we the people, could get our money back from contractors like Blackwater that have possibly shanghaied billions from the government? I mean as an American I am desperate about how much went into the war, how much of a financial hole we are in, and how are we going to get back on track. Plus I believe there should be some measure of justice.

Good question. Hearings are underway, now that we are in charge. We should know more in a while. The bottom line is that the Republican Congress neglected oversight for so long that Iraqi reconstruction degenerated and turned into the disaster we can observe today. Billions of Iraqi and American dollars are unaccounted for. Elections matter. That’s why I am running.

SanderO @ 71

Mr Allen, can you explain the fact that there is still support in congress for policies that most people now think are failed and clearly want changed.

What are the republicans in congress smoking to believe in that alternate reality?

They say they don’t read opinion polls. Do you think so? Are they in denial or some sort of cognitive dissonance?

This question requires more professional expertise than I possess.

Elliott @ 74

Tom Allen @ 71

[znip]

People in Maine are struggling with stagnant wages and rising costs. They find it harder to cope in a world of greater insecurity and all they want is a fighting chance for a better life for themselves and their families.

I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

Excuse me, sir, but that is a real politician’s answer. The point is that unless something drastic is done to reverse direction, your Maine families, and the rest of us, will never get that chance. It must be fought for. Why won’t the Democrats fight?

just as a side note, I am having a hard time getting the page to reload using hard refresh and refresh comments.

I see runaway government secrecy as the biggest threat to our Democracy today. I want my Senators and Congresspersons to have complete access without question to anything they need or want to know…and that goes for we the people too.

Eureka Springs @ 77

I see runaway government secrecy as the biggest threat to our Democracy today. I want my Senators and Congresspersons to have complete access without question to anything they need or want to know…and that goes for we the people too.

I want what he wants.
Runaway government secrecy is the biggest threat to our Democracy today.

Elliott @ 81

Eureka Springs @ 77

I see runaway government secrecy as the biggest threat to our Democracy today. I want my Senators and Congresspersons to have complete access without question to anything they need or want to know…and that goes for we the people too.

I want what he wants.
Runaway government secrecy is the biggest threat to our Democracy today.

Agreed.

Thanks for being with us, Mr. Allen.

Tom Allen @ 77

mui @ 70

Congressman, I know this sounds like a stupid question. But what the heck, I am just an ordinary citizen. Is there *any* chance we the people, could get our money back from contractors like Blackwater that have possibly shanghaied billions from the government? I mean as an American I am desperate about how much went into the war, how much of a financial hole we are in, and how are we going to get back on track. Plus I believe there should be some measure of justice.

Good question. Hearings are underway, now that we are in charge. We should know more in a while. The bottom line is that the Republican Congress neglected oversight for so long that Iraqi reconstruction degenerated and turned into the disaster we can observe today. Billions of Iraqi and American dollars are unaccounted for. Elections matter. That’s why I am running.

It seems like such a mess. I think with things getting harder stateside, with everyone losing their homes and all, people are less likely to accept the fact that Blackwater’s Prince et al made off with millions. The Democrats really have to push for some measure of justice. Something in that Billions lost suggest to all of us funky money.

Elliott @ 79

Eureka Springs @ 77

I see runaway government secrecy as the biggest threat to our Democracy today. I want my Senators and Congresspersons to have complete access without question to anything they need or want to know…and that goes for we the people too.

I want what he wants.
Runaway government secrecy is the biggest threat to our Democracy today.

This Administration has forgotten what this country is about. The President fills his speeches with the word “freedom”, but issues secret orders about torture and warrantless wiretapping that undermine our fundamental values. It is hard to believe, but those who preach fear over hope can easily go down this path.

Loo Hoo. @ 81

Thanks for being with us, Mr. Allen.

I have enjoyed the conversation and will be around for a while longer.

Loo Hoo. @ 84

Thanks for being with us, Mr. Allen.

Yes. ;0)

I don’t know if you saw my comment at 62, Mr. Allen. Maybe it’s something prospective members of the Senate don’t discuss.

Tom Allen @ 87

Loo Hoo. @ 81

Thanks for being with us, Mr. Allen.

I have enjoyed the conversation and will be around for a while longer.

I know I’m not alone in this,
but I enjoy knowing we are making Progressive progress, like getting Tom Allen into the Senate!

Loo Hoo. @ 89

I don’t know if you saw my comment at 62, Mr. Allen. Maybe it’s something prospective members of the Senate don’t discuss.

Check out #41…

Loo Hoo. @ 86

I don’t know if you saw my comment at 62, Mr. Allen. Maybe it’s something prospective members of the Senate don’t discuss.

Can you repeat the question?

Loo Hoo. @ 88

I don’t know if you saw my comment at 62, Mr. Allen. Maybe it’s something prospective members of the Senate don’t discuss.

Loo Hoo- Future Senator Allen answered that same question from ES, above.

http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..nt-1025856

Do you have any Superfund sites in Maine and has Bush put in any money to help Maine with the clean up of those sites?

Thanks Congressman. I just googled your congressional site, to look for your committees, and boy! does the National Republican Sen Committee have an infit*da out on you for not “denouncing moveon.” It does me proud. It makes me want to move to Maine and establish residency, so I can vote for you. (personally I am a warm weather lover) I wish more congressfolks saw the move on distraction (created by Republicans) for what it was: distraction from the multiple scandals, U.S.-attorneygate, Iraq, low prez ratings and FISA.

I just wondered if in a dreamworld you could choose which committees you would serve on, which they would be and why.

Loo Hoo. @ 85

I don’t know if you saw my comment at 62, Mr. Allen. Maybe it’s something prospective members of the Senate don’t discuss.

See above around number 40.

Sandman @ 93

Do you have any Superfund sites in Maine and has Bush put in any money to help Maine with the clean up of those sites?

I don’t know about the funding, but there is a Superfund site in Maine, at least one, on Cape Rosier where I go every summer. Mining site.

Dru and Valleygirl, got it.

Sandman @ 91

Do you have any Superfund sites in Maine and has Bush put in any money to help Maine with the clean up of those sites?

The last site I remember was in Gray, Maine, but that was cleaned up before I got to Congress in 1997.

Tom Allen @ 86

Elliott @ 79

I want what he wants.
Runaway government secrecy is the biggest threat to our Democracy today.

This Administration has forgotten what this country is about. The President fills his speeches with the word “freedom”, but issues secret orders about torture and warrantless wiretapping that undermine our fundamental values. It is hard to believe, but those who preach fear over hope can easily go down this path.

Fear is the mindkiller, as some of us Sci-Fi fans like to say.

Loo Hoo. @ 96

I just wondered if in a dreamworld you could choose which committees you would serve on, which they would be and why.

*Achem* Think Susan Collins and Sen. *cough* Lieberman.

Loo Hoo. @ 93

I just wondered if in a dreamworld you could choose which committees you would serve on, which they would be and why.

I certainly would like the chance to continue my work on health care, but choosing committees is a long way off. I am focused on winning this campaign.

Sandman, here is the link to the Harborside/ Cape Rosier site.

http://yosemite.epa.gov/r1/npl…..enDocument

Rep. Allen, clean-up at the Harborside/ Cape Rosier site clean up has not been completed.

http://yosemite.epa.gov/r1/npl…..enDocument

~~~Remedial Investigatory efforts to determine the nature and extent of the contamination at the site began in November 2004, In June 2005, EPA, Maine DEP, and the Maine DOT entered into an enforcement agreement to allow the State of Maine to perform the investigation program. EPA and Maine DEP will be providing oversight. The investigation program will continue through 2005 and into 2006. A set of documents summarizing the work and assessing the potential risk at the Site are expected to be completed in 2007. Additional site investigation activities will occur in 2007.~~~

edited p.s. ME-02, not ME-01 your current district.

Tom Allen @ 74

Whew is right! I know where you are coming from. My goal in this campaign is to do everything I can to change the direction of the country, in our domestic, economic and foreign policy. People in Maine are struggling with stagnant wages and rising costs. They find it harder to cope in a world of greater insecurity and all they want is a fighting chance for a better life for themselves and their families.

here is another sore spot for me, corprations have been able to demonize the union and we have suffered quite a bit for it

all a union does is provide the method for labor to bargain for their market value, that’s it, but the corporations don’t want to pay market value, they want to set their price rather then the true value

now that position is bizzare, a corporation doesn’t tell a provider what it will pay, the provider sets the price

yes, the purchaser can try to bargain for a better deal, but the provider sets the price not the purchaser

if the provider does the right thing for itself, it sets the price that allows the purchaser to then make a fair profit for themselves and that is where the bargaining takes place

a union is the method for labor to unite and act as one so they can bargain for the fair value of their product

yet for the obvious reason, corporations try to avoid bargaining to pay the true market value, they want to set the price and they want to bargain with individuals because then they can insist on a price that is not representative of the true value

we need to put unions back in the proper perspective and that is like so;

“corporations want to take away the laborers right to bargain for the market value of their skill”

when a corporation exports jobs to countries that don’t allow for collective bargaining, that product must have a tariff imposed since it is paying wages it forces instead of market value of that service

needs work and the proper fraiming but I am sure you get the idea, off to bed, have a good not all

This Administration has forgotten what this country is about. The President fills his speeches with the word “freedom”, but issues secret orders about torture and warrantless wiretapping that undermine our fundamental values. It is hard to believe, but those who preach fear over hope can easily go down this path.

With all due respect, I see the problems with congressional inability to deal with FISA, or the problems inside the DOJ, Blackwater. Arrested people who may or may not be illegals and local police are not allowed (by DHS) to provide their names or whereabouts. Countless examples are at my fingertips. Illegal renditions, private companies/outsourced intel. Recent revelations by members of the House.. discovering warrantless satellite and drone surveillance of all our homes and business which may be ordered by DHS and or your local Barney Fife, again, without so much as a warrant. Ask Congressman Jane Harmon.. I watched this story unfold on cspan.

Secrets kill our ability to hold illegal or unconstitutional behavior accountable. We need to suffer because of to much liberty, to much information, not to little. We need to know everything possible about what is done in our name with our tax dollars. Right now congress doesn’t even know if our president is ordering torture while we have our discussion. This is all unacceptable and as anti American as I can imagine.

Valley Girl @ 102

Rep. Allen, clean-up at the Harborside/ Cape Rosier site clean up has not been completed.

http://yosemite.epa.gov/r1/npl…..enDocument

~~~Remedial Investigatory efforts to determine the nature and extent of the contamination at the site began in November 2004, In June 2005, EPA, Maine DEP, and the Maine DOT entered into an enforcement agreement to allow the State of Maine to perform the investigation program. EPA and Maine DEP will be providing oversight. The investigation program will continue through 2005 and into 2006. A set of documents summarizing the work and assessing the potential risk at the Site are expected to be completed in 2007. Additional site investigation activities will occur in 2007.~~~

Thank you for reminding me!

I am hoping that progressives can unite behind the presidential candidate that most personifies traditional Democratic ideals. Someone who has the ideas exemplified by Congressman Allen perhaps.

Tom Allen @ 107

Valley Girl @ 102

Rep. Allen, clean-up at the Harborside/ Cape Rosier site clean up has not been completed.

http://yosemite.epa.gov/r1/npl…..enDocument

~~~Remedial Investigatory efforts to determine the nature and extent of the contamination at the site began in November 2004, In June 2005, EPA, Maine DEP, and the Maine DOT entered into an enforcement agreement to allow the State of Maine to perform the investigation program. EPA and Maine DEP will be providing oversight. The investigation program will continue through 2005 and into 2006. A set of documents summarizing the work and assessing the potential risk at the Site are expected to be completed in 2007. Additional site investigation activities will occur in 2007.~~~

Thank you for reminding me!

I just added a p.s.- that it is in ME-02, not ME-01, your current district. But, as I go to Cape Rosier every summer, I have heard the history of this in great detail from the locals.

Congresman, I always complain to every soon to be elected official about this. I am from CT and I see farms disappear and McMansions taking their place at an alarming rate. I never thought I’d be one of those handwringers. First of all it looks ugly. But I feel this messes up the local economy. And I believe that every state should be able to sustain itself to some extent on local farmers, so that we have more choices, than say Stop and Shop. What with the FDA not really doing its job and all massive recalls in the meat market.
Any thoughts? Are there plans to help agricultural communities in Maine?

Forgive the OT but the Wondrous Jane Hamsher is coming up on Air America right now with Senator Chris Dodd and Congressman Tim Ryan.

Mr. Allen, thank you for being here.

some of us are quite frustrated with the fact that public opinion doesn’t seem to matter any more in the DC beltway and we just don’t feel heard. So I just want to say thank you again for coming and having a real conversation with us all this evening.

How can we still have Senators around who live in Bush’s fantasy world? I dont’ understand the pathology.

That lack of understanding about, or failure to honor what our country is all about, that you reference @ 84, could be a powerful campaign theme for you in Maine, I think, Rep. Allen.

Appealing to Yankee independence and Maine’s proud history and involvement in our nation’s founding seems like a winning theme to me. [That Doris Day/Jack Lemmon movie ‘It Happened To Jane’ resonates with that sort of (now I suppose rather hokey) spirit.]

As opposed to the quite dreadful comparison of Susan Collins and her ‘police state-style’ voting history with the likes of Lieberman. I recall particularly Collins’s self-congratulation on the Senate floor about her co-sponsorship of the appalling amendment to the 9/11 Commission Recommendations bill, upon final passage of the conference report in the Senate. That Collins/Lieberman amendment encourages citizens to spy on their neighbors, by indemnifying the ’spys’ from lawsuits if anyone complains, so long as they reported the ’suspect,’ allegedly-threatening [or just Muslim-faith-related?] activity or behavior in “good faith.” Good luck with that one, when push comes to shove…

It would be very refreshing and most helpful to have another ‘expert rookie’ New England Senator of the caliber of Sheldon Whitehouse in the Senate. I wish you the best of luck with your campaign, Rep. Allen.

mui @ 108

Congresman, I always complain to every soon to be elected official about this. I am from CT and I see farms disappear and McMansions taking their place at an alarming rate. I never thought I’d be one of those handwringers. First of all it looks ugly. But I feel this messes up the local economy. And I believe that every state should be able to sustain itself to some extent on local farmers, so that we have more choices, than say Stop and Shop. What with the FDA not really doing its job and all massive recalls in the meat market.
Any thoughts? Are there plans to help agricultural communities in Maine?

Yes. More resources for specialty crops and conservation programs. Maine just passed Vermont as the New England state with the greatest revenue from agriculture. We have more organic farms and lots of local producers finding local buyers.

Good potatuhs in Maine.

Good luck Mr. Allen.

-GSD

Thanks Tom, a candle shines in the northernmost section of California.

Tom Allen @ 115

mui @ 108

Congresman, I always complain to every soon to be elected official about this. I am from CT and I see farms disappear and McMansions taking their place at an alarming rate. I never thought I’d be one of those handwringers. First of all it looks ugly. But I feel this messes up the local economy. And I believe that every state should be able to sustain itself to some extent on local farmers, so that we have more choices, than say Stop and Shop. What with the FDA not really doing its job and all massive recalls in the meat market.
Any thoughts? Are there plans to help agricultural communities in Maine?

Yes. More resources for specialty crops and conservation programs. Maine just passed Vermont as the New England state with the greatest revenue from agriculture. We have more organic farms and lots of local producers finding local buyers.

I wish we had the same in CT. I hear there is a rise in Organic farming, in more northwestern CT. I am from the CT Shoreline, so I tend to get vague about above and beyond I-95. But in my area alone it’s alarming to see farmland> McMansion and all of a sudden the whole area is high-rent.

My little light is shining in Tom Lantos’ district :)

Is Ned Lamont going to campaign for you? Would you welcome it if he were willing?

mui- again, Cape Rosier

http://www.motherearthliving.c…..610-1.html

~~Last week I vacationed along the coast of Maine. As you can imagine, it was beautiful and relaxing. But an unexpected benefit of the experience was a visit to the Four Season Farm of authors and market gardeners Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch on Cape Rosier near Harborside.~~~

Oh, and Tom? If you could get Feinstein to quietly step down, we Californians would appreciate it. Thanks.

Congressman, thank you for stopping by FireDogLake again. If I’ve not missed you, I wonder if you could tell me what Maine voters seem most concerned about as you campaign around the state. What are the three most-mentioned issues when you get questions?

Thanks for all you’ve done and will do to turn Maine blue!

Valley Girl @ 121

mui- again, Cape Rosier

http://www.motherearthliving.c…..610-1.html

~~Last week I vacationed along the coast of Maine. As you can imagine, it was beautiful and relaxing. But an unexpected benefit of the experience was a visit to the Four Season Farm of authors and market gardeners Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch on Cape Rosier near Harborside.~~~

Oh VG, Homesteading, Me? Well you never know.

TeddySanFran @ 123

Congressman, thank you for stopping by FireDogLake again. If I’ve not missed you, I wonder if you could tell me what Maine voters seem most concerned about as you campaign around the state. What are the three most-mentioned issues when you get questions?

Thanks for all you’ve done and will do to turn Maine blue!

Hi TSF, I don’t know if the room is empty yet or not but see #16…

Congressman Allen,

I’m a Bangor resident and fan of yours. If this isn’t too late (sorry I just got online), what would help your campaign most up this way?

Valley Girl @ 121

mui- again, Cape Rosier

http://www.motherearthliving.c…..610-1.html

~~Last week I vacationed along the coast of Maine. As you can imagine, it was beautiful and relaxing. But an unexpected benefit of the experience was a visit to the Four Season Farm of authors and market gardeners Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch on Cape Rosier near Harborside.~~~

I love farms. When I was a kid growing up, we were taken to various farms on school field trips. Lots of fun. Now what? Tours of McMansions? Welcome to the expanded greater metropolitan area. Although I’m told it’s slowing down.

Mr. Allen, thanks for being here, but before you depart, I really would appreciate a direct response to my inquiry. Why won’t the Democrats fight? I mean, it’s no secret, we can all see that they won’t, not on any issue. I’d just like to know their reasoning for that choice. From out here, it looks like they are more interesting in their re-election strategies than in doing the right thing, but that game won’t work forever, they are universally perceived as weak, and weak doesn’t inspire votes.

PeterK @ 126

Congressman Allen,

I’m a Bangor resident and fan of yours. If this isn’t too late (sorry I just got online), what would help your campaign most up this way?

Yes Congressman Allen we got freeped during the Lamont campaign by young Republians bussed in from NJ or wherever by Lieberman’s campaign. If you need emergency help from surrounding states. . .

Loo Hoo. @ 120

Is Ned Lamont going to campaign for you? Would you welcome it if he were willing?

Ned came up this summer to campaign for me. I’m glad to have his support.

I’m sorry that I have to go, this has been great. Thank you for your support, and for having me on tonight.

My finest childhood memories are of visiting family farms. Getting up early, feeding the chickens and watching the farmers milk the cows with special machinery. Being blown away that the sheepdogs could round up the sheep the way they did. Fixing HUGE breakfasts for the farmers, and then playing in the hayloft. Looking the calves in their beautiful eyes. Such fantastic memories…

Thank you so much. We have your back, Mr. Allen.

Loo Hoo. @ 132

Thank you so much. We have your back, Mr. Allen.

Ditto

Thank you, Congressman, for your time this evening!

Thanks for your time, Future Senator Allen!

Thanks for trying, toby m. I trust the sentiment underlying your questions was conveyed, at least (and perhaps will be further conveyed, until it reaches those to whom it most applies).

Tom Allen @ 74

…
Whew is right! I know where you are coming from. My goal in this campaign is to do everything I can to change the direction of the country, in our domestic, economic and foreign policy. People in Maine are struggling with stagnant wages and rising costs. They find it harder to cope in a world of greater insecurity and all they want is a fighting chance for a better life for themselves and their families.

Well said!

What is the standard Mainers demand of their government? Are you the candidate to force our government up to that standard?

To me it sounds like you are.

Yes. More resources for specialty crops and conservation programs. Maine just passed Vermont as the New England state with the greatest revenue from agriculture. We have more organic farms and lots of local producers finding local buyers.

Get Real, Get Maine

Short growing seasons are something we can’t change, unfortunately….

FYI:

Maine Superfund sites (too many, I’m sorry to report).