progressive

"The essence of capitalism is the myth that private individuals, acting on their selfish desire to accumulate money and unhampered by government regulations or by unions, will somehow magically serve the greater good."

http://progressive.org/newt_that_is_capitalism.html

Am sitting here deeply relieved (and getting ready to have a celebratory drink) but I feel the need to connect with my comrades-in-arms here on Blue NC: in Wake County tonight, a moderate candidate just beat the GOP-anointed Tea Party candidate for school board by around 4% in a district pretty much evenly split along partisan lines. This despite the GOP throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars, mailer after mailer with the worst kind of rhetoric, having Pat McCrory and the local sheriff make calls on the Tea Party candidate's behalf and relentless calling of their base and Unaffiliateds. They threw everything they had at this race -- and they lost. They lost because the other side canvassed and knocked on doors and matched them message for message and never let up the pressure.

David Price seems like a corporate & conservative Democrat to me. Is that accurate? He's not a member of the Progressive House caucus but I'm not very familiar with his philosophies and voting records on progressive issues. Anyone have any resources or opinions on that they can share?

If you would prefer to message me instead of posting, that's fine. If you can't message me through this site, let me know and I'll give you an email address.

Thanks.

We have seen some amazing days in Egypt, and it’s provided a better lesson than anyone could have ever wanted for how taking action, against long odds, can really get something done. A secret police mechanism has been pushed aside, an Army has chosen not to attack The People, and a President who was backed by the “full faith and credit” of the US Government on Friday was being told by that same US Government on Tuesday that it’s time to go.

The People, in fact, spoke so loudly that Mr. Mubarak has informed Egyptians that he’s going to “pursue corruption”, which, if taken literally, could eventually look like a puppy chasing its own tail.

The People, however, are unhappy with his answer, and they’re speaking even louder yet, even to the point of being willing to take beatings, gunfire, and, believe it or not, camel charges, to make their voices heard.

And that got me to thinking about Social Security.

Traction's phenomenal founder and leader, Lanya Shapiro, is a finalist for a major award recognizing progressive activists.

Vote for Lanya today for the Maria Leavey Tribute Award and you'll help strengthen North Carolina's progressive movement by bringing attention to one of our most visionary young leaders.

Democratic County Conventions are being held today all across North Carolina. Unfortunately, despite his super-human capabilities, Ken can't make it to all of them. He has asked that the following letter be read to convention-goers on his behalf. Read it. Share it. Make sure progress has a voice in this year's election:

Dear North Carolina Democrats,

I come from a very different place than the senators serving today. My grandmother was born in 1893, on a plantation in Person County. She was taught to read and write by her children and lived to be 100 years old. Even though her own mother had been a slave, my grandmother believed deeply in the promise of America as the land of opportunity. Now, her grandchild seeks to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate to make real on that promise, and to secure a future where all Americans have the opportunity to realize their full potential.

I recently read a good post over at CommonDreams.org. It was written by David Potorti who lost a brother on 9/11 at the WTC. David remembers Howard Zinn and reminds us what it means to be a patriot. That with a few words Howard Zinn could affect the life of David Potorti, and so on, should give us hope that ideas and commitment matter. Like a pebble striking still water, our words can spread like ripples to touch the distant shore.

-b
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The city of Asheville, North Carolina is a blue oasis in west of North Carolina. Seated in Buncombe County, Asheville has a population of 73,875 (per 2007 Census calculations) and is made up of 41.3 square miles of neighborhoods, industrial areas, forest, and rivers. Famous for its vibrant arts, openmindedness, architecture, environment, and various tourist attractions, Asheville winds up on several top ten lists a year.

This charming, bustling mountain mecca stands at a crossroads in its history. Property value spikes have made purchasing a home all but impossible for many citizens, and finding affordable rentals is also very expensive. Rapid growth and development have threatened our slopes and our public square. Industry after industry has closed up shop, leaving a service-based economy subject to the fluctuations in tourism. An influx of new residents has raised our energy demands to the point that some considered building a diesel-fueled power plant upwind from west Asheville. Cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders have sought infrastructure improvements for years. City employees have been denied domestic partnership benefits in what's considered one of the gay-friendliest towns in the southeast. The DOT threatens to raze a historic neighborhood that only recently began winning its fight against drugs and violence.

I'm running for Asheville City Council because I want to help create more affordable housing and a more sustainable economy, environment, and community. I'm writing this post at BlueNC because I need your help.

Hi BlueNC.

I'm Gordon Smith, and I'm a candidate for Asheville's City Council. I hope you'll all come to see the campaign website - Gordon For Asheville - and have a look around. On Saturday, March 14th from 2-4pm, I'll be liveblogging at firedoglake, and I'd love for you all to drop by.

More beyond the jump: