Government 2.0: Building an Online Democracy

Business strategist and author Don Tapscott explains how he is working to create government Web sites intended to get American citizens engaged in democracy. He says the Internet can make government more open, participatory and efficient — and maybe even smaller and cheaper, too.

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Today's Greenwash Highlight

Could not resist shraring this bit of Greenwash I came across today. On a related note, the DNC Convention hosts are having difficulty raising the necessary funds for their planned show, some of which included high profile greening of the event. It will be interesting to see just how green the machine can be when put under such pressure.

Federal Judge Tosses Out Nader vs. DNC lawsuit

Ralph Nader's case against the DNC has been tossed out by the Federal Court Judge, claiming that Nader had no right to complain. Nader had argued that leaders of the DNC, including Hillary Clinton's chief fundraiser, Terry McAuliffe, had conspired to bankrupt and divert resources from Nader's campaign. Is all fair in politics?

For background on the case, you can read an earlier article: Nader's Suit Against DNC Bares New Teeth. There are links to the original complaint and the ensuing complaint that indicated that public employees had been paid to participate in the obstruction of Nader achieving ballot status.

Karl Rove Claims Executive Priveledge

Newbie Libertarian Bob Barr Snatches Presidential Nomination from Libertarian Loyalists

Amidst the remaining seven Libertarian candidates vying for their party's nomination, former Republican Bob Barr captured the honor after the sixth round of voting on Sunday night at the Libertarian Convention held in Denver, CO.

Mary Ruwart, who holds a Ph.D. in Physics and is a long term Libertarian, fought it out to the end. However, she failed to persuade her party's members that her long-term devotion to the ideals of the party were enough to capture the potential 5 per cent national vote which would gain the party matching funds and ballot access for 2012. The Vice-Presidential nomination went to Wayne Root, who had followed her in third place. Roots is a media producer and very comfortable on Fox News. By the look of his platform, he does not suffer any compassionate tendencies for which Ruwart had been dismissed.

The news of Barr's win will shift some of the election angst Democrats feel regarding Ralph Nader's reappearance on the scene. Nader's struggles to gain ballot access have also dampened the possibility of him agitating the election outcome, though that will not hinder Nader from making his anti-corporate populist message heard.

It is ironic, though, that both the Libertarians and the Greens have sought out and, at least in the case of the Libertarians, have selected someone who is new to their party. Whether this is a fascination with a kind of celebrity status or a true respect for the years already passed in office is a deeper question which has yet to be vetted. Cynthia McKinney has been pursued for years by the Greens, and while her hold on the nomination is fairly secure, she has expressed doubts about being able to sustain a respectable campaign, given the party's lack of funds and organization. What is certain, the activists from all parties will be rooting for some third party to crack the system in this election.

Vermont Progressives Succeed in Growing

Vermont's Progressive Party, founded in 1999 is slowly succeeding at a time when other progressive movements are failing. And maybe, just maybe, this movement in Vermont signals a crack in the political landscape that could allow American progressives to rise from the dead, according to TruthDigg author Chris Hedges. A very nice read. Makes me think about moving to Vermont.

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Why Education Isn't a Hot Topic in Election 2008

The "Ed in '08" campaign got $60 million to try to make education a prominent issue in the race for the White House. Former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, the chairman of the nonprofit in charge of the project, talks with Ari Shapiro about why the topic hasn't been high on the candidates' radar.

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Libertarians Host Convention Debate Tonight on C-SPAN

If it's televised, it's real. 7 pm tonight (MST).

The Libertarians are hosting a televised debate amongst 7 of the Presidential candidates. Frontrunners are Bob Barr, Wayne Root, Mary Ruwart and Johnny-come-lately, Mike Gravel. Also on stage will be Michael Jingozian, George Phillies, and Steve Kubby.


Here are some media links to the various Libertarian candidates:

Mary Ruwart:
I'd like to highlight Ruwart who is a long-term Libertarian and obviously, a female candidate. She has a strong commitment to Libertarian principles and has authored a book about healing the nation. Ruwart discusses in this radio piece the necessary irony of the newcomer champions who have come under the Libertarian tent to run. This would include Bob Barr and Mike Gravel, though no names are mentioned.

Here's her Velvet Hammer message:


Steve Kubby:
A Freedom Fighter to the enth degree, his outspoken, comical approach is worth a watch. He has fought for Medical Marijuana Rights and Eliminating Taxation. He ran for Governor in California in 1998 and helped author Prop 215, the medical marijuana act.


Michael Jingozian:
We met Jingozian at the Green 2007 Convention where he presented himself as a Green leaning Libertarian and sought the endorsement of the Green Party. Greens, however, were ultimately strict about not lending their ballot lines to the Libertarians, regardless of appeals.

George Phillies:


Bob Barr:


Wayne Root:


Mike Gravel (as a Libertarian):

Cynthia McKinney Declares her Independence from US Policy

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Manifesting change in US policies will take the courage of voters to select legislators that represent their values, says Cynthia McKinney in this public presentation. The six-term Democratic Congresswoman turned Green restates familiar campaign themes, with passion.

Interestingly, she refutes the largely held opinion amongst Greens that she will be the candidate of choice at the Green Party Convention this year in a plea for donations. She also makes a beautiful pitch for anti-war activist turned Congressional candidate, Cindy Sheehan who is challenging Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. McKinney said that voters all over the United States are taking interest in the race where Pelosi calls home, Calfornia's 8th Congressional District.

Gore Vidal Speaks Frankly to BBC About the US 2008 Election

Nader Urges the People to Insist on Bush's Resignation

Ralph Nader sees a terrible pattern of criminality, irresponsibility and fiscal abandonment from the same man who rode into the White House on a wave of moralistic disgust over Clinton's extra-marital affairs, opening the door to continued abuse of our system. Nader opens the question - who will hold Bush and Cheney responsible once they leave office? If not the new President, then perhaps individual States can step up.

Nader makes a special appeal for ordinary, concerned people to come forward and take on the mantle of politician and recast the role into a positive shape. "We cannot look at politics as if it was a dirty word."



Thanks to CSPANjunkie, who always puts CSPAN footage out there for the public to easily access. Thanks to Nader for reminding our legislators of the 5 impeachable (and on-going) offenses that Bush freely practices without their interuption.

Kat Swift, US Presidential Candidate, Ballot Access Crusader

Kat Swift, US Presidential Candidate, Ballot Access Crusader from Polidoc on Vimeo.

IL State Attorney Green Candidate Faces Derailing

Will a technicality hold up one of the strongest Green Party candidacies of this election? This is the first big year since the Illinois Green Party received statewide ballot access. Eager to make the most of it, the Green Party has recruited many candidates and have incited a new spat of ballot access rules. This article is the middle story.

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Dalai Lama Supports the Green Party

Dalai Lama states: "People who have Green Party, I want to join." Video from a University of Michigan lecture in 2008.

League of Women Voters Sues Pennsylvania Supreme Court

The League of Women voters has made themselves vital in the dialogue of democracy with their bold attack on the PN Supreme Court which, in collusion with Democratic and Republican leaders, penalized third party candidates for daring to enter strategic races. Kudos to the League. Richard Winger of Ballot Access News reports more....

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Mother's Day And It's Call for Peace

Our consumer culture has pushed us away from the roots of Mother's Day. However, it's American history dates back to the Civil War, 1870, when social activist Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation as a call for peace and disarmament.

Peace has always taken a beating because of the very nature of the people who choose it over aggression as a first tactical measure to conflict resolution.

Progressive Electoral Activists, Cindy Sheehan and Cynthia McKinney, each took separate stages on Mother's Day but ask for the same thing - to stand up and take action.

While Sheehan was anticipating her own daughter soon going into labor (8 days overdue), McKinney was in the middle of a nationwide tour.

Here are their videos:


Cynthia McKinney - With the Stroke of a Pen from Polidoc on Vimeo.

Matt Gonzalez Campaigns From the Heart of San Francisco

from Polidoc on Vimeo.

Daily Show's Stewart explains the West Virginia Voter

Stewart on the little boy who sold his bike and video games to give money to Hillary: "And [she] took it. And then as the boy who sold bis bike and video games looked on, Hillary Clinton's campaign blew his entire donation on confetti. Food for thought [for the boy] as he walks to school, and then home again, to not play video games."

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Progressive California Puts State's RIghts First on Same-Sex Issue

What a week for California!

First with automobile emissions, stem cell research, and now same-sex marriage, California continues to wrestle with putting state rights over federal on environmental and moral issues.  

Next step - sex education. That's a harder one to beat since state schools depend on receiving federal funds for educational programs and the current administration acceptance for sex education woefully lacks a reality check with actual teenage practice.

Presidential Primary Campaign Ads 2008

All the ads, collected in one place. Remarkable, frankly, but a "must bookmark" for the poligeeks on your card list, so forward them the link. Get the straight scoop on who did and/or didn't have their poop straight when they flung it!

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West Virginia's Governor Race Should be Wild, Wonderful...

License plates in West Virginia hail the state as "Wild....Wonderful". With a scandal-tarnished incumbent GovernorManchin, this election season may indeed be wild as a Democratic challenger Mel Kessler and The Mountain Party's Jesse Johnson aim for the Governor's mansion this fall.

While running for Governor, Johnson is also campaigning for the Presidential nomination of the Green Party of the United States. According to Chicago Indymedia, if Manchin should manage to eek out a primary victory, Johnson is poised to give Manchin a run for his money. Can Johnson run for Governor and President at the same time? So far, Johnson is determined to make history with his concurrent runs. Whether or not the Greens tap Johnson for their Presidential run, look for this environmental activist and ardent Constitutionalist to be shaking up things in Charleston.

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Phil Donahue's "Body of War" Battles to Infultrate Theaters

The business of politics is as much about learning when to hold your tongue as it is when to speak. Phil Donahue, talk show host impressario of the '80s-90's, won't disclose for whom he's voting for President because making enemies of good affiliates at a time when you are shopping a vital and uniquely told documentary is just not good strategy. However, he is a good friend of Ralph Nader's and a strong supporter of alternative political voices, so you might guess Donahue's not a right of center guy.

His documentary, "Body of War" is no Little Miss Sunshine, according to Donahue. It's a story about a young vet who returns from Iraq severely wounded and neglected by the military he served. If we hadn't gone through some of these same issues in Vietnam, where thousands of vets returned as drug addicts because the pharmaceuticals were freely distributed at addictive levels to kill the pain, both physical and psychological, perhaps there would be some latitude to forgive the military hospitals' treatment of the wounded and the executive branch's ignorance. However, we have seen this before and this young man's story should get every veteran, whether Republican, Democratic or other, stark raving mad at the administration. Plain and simple.

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Libertarian Presidential Hopeful on Spoiling for McCain

Fired up about State's rights, Federalist at heart Bob Barr explains why he is anti-nation building, agreeable to state's rights on drug laws, decentralization, and why Ron Paulians would vote for him over McCain.

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Presidential Candidate McKinney Explains Her Shift to Green Party

"Local economy, ecological wisdom, grass roots Democracy. These are the things the Green Party has been advocating for 20 years, so you could say I'm late to the party. But thank goodness I'm finally at the party. ..." McKinney said in Humboldt on a continuing campaign tour.McKinney has just returned from the Global Greens Summit where she and several other Green Party members of the United States shared their hopes for their party.

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Mother's Day Progressive Party with McKinney and Nader

Calendar Announcement:

Enjoy a progressive feast of events with third party candidates this Mother's Day. Both Independent Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader and Green Party Candidate Cynthia McKinney will be speaking in the Bay Area, California on Sunday, May 11.


Nader/Gonzalez Events
More Info Call -(510) 914-8355 or events@votenader.org
$10 contribution/ $5 student/low-income (no one turned away)

Sunday May 11th 7pm
Ralph Nader & Matt Gonzalez Rally
Roxie Theater
3117 16th Street San Francisco, CA 94103

Monday May 12th 12pm
Ralph Nader & Matt Gonzalez Rally
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists
1924 Cedar St. (at Bonita) Berkeley, CA 94709

Monday May 12th 8pm
Ralph Nader & Matt Gonzalez Rally
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062


McKinney Event

Sunday, May 11 2-5 PM
Anna's Jazz Island
2120 Allston Way, Berkeley, Ca 94704
(Just East of Shattuck Ave.)

Presidential Candidate, former congresswoman the Honorable Cynthia McKinney and District 1 School Board Candidate Tennessee Reed. Speakers will include Devorah Major, Cecil Brown Reginald Lockett, Ishmael Reed, Kim McMillon.

ILWU May Day Protest--San Francisco

This footage comes courtesy of YouTube user Margot Smith.

Debating the Role of Third Parties in the U.S. Pt. 1 of 5

Polidoc Crew Explores Green Party Presidential Hopeful Kent Mesplay's Home Turf

The Polidoc Crew is in the San Diego area to find out more about Presidential candidate Kent Mesplay.

Mesplay, an environmental scientist and political activist, knows the odds are against him and his Green Party, but he is still hopeful that this campaign will shed light on issues of security and sustainability, cornerstones of his platform.

Next week, we'll have a short piece about him ready for you to view and wow - has he ever developed while on the campaign trail.

Kat Swift, Green Party Presidential Candidate Crusades for Ballot Access in Texas

This short video represents Kat Swift, Green Party Presidential Candidate, in some of her efforts to help her political party gain ballot access. Kat's unabashed and gentle style offer a surprising glimpse of the challenges she faces.

If you like this video, please take the time to visit WGBH - Boston (http://lab.wgbh.org/open-call/election2008/rate-pitches) and vote for "Seriously GREEN: Kat Swift - Presidential Candidate" as your favorite short film on the topic of "My Political Story." The winners will be broadcast nationwide. It will be available to vote for after Monday, May 5, 2008. Thanks!

The Polidoc Crew