MDS/Austin Resolution on Withdrawal from Iraq for Democratic Precinct Caucuses

by: thorne dreyer

Thu Feb 21, 2008 at 06:36 PM CST

This, I believe, is an optimal, viable and timely plan for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.  It will be presented at precinct conventions throughout Travis County on March 4. I think it's an excellent plan for us to coalesce support around.

-- Thorne Dreyer

Proposed Resolution on Iraq
For March 4 Democratic Precinct Conventions

The following is a "Plan for the withdrawal of all U.S. military forces from Iraq" posted by Paul Spencer on The Rag Blog and adapted by David Hamilton of MDS/Austin.  It will be submitted to every precinct in Travis County for consideration at the Democratic Party precinct caucuses on March 4th.  

MDS/Austin strongly urges participation in these caucuses and the advocacy of this plan. In order to do so, you must vote in the Democratic Party
primary, either on March 4 or before at an early voting site.  Any
registered voter can vote in the Democratic Party primary and participate
in these caucuses and doing so does not commit you to vote for the
Democratic Party nominee in November.

Texas has the most complex delegate selection process in the nation,
both a primary and caucuses.  Essentially, you can vote twice.  Texas has
228 delegates, but 35 are super-delegates (Democratic Party officials) and
those are not in play.  Of the remaining 183, 122 will be determined by
votes in the March 4th primary election.  Another 61 will be determined by
the caucus process that begins that same night at the precinct level.

Caucuses are at the same location as the voting and are supposed to begin
at 7:15 pm after the polls close.  Be on time.  You merely have to show up
at that time and register as a supporter of a particular candidate.  Then
you can leave.  The numbers of those who register at the precinct caucus
will determine the apportionment of delegates to the county convention on
March 29th.  Resolutions will be considered by those who stay.

Please send on this information to all those you know who might be interested
and supportive.

.........................................................

Plan for Withdrawal of all U.S. Military Forces from Iraq.

Please complete the following at the Democratic Precinct Convention on
Tuesday, March 4, 2008:  (circle one)
Adopted / Not adopted by Precinct _____, Senate District _____.

Plan for the withdrawal of all U.S. military forces from Iraq.

Whereas, the Second Iraq War has caused enormous damage to the security,
economic well-being and moral standing of the United States,

And whereas, this war was entered into on what were known by the Bush
administration at the time to be questionable if not false pretexts,

Therefore, let it be resolved that:

1a. All U.S. troops will redeploy to the five main U.S. bases in Iraq, as
quickly as possible, but no later than in 60 days after the institution of
this plan on January 20, 2009 with the inauguration of the new U.S. president.
b. Iraqis who have cooperated with U.S. forces and request asylum in the US
will be moved to temporary camps within these bases within the 60-day limit.
c. All U.S. troops not necessary to support these bases will depart Iraq
within the 60-day limit.

2a. All U.S. "contractors" will redeploy to Kuwait within the 60-day limit
in order to organize their expeditious departure from the region.
b. All non-U.S. citizen "contractors" will be dismissed and given
commercial airplane tickets to their home country from Kuwait.

3a. All non-essential material will be left in place and turned over to
local Iraqi authorities.
b. All weaponry and ammunition will be collected and secured within 60 days
for transport to the U.S. in conjunction with the U.S. troop withdrawal.
c. All mine-detection devices, tools, construction equipment and material,
and medical supplies will be turned over to local Iraqi authorities.

4a. A UN sponsored conference will be organized including Syria, Iran,
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraqi Sunni, and Iraqi Shia to negotiate
political arrangements for Iraq's southern provinces.
b. A UN sponsored conference will be organized including Turkey, Iran,
Syria, Turkomen, Iraqi Sunnis and Iraqi Kurds to negotiate political
arrangements for Iraq's northern provinces.
c. A subsequent UN sponsored conference will be organized including all
regional and Iraqi parties to negotiate future relations between all
segments of Iraqi society.
d. The UN will hold an advisory conference on Iraq to obtain viewpoints of
all interested parties with no direct political role in the region.

5a. When the treaties, constitutions or arrangements acceptable to all
sectors of Iraqi society are formalized and approved in UN monitored
elections, the full withdrawal of all US military personnel from Iraq will
be completed at the agreed date-certain, but not later than December 31, 2009.
b. Eligible Iraqis who request asylum to the US will be processed for
immigration on an expedited basis.
c. The U.S. bases will be turned over to the local Iraqi authorities in
which they are located.
d. The U.S. will budget reparations to compensate for damage done to Iraq
during the invasion and occupation, to be paid to the Iraqi entity or
entities that emerge from the above agreements.

Submitted by David and Sally Hamilton.  Precinct 338.  Senate district 14.

David Hamilton
www.huipils.com

http://mds-austin.pbwiki.com/

Nelda Spears confirms her support for Republican Voter Suppression Bill

by: bikindem

Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 00:42 PM CST

As reported by the Austin Chronicle and Austin American Statesman, Ms. Spears is using the language of and siding with Tom Craddick and Texas Republicans in their attempt to disenfranchise thousands of minority, poor, and senior Texas voters.

As a reminder, Texas Senate Democrats heroically fought HB 626 including State Senator Mario Gallegos who was wheeled in on a hospital bed against doctor's orders to cast the deciding vote blocking the bill.

It is outrageous that a Democratic elected official would side with Republicans on this attack on our voting rights.

Glen Maxey has taken a stand not only oppose voter suppression bills, but as Travis County's chief of voter registration will lead a statewide effort to protect the rights of every voter.

We cannot allow the Republicans to go unchallenged another session as they chip away at our right to vote. I will stand up and be a voice for the rights of Texans. As a 6 term legislator, I have a record of taking on the bad guys, standing up on civil and voting rights issues and for open and transparent government.

Glen Maxey is running as a Democrat for Travis County Tax Assessor Collector in the March 4 Primary.

UPDATE: Nelda Spears gets some support for her position... from a Republican blogger.

I love this final quote from Ms. Spears:

"It is pretty much against the party line," Spears said. "Even though I consider myself a good Democrat, I also consider myself a person who can think for myself."

Hmmm. Sounds more like a Republican to me.

U.S. Congress TX 4: VaLinda Hathcox Is No Newcomer to Government

by: faithm

Thu Feb 07, 2008 at 10:12 PM CST

Why I'm in this race:
My roots in this district go back generations. My mother's family settled in Collin County in the 1800s. My parents settled in Wood and Hopkins Counties. I was born, educated, have lived and worked in the Texas 4th District all my life (except when in Law School in Austin or working for the people of Texas in as Deputy Attorney General and Director of Public Affairs, at the Texas Land Commission, or as Director of Legislative Affairs for the State Bar of Texas and for the Texas Association of Counties.)

VaLinda on the family's ranches (Hathcox Farms and Big H Ranch) with part of their herd of Texas Longhorns.
VaLinda's parents inherited only 20 acres of their 1000 acres. They worked and paid for what they acquired, but want to pass it on to their children.

For me, my family and most of my neighbors, Texas is more than just a state or an address -- it is part of us and we are intrinsically tied to it through more than just the land or where we work.

· Texas is a culture where we carve better opportunities and more just, fairer practices for successive generations.

· Texas is a culture where folks don't expect better to be easy.

· Texas is a place where hard work and diligence means incremental advancement for most folks, incredible success for some and where we work together to help prevent others from falling through the cracks.

· Texas is where we look at what we have realistically, face what got us where we are while figuring out better, more just, fairer laws, regulations and "ways of doing things" for the future.

Craddick's First Disguised PAC of 2008

by: capitoleye

Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 01:48 PM CST

Bailey even listed the contribution from Craddick's Hand Job as of January 9, 2008, before the PAC had any funds.
Bailey raised 90% of his money on the 30 day report from Craddick's Hand Job, Texans for Lawsuit Reform ($25,000), and Dwayne Henson (a developer bud of Bailey's).

Democratic Primary Snapshot (Monday Night Update)

by: Kedron Touvell

Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 00:04 AM CST

Click on link to see rest of article.

Reps Gallego and Puente Wonder, "What if..."

by: Matt

Sun Mar 12, 2006 at 10:36 AM CST

Jaime Castillo’s editorial discusses the political hangovers both State Representatives are experiencing. While Uresti took the hard road and ran against Madla, Gallego and Puente hoped to be crowned the successor in four years.

Puente, like Gallego, believed Madla would be serving his final term in office had he emerged victorious this election cycle. According to Puente's plan, the seat would be open in four years and he would have just as good a chance as anyone to win it.

While Puente and Gallego deferred to Madla, Uresti took the gutsy route and it paid off. He still has to get through the November general election, but most, including Puente and Gallego, believe the seat is Uresti's for the foreseeable future unless he stumbles during a probable first term.

In the end, Gallego and Puente may have “lost” their chances for a promotion, but Texas won on Tuesday. The two representatives have served their districts well for many years, and the fact that they will continue to do so is great for the party. The Democratic Party has a deeper bench for later elections, and has the ability to net more D’s for the 2007 session because of their presence.