The movie that might just change your mind

And then, again, perhaps you're already there.

Of course, I'm talking about Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11. I saw the movie last night, and while I consider myself to be a progressive, and perhaps even liberal, I'm probably not as liberal as Michael Moore. So, maybe I think he's a bit heavy handed, but so what? He's got a point, and he's out to convince us all. And, you know what, he's right.

If nothing else, the movie certainly provides food for thought and conversation. If you haven't seen the movie yet, I suggest -- hell, I implore you -- go see it.

Some random thoughts stemming from the movie.

• I always figured the George W. Bush, being an old oil man, was interested in oil and wealth. I just didn't know how much. Moore does a great job showing the link between the Bush family and Saudi Arabi and, yes, even Osama Bin Laden's family.



• I was struck that Moore understands the need for a military and, actually, supports our troops. What he doesn't support is using troops to support policies which are inapppropriate.



• Do I really want our elected leaders to be in bed with foreign countries? Do I really want our elected leaders to put their own wealth above the wealth and and importance of all of us?

I know Dave Patlak isn't in bed with Saudi Arabia, or the oil industry, or big business, or Osama bin Laden. No, David is a retired military officer who has dedicated his life in service to America and individual Americans. And, I know that David will do the same when he's on the Hill.

So, get out and see the movie. Start volunteering for Dave. Donate a couple of bucks to Dave's campaign.

The Constitution demands action

It's time for the Congress to act... Even members of the Supreme Court think so:

Justice Antonin Scalia complained in his dissent in the Hamdi case that neither the president nor Congress seemed willing to do their duty as the Constitution demands.

And what are our Representatives doing about this today? Not much. Let's vote somebody to the Hill who will.

Arrogance from inside the Beltway

The following was sent to me by Scott, a blog reader...

Did anyone see this statement by Rep, Ros-Lehtinen about the 9/11 commissions finding that there is "no credible evidence" showing Iraq and al Qaeda worked together to attack the United States?

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the chairwoman of the International Affairs Middle East Subcommittee, said: "Whether or not there is a direct link to the World Trade Center does not mean that Iraq is not meritorious of shedding blood. The common link is that they hate America."

Check out http://www.thehill.com/news/061704/finding.aspx

While I certainly wouldn't want to speak on behalf of Dave Patlak, I'm pretty darn sure he wouldn't support a way based on the assertion that war against those who "hate America" is justified.

Recently, I heard a military leader say you can't just be against something, to be a strong leader you need to be for something. If I'm reading this right, Representative Ros-Lehtinen is for bloodshed. Dave Patlak, candidate for the U.S. Congress, is for peace.

Who, and what, are you for?

Michael Moore takes it to the big screen

Well, here it is, opening weekend of Michael Moore's new flick. By all reports, he's bigger and better than ever. George W. Bush once told Moore to "get a real job." I'm thinking Moore is likely a better film maker than G.W. is President. You be the judge.

Your task is simple: See the movie. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Register to vote. Work on Dave Patlak's campaign. Donate to Dave Patlak's campaign. Work at the grass roots to bring change inside the Beltway.

Get to work. Time's a wasting...

How to regain credibility throughout the world

As proposed by the Washington Post in an editorial yesterday: If Mr. Bush's pledge is to have credibility around the world, more detailed and restrictive guidelines on torture should be adopted and made public -- or legislated by Congress.

We need a Representative who is willing to act on such legislation. I can think of no one better to cast such a vote than a person who has served in the military, than a person who as served in a life saving capacity, than a person who has (in all likelihood) served excecuting American policy with regard to illegal immigrants and has been in a position of power over detainees.

I suspect our candidate, Dave Patlak, would agree.

What can the House do?

As new information comes to light about how the United States is treating detainees, a question looming large on my mind is what can our elected Representatives do in this arena? Do we want officials of our country stripping detainees, forcibly shaving them, threatening them with dogs, and physically intimidating them? One might suggest that this is okay, particularly since we are dealing with people who might be terrorists. Might be terrorists.

If we start here with this, where will it end up?

We must be strong on the security of our country, but strong on civil and human rights, also. There is no compromise.

This is a race of real importance

"Sure," you're thinking, "everybody says their race is important." Well, most people are wrong; this time, however, we're right. This is an important race in a key place in America. This is a race that all of America will look to.

Dave is the ideal candidate. He's strong on national security and homeland defense. He's strong on environmental issues, on education, and on health care. These are issues of paramount importance to the people of South Florida, and America as a whole.

Here's the bad news, however: Dave can't put forth a viable candidacy without support from individual Americans. And that support, sadly, has to be in the form of financial donations. Our system has come down to this.

Last week, I was in Newport, Rhode Island, attending the Naval War College's Current Strategies Forum. While there, I met a slew of folks, many of them connected to the political process. I met Democrats, and I met Republicans. I told each and every one about Dave's run for the House of Representatives, and, to a one, each person made comments about fundraising. It takes money for a successful run in today's political climate. The bad news is it takes money even for an unsuccessful run in today's political climate.

Dave estimates that if 20,000 people each gave $100, he'd be in the ball game. That's about 8% of registered voters in the 18th Congressional District: a drop in the bucket.

But, I suggest this race is so important to America, that we can't rely on the funding just from the good people of the 18th District. No, all of us in America who believe in health care for all, quality education for our children, and a safe America ought to be compelled to financially support Dave's candidacy.

Help take back America: support Dave Patlak for Congress.

A voice for all of us who believe in America

This blog is a voice for those of who believe it's time to put true "representatives" in the House of Representatives. Our Founding Fathers created the House of Representatives to be composed of regular folk, representatives of the people, not career politicans. This is our start. This is our start to sending Dave Patlak to Washington.