A progressive political blog that highlights the infringement of religion upon today’s government.

McCain and Clinton both proposed different versions of a gas tax holiday over the summer. As a lower middle class American I understand the pressure that high fuel prices put on families. Recently we payed 40$ for half a tank of gas because we needed to make it to payday. So I sympathize with those who are willing to support anything that promises relief.

While I wish our problems would be helped by something as simple as a tax holiday, the reality is this will only make the problem worse. So I applaud Senator Obama for having the personal courage to stand by the right decision in the face of public pressure. Like any great leader Obama understands that what is easy and comforting is not always best.

Thanks to MyDD for pointing me to this great video.

Since I am not an economist, and the few classes I have taken on economics made me never want to be, I am providing a small selection of articles about the gas tax. If you doubt what Obama is saying about the gas tax then please read these.

• Economists Knock Proposed Gas Tax Break
• Expert Support For Gas Tax Holiday Appears Nonexistent
• Dumb as We Wanna Be
• Gas Tax Holiday Splits Clinton And Obama: Who’s Right?
• What to Do About the Oil Crisis
• Gas tax follies
• Candidates’ plans to cut gas prices

William ~ WWJV4.com

I just wanted to pass on a campaign email I received for Jim Slattery (D-KS). As I wrote about the other Day JIm Slattery has officially launched his Senate bid for Pat Roberts seat. At WWJV4 we will be supporting Slattery as much as possible so look for more campaign announcements and news.

Dear Friend,

Yesterday I announced my candidacy for the United States Senate. It was an honor to have our governor, Kathleen Sebelius, introduce me and come out strong in support of my campaign. To view the video of my announcement click on this link: Slattery Announcement.

Unfortunately, Pat Roberts chose to open his campaign by airing a negative radio ad in which he made cheap personal attacks. This is a clear sign he is worried about the competitive campaign I intend to run. Pat Roberts has no desire to take responsibility for the breathtaking incompetence and indifference of our political leadership in Washington, D.C.

I am determined to focus on the issues that truly affect Kansans. Our country’s economy is unstable, gas prices are soaring, and we are engaged in a needless war in Iraq.

I need your help now and through November to bring Kansas common-sense back to the United States Senate. There are three ways you can help:

1. Join my E-mail List. You can do so by visiting my website www.slatteryforsenate.com

2. Make a monetary donation. The reality of modern politics is that my campaign will need money to respond to Pat Roberts’ negative ads. Any amount you can give is valuable and appreciated. Donate online now by clicking here: Contribute!

3. Forward this e-mail to five friends. Invite them to view my announcement and join our campaign.

Rarely is the contrast on the key issues as clear as it is between Pat Roberts and myself. I look forward to seeing you in person and hearing your ideas as I campaign across the state in the coming months!

Thanks for your friendship,

Signature
Jim Slattery

I have to say that while I am excited about the Slattery campaign I am a little concerned about this email. There were several errors, broken links, and usability problems and overall it feels rushed. I’m sure that this is just part of the growing pains of a new campaign so they get a pass with this one.

I strongly recommend getting as involved with this campaign as possible because Jim Slattery is the type of politiican that can bring the needed changes to both Kansas and Washington. If you live outside Kansas then get involved in your local politics. Democrats cannot afford to sit back and wait for someone else to make the needed changes anymore.

Thanks,
William ~ WWJV4.com

On the 23rd the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing on the (in)effectiveness of abstinence-only education. Despite the incredible abundance of evidence proving the dangers of teaching the religious doctrine of abstinence-only education the Republicans were able to hold onto their cash cow. RH Reality Check has a good overview of this disappointing outcome that I highly recommend.

I didn’t really expect the Republicans to allow their policies to be held accountable for being a complete failure. That would have been totally out of character for a party that seems to think accountability and responsibility only apply to other people. So even though it failed to produce any effective chances it is nice to see that the failure of abstinence-only education to educate and protect children is finally being addressed.

As a sign that this is happening the Daily Show ran a segment on this last night. Hopefully this marks a turning of public opinion away from failure and religious dogma. Enjoy the clip below.

My favorite part is when Rep John Duncan (R-Tenn) says “Seems rather elitist to me for people who maybe have degrees in this field to feel that they, because they have studied it, somehow know better than the parents”. Riiiiiiight, because being smart and knowing things is elitist. No wonder conservatives are hardly ever accused of being elitists. Mystery solved. I do feel the need to point out that intellectual bullying is one of the warning signs of fascism, way to maintain that perfect score.

William ~ WWJV4.com

One of the key tenets of Christianity seems to be that God is responsible for everything that happens.  Whenever a Christian survives a near death experience they are always quick to thank God, even if they should be surrounded by those that God chose to strike down.  Such was the case recently when a plane crash landed in the middle of a crowded market in the Congo, killing at least 36 but sparing those on board.

On the flip side they are quick to attribute any disaster to the wrath of God.  John Hagee for example has blamed the destruction of New Orleans on tolerance for homosexuality.  Pat Robertson blamed America for the terrorist attacks of 9/11, saying it was punishment for turning our back on God.

So what then do you think fundies will make of this?

Jim Slattery has officially launched his campaign to seek the US Senate position currently occupied by Republican Pat Roberts. I feel really good about Jim Slattery. He has a good record and strong support here in Kansas and I strongly believe that he has a chance to beat Roberts. It has been a long time since Kansas sent a Democratic Senator and now is absolutely the right time to do so.

Important Links

• Slattery’s Campaign Website
• Slattery’s ActBlue Page (psst! … Make a donation)
• Jim Slattery’s Facebook
• Jim Slattery on Myspace
• Jim Slattery on YouTube

If you live in Kansas and can I highly suggest that everyone donate time and/or money to this campaign. Slattery is already off to a very strong start in contributions but it will take more than that to beat Roberts. I will try to keep this website updated as much as possible on the campaign.

William ~ WWJV4.com