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February 18, 2004
Open thread: Whatcha got on your mind?
The immediate, vigorous, and downright rambunctious response we've had to the Haines for Congress blog shouldn't surprise anybody. The folks who already know Doug understand full well that it's precisely that genuine openness to real dialogue that marks Doug as a different kind of politician: he's not waiting for you to finish talking so he can give you his pre-packaged spiel on topic whatever, but instead is actually listening to what you have to say. So let's hear it. On this thread, any subject from the sublime to the serendipitous is fair game. What're ya waitin' for?February 18, 2004 in Open Thread | Permalink
Comments
Rental Registration Law Struck Down!!
Here's the link: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/021904/new_20040219077.shtml
Too bad the Definition of Family act is still in force.
Posted by: tallglassofreality at Feb 19, 2004 9:33:49 AM
I think that Doug is the best candidate because he is the best on the issues. However I have also noticed that in all my years of volunteering for political campaigns, Doug has the best food. What does this say about Doug????
Posted by: Gareth at Feb 19, 2004 11:02:47 AM
With tongue firmly in cheek, I reply...
Doug Haines has a real appreciation for the needs of his grassroots army, and he knows that a full belly makes for a happy canvasser.
Grassroots politics wins campaigns, but barbecue makes the win even sweeter.
Martin
Posted by: Martin Matheny at Feb 19, 2004 11:38:53 AM
Let's talk jobs.
I have a close friend who is pretty sure her job will be cut at the University even though she has been there for 8 years. She happens to be in a department with almost no turnover. One of the few "happy" departments.
If you are elected how can you help my friend?
Posted by: Independent at Feb 19, 2004 12:14:47 PM
Some politicians are going to promise you the moon and deliver nothing. My answer is: I don't know. It depends on what department your friend is in, what position she holds, and a lot of other things. I invite you to email me with some more specific information so that I can really respond.
In the meantime, I'll tell you that I've always supported funding education on all levels, including higher education. That means more money not just for teachers and professors (hiring new ones and increasing salaries), but lower class sizes, better facilities, and more money for support staff as well, such as adminstrative assistants, cleaning crews, bus drivers, and all of the other non-classroom positions that are also vital. It also means that we must fully fund outreach programs, that help out not only students but the surrounding communities. One example from the realm of UGA would be the Co-operative Extension Service.
Doug
Posted by: Doug at Feb 19, 2004 1:34:37 PM
I've been watching Congressional elections outside my own district with an unusual fervor this year, mainly because of the attention brought to them by sites like DailyKos.com, TPM, and Calpundit.com.
I'm starting to realize that progressive means personal, one-on-one contact, not overarching ideological zeal. And that's a real eye-opener.
So, Doug, do you find people responding to the one on one contact positively? Do they say "Hey, outta my face!" or are they happy to have a chance to give you an earful?
Basically, what's it like in Georgia 12th? I'm in California ("Duke" Cunningham, bleh) and am constantly amazed by the cool things going on in our nation.
Go get 'em Doug!
Posted by: garth at Feb 19, 2004 5:06:38 PM
Actually, I'd like to respond to this one. I'm on staff with Doug's campaign, but I'm also from the 12th District as well. My second day on the job with Doug, I was heading out to a County Democratic Party meeting with him.
On the way, we stopped three times, so that Doug could hop out and "work the parking lot", meeting voters, handing out bumper stickers, etc.
Having done this quite a few mores times since then, I can tell you that the response is overwhelmingly positive. The voters want to meet the people running to represent them, and Doug's grassroots style is really catching on down here. This is a new politics that no one has seen in a long time, if ever.
I'm convinced that Doug would win this primary and the general in a walk, if he could shake every voter's hand and talk to them for a few minutes. Of course, in a Congressional race, that's nigh on impossible, but we are trying. Rest assured that Doug is going to be out talking to voters, and so is the Haines Volunteer Army.
What Doug is doing here on the blog is just a natural extension of his approach to this whole race.
Be your government.
Posted by: Martin Matheny at Feb 19, 2004 5:37:17 PM
Hey I know absolutely _nothing_ about the 12th congressional district of GA, since I live in a NorthEastern State. However, I DO know that I want more Dems in congress, and there are plenty of potential nationwide contributors who feel the same way.
I plan to spread the word about Doug and how small contributions from people nationwide can substantially influence a congressional election. This is a new strategy that can reap big rewards (and a greater sense of participation) for progressives throughout the country. Thanks and Go Get Em Doug!
Posted by: pross at Feb 21, 2004 9:49:27 AM
Doug!
What do you know about the Diebold Touchscreen Voting Machines? Does the Ga. Democratic Party have a plan to watch over voting... to make sure there's nothing funny going on (these voting machines don't leave a paper trail for recount purposes)? I don't know the Georgia law, but it seems that absentee ballots would be a good way to keep a paper trail of some votes.
Good luck! I like your website!
Posted by: Joel in Mass. at Feb 22, 2004 9:38:18 AM
Diebold voting machines. I know that there's been a lot of talk about them lately, and they aren't particularly popular. Personally, I'm planning on winning enough votes (in the primary and the general) that any accidental miscounts won't affect us!
Posted by: Doug at Feb 22, 2004 4:41:06 PM
Its good to see that Stephanie Herseth is up on dailykos.com. Please take a moment and visit her website and help her out if you can. Election is June 1st, and this is a seat we can win!
Posted by: Martin Matheny at Feb 23, 2004 8:36:59 AM
Is anyone else upset about the AJC article on Welfare and Food Stamp calls outsourced to India and Mexico? Perhaps this is not the right forum, but I was apalled to learn about this. And ashamed that it was Georgia.
You don't have to tell me that the argument that it is cheaper is the same agrument I use to shop at Wal-Mart. I recognize the irony of it. BUT. That is a personal decision, not a government policy. How can Georgia policy support outsourcing jobs from Georgians? Especially a job that would appeal to so many sections of workers: part time jobs for students, a move up for blue collar workers, mothers re-entering the work force as children go to school, seniors that still want to stay busy. A job that almost anyone can do successfully.
When private industry elects to outsource, it is their right (just as it is my right to shop Wal-Mart), but government policy should not take such a short-sighted view of the situation.
We tell workers that we require you to make a minimum wage but we won't pay you it to do this job because we can get it done in another country for less money because we don't have to pay them the minimum wage we are required to pay you. Now, I am not saying minimum wage should be dropped. We have to find other ways to level the field.
In the meantime, Georgia leaders need to be less short-sighted.
Posted by: Independent at Feb 23, 2004 12:13:38 PM
Thanks for blogging Doug. Good leadership.
Posted by: Doug Kenline at Feb 23, 2004 7:34:52 PM
Thanks! By the way, I like your blog.
Posted by: Doug at Feb 24, 2004 1:06:07 PM
I no longer live in the Athens area, but would love a Haines bumper sticker for my car. Is there a campaign office in Augusta?
Posted by: Jen at Feb 24, 2004 10:28:22 PM
Hi Doug,
I am concerned about allowing college graduates teach our children through passing a certification test. There were rigorous standards to enter the teaching profession. While the present administration asked for accountability and raises the bar so that public schools appear to be failing if less than required number of students take required exam; at the same time there are less standards required to become a teacher. At the least this is demeaning to a profession and at the worst it is not meeting the needs of our students. What do you think about this? Back in the 1990's (this seems so long ago) I worked at UGA and attended evening classes through the college of education at UGA and obtained an MA in special education - one class each quarter. I am currently teaching special education and am working toward my EdD in educational leadership. It took work and committement to become a teacher. Any teacher knows that there is more to having knowledge of a subject to teach children, some who have not eaten or slept or have other problems. Is this a way to fix a teacher shortage or save money for a diminishing budget?
Michele Morrison
Posted by: Michele Morrison at Feb 24, 2004 11:56:08 PM
ACTION ALERT!!!
The bill to ban gay marriage in the Georgia Constitution may be going to a floor vote in the Georgia House today. Contact your elected representative and tell him or her to vote AGAINST this bill.
If you don't know who your elected representative is, find out at this site:
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/locator.asp
This bill is an unprecedented attempt by the conservatives to attack the rights of the citizens of this state. It's shameful for them to be going to such great lengths to deny our gay neighbors the same rights that other healthy families enjoy throughout our community.
This issue is about equal rights. But it is also about having a constitution that does not embody hate and discrimination. Tell your representative that our constutiion exists to guarantee rights, and not take them away.
Posted by: Doug Haines at Feb 26, 2004 2:17:58 PM
The most impressive website - and blog - of any congressional candidate to date.
Thought the biography page waw particulary informative and the issues page tremendously helpful.
Good luck!
Posted by: Dean Alum at Feb 27, 2004 3:13:20 PM
blogging is on my mind......please give us at least one blog post every day doug...........thank you.
Posted by: Doug Kenline at Feb 27, 2004 5:49:11 PM
Doug,
i am wondering what your priorities are, let's say the top three focal points. Also, I'd like details of your positions on: 1) campaign finance reform; 2) health care; and 3) breakup of the media conglomerates and corporate control of the government.
Thanks for stepping up to the plate, and good luck with your campaign!
Posted by: Abi'l-Khayr at Feb 28, 2004 8:21:19 PM
If you were in the Congress in the Fall of 2002, would you have voted for or against the Iraq War resolution?
Thank you.
Posted by: UGAVoter at Mar 1, 2004 3:07:29 PM
Absolutely against. I believe that the resolution gave the President too much power and too little accountability.
Posted by: Doug Haines at Mar 1, 2004 4:23:11 PM
The Republicans have been on the attack over John Kerry's voting record on defense. They are the ones that are weak on defense. Look at these quotes to see the truth:
"After completing 20 planes for which we have begun procurement, we will shut down further production of the B-2 bomber. We will cancel the small ICBM program. We will cease production of new warheads for our sea-based ballistic missiles. We will stop all new production of the Peacekeeper [MX] missile. And we will not purchase any more advanced cruise missiles. … The reductions I have approved will save us an additional $50 billion over the next five years. By 1997 we will have cut defense by 30 percent since I took office." --President George H.W. Bush during the State of the Union on Jan. 28,1992
"Overall, since I've been Secretary, we will have taken the five-year defense program down by well over $300 billion. That's the peace dividend. … And now we're adding to that another $50 billion … of so-called peace dividend." Vice President Dick Chenny (then Sec. of Defense) in front of the Armed Service Committee January 31, 1992 while asking for more cuts in the military.
Posted by: eric at Mar 1, 2004 10:20:28 PM
Yay, Doug! I am so happy to see this blog.
Posted by: Teresa at Mar 2, 2004 11:02:06 AM