Senator Clinton was in the chamber watching the President's State of the Union address last night - and she was disappointed in what she heard. "At a time when so many American families are concerned about the rising costs of health care, a jobless economic recovery and local schools that badly need more resources," Hillary said, "President Bush delivered a speech that was long on partisanship and short on any positive new ideas."
In fact, the only new approach that was mentioned by the president last night was the use of technology to improve health care -- a policy Senator Clinton unveiled in a major health care speech a week ago!
President Bush defended the Republican-passed Medicare bill, even though its prescription drug "benefit" is an election year sham and the bill actually prohibits Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices for Seniors; and he claimed that "jobs are on the rise," although the only reason unemployment has gone down recently is because hundreds of thousands of Americans are simply giving up hope of ever finding employment. Under the Bush administration theyíve gone from productivity to despair. Hillary knows that the American economy produced only 1,000 new jobs last month - far too few to provide real opportunity for millions of Americans seeking work - and those jobs come with lower average wages than jobs created in the 1990's. She is working for a new Medicare bill that will mean lower drug prices and affordable health care. And she's fighting to increase support for our schools.
"The President said in his speech that America is called to great responsibilities," Hillary said. "I agree. And we can only meet them by working together. It is too bad that when he had the opportunity to speak to all of us, President Bush chose to deliver a partisan speech that shunned a positive vision and unifying themes that are so important to keep our country together - and moving in the right direction." As the Democratic nominating process continues, these are the issues that Democratic candidates are talking about -- and they will make the difference for our nominee in the fall. Hillary is looking forward to working with our Democratic nominee, and with all of you, in this important election year.
For more information about Senator Clinton's ideas on health care, education, the economy and other issues facing American today, visit:
http://activate.friendsofhillary.com/t?ctl=5186DB:247741E
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Quotes from January 20th article [Democrats Pack Hectic Caucuses] by V.Miller & M.McWilliams in the "Iowa City Press-Citizen" on recent events.
But Monday night wasn't only about winning.
"We're viable now!" said Lauren Haldeman, North Liberty precinct 2 captain for Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, after screaming and high-fiving her fellow Kucinich supporters. Though running a distant fifth in pre-caucus polls, Kucinich passed the viability threshold by one voter - securing a precinct delegate. Support for Missouri Congressman Dick Gephardt, polling fourth in a front-runner four-way tie, eroded quickly.
"I was very nervous about it; I haven't been able to sleep," said Haldeman, who quickly pulled out her accordion and led a group song about their candidate of choice. "Vote for Kucinich, we all love this guy a ton," she sang. "Vote for Kucinich, he knows how to get things done."
Jillian Johnsen, of Iowa City, cradled her 10-month old daughter Halley in her arms while standing outside the Kerry classroom. Halley wore a large Kerry sticker on her chest. "I think he's electable," Johnsen said. "I don't think Dean is. I've had the chance to meet both candidates, and his (Kerry's) platform is more approachable, especially with foreign policy."
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Pix by Duchess at Pearl Jam's Madison Square Garden gig on July 8, 2003
[Non-political musings ... In the postal delivery here at work I received some terrific belated Xmas gifts from PJ pals Michelle and Josee. Merci beaucoup mon chere amies! I absolutely love the assorted CDs, PJ t-shirt and calendar! Then this morning I got a phone call from Melissa, my PJ pal out in Arkansas. Whether via phone or email, its great staying in touch with such groovy friends and pals. Also caught up on the phone with my dear friend Katherine up in CT. We had a good, long chat and touched on many topics. Some too delicate or personal to repeat here in Blogger land. Last night phoned my sister-in-law and learned my brother is ill with stomach virus. Spent most of the conversation talking about Avon, politics and health.]
Duchess holding a Pearl Jam poster at Madison Square Garden show on July 9, 2003
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In light of today being the Chinese New Year [honoring the sheep] ... I thought it would be fun to check out what is my chinese astrological sign. I'm the Doggie and here's what it said about doggies and possibly me:
In the West, the Dog is man's best friend, but in Chinese Astrology this Sign is a little more unpredictable than that. Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional "little white lies" the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.
Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.
The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love. The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger or the Horse.
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