Reply #124: Another interview with Charlie Crystle. Sounds like a successful idealist.

[Merlin]

(Also, this web site looks like a good place to follow PA developments.)

PoliticsPA

An Interview with Charlie Crystle
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Meet Charlie Crystle, the newest addition to the list of Democrats considering a run for Senate in 2004. Crystle, a software company founder, philanthropist, and musician spoke with us recently...

...I am not a native New Yorker and my family and longtime friends are in Lancaster. 9/11 had a deep effect on me and played a part in my decision to move home. 11 firefighters from the station next to my loft on Great Jones Street died that morning, as well as a friend of mine from school, for whom I spent several days searching through NY hospitals and morgues. A lot of people had it much tougher than I, of course, but it deeply affected me in ways that surprised me and changed me in some ways, including giving me the desire to be closer to my family and friends. That period definitely galvanized my view of the world and my role in it. There are few days that go by that I waste time on petty issues, and I spend a lot of time working on things that will positively affect the world.

Tell us which Pennsylvania Democrat you admire most and why? Give us an idea ideologically where you stand?

CC: I admire a number of PA Democrats for different reasons; Ed Rendell for his pragmatic yet optimistic approach to problems, Mike Sturla for his unwavering service. Looking beyond PA I admire Jimmy Carter for his unmatched generosity of spirit and contribution to the world, the late Paul Wellstone for his integrity and ability to run a grass roots campaign (the only legitimate kind in my view), Mario Cuomo for his inspirational speeches, and Bill Clinton for his sorely missed ability to clearly articulate the issues and connect them with every-day people.

Ideologically I’m either a conservative or moderate Democrat, depending on whether someone views me standing in Lancaster County or on South Street. I’m socially liberal and fiscally conservative. I deeply believe America is the greatest country in the world and I wish it would behave that way. We have so much power to do good in the world and within our borders, we just lack the will. I believe in democracy and democratic principles, including broad civil liberties and a strong legal system. I believe in fiscal responsibility and that deficit spending combined with a tax cut for the rich is a dangerous, unsound scheme designed by the rich for the rich. Sounds great, feels great, but we’ll feel the hangover about 12 months into it.

I don’t think Democrats have clearly articulated why the current tax cut is so bad for working families; the $1000 or so the average Pennsylvania family gets back is merely a short-term bribe to allow the bulk of the cuts to go to the rich, who really don’t need it and certainly won’t spend it on consumer goods. The rich have also tired of venture investment because they were burned so badly during the bubble; I doubt they’ll take their tax cut and invest it in my company or other startup companies like mine.
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http://www.politicspa.com/FEATURES/Interviews/interviewcrystle.htm