Live Blog with Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL)

[Skinner]

Democratic Underground is pleased to host a live blog with Congressman Alan Grayson.

Alan Grayson is a first-term congressman representing Florida's 8th Congressional District. He won his seat in 2008 by defeating an entrenched four-term incumbent Republican. Congressman Grayson is well known as an aggressive advocate for progressive change.

He is in a tough reelection race this year. Outside groups have spent $1.7 million on attack ads against him, because they know he can't be bought. If you would like to learn more about Congressman Grayson and help him fight back, please visit http://www.graysonforcongress.com">Grayson for Congress or http://www.congressmanwithguts.com">A Congressman with Guts.

Please post your questions for Congressman Grayson in this thread. He is going to join the discussion sometime around noon today. Please be aware that Congressman Grayson may not be able to answer every question.

Thank you to Congressman Grayson, and to everyone here who helps make this discussion a success.

David Allen
DU Administrator

[bigtree]

1. far out!

Way to go, Skinner! :toast:

I'd like to ask the congressman when he thinks we can get another vote on ending funding for the Afghanistan occupation and what steps he has planned personally to confront the administration on the get-out-of-Afghanistan effort?

http://www.congressmanwithguts.com/

[lonestarnot]

32. My first thought also!

GMTA! :toast:

[Alan Grayson]

49. Afghanistan

The Obama Administration, unlike the Bush Administration, has arranged things to that there will be no separate vote on Afghanistan, unless there is a "cost overrun". But we can still use the War Powers Act to force a vote, as Dennis Kucinich has, from time to time.

[bigtree]

131. thank you

I look forward to following your lead (and Dennis') on this issue.

[DainBramaged]

148. PROUD you could join us!

:toast:

[travelingtypist]

2. Bush administration crimes

The Bush Crime Family went completely unpunished, got off scot-free. A lot of us Real Democrats are really ticked off about that. Real-politik it for us, please?

Totally shallow, Congressman, but why did you shave off the goatee? You looked so awesome-scary.

[barbtries]

48. second this

please comment on the lack of accountability for crimes the bushies have gotten away with.

[Alan Grayson]

52. Bush Family

Honestly, it's up to the Attorney General, and the President of course, to take care of this. I'm sorry if that sounds like a copout, but it's true.

Regarding the beard, when I had it, a older woman wrote to me and told me that I looked scary with the beard, so she couldn't vote for me. But she had some younger friends who told her that they were going to vote for me, BECAUSE I looked scary. I wanted to expand our appeal beyond the Wiccan vote, so I shaved it.

[BurtWorm]

56. Is this the first time in history a Representative of Congress has referred to the Wiccan vote?

:applause:

[alfredo]

94. If we don't act against bush's war crimes will the world court

step in? Would that be preferable?

[travelingtypist]

121. That's what I meant by real-politik.

I wanted to know why the powers that could prosecute haven't prosecuted, why they're sitting on their hands being cowards after the billions wasted and the countless lives lost from the war based on lies.

I never thought of myself as a Wiccan, liking teh awesome-scary, but I'll take that as a compliment.

[bitchkitty]

334. Dream on.

Everyone would like to know that, I'm sure. The uber-rich and powerful never pay for their crimes, especially if their last name is Bush. That is the way of the world, and one Congressman can't change that. The "powers that be" won't. So here we are.

As far as the anger, that wound became a callous a long time ago.

[kestrel91316]

123. I wanted to expand our appeal beyond the Wiccan vote, so I shaved it.

:rofl:

This neopagan ecofeminist with Anabaptist leanings thinks you rock, goatee or not!!

[hlthe2b]

78. Ditto on that.... Please discuss the lack of accountability for Bush* et al

whether anything can be done, should be done, and the ramifications for the future if we do not. If you care to provide your thoughts on WHY it has happened (no prosecutions, no repercussions, Bushies* allowed to go their way as though they were heroes and not war criminals), please do.

[kentuck]

3. Thanks for stopping by, Congressman.

What do you think about Jack Conway's ad against Rand Paul?

[Alan Grayson]

54. Conway Ad

That's his decision. I don't know what's going on in Kentucky now, so I can't say yea or nay.

[alfredo]

96. I think it is to depress the vote.

[racaulk]

4. Thank you, Congressman Grayson!

I don't have a specific question, but I just wanted to say thank you for your passion. Having a truly unapologetic progressive voice in Congress has been a very welcome change over the last two years. I admire you greatly, and we definitely need more people like you in Congress.

I'm off to make a contribution to your campaign now. Best of luck in your reelection bid! :hi:

[Alan Grayson]

55. You're Welcome

Thank you, too, for having a conscience.

The easiest ways to make a contribution are at our website, CongressmanWithGuts.com, or at our ActBlue page.

[PassingFair]

5. How is it that you are able to be a Progressive from a southern state.

Why can you speak the truth and still win a congressional seat,
when we are told that we have to live with Blue Dog conservatives
because they "represent their constituencies".

How do you do it?

And by the way....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[Alan Grayson]

57. How

Here's how: organize, organize, organize. 2 1/2 years ago, this district had 14,000 more Republicans than Democrats. Now it has 12,000 more Democrats than Republicans. In 2008, we had over a million live phone calls and knocks on the door to voters. This year, we will top that.

Organize, organize, organize.

[PassingFair]

67. So you're saying WE have to WORK too?

Crap....

:hi:

Just kidding, I'm a precinct delegate here in Michigan.

Guess it takes more of the the types who aren't afraid of having
their car doors keyed in the south to buoy up fantastic
reps like you!

THANKS!!

[slackmaster]

6. Would you support or co-sponsor H.R. 6240 - to allow importation of certain curio or relic...

...firearms, without explicit approval from the State Department or the Department of Defense? (Or a similar bill, in the next Congress.)

I'm pleased to see that you have been supportive of lawful ownership, collection, and use of historic firearms. H.R. 6240 has support from members of both parties. I think it's a no-brainer.

[Alan Grayson]

58. Importing Firearms

I don't know enough about it. It actually sounds familiar; we may already by cosponsoring it. But I don't recall. We'll look into it.

[krispos42]

76. A hold was put on re-importing many US-issue guns from the Korean War

Mostly M-1 Garand and M-1 Carbine rifles (both of which are semi-automatic and not "assault weapons" under any definition of the term). Nearly all of the rifles used in Korea were built and used in World War Two as well, making these guns a part of the "Greatest Generation".

Since the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP; formally a government agency) already sells Garands and Carbines from US Army stockpiles to anybody with a clean record and a membersnip in a target-shooting club (or a veteran), blocking the re-importion of these rifles from Korea seems particularly stupid.

It won't do a whit to stop crime while making Democrats look like anti-gun fanatics. It seems to me that moving the rifles into the CMP's armory is perfectly reasonable and rational.



Plus, well, reuse is better than recycling, right? ;-)

[xchrom]

7. thank you Mr. Grayson for your work and courage.

can you outline any plans to resist cuts to Social Security by House members?

[Alan Grayson]

59. Social Security Cuts

The plan is to raise hell. In fact, that's always the plan, when special interests try to put one over on us.

[Subdivisions]

68. Well, then I'm glad you're there to do the hell-raisin'! Thanks for being here, Congressman. n/t

[countrydad58]

171. social security cuts

Thank You Mr.Grayson for standing up for us who have no voice!
I am on ss disability and terrified of the tea baggers running
for office,and some people in our own party who are trying to
assault this program. 

[Lochloosa]

8. Thank you Congressman Grayson, I have a lot of rollover minutes on my phone.

How can I make calls for you from Jacksonville?

And, welcome to DU. :toast:

[Alan Grayson]

63. Phone Banking

Yes!! Go to CallForGrayson.com, and sign up. People made 30,000 calls for us last Sunday alone!

[Pathwalker]

9. Dear Congressman Grayson: If the House tries another bill

to let the banks illegally foreclose on houses will you make sure we, the people, know about it ahead of time, so we can raise a fuss?

[dixiegrrrrl]

62. I second that question, Mr. Grayson.

and add:

What if anything can realistically be done to criminally pursue the banks for all their ripoffs?

[Alan Grayson]

Foreclosures

Yes. And I hope to be able to that, and other things like that, for many years to come. We have exposed the massive foreclosure fraud that has been taking place, and four national banks have now stopped foreclosures.

[Pathwalker]

151. Thank you for your reply, Congressman. And may I say, sir -

:yourock:

[G_j]

283. Thank you for solid efforts on this nt

[USMCMustang]

10. Education

I see teachers being blamed for the dismal state of education in the nation. I don't see any mention of marketers who target children, the influence of "social media" on kids, and other things that distract them from thinking about why they are in school and what the future holds for them. Please comment.

[liberalhistorian]

36. Not to mention the complete silence regarding

the responsibility of the PARENTS and the huge impact living in poverty has on the education of children. No one talks about the culpability of the "worst-performing" parents and the fact that if children don't come to school adequately fed and clothed and/or are abused and neglected, and/or if the parents don't support education and don't make them do homework or study, teachers have NO control over that. They cannot follow students home and ensure they have the proper environment and that they do their homework. There are MANY factors over which they have NO control and yet are still held accountable for those factors. I grew up with teachers, I know what they go through and how they're treated, and saw how little they received in return, both in compensation and appreciation.

[mstinamotorcity]

118. Not trying to but in

But when you start saying parents,you are now painting a broadbrush. I see education as being more of a problem with people who are in charge of the spending, misusing funds intended for education. In almost every major city there are signs of corruption. There are vendors who are systematically cheating the system.Which means less dollars for our children. Not to mention we are trying to do more with less. The education budget is always the first thing on the chopping block of the "cut spending" rhetoric. And our teachers deserve better salaries then they are getting. We have some of the brightest students and teachers here in America,but somehow Public Education has got a bad name, not the people who systemactically tried to corrupt it at every level.

[hfojvt]

318. not to mention that education is not as bad as so many claim

at least scores in math and english have gone up in the last 20 years.

http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh101510.shtml

[Alan Grayson]

69. Teachers

The right wing has vilified public schools and teachers for a generation. My opponent homeschooled his six children, and then sponsored legislation to increase class sizes in elementary schools to 60. 60!! They won't stop until they have destroyed public education throughout America. So we have to stop them.

[krispos42]

114. 60???

My kid's kindergarten class has 19 kids, a teacher, a teacher's assistant, and very involved parents. And yes, the school ranks considerably above statewide averages in every testing category.

[nyc 4 Biden]

167. I can't imagine classes that large.

My girlfriend is a 1st grade teacher in an NYC public school. She has 29 students with no assistance and it is very taxing on her ability to stay on top of everything she wants to. It's also very expensive because she has to buy 29x copies, folders and other supplies quite often.

[FarLeftFist]

11. Can you please make sure the Reich-Wing doesn't...

Re-write the Constitution OR history books.

[Alan Grayson]

70. The Constitution

The right wing is up in arms about the 17th Amendment -- direct election of Senators. How out-of-touch is that?

[myrna minx]

12. I love your passion and dedication, Congressman.

:hi: How likely is it for Congress to begin the Constitutional Amendment process to combat the Citizen United decision?

[Alan Grayson]

73. Citizens United

I support Donna Edwards's "Corporate Personhood" constitutional amendment, and you should, too. I have introduced eight bills to push back against the Citizens United decision, and elements of four were included in the "DISCLOSE Act."

[flamingdem]

128. Thanks for this - we need to hear more about this issue nt

[Hekate]

291. Thank you SO much

:hi:

[TonyMontana]

13. Will you run for president some day?

[Alan Grayson]

74. President

We are in a very, very difficult race for Congress this year. We will win only if everyone pulls together and helps. One step at a time.

[krispos42]

81. I hope to see you running for veep in 2016

after 5 terms as a US Congressman. ______/Grayson 2016 and 2020, then in 2024 you're at the top of the ticket.

:-)

[defendandprotect]

119. +1000% .... in fact, I'm amazed that we're not already seeing any Dems

on the left challenging Obama -- we need a less corporate-agenda for 2012!!

:)

[dionysus]

327. congrats, you've managed to work primarying obama in to a Grayson thread. that takes dedication.

:patriot:

[Robb]

14. Congressman, your courage is appreciated! Other than

...the terrifying moment when you realized what you were in for by agreeing to a live blog on DU :D can you tell us a story of a time or two in your political career when you thought you'd gone too far, or bitten off more than you could chew -- and how that courage paid off?

[Alan Grayson]

80. Courage

It's hard to answer this question, because what we do is never contrived. In other words, we only know we've gone too far after we've gone too far. But as for courage paying off -- look. I'm a first-term Democrat who is the first Democrat to represent downtown Orlando in 34 years. I won by four points. And yet, for instance, the million members of Democracy for America named me as their Number One Hero in the House. And, for instance, we have received almost 100,000 contributions at CongressmanWithGuts.com. And, for instance, people are making tens of thousand of telephone calls each weekend, at CallForGrayson.com, to help our campaign. So, yes, courage pays off.

[BurtWorm]

15. Congressman Grayson, what parts of the progressive agenda are most universally appealing?

Some of what you say about the Fed, I imagine, hits close to home for "conservatives," am I right? Do you have any examples of exchanges with conservative constituents of yours to demonstrate common ground, the sort of agreement that enabled you to beat a 4-term Republican and might encourage other progressives to run where most Democrats fear to tread?

Thanks (for all you do) and best of luck to you!

[Alan Grayson]

84. Universal Appeal

The same things that have had universal appeal for roughly 3000 years -- sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry, and healing the sick. That's why the Republican's "Pledge to America" concedes that they will not let insurance companies deny care or coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Talking about these things, and then doing something about them, wins over normal people, and exposes the other side as the selfish greedheads that they truly are.

[elleng]

16. Dear Congressman Grayson,

Its a great pleasure that you're visiting us here, at DU. I've contributed, encourage others to do so, and only wish I could do more.

Question: What do you think is the future of the 2 'parties,' as schisms seem more apparent every day, and short of actual schisms, day-to-day working arrangements appear more and more difficult. Dems have 'Blue Dogs,' upon whom the rest of us can't rely, and Repubs have 'Tea partyers,' who appear to be out on their own limbs.

We watch out for you every day, and wish you (and US) all the luck in the world.

Ellen

[Junkdrawer]

24. Self-Delete. Posted Wrong Spot.

:blush:

[Alan Grayson]

91. Two Parties

The only way that we will have a third party is if it replaces one of the two existing parties. With the Tea Party, that may actually happen. The Blue Dogs, on the other hand, have no need to try to "replace" the Democratic Party.

[meegbear]

17. Congressman Grayson, would you consider becoming Speaker of the House?

Your gumption is what we need right now.

[Alan Grayson]

92. Speaker

I would just like to win the next election, thank you very much.

[Donnachaidh]

18. Mr. Grayson -- when will we see TRUE justice in the Wall Street crimes?

Not *fines* and slaps on the wrists -- when will we see some of these flagrant crooks go to JAIL? So far, the only thing our government seems to have done is bail them out and push a *reform* bill that did virtually nothing to stop the speculation and criminal activity that caused the economy to collapse.

Personally, I think the American people want to see that JUSTICE isn't a two-tier business in the US. We want to see those people in JAIL, a REAL jail -- not a club fed.

[Alan Grayson]

95. Wall St. Justice

I'm beginning to think that the answer to your question is "never," despite my best efforts. If we had an Attorney General like Bobby Kennedy, then that would be a different story.

[chervilant]

145. If

we had an AG like Bobby Kennedy, some foul cretin would probably attempt to assassinate him.

[truebrit71]

19. Congressman, what would you like to see done to hold accountable those that permitted torture?

The Obama administration appears to be on the cusp of setting the precedent that Attorney's General are above the law, and have already vigourously opposed holding members of the previous administration accountable for the war crimes committed on their watch, what would you do to secure and reinforce the civil liberties shredded by Bush/Cheney/Ashcroft?

I wish you the best of luck and want you to know that there are alot of people that appreciate your forthright speech and lacking of willingness to back down to the right-wing noise machine...I only wish there were 217 more just like you.

[Alan Grayson]

97. Torture

Enforce the law. It's a felony, under the Criminal Code. Just enforce the law.

[urgk]

20. Have the Democrats ever tried to out-Luntz Frank Luntz?

What I mean by that is that Frank Luntz and the Republicans do a masterful (albeit evil) job of twisting the argument before there is any discussion by labeling an idea in a way that tells a Republican story. And they do it in a way that presents a wall of sound that sweeps through the pundits, the blogosphere and the mainstream news rooms.

No Child Left Behind.
The Patriot Act.
John Kerry is a "flip-flopper."
John Roberts is an umpire who calls them like he sees them.
Obamacare.
Death Panels.
I want my country back.
Family values.

My question is this: Has anyone tried to put together a group of writers - comedians, copywriters, bloggers and the like - to frame an honest, fact-based message in a way that is more digestible to the American Public? What if every Democrat, from the White House down started calling Republican economic policy "Table Scrap Economics"? What if they started referring to the "Republicans" as "Republican'ts"?

It seems like "they drove the car into a ditch and now they want the keys back" was a short, succinct, honest way to describe an entire political climate. Is there a push for more messaging along those lines?

If there is, or you think there should be, that kind of effort, send me a message. I'd love to help.

[Alan Grayson]

101. Messaging

Well, Frank Luntz is not my role model, but I try to put together a few pithy remarks from time to time. If you have any suggestions, feel free to share them; I'd love to steal all your best ideas.

[urgk]

122. Okay. I'll take you up on that.

It will make me quit yammering on about the idea to my friends and actually put my money where my mouth is.

Is there a non- 8th district only e-mail address where I can send them?

[mcollier]

125. In the words of Sara Palin:

"The GOP is Through!..."


Self-sabatage perhaps. :-)

[rucky]

144. Perfect question for Cong. Grayson

It's what we need - the ability to "clone" our strongest communicators. Newt Gingrich (and Luntz) saw this need early on, and started an entire communications and training network based on message discipline. We're just trying to catch up.

This may just be an instinctive gift that Alan Grayson has, but we need to analyze it, bottle it and share it. That goes for everyone who has that talent. George Lakoff should also be required reading for everyone.

I think you have a great idea, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help organize this for you.

[zipplewrath]

21. Economic Stimulus

Whether one believes the original stimulus plan was a success, failure, too small, or just right, is there any real chance of a second stimulus, especially focused directly upon jobs, in the next congress?

Orlando, Florida.

[Alan Grayson]

103. Stimulus

Not if the Republicans are in charge. The Government has two means to fight recession: monetary policy, and fiscal policy. For monetary policy, we've run out of ammunition; short-term interest rates are zero. And on fiscal policy, the Republicans are the party of unilateral disarmament.

[izzybeans]

120. If "Republicans are the party of unilateral disarmament" isn't already in an ad.referring to

their obstruction on economic issues. It should be.

Thanks for your tireless efforts.

[BurtWorm]

22. Military contractors and whistleblowers: Why are Americans so uninformed about this dark corner

of US foreign policy? What will it take to raise consciousness of the lawlessness our tax dollars are paying for? It should be an outrage to all Americans to learn that contractors are engaging in assassinations, rape, human trafficking and more and getting away with these worst of crimes because no law can touch them. (See the case of Kathy Bolkovac in Bosnia re: DynCorp)

[Alan Grayson]

106. War Profiteers

Well, I did my part. I prosecuted war profiteers for years, before I was elected to Congress. As to why people don't learn more, it's because the powers that be in Washington do nothing to spread the word. In order to have a Truman Commission, you need a Truman.

[Truth2Tell]

350. In order to have a Truman Commission, you need a Truman.

I'm just gonna repost that.

[SteppingRazor]

23. Salutations, congressman! As a fellow Floridian, I've watched all the Florida House races closely...

in Florida's 24th, the latest poll has Suzanne Kosmas, the only Florida Democrat to vote against the stimulus bill, up by two points. That's after earlier polls had her down by 6 points and 12 points. That latest poll that has her up by 2 was taken at about the same time as the lone poll in your race against Webster, which had you down by 7 points.

This disparity goes against the old truism that if voters are given a choice between a Democrat who acts like a Republican and a Republican, the voters will go for the real thing every time. Can you address the difficulties you face as a progressive running in a swing district? Was your election in 2008 simply the result of a Democratic wave, or can true liberal voices carry even toss-up districts like your own if they remain true to their ideals?

Finally, if you do beat Webster in what is shaping up to be a heavily Republican year, do you think this sends a message to other Democrats in districts with similar demographics, or does what works for you in Florida's 8th not necessarily work elsewhere?

Thanks!

[Alan Grayson]

111. Polls

The polls that you mention do not reflect the status of our race. That's all I'm going to say, because I don't want ANOTHER $2 million in right-wing special-interest attack-ad money to drop on my head.

We have another event coming up now, so I'm going to have to go. I will try to come back later. I apologize to people who have left questions that I haven't answered yet.

[Subdivisions]

117. Thank you so much for being here and answering our questions. I'm

confident that you'll be elected to a second term and look forward to you continuing to be tough and vocal with the repulican'ts.

[bluedigger]

129. Thanks, and Good Luck!

Come on back anytime! (For every ridiculous idea found at DU, there is usually another idea that is pretty good. Just stay out of the Lounge for your own safety.)

[Plucketeer]

150. I'm sorry I was late to this party, but...

I can offer that it's really a point of pride to have you here with us. It's obvious you're a hero here. While there's NO contneder against the corporate lackey in my district this year, I'm throwing what little money I can - YOUR way. And I have "Grayson-Truth" bumper stickers on the vehicles I drive! Thanks for all you do!:kick:

[Junkdrawer]

25. Q: Will there be a retroactive law along the lines of H.R. 3808 passed in the lame duck session?

What can be done to prevent this? What are you hearing?

[Alan Grayson]

186. HR 3808

Well, it was pocket-vetoed, so we'd have to start all over again. I haven't heard anything about reviving it, and if it is revived, I doubt that it would pass.

[byrok]

26. Thank you Congressman Grayson

for being one of the few voices in government that I feel I can trust.

My question to you is: Who else can we really trust? Who do you trust?

Thanks again for actually sticking up for those of us who need you, and thank you for coming on DU and speaking to us.

[Alan Grayson]

184. Who Can You Trust?

I'm back, and will try to answer more questions. Sorry I had to go away before.

The Speaker revived the health care bill when many other Democratic leaders had written it off. That was an act that earned some trust.

[nyc 4 Biden]

27. As Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus...

Will you use your status to push for better funding of our public school system? Our Administration under Arne Duncan's leadership has been making headway, in my opinion, in moving towards more privatization, more charter schools and less support for our public schools. What is your stance on education reform?


*P.S. - Thank you for everything you have done as Congressman. I have donated to your campaign in the past and will do so again today via ActBlue. Good luck and God Bless!

[Alan Grayson]

187. Education Reform

The fundamental problem in education that I see today is that it is devolving into factory education, where we teach reading, writing, counting and little else. That is completely unsuited for the 21st century. We have over 100 million jobs in this country, and they are 100 million different jobs. Hardly ever do you see two people doing the same thing. So we need an education system that focuses on the unique attributes of each child -- interests, talents, skills -- and cultivates them. The things that makes us special are not the things that make us the same, they are the things that make us different. Of course we need more funding for public education, because to do it right, that education has to be as diverse as we are.

[greyl]

286. I like that answer. nt

[JDPriestly]

302. Thank you, Congressman Grayson, for your response to the

question about education. "Se we need an education system that focuses on the unique attributes of each child -- interests, talents, skills -- and cultivates them."

Music classes kept me in school.

I later got degrees not only in music but other fields. But if there had been no music in the schools, I probably would not have made it through.

Today, music classes are considered to be a sort of frill. They may be for some children, but they weren't for me.

Some 20 years ago already, I went to my oldest daughter's junior high school graduation in a Los Angeles school -- and almost no one could sing the National Anthem -- neither the children nor the parents. That is shameful. Children should know the songs that have been sung in our country over the last centuries. I don't think they learn that part of our national heritage anymore.

In general, the arts should be taught in our schools. They are an anchor for many students.

[nolabear]

28. Welcome! Looking to the future, what up and comers would you support

or encourage to make bids for state office? Which senators, congressmen or governors would you like to see in national service?

[Alan Grayson]

188. Not Exactly and "Up and Comer"

But Governor Dean should be in national service. He has both a head and a heart.

[Donnachaidh]

29. Mr. Grayson -- why is it, that in this country, we can take ALL the possessions and wealth

of drug dealers who are caught and convicted - but bankers and other wealthy elites who are convicted of crimes get to keep their wealth?

And why is it that Congress people who are convicted of fraud or corruption don't have THEIR wealth and possessions taken? We don't seem to want to be fair across the board in this country.

[Alan Grayson]

189. As Bob Dylan Said

"all the criminals in their coats and their ties, are free to drink martinis, and watch the sun rise."

"Hurricane" (1975)

[Roland99]

30. Honorable Congressman Grayson, my question to you is....

how can get certain Democrats in the House and in the Senate (specifically, the "Blue Dogs" or the DLCers) to start voting in the interest of their constituents instead of in the interest of the corporations that fund their campaigns?

And, how can get Progressive ideals to become an accepted norm in this nation instead of being treated as left-wing kooks by the corporate media? Except for the 20%ers, no one wants to see a return to McCarthy-era authoritarianism.

P.S. I moved to Orange from Seminole recently and cannot wait to cast my vote for you in November!! Sadly, don't see many Grayson signs out near the 429.

[WillyT]

50. Similar Question Congressman Grayson...

And thank you for all you do.

What is the relationship between party platform and actual governing? And what duties do elected officials have for leading their constituents, versus merely reflecting their will?

It seems as though some of our fellow Democrats have forgotten our own history, ie.

Civil liberties
Ethical conservation
Economic progressivism
Environmental justice
Fair trade
Feminism
Labor rights
Anti-racism
Social justice
Social progressivism
Social welfare
Women's rights
Women's suffrage
Square Deal
New Deal
Second Bill of Rights
Fair Deal
New Frontier
Great Society

Just to name a few.

Once again. thank you.

:hi::patriot::hi:

[Individualist]

60. Another similar question for Congressman Grayson

Are any organized efforts being undertaken to remove DLC's influence over the party?

[krispos42]

99. The real interests instead of the perceived interests of their constituents.

Always a tough one...

[Alan Grayson]

190. How to Get Them to Vote Right

Show them this year that the lobbyists can't save them; only the people can. Money can't vote.

[trumad]

31. Congressman Grayson

I just went back and read a bunch of Harry Truman quotes and I swear you must be Truman reincarnated.

My favorite of course is "“Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.”

Sir that would be you in a nutshell.

Question: One of his other quotes is: “The 'C' students run the world.”

You've worked in DC for quite awhile. Do you agree with his quote?

Thanks,

Trumad

[Alan Grayson]

191. The "C" Students

Barack Obama was the head of Harvard Law Review. Maybe the "C" students were in charge under the previous administration, but not this one.

[pinboy3niner]

Mr. Grayson...

You have a knack for introducing bills with catchy titles:

H.R.5353 : War is Making You Poor Act

H.R.4444 : Defund the Crooks Act

H.R.4431 : Business Should Mind Its Own Business Act

H.R.6000 : Thou Shalt Not Kill Thy Customers Act

What personal legislslative priorities do you have up your sleeve for the new Congress? And will they have titles that will leave us rofl? :)

[Alan Grayson]

192. Priorites

All of the above, plus the Medicare You Can Buy Into Act, HR 4789, if people are willing to overlook the dangling participle.

[nyc 4 Biden]

33. Congressman Grayson, Have you ever visited/heard of Democratic Underground before this visit?

[Alan Grayson]

193. Yes, I've Visited Many Times Before

Where do you think all the best ideas come from?

[Hekate]

297. You're going to give DUers such a swelled head. You are too kind, sir.

:blush: :blush: :blush: :blush: :blush: :blush: :blush:

Also you must have a staffer with a serious ability to sift the wheat from the chaff.

Thank you very much for dropping by in person. You've lifted all our spirits. :hug:

Hekate

[sabrina 1]

303. Lol, you really have a great sense of humor and we love it.

I had a question but someone else asked and you answered. But I wanted to know about Social Security and the Deficit Commission's intention to raise the retirement age (please show them video of what is going on in France right now because politicians there were stupid enough to try to the same thing). You answered saying it will be fought.

But, I have heard that a deal has already been made. That Dems. will cave on SS retirement age in return for Republicans agreeing to scaling back the Bush tax cuts. If you come back, could you tell us if that is true?

Keep up the good work, you make politics fun!! :hi:

[democrank]

34. Bless you, Congressman Grayson and welcome to DU.

What can Progressives do to counteract corporate media`s habitually shallow Inside-The-Beltway hogwash?
Without sounding like everyone else with talking points, what can Progressives do to highlight our values and principles which, proudly, are on the side of social and economic justice?

The *WHO WOULD JESUS BOMB* bumper sticker is a great beginning.

[Alan Grayson]

194. What Can You Do?

Think, talk and act. The media can fool some of the people some of the time. That's as far as it goes.

[wiggs]

35. Congressman Grayson: Thank you for your direct and blunt honesty in expressing

your opinions; the contrast in communication styles between you and most other democratic leaders is significant and obvious.

Question: Away from the cameras, what kind of feedback do your get from fellow reps and from senators? Do they wish they could be as blunt and honest but can't politically? Or are they simply far enough to your right that they don't wish to call republicans on their hypocrisy, deceptions, and true motives?

[Alan Grayson]

195. What Others Think

They view this as an experiment. The results will be in on Nov. 2.

[Enrique]

37. why are Democrats talking about extending the Bush tax cuts?

the GOP controlled both houses of Congress and Bush barely got the tax cuts. Cheney had to come in and break the tie. Now the democrats are in charge, with larger majorities than Bush had, and they're talking about extending those tax cuts. It makes no sense. What's going on?

[Alan Grayson]

196. Talking About the Tax Cuts

Oh, God, I don't know. I'm so sick of the right wing dictating the agenda.

[madmom]

38. Thank You Congressman Grayson for all that you do. My question is,

since the Teabaggers and Republicans seem to be adamant about the size of the "Obama" deficit, why don't we (the Democratic Party) start showing the difference in the way the previous administration accounted for it's smaller deficit by NOT showing the costs of the wars. If we started showing and comparing the ways the two are different,show the current deficit without the wars and with them,also show the previous without the wars and with them, someone, somewhere may see the light.

Again, thank you!

[AC_Mem]

164. Great idea Madmom!

I wonder what those figures would be....

And thank you Congressman Grayson - we are thrilled that you came to visit!

[Alan Grayson]

198. Deficits

I talk about that all the time. For one thing, I explain that the war in Iraq alone has consumed 8% of our entire national wealth, accumulated over more than two centuries ($4 trillion out of $50 trillion). I guess the question is, why don't others point this out? And that's a very good question.

[tclambert]

330. Check out the daily Stock Market Watch thread here on DU.

Festivito has been posting info on government borrowing for years now, all the way back to Bill Clinton's administration. One key thing you can see is that Obama has already started to reduce the deficit.

[Beetwasher]

39. Dear Congressman Grayson, Many DU'ers Feel That President Obama Is A Corporate Sell Out Who Is Not

worthy of support from the Progressive community. On the other hand, you have become known as a staunch fighter for and defender of Progressive values. What would you say to this group of people who believe President Obama has not shown himself to be worthy of support from the Progressive community?

Thank you so much for all you've done in Congress, you are one of the best we've got.

[JNelson6563]

64. I second that question.

Keep on rockin' Congressman! :toast:

[Erose999]

130. I'll third that question and ask one of my own: Why are the Dems in congress who stand in the way of

progress allowed to keep their prestigious committee and board appointments? It would seem like we could reign in the Ben Nelsons and Blanche Lincolns out there if we would stop rewarding them with these things.

[grahamhgreen]

146. 4th!

[Hekate]

288. 5th (I guess that counts as a 5th rec for a post, doesn't it?)

;-)

[cascadiance]

331. My guess is that Democratic leadership would rather "reign in" us instead...

... in order to keep their campaign contributors happy.

We NEED to show them that buying elections doesn't work by voting for those who stand up for us anyway despite what is spent against them. If we can show that it no longer works, perhaps we can get those pols that want to work for us to start working for us, and kick the others to the curb...

On your sig... Kick out the Jams, M******s!!

[Alan Grayson]

199. Worthy

Even FDR, our greatest progressive President, turned to the progressive community and said, "make me do it." So let's make BHO do it.

[proud patriot]

226. +1

ThanK you :-) he said as much during his campaign too.

[demmiblue]

237. Indeed... we need to hold him accountable to democratic/progressive ideals!

:patriot:

[MessiahRp]

309. Here's my problem with "Make me do it".

That's a cop out. Aka, I don't have a conscience of my own to fight for what's right to begin with so get so angry the media and other Congressmen push me to do the right thing. Not to mention as far as liberals/progressives go: he doesn't do it. Instead he dispatches Rahm or Gibbs or someone to talk smack about progressives and blame them for the fact that his and many Democrats' corporate kowtowing is indeed not the change most Americans wanted.

I tend to believe you elect someone with a conscience of their own who is going to fight for the things they say they are and don't need us to basically self destruct as his base because he refuses to listen to them at all. When all he does is have subordinates hurl insults at us and then chooses to do zilch about easy ones like DADT or even have a voice for Single Payer at the table (not saying SP had to be his plan but you don't go to a car lot looking at a $25,000 car and offer $24,999 as your opening offer and that's what he did with the GOP on the HC Reform bill).

I just don't believe "Make me do it" applies when you're already beholden to far more powerful corporate interests.

Rp

[cascadiance]

332. He should find ways to ENABLE us to "make him do it"! Like championing media reform!

If we got a media that would be informing us with news and not infotainment, then more people could be informed and help provide better feedback to him of what should be done, and perhaps find ways of giving more coverage to those that ARE trying to "make him do it", instead of them being ignored in favor of the corporatist-funded tea partiers...

If he took that approach he would send the message that he needs more of us to have his back so that he can "show" that he has popular support for things we want. If he stands in the way of these sort of things or doesn't make any efforts for "enabling us", then it sounds more like he's sandbagging and trying to find ways to not do anything to respond to us.

The justice department going after peace groups who in effect what to "make him do it", is sending the opposite message.

[Radical Activist]

338. Even Obama has said the same thing

a number of times. Obama needs help pushing Congress (especially the Senate) to pass more progressive legislation while we try to elect more members like Rep. Grayson.

[whatchamacallit]

324. Me thinks Grayson's excellent response

is not quite what you were fishing for. :rofl:

[Beetwasher]

329. Why Would You Say That? In Fact, It's Exactly What I Expected, Obama IS Worthy Of The Support

Of the progressive community according to one of our best progressive representatives. I too believe Obama is worthy of our support.

Pray tell, what was I "wishing" for?

[demi moore]

40. unlimited anonymous campaign spending

is anything going to be done to stop the sale of elections

also i liked how you handled that guy from NASA.
NASA needs a strategic objective to advance civilization and protect it. a moon base will pay for itself. and be cool.

[Alan Grayson]

200. The Sale of Elections

Well, the House voted on the DISCLOSE Act, which included parts of four different bills that I introduced. Maybe the Senate will pass it. We'll see.

[iamthebandfanman]

41. Just wanted to say Thank You to Mr Grayson! n/t

[Alan Grayson]

201. You're Welcome!

[DaveinJapan]

42. Thanks for your time, Congressman Grayson!

As an ex-pat living abroad at the moment, I'm still honored to call you MY representative from the Central Florida region which is my home!

How is it that you are able to speak your mind so boldly while so many other representatives are reluctant to do so? In other words, why are you able to call a spade a spade (particularly in your brilliant health care speeches), and yet so many of your colleagues are unable or unwilling?

What would you say could be done to facilitate other Representatives' situations (pressure from leadership, lobbyists, etc) in order for them to feel comfortable enough to follow your lead on these important issues?

Kudos, Congressman Grayson, for saying what we all wish ALL of our representatives throughout America would dare to say!

[Alan Grayson]

202. Inspiring Others

We have to show them that a Democrat elected in a district gerrymandered for Republicans, the first Democrat to win in 34 years, who wins by 4% of the vote, can be outspoken, and win reelection. Then you'll see others following the example.

[barbtries]

43. Thank you Congressman Grayson!

my question: if you are re-elected, what will you do to shrink the size of the MIC and get our country out of foreign wars?

thank you again.

[Alan Grayson]

203. The Military-Industrial Complex

I will do what I've done, until the job gets done. I will vote against the wars. I will introduce and pass more amendments to crack down on crooked contractors and wasteful spending. I will speak out.

[grahamhgreen]

44. The Vision

Alan -

No one in the Dem party is presenting a cohesive vision, including Obama.

This is a powerful tool, and it would be great if you would present it.

I've been meaning to do a long post about this, but have not had the time.

The progressive vision for America goes something like this, should be stated clearly and often:

1) We will withdraw from the wars-for-profit in Iraq and Afghanistan, and use the money to make America strong.

2) We can and will end hunger and poverty in America.

3) It's time to eliminate the debt and deficit by returning to the Eisenhower tax rates on the ultra-rich of 94% (or the pre-Reagan rates of 74%.

4) We will guarantee health care for all Americans by expanding Medicare to cover those who opt out of private insurance, and/or make for-profit insurance illegal for basic care, the way it is in every other industrialized country.

5) In George Bush's words, we "call on all governments to join with the United States and the community of law-abiding nations in prohibiting, investigating, and prosecuting all acts of torture..."

6) We will bring American jobs back home by withdrawing from the slave-trade agreements (so-called free trade agreements).

7) We will build a strong America by breaking up the large banks, media conglomerates, and walmart style monopolies that stifle American business.

8) Bring voting back out of the hands of private industry, and use physical ballots.

9) Reverse DADT

10) End corporate personhood by changing the 14th amendment (and reverse Citizens United)

11) Etc... (perhaps insert FDR's second bill of rights here, as well)


But the VISION of the party needs to be put forth as a plan for our future.

It needs to be labeled, packaged, pushed and sold. Not as individual points, but as a complete package.


I think you are the guy to do it!!! What do you think?


Good luck!

PS - I'm a donor, and my nephew votes in your district (who is joining the SEALS)!
PPS - with a platform like this, you could be President!


Also - is it possible the DLC dems and the admin do not want progressives to win?

[Alan Grayson]

204. Vision

The only one who can actually make that work is the President. We'll see whether he does that after Nov. 2.

[grahamhgreen]

349. Sir, you are one of the few people in America who could present a new vision for our future

Obama may be the smartest guy in the room, but he needs someone (or the progressive caucus) to give him direction.

[butterfly77]

45. Everytime,you get a chance..

talk about the homeless,and what we can do about affordable housing..

RENT IS TOO DAMN HIGH!!!

[Alan Grayson]

205. Rent

I've seen the video. Even Cuomo seems to agree.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

298. I work for HUD. Cuomo my former boss. He was dedicated to this issue of high

rents and how they affected the lives of low-income families. And yes, the rents are far too damn high!

However, the foreclosure crisis is literally destroying lives! LITERALLY!!

God bless you, Congressman Grayson.

Off to donate again!! :patriot:

[rasputin1952]

46. Thank you sir!

You are an inspiration!

Together, we can crush the GOP into dust!

:patriot:

[Alan Grayson]

206. Thank You, Too.

[Vincardog]

47. Congressman Grayson. What will the Congress do to outlaw Black Box Voting?

[Alan Grayson]

207. Black Box Voting

At some point, there will be another voting box scandal -- it's inevitable. Then there will be a bill, and it will pass. It's a shame that it will take a scandal to make that happen, but that is the world we live in.

[carlos3k]

51. Grayson: Strategy for fighting Citizens United Scotus aftermath

Congressmen Grayson - Eric Cantor said on the daily show that he's for full disclosure of this 'free speech' currency infiltrating our election system. Hold him and the other GOPers to account for thier positions!
If we can't stop the flow of corporate money into our election system we can sure as hell make them disclose. At least thats the first step?

what do you think?

[Alan Grayson]

208. Citizens United

I've introduced eight bills to fight the Citizens United decision -- four of them before it was decided. Those bills are the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, six, seventh and eighth steps.

[LLStarks]

53. He's in a tough re-election because he put himself there. That ad against Webster backfired. nt

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Alan Grayson]

209. So You Think It Has Nothing to Do With

the facts that my district was gerrymandered for a Republican, or that the Democrats lost 17 times in a row before I came along, or that according to Politico 20% of all of the outside right-wing special-interest money in the entire country has been spent against me, or that the Executive Director of the NRCC said that I'm the Republican's Number One target in 2010? OK, you're entitled to your opinion.

[w4rma]

323. You rock Representative Grayson. (nt)

[krispos42]

61. Congressman, you should see if the Admins can give you a "shadow"

Moderators have a grey one, senior mods have a dark gray one, Admins have a blue one, and Grovelbot has a green one. I hope that more Democratic politicians will follow you onto DU for stuff like this live blogging, and I think you and they deserve a shadow so we can tell the wheat from the chaff.


:patriot:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

83. good idea -

:patriot:

[krispos42]

104. A sigline with a banner and fundraising link wouldn't hurt, either...

jus' sayin'.

;-)

[Tuesday Afternoon]

127. excellent additions ..

can it happen? :D :thumbsup:

[OneGrassRoot]

136. Excellent suggestions!

:bounce:

[Alan Grayson]

210. The Wheat From the Chaff

That's very CSNY of you. I went to a CSN concert in Orlando last week, and David Crosby sang those lyrics (from "Almost Cut My Hair") really, really well.

[wiggs]

65. Sir: Good luck in November. We're all pulling for you! nt

[Scurrilous]

169. ...

:thumbsup:

[Alan Grayson]

212. And That's What It Will Take to Win

[w8liftinglady]

66. excellent responses from Congressman Grayson.I'm jealous.

keep up the great work,congressman.you truly have your constituents' best interests at heart.others could learn a lot from you on how to be a true representative.

[Alan Grayson]

213. Thank You

[Freddie Stubbs]

72. Why did your campaign take down the "Taliban Dan" ad?

Was it not as effective as you thought it would be?

[LLStarks]

100. Ummm. Portraying a conversation far out of context?

[Kingofalldems]

152. Republicans don't like Grayson--they will try to find

a weakness and then attack.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

157. It strikes again.

[Freddie Stubbs]

160. Which complicates his reelection efforts, as his district has a lot of Republicans in it

[nyc 4 Biden]

165. Not very subtle. n/t

[Alan Grayson]

214. Not Exactly Correct

We didn't "take it down". But it was clear to us that the medium was getting in the way of the message, so we ran a different ad on the same subject, without the atmospherics. Because people deserve to know that my Republican opponent would require a raped woman to bear her attacker's child. And he sure isn't going to inform people of that.

[Hekate]

299. Thanks. People have got to be told that catering to the religious RW will have that result

The religious wingnuts are blind ideologues who believe God talks to them and not the rest of us. They really don't give a damn about the life and health of women and girls.

Hekate

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

293. Got any other "clever" questions for the congressman? nt

[sabrina 1]

304. Hey, it got him a lot of attention especially from the media. And

it gave us a chance to really get to know Dan Webster, and after I got to know him, that ad made a lot more sense. He's one scary guy.

[Kingofalldems]

319. Epic fail.

:shrug:

[harun]

75. Thank you Congressman, we pay attention to your good work and we got your back!

How come more Democratic members of Congress don't talk about the Republican Party's open and active oppression of the Middle Class? I see only a handful of Representatives willing to speak of this directly and honestly. Do you think this is due to the myth propagated by the Corporate Media and the GOP that someday everyone in the United States will be rich, so they believe this ideology will eventually work to their favor?

[Alan Grayson]

215. No, It's For a Different Reason

It's because these days, you have to have guts just to tell the truth.

[harun]

77. Oops, double post.

Deleted...

[Enthusiast]

79. K&R

Thank you, Congressman Grayson. You are an inspiration!

Our primary focus must be on getting you re-elected.

[Joanne98]

82. WE LOVE YOU ALAN!

Keep kicking Republican butt!

[florida08]

85. You have my respect Congressman Grayson

It's getting harder to vote here in Florida. You see the two running for governor have questionable ethics. Crist has split the democratic vote that should go to Meek which means we will get Rubio. Many amendments on the ballot this year. What is your view on Amendment 4 here?

[Alan Grayson]

216. Amendment 4

Well, the Chamber of Commerce seems pretty desperate to defeat it. So that tells you something.

[onehandle]

86. Thanks for coming by. Could you please deliver some of your 'guts' to the White House?

They need to be more Grayson and less Chamberlain when dealing with the opposition.

[Alan Grayson]

217. "More Grayson"

So now I'm an adjective. Personally, I think of myself as a verb.

[Klukie]

315. Now that is a winning attitude!!!

Love it!

[BumRushDaShow]

87. Wishing you all the best!!

You are truly an inspiration!!! :applause:

[Justitia]

88. I just want to THANK YOU for your blunt talk on HEALTHCARE. I have family whose lives hang in the

balance the next few years over this issue. Your strong, convicting and unceasing frank talk on this issue brought me to tears.

Sometimes it feels like no one hears us from the hospitals.

[Alan Grayson]

218. I Know

The night that we voted on the healthcare bill, a man in a wheelchair told me, "please vote for the bill. If it doesn't pass, I'll die."

[Hekate]

307. Both my kids, in their young 30's, have pre-existing conditions. If my son ever loses his job...

When my self-employed with no insurance daughter needs prenatal care and another C-section... My kindergartener grandson really needs his lungs looked at by an asthma specialist and not just his pediatrician because I don't like the way they sound sometimes...

These are real people in my life, and I worry about them.

Hubby and I are 63 and have good insurance through his job, but we both also take expensive medications. We've taken good care of our teeth, which are full of fillings and crowns, and oddly enough we really would like to keep them -- but after retirement, that's going to be extremely expensive.

I know my Representative, Lois Capps, is with you on health care. I hope we can send both of you back to Congress to keep fighting the good fight.

Hekate

[cjbgreen]

89. Education

What is your opinion on Race to the Top? What actions should be taken to promote a quality public education system that serves students living in poverty?

[Alan Grayson]

219. Education Reform

I gave a pretty long answer to a similar question above. It's fine to set goals and hold contests, but the problems in public education go a lot deeper than that.

[Blue Owl]

90. Welcome to where the REAL Democrats hang out, Alan!

:hi:

[Alan Grayson]

220. I See That.

[mstinamotorcity]

93. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us

Rep. Grayson, my questions are- Why has the Democratic party in the House and Senate acting as if they have not made any accomplishments in the last two years, and why aren't they nailing the Republicans with all the sound bites and written request for the stimulus and other lying actions they have done. Does Corporate lobbyist have something on some of the Democrats, maybe they should blame it on the alcohol and those little junkets they attend.Smile. Thanks Mstinamotorcity

[Alan Grayson]

221. Why?

Because for all practical purposes, the "messaging" effort is limited to a freshman Representative who won his 2008 race by four points.

[alfredo]

98. Do you support public financing for federal elections?

[Alan Grayson]

222. Public Financing

You can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that I am a cosponsor of Rep. Larson's bill on this.

[alfredo]

294. How can we help?

[John Kerry VonErich]

102. Dear Rep. Grayson

Anger is extremely thick on both sides of the spectrum. Do you personally believe in all honesty that this nation is inching closer to another civil war?

[Alan Grayson]

223. Anger

No, but since fewer than 5% of the population now votes in primaries, the system is throwing up elected officials who make it seem that way.

[boomerbust]

105. Dear Mr. Grayson

Is it true that George Bush called off the dogs when they had Bin Laden cornered at Tora Bora? If true why.

[Alan Grayson]

224. You'll Have to Ask Someone Who Was in Office at That Time

I have no special insight into that.

[Whisp]

107. Mr. Grayson, what do you think of the media coverage, re: the enthusiasm gap.

To me it sounds like the media have all decided to depress democrats voters into thinking its all over.

What do you think is behind all this and how this can be put more into the public light about the propaganda democrats must overcome?

thanks so much for being here!!

[Alan Grayson]

225. There Is No Enthusiasm Gap in My District

Depends on how you do the job, I guess.

[Roy Rolling]

108. Bodyguards

Congressman...I contributed to your campaign from Louisiana because you are the only politician on the national stage who has the courage to take on the real challenges to democracy and not get duped into fighting on non-issues. You had me at "I punch back."

Anyway, can you train Joe Miller how to "man up" so that he isn't scared of video cameras? I have a cat that is scared of the vacuum cleaner and I think Joe is wasting a lot of time employing goons to protect him from video cameras and microphones. I have been in media for a long time and have never seen a person get bit by a camera.

[Alan Grayson]

227. You Should See

my 2006 interviews. Give him a chance. The whole point of life is to get better at stuff. As Joni Mitchell said, "life is for learning."

[sabrina 1]

305. David Crosby, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan!

I like your taste in music. What other songwriters and musicians do you like?

[grantcart]

109. Sorry I missed you Congressman. I did just want to say that you seem to be

holding back and are somewhat shy.

Break loose Congressman and tell the people what you really think!!!

Good luck in your campaign.

[Alan Grayson]

228. Circumspection

is not one of my strengths.

[OneGrassRoot]

110. K&R! :) n/t

[butterfly77]

112. Mr.Grayson..

Thanks for this keep it up:

Rush Limbaugh:

Mind Your Own Business

Contribute $25 or more now to the Rush Limbaugh MYOB Fund!

Dear XXXXXX,

Is there any well-known right-winger in America who has not yet taken to the airwaves during this past month to savage me? Let’s see – Sarah Palin. Mike Huckabee. Newt Gingrich. Glenn Beck. Sean Hannity. And – I almost forgot to mention – Rush Limbaugh.

Rush Limbaugh says that I am “certifiably insane.”

Please contribute to our “Rush Limbaugh, Mind Your Own Business” Fund.

Now, Rush Limbaugh saying that I am certifiably insane is like George Clooney saying that I’m good-looking. It’s like Shaquille O’Neal saying that I’m big-boned. It’s like Michael Jackson saying that I can sing and dance. It’s like Bill Gates saying that I’m rich.

Rush, tell me this: which one of us was hooked on drugs for years and years? Not me.

Which one of us was arrested for criminal fraud? Not me.

Which one of us made fun of Michael J. Fox because Fox has Parkinson’s disease? Not me.

Which one of us called Chelsea Clinton “the White House dog”? Not me.

Let’s show Rush Limbaugh that every time he opens his mouth, that’s another $20, or $40, or $50 for whomever it is that he attacks.

The reason why Limbo got so angry with me is that a few weeks ago, on national TV, I alluded to the Presidential Daily Briefing for August 6, 2001, delivered to President George W. Bush five weeks before the 9/11 attacks. The briefing with the headline “Bin Ladin Determined to Strike in US.” The briefing that said that Bin Laden “would follow the example of World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef and ‘bring the fighting to America.’” The briefing that said that “Bin Ladin told followers he wanted to retaliate in Washington.” The briefing that said that “Al-Qa’ida members – including some who are US citizens – have resided in or traveled to the US for years, and the group apparently maintains a support structure that could aid attacks.” The briefing that said that the FBI was reporting “patterns of suspicious activity in this country consistent with preparations for hijackings or other types of attacks, including recent surveillance of federal buildings in New York.” The briefing that President George W. Bush did absolutely nothing about, between August 6, 2001 and September 11, 2001.

You know, the Presidential Daily Briefing that we’re not supposed to talk about. Because if you do, then on national radio, Rush Limbaugh calls you “certifiably insane.” And a “lunatic on the left.” And “destructive and destroying.”

“Destructive and destroying.” Now, that’s bad.

Please contribute to our campaign today, the “Rush Limbaugh MYOB Fund”. And Rush, remember what Abraham Lincoln said: It’s “better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt.” As Rush Limbaugh proves every day.

Truth,

Alan Grayson

P.S. Can someone go toe-to-toe with Rush Limbaugh, and survive? We’ll find out on Nov. 2. But remember, someone once wrote a book called “Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot.” A certain Senator from Minnesota.

CUTE KIDS..

[texastoast]

124. Just love to counter the Big Fat Idiot

I'll send what I can. What we need in this country are more people like you. You are on the front line of SANITY. Never forget that, and thank you for being brave and speaking up for the future of our kids. SOMEBODY has to have an eye for what's coming down the road and how to prepare for it.

:yourock:

:toast:

[OneGrassRoot]

139. Oh wow, I missed that...

Time to post on FB.

Rush, tell me this: which one of us was hooked on drugs for years and years? Not me.

Which one of us was arrested for criminal fraud? Not me.

Which one of us made fun of Michael J. Fox because Fox has Parkinson’s disease? Not me.

Which one of us called Chelsea Clinton “the White House dog”? Not me.

Here's a link to the contribution page referenced in that email:

https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/myobfund?refcode=email10_18


:thumbsup:

[defendandprotect]

113. This is a great idea .... Rep. Grayson...PLEASE include a mailing address for contributions ....

Haven't been able to find one on your e-mails for donations!

I only make contributions by check.

Thank you!


And would just second the thoughts on right wing being heavily into propaganda

while Democrats -- other than you :) -- rarely reply, leave alone formulate

counter-propaganda.

What was the latest one ... ? "Party of Food Stamps"?

Long list of crap -- Gingrich is a master of rightwing propaganda --


Best wishes!!



PS: Can you also comment on the huge contrast between French labor coming out into

the streets versus the decades long attacks on our unions and now our teacher's union

with so little response from the public? We are all LABOR -- excluding a few, of course!!

There are no profits without labor -- WE are their "meal tickets" -- !!

[Alan Grayson]

229. You Can Send Contributions to:

The Committee to Elect Alan Grayson
8419 Oak Park Road
Orlando, FL 32819

I think that CongressmanWithGuts.com has a "pay by check" option, but I could be wrong.

As to your question, the only thing that America has in common with France is french fries.

[defendandprotect]

290. Thank you -- !

[defendandprotect]

115. Let's do more of this at DU .... great idea!!!

[Alan Grayson]

230. I Enjoy It

[asjr]

116. Congressman Grayson, glad you are with

us today. Since the presidential election of 2000 was stolen by 5 members of the SCOTUS and more recently they made corporations into human beings, how do you see this country recovering? Mumblings and grumblings just fly through the air nowadays. It has become "It's your fault", "No, it's your fault". There was a song years ago from a musical called "I can do anything better than you." That is what we have become. Republicans have become straw people. They only tell us that they are better than Democrats, but never show it. The first Republican I voted for was Dwight Eisenhower and there have been none as good as Ike since then. The only weapon I have is my vote. But it seems it will take many more votes to fill an arsenal. Thank you for being there for Floridians. My sister is one.

[Alan Grayson]

231. There Is No Way

that Eisenhower could possibly win the Republican nomination today.

[jotsy]

126. Welcome to DU Congressman Grayson.

I'm one that would contend that all three branches of government serve interests bearing no resemblance to the commons. The judicial body's decision to provide corporations with an exponentially enhanced voice as compared to actual citizens. Relatively little has changed in terms of undoing the previous administrations pursuit of a unitary executive. Members of both halls on Capital Hill are said to spend the bulk of their time raising funds for the next campaign, while the top bidding lobbyist, loyal to industry and profit get assigned the task of providing the letter of the law. Bribery is supposed to be illegal, but in the name of financing a campaign, it is institutionalized.

I believe you to be one of but three elected officials who are earnest in their effort to represent the public interest. Dennis Kucinich and Bernie Sanders would be the other two of more than 530. Hard to have faith in those odds.

An entity known around here as the PTB or the corporatocracy has control of the nation's governing bodies, through many mechanisms the country's civilization has been managed, milked, and now appears to be on the road to being moved on from. Basic viability is being placed deliberately out of reach for larger and larger segments of the public, and to be candid, I'm pretty torked about it all.

What can you say to restore my faith? I believe in the structure, it's the participants and how process and protocol and profit pervert governance I have no more patience for. I can promise to try and hang on if you'll promise to make a run at a senate seat 2012, and continue to shake their hineys up in the meantime, on a regular basis so I'm reminded often of our bargain. Starting with a widespread impeachment of the Supreme Court and legal prosecution for the administration who has left a wake of destruction still taking form.


I don't live in Florida so I can't vote for you, but I talk you up all the time as you deserve through your pride, candor and integrity.

The tide must be turned. Good luck, and thank you for your manner of leadership, we need you to push it harder and to find more just like you. And hurry please, we're dying out here!

Can you do that?


Edited to thank Mr. Allen for having facilitated this marvelous opportunity for the membership.

[Alan Grayson]

232. It's Always Darkest

before the dawn.

[StandingInLeftField]

132. Thank you Congressman Grayson for being savvy on new communications avenues.

Use them wisely while you still can.

[Alan Grayson]

233. Net Neutrality

means we no longer have to think about "while we can."

[StandingInLeftField]

320. Amen to that.

Let's push for the legislation to make that happen!

[Tippy]

133. SELF DELEAT

[Tippy]

134. Darn I was late getting here this AM I wish

Oh well if wishes were horses we would all ride. I am sorry I missed a chance to ask Congressman a question, but I had so many, I wouldn't have know where to start.

Thank you Congressman Graystone for everything you have done and are doing to help our Country.

[freebrew]

135. Thank you for helping..

I've been an admirer of yours since you were elected.

My question, can congress re-instate some form of the fairness doctrine that will encompass the cable enterprise?
We have seen FOX get off scot=free by claiming to NOT be a news station. Yet, all of their commercials dispute that legal claim.
Or, can you force thye GOP to claim FOX as a campaign donation?

[Alan Grayson]

235. Well, Of Course We "Could"

But "could" is a long way from "would."

[Cleita]

137. How do we, at a local level, get the corruption out

of elections? We have known since 2000 that election fraud has taken place and yet no one has been investigated, put on trial and gone to prison for it. Now they are trying to get people to change their registration when signing a petition here in my state of California. I believe petition fraud perpetrated by your colleague Darryl Issa got us Arnold for a Governor even though we had just elected Governor Grey Davis to a second term. I have some anecdotal information about the ways petition fraud was perpetrated back then but I couldn't get anyone in the party to listen to me.

I would like to see us go to paper, hand counted ballots and public financing of campaigns. I feel it won't happen unless we do it at a local level, county by county but I'm at a loss as to how to start something like this at a local level. As far as the petitions go, as long as the RNC is allowed to pay people who gather the petition signatures instead of being volunteers, we will also have petition fraud that spills over into our elections as they are now.

[Alan Grayson]

236. As I Said Above

it will take a scandal for that to happen and, unfortunately, a scandal is inevitable.

[Hekate]

308. Sadly, I agree, because in fact we have had several scandals and it never seems to ....

.... stay in the public media or stick in the public mind. Incident after incident is passed off as an anomaly or a computer glitch. Computer techs are allowed to tinker with the insides of vote machines during balloting. The average poll worker and the average County Elections official (in my County it's the Clerk, Recorder and Assessor, and Registrar of Voters) really have no way of comprehending what is going on with the "black box". The only way we will ever be able to trust our results again is to have a paper trail.

The legacy of the Bush years is so evil that I fear we many never fully recover. If indeed it will take a scandal, it better be on the scale of Watergate, with dedicated reporters building the case piece by piece until it absolutely cannot be overlooked.

Hekate

[The Northerner]

138. Hi Congressman Grayson

I look forward to seeing you defeat that scumbag webster in November!

My question to you is this: What's the best way to counter those stupid McCarthyite accusations of us being radial socialists, Marxists, communists, etc. that the teabaggers and their cronies have thrown at us?

I know they're stirring up fear but I haven't had much experience in dealing with this considering that I was born in the late 80s, raised in the 90s, and only became politically active when the shrub administration invaded Afghanistan.

[Alan Grayson]

238. Of Course They Do That

A couple of weeks ago, Rush Limbaugh said on the air that I am "clinically insane." They're bullies. That's just how they operate.

[beac]

140. Thank you, Congressman Grayson!

I wish all politicians had your ethics and guts. :applause:

[Nordmadr]

141. Awesome. This sort of thing should happen every day. N/T

[Initech]

142. Hypothetical question here:

Suppose the republicans and teabaggers successfully retake both houses. Would they do anything in their power to take down Obama, and would it be possible to stop them?

[Alan Grayson]

239. Yes, and Yes

But Obama will have to get tough on them.

[Initech]

270. I certainly hope so.

I'm really pissed that he hasn't lashed out at the birthers and Glenn Beck crowd. I mean he's definitely acknowledged them but the fact that he hasn't put a stop to the madness really concerns me.

[BadgerKid]

292. it's a damned-if-you-do/don't situation.

BO doesn't respond to the charge: the birthers win.
BO bends over backwards to placate the birthers: the birthers win.

However, BO has responded reasonably, causing the birthers to still p!ss and moan unreasonably. BO has won.

My guess is, if the RW were to take over the legislative branch with this election (FSM forbid), they would do everything to pass a law requiring the President to produce complete birth documentation on demand--retroactively, if possible.

[Scurrilous]

143. K & R

:thumbsup:

[NRaleighLiberal]

147. Thanks for the time you took here, Congressman Grayson. You are an inspiration to us all. n/t

I would have loved to participate....but this is a great thread of info to refer back to.

Time to get on with the good fight!

[krispos42]

149. Heh, he could have spend 6 hours in just this thread alone!

:rofl:


We DUers are a verbose bunch...

[JCMach1]

153. As a native Floridian, I want to thank you for your strong Progressive voice

in Congress.

[Alan Grayson]

240. There Is No Other Way

that I know how to do it.

[Proud_Lefty]

154. Congressman Grayson

You amaze me in this chaotic madness called politics. Please stay safe and thank you for speaking for the real people. I guess my questions is. How do you stay sane against all of the pressures?

[Alan Grayson]

241. Inner Compass

I've got one.

[kpete]

155. Sir,

you have my respect and I like your style.

peace, kpete

[Alan Grayson]

242. I Love

the logo. Starry Night.

[mzmolly]

156. I just want to thank the good Congressmen for fighting

for those who most need a strong voice in Washington. :toast:

[Alan Grayson]

243. I'm Saying

what a lot of people are thinking.

[mzmolly]

278. Unfortunately, a lot of people with a voice in Washington,

aren't saying what you are. Again, thank you!

Republicans fear you for many reasons. 1. You tell the truth. 2. You're not afraid of them. 3. You have been successful in business, but you didn't find it necessary to throw those less fortunate under the bus to get there. 4. You don't run from your values, or the values of the Democratic Party. I could go on ... ;)

I hope that Floridians are wise enough to re-elect you, Congressman Grayson. The entire nation needs you.

On edit, I see that I referred to you in plural form, several times today. :blush: My apologies! It was surely a Freudian slip, as you are worth at least three ordinary Democrats, from my perspective.

[mzmolly]

284. I meant - CongressmAn not congressmen.

OOPS, sorry gang! :blush:

[mzmolly]

158. Adding props to Skinner for arranging this discussion. I see the congressmen had to leave, but

it was great to read the exchange.

:)

[Alan Grayson]

244. Peek-A-Boo

I came back for more.

[mzmolly]

276. LOL

Welcome back! :hi:

[Rhiannon12866]

159. K&R! This has to be about the best thing ever on DU!

Congressman Grayson is the best in the business and thank you Skinner for offering this! His answers are terrific and it sure does a lot for DU morale! :woohoo: :yourock:

[Alan Grayson]

245. My Morale, Too

[Rhiannon12866]

285. Thank you so much, Congressman!

I actually just returned from a debate between my Democratic first term congressman, Scott Murphy (NY-20), and his Republican challenger, ex-military Chris Gibson, and Gibson's tea bagger supporters were out in force. Scott had the last word, so the Gibson supporters stood up and left after disrupting several times, and they appeared to be mostly senior citizens! The Gibson attack ads seem designed to scare senior citizens, all because Scott supports health care reform. Maybe you could give him some pointers... Thank you for all that you do! :patriot: :yourock: :hi:

[ihavenobias]

289. +1 n/t

[Rhiannon12866]

336. Thanks!

This is as exciting as it gets, having one of our heroes right here on this board! And he replied to me! :wow: :woohoo: :bounce: :hi:

[meeshrox]

161. I may have missed the boat...but just in case

Thank you Congressman!

My widowed mother lives in Clermont, just outside your district, and is trying to deal with Bank of America over her mortgage loan modification. She applied August of last year, was approved for the trial period and has made every payment on-time for the last nine months. Now, it seems that BofA is funneling her into foreclosure. She has been denied three times based on bogus information (last time they said she didn't live in the home although she signed for a certified letter from the bank), they are simply trying different reasons until one sticks or she gives up. Each time, she spent hours on the phone and fax machine correcting their mistakes and reapplying. She recently received a letter from a different department of BofA stating that she owes them $4600 (with no explanation/itemization of fees/charges) or they will accelerate foreclosure proceedings. I know she needs a lawyer and we're looking into finding a non-profit firm that can help. In my quick web searches, I've found that this is happening to others...

Do you have any suggestions for her?
Do you know how much "assistance" the welfare queen banks are receiving from the government for loan modifications vs. foreclosures?

Also, I do believe that BofA announced today that they will resume the 100,000 foreclosures in their backlog...

[mzmolly]

162. Mr. Grayson had another engagement. However, I would have her contact the Congressmen's office

immediately. Best of luck to your Mom.

Orlando District Office
[phone]
1-866-939-3737 (toll-free)

Washington, DC Office
[phone]

Lake County District Office
1-866-939-3737 (toll-free)

Marion County District Office
1-866-939-3737 (toll-free)

Winter Garden District Office
[phone]

[meeshrox]

163. Thanks

She's writing a letter to her representatives and the president, too...I just feel helpless!

Thanks for the numbers, I'll ask her to try!

[mzmolly]

166. Please do. And have her contact her Senator's office as well. The local

media may also be of help?

IMO, some banks are using HAMP to mislead and capitalize on the bottom dollar housing market. They are trapping people with the "partial payment" nonsense and dragging out the modifications so long that people can't catch up if they're denied. I'm sorry your Mother was a victim. I hope she'll fight like hell.

PS ~ Unfortunately, your Mom is not alone, she may wish to mention this point as well? See my thread here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9318881

[sabrina 1]

177. To answer one of your questions, Elizabeth Warren

while grilling Geithner about the foreclosure crisis, stated that the fund to help Banks modify loans was $50 billion dollars and only $2 million had been spent in 15 months.

Your mom does need a lawyer and rather than talking on the phone, she needs to write letters so she has a record of their refusals to respond, or if they do, to those responses. Maybe she has done that.

She should ask, even without a lawyer, that they explain the $4600. Even if they don't answer, we found that having documentation of all correspondence (there wasn't much as Wells Fargo didn't answer most of the written or telephone communications from my friend) helps the lawyer when it's time to go to court. There's a lot you can do without a lawyer yourself, such as putting every communication in writing and referring to phone calls, names of people you spoke to etc in the letters. And it costs less than having the lawyer do it.

You probably know all this, but I'm sure she's overwhelmed right now.

Btw, BOA just got sued by their bond-holders for misrepresentation of what they were buying. I don't think they are in a position to invite more lawsuits right now. People are apparently taking their money out of the bank.

She is not alone, you are right. Many people did get their loans modified, paid the bills and were still fore-closed on.

Good luck to your mom. I think she will prevail as the banks do not have much credibility right now, anywhere.

[meeshrox]

211. I appreciate that, thank you.

Her documentation folder is 1 1/2 inches thick...getting her a lawyer seems to be my hurdle right now. She's mentioned bankruptcy a couple of times...I need to figure out how to get that idea out of her head!

[Hekate]

310. What a nightmare. The only thing I would add is to keep a phone log with notes...

Yes, letters. Yes, a paper trail. Write date of receipt on any letters she gets, because envelopes don't always have legible postmarks, and I've noticed that bank letters often have dates inside that are way out of sync with the postmark and date of receipt.

But the phone will still be part of her communications, and she should write down date, time, who she talked to (full name if possible), and what they said. An 8X10 spiral bound notebook would serve well.

All the best to your mom and you.

Hekate

[Alan Grayson]

246. Suggest to Her That She Make an Appointment

We have office hours in Winter Garden and in Tavares.

[meeshrox]

261. A tremendous thank you!

We appreciate your stamina and that you spent your evening with us!

I phoned my mother, and although she votes republican, she'll be making an appointment with your Winter Garden office. I'm working on her; it's a tough battle to fight the propaganda she hears daily! You are truly gracious!

[Ramulux]

168. This is awesome

I can tell you now, Alan Grayson just locked down hundreds of dedicated supporters. Doing stuff like this is what liberals and progressives want to see, we simply want to know that someone out there is actually listening to us and has an understanding of our frustrations. Mr. Grayson has made it very clear that he is on our side and values our support, and I personally will do whatever I need to do to see that he is re-elected. Isn't it funny how when a democrat interacts with his activist base in a thoughtful, genuine manner we feel more inclined to support him?

I also have a question, over the past 2 years Obama has felt it was perfectly acceptable to ignore his liberal base in favor of a ultra-moderate approach to governing. My question is whether or not you think Obama has started to understand the folly of this approach or if he thinks that the answer lies in a move further to the right?

[Alan Grayson]

247. I'm Not Sure That I Agree With Your Premise

but in any case, I don't think that the President is acting any differently today than he did in January 2009, despite the relentless right-wing attacks against him.

[pacalo]

170. I wish you were my representative. You're awesome & I appreciate you.

:toast:

[Alan Grayson]

248. You Sound Like

a constituent that I would like to have.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

172. Mr. Grayson, don't you think you look more badass with the goatee?

[butterfly77]

174. I do..

[Alan Grayson]

249. Hmmmmm.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I'll ask my 15-year-old daughter.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

259. Reference material:

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Badass

[SaveOurDemocracy]

173. Mr. Grayson, as a patriotic citizen of the USA, ...

will you allow yourself to be cloned, for the betterment of our country and the Democratic party?

[Alan Grayson]

250. If You Insist

[sabrina 1]

306. We do! We do!

We need three hundred of you in Congress at least ....

[rug]

175. What do you think of the unrec feature?

[pacalo]

263. We can't take you anywhere...

:hi: rug

[WillyT]

271. ROFLMAO !!!

Damn... even Grayson didn't want to touch that one.

:rofl:

:applause::applause::applause:

:hi:

:kick:

[Lost-in-FL]

176. What would you do to help block private companies from influencing or buying elections...

directly or indirectly now that the Supreme Court allowes it? Do you think that by adding term limits on both House and Senate the effects can be lessened?

BTW...

I am proud to have you as my representative in Congress.

[Alan Grayson]

251. Our Save Our Democracy Program

is quite specific about how to accomplish that. The Supreme Court decides what is constitutional, not what is the law.

[Hekate]

311. Psst. Term limits have been a disaster in California. It insures that just when an office-holder...

... gets the hang of things, they have to leave. You know who *doesn't* have term limits? Lobbyists. They are only too happy to show the newbies the ropes. Then a few years later the former office holder can go be a lobbyist, too.

The Constitution gives us term limits in the form of periodic elections. If enough of us are unhappy, we can throw the bums out. Otherwise they can stay and accrue seniority.

Hekate

[Lost-in-FL]

339. Thanks for the enlightening lesson.

:-)

[Hekate]

344. You are more than welcome. I try to spread the word whenever possible.

[Weird Liberal Head]

178. Keep up the great work Mr. Grayson!

If Bill Nelson retires in 2012, would you consider running for his seat?
Keep up the great work sir!

[Alan Grayson]

252. Uh, There is an Election in Two Weeks

Seriously, we have to concentrate on 2010, not 2012.

[bitchkitty]

179. Dang, I missed it!

Congressman, thank you, thank you, thank you. I love a man with balls. It's almost enough to make me want to move to Florida!

[Alan Grayson]

253. No You Di'int!

Because I came back.

[Zax2me]

180. Thanks, Skinner...

[derby378]

181. DAMN! I missed it!

Mad props, thanks, hails, whatever to Skinner, EarlG, Elad, and of course Alan Grayson for making this possible.

I only regret that I can recommend this just once.

:applause:

[fascisthunter]

182. Keep It Up Alan

I know you are focused on this moment in time, this upcoming election, however you are garnering national support and could be a viable candidate one day to becoming a President. We need Progressives and liberals in Congress... you sir, represent us very well.

[HughMoran]

183. Darn, looks like I missed a good thread while I was working

Oh, well. :shrug:

[nashville_brook]

185. damn! just got off work -- proud Orlandoan with GRAYSON. TRUTH. bumpersticker!!

love you AL!

just heard your piece on WMFE -- GREAT JOB!!

[Alan Grayson]

254. Thanks

That was the real me on WMFE, not the cartoon version that the right-wing depicts.

[nashville_brook]

266. that's exactly what I was thinking! -- also, loved what you said about mediating foreclosures, and

had no idea you'd worked so hard on that here in Florida. cutting foreclosures in half -- in HALF! that's a real difference.

also loved what you said about being the only Economist working in Congress (to your knowledge). i'm already a huge fan -- but that really resonated with me, and going from there into the difference btwn monetary policy and fiscal policy really takes the discussion out of the realm of propaganda and into a frame that can be discussed meaningfully.

[proud patriot]

197. See what I miss when I'm at work !

:patriot: Welcome Underground Sir :patriot:

[Alan Grayson]

256. Oddly

this is both work and play, when you have my job.

[proud patriot]

337. LOL , And I play at work with my disabled preschoolers

Politics is my passion and my relaxation . Moderating DU for the last 8 years
has been like a second job at times . But for the most part is has been a blast.

Do you ever get to visit the SF Bay Area to speak ? It would be great to come out
and see you.

[ooglymoogly]

234. Alan, I hope you are still reading posts.

I am kicking myself for missing the opportunity to communicate with you on this live blog.

I believe you are the best hope we have for any common sense prevailing in our government, now and in the future.

If you should decide to make a challenge, I and my friends, will be behind you 100%; with everything we have got.

The future looks very ominous and many of us who have watched you from the get go, believe you and a very few others are our only hope.....Keep up the good work and continue callin' 'em like you see 'um.

We have your back.

[Alan Grayson]

257. Stop Kicking Yourself

It feels so good when you stop. Seriously, I was happy to come back, and respond to everyone.

[moondust]

255. Economic question.

Do you believe there is much of anything Congress and/or the White House can do about offshoring jobs beyond getting rid of the tax breaks for companies that do?

Thanks Congressman! Good luck in your race!

[Alan Grayson]

258. Of Course

The Constitution gives us authority over interstate commerce. So course we could do something. A good start would be to end Chinese manipulation of the value of the dollar, and to end one-sided trade agreements that benefit only big business.

I'm outta here! Thanks, everyone!

[ooglymoogly]

262. sorry wrong place

[mvd]

260. Thank you for doing this, Mr. Grayson!

I wish the whole Congress was like you. Keep up the good work!

A question if there is still time for you: how can we move our Party back to its progressive roots? When I see candidates actually running from a President who has been very much to the center, I am concerned.

[Panaconda]

264. Mr. Grayson

What are your thoughts on the U.S. Military Industrial Complex?

What are your thoughts on the US Military bases garrisoning the globe?

What are your thoughts on socialism?

Have you read any of the following three books:

1) "Killing Hope" by William Blum

2) "Understanding Power" by Noam Chomsky

3) "The Forging of the American Empire: From the Revolution to Vietnam: A History" by Sidney Lens

and finally;

What do you think is the root cause of the record-setting rates of incarceration in the United States?

[OffWithTheirHeads]

265. I've been trying to make a conbtribution for almost 30 min now.

I keep getting rejected because I apparently did not fill out the web form exactly right! You know what? Fuck the webform! I'll try the phone tomorrow but if people like Greyson make it too hard to donate, we simply won't. Sorry, don't make e jump through hoops to give you money!

Jeez! I wish it was this hard when they take my money!

[pinboy3niner]

269. You can also try donating to him through ActBlue:

http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/18665

[mzmolly]

281. Rude

much?

[dionysus]

328. it'd help if you could spell grayson right.

:shrug:

[bullwinkle428]

333. I went through ActBlue, and it took about all of a minute and a half.

[pinboy3niner]

335. It took me less than a minute

I guess you have to know how to follow instructions and fill out simple forms. :)

I'm also sending an e-mail to Grayson's campaign with a copy of my ActBlue contribution confirmation and a note to let them know I was inspired to support him by his visit to DU. I figure a little positive feedback can't hurt...

:toast:

[ooglymoogly]

267. Alan; Does congress (present company excluded) understand or even acknowledge,

the frustration outside the beltway a huge majority of us feel over the lack of this administration to uphold the constitution and the law or the too obvious double standard. Many of us understand that this country can never move ahead with the gaping wounds of torture and war crimes (done in our names) unhealed and unprosecuted; without restoring the honor and respect this country must have to maintain its place in the world. The charge of "Banana Republic" is grating on the nerves.

What can possibly be the rational for this treason and the blatant enabling of it?

What are folks actually saying in the halls of congress about this deadly blow to the reputation of this country and its people.

Does anyone in congress really believe we will ever, ever forget these calumnies?

Thank you again for standing up for what is right.

Honored you are here and gratified you are back. Thanx for doing this.

[laughingliberal]

268. Alan Grayson represents the very best of what it means to be a Democrat. So grateful he took time...

for us.

[BigBearJohn]

272. Alan, you are my hero. I try never to miss your speeches. Not only do you speak truth to power,

You are brilliant. You can think on your feet. You have an inate
ability to fight back with intelligence and guts. You hit 'em
where it hurts. If it were not for people like you, I would have
lost hope a long time ago. I occasionally get depressed with the
idea that corporations and greedy people have taken over this
country, and then I hear your voice on MSNBC or on a video here on
Democratic Underground. I think one of things I really enjoy and
appreciate about you is the fact that you never seem to be intimidated.
You are not "politically correct."

I have contributed to your campaign and will continue to do so, even
though I live in Washington State. You are what I call a "man's man"...
while most of your fellow congressmen remind me of weak-kneed, pale,
milquetoast puppets.

I am curious as to what your "vision for America" might be? What
does Alan Grayson think is possible?

[Skittles]

273. WOULD JUST LIKE TO THANK CONGRESSMAN. GRAYSON

I feel that so very, very few politicians speak for me and Mr. Grayson DOES indeed speak for me. :thumbsup:

[yurbud]

347. I agree.

[Old and In the Way]

274. Stem Cells..

Any chance of donating a few stem cells to wavering Democrats in need of a spline transplant? :-)

Best of luck, we need your voice and blunt talk to counter the Right's propaganda blizzard. Thanks for stopping by!

[hlthe2b]

275. wow.. I could not be more impressed, Congressman Grayson...

Coming back to answer so many of our questions. I fight cynicism--in myself and others. Today, as a result of the Hon. Alan Grayson, that is considerably easier.

[thelordofhell]

277. Time to keep this continuously rec'd

This needs to stay on the greatest page until the election.

Like everyone else has said, thank you for your time Congressman Grayson. You make us prouder to be Democrats.

:dem: :kick:

[Nordmadr]

279. I am just so seriously impressed. Thank you Congressman. N/T

[David Zephyr]

280. I'm late to the live blog, but Congressman Grayson, you are admired here at the DU.

I think if you were to search the archives here, you will find that you have had the admiration of so many of us.

I don't have any questions, just gratitude for how you speak out, how you vote, and you push back.

:)

[mzmolly]

282. Yes

indeed. He's a DU favorite. :)

[seafan]

287. Welcome to the DU asylum, Mr. Grayson!

I've been hoping for this for quite a while now, and dang, I missed it.


My question:

On a more local level for the interest of Floridians, what is your advice for what we can do to hasten the demise of the right-wing dictatorship just up the road from you, in that seething pit of snakes in the Florida Legislature?

Aside from wresting back the governorship and cabinet, and passing Amendments 5 and 6 (redistricting) and defeating Amendment 1 (which would repeal public campaign financing) specifically-- we're soon going to be subjected to the most tightly-controlled right-wing Republican legislature in state history.

These far right cranks are already formulating devious plans for a special session just after the election to try to override Governor Crist's recent vetoes that are causing them apoplexy.


(As we've seen, they refused to call a special session this past summer to allow voters to decide about offshore oil drilling, defying Governor Crist, but waste no time in calling one for more selfish partisan destruction of our state.)


With jackals like this, what can ordinary folks do to sand up the gears of this wrecking machine?


Thank you for your passion and fearlessness.

[slay]

295. I think I missed Alan but this was a great thing to do

both on his part and on DU's Skinner. Great stuff. I would love to see more of this in the future. And notice how the discussion was civil - nobody yelling about anyone being from Kenya or building giant fences. Just real questions for a real congressman. Good stuff.

Oh and Alan if you happen to read this - you rock! You're the best - you know it - that's why they are spending crazy amounts of money to try and defeat you. They can't handle your truth!

[MrScorpio]

296. I didn't have any questions

I just want to say that it's moments like this that make me so glad to be a DUer

[kdtroxel]

300. A few questions: Audit Fort Knox, Ending Fed Ban on Cannabis

I wanted to say thanks for your "Yes" vote on: March 10, 2010, Rep. Dennis Kucinich – H. Con. Res. 248 – War Powers “Directs President Obama to remove troops in Afghanistan within 30 days of the measures adoption by both House and Senate or by December 31, 2010 should such removal be deemed hazardous to the troops.” This measure was voted down by 356 to 65 with 60 democrats and 5 republicans voting in the affirmative. – NO PEACE THIS YEAR

1)What can be done to put forward a real audit on Fort Knox, assess ownership of the reserves there and determine if the gold that is there is real and not gold plated tungsten?

2) This coming Nov. election in California has a ballot proposition 19 that decriminalizes marijuana/cannabis for recreational use. The federal government has stated that they will still pursue citizens who consume or grow marijuana, in direct violation of the coming state law in California and present law for medical uses. Consider the fact that marijuana is not addictive or physically destructive, can it be removed from schedule one on the federal level? Can the Federal Government respect the wishes of the people of California and many other states that have allowed medical marijuana treatments?

[agentS]

301. A great concept! We should invite others on here!

Skinner, would it be within your power to request other candidates to come on?
I would love to hear from Patty (Pattie?) Murphy (WA-sen), Charlie Melancon (LA-sen), and even Joe Biden (VP). It could be quite interesting and base-motivating, plus they get tough yet fair questions without birther crap or tax cuts headbanging.

[Hekate]

312. THANK YOU, SKINNER!

[TheUnspeakable]

313. k&r-Thanks Skinner-Thanks Mr Grayson..you are so AWESOME!

[disillusioned73]

314. I'd just like to ad my thanks...

to Congressman Grayson, DU and all the members that posted poignant questions - this is a fantastic thread.

:dem:

[LWolf]

316. Great reading. I wish I could have been here live. nt

[JustAnotherGen]

317. In case you are reading Mr. Grayson

You make me proud to be a Democratic Party Member. So proud that every time I've given money to your campaign, I send a copy of the receipt via snail mail to my Congressman Leonard Lance. Just in case he wins in two weeks - I hope you are there to represent me! ;-) If he doesn't win - I hope you are there to mentor Ed Potosnak!

[Beetwasher]

321. Yup, That Was Seriously Awesome, What A Class Act! He's The Real Deal!

n/t

[MissDeeds]

322. Congressman Grayson

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us on DU. You have made me so proud to be a Democrat, and I read your posts with tears in my eyes. Thank you for your service and commitment to true Democratic ideals. Please, don't ever lose the passion for progressive change. We need you more than I can say.


:patriot:

MissDeeds

[sheldon]

325. Excellent!

I wish more people would wake up, and start speaking the truth, like Mr. Grayson does!
I hope he is not allowed to be drowned out by those that profit from ignorance and fear.

[bvar22]

326. Thank You, Congressman Grayson

I now know for a fact that someone in Washington has heard our voices!
A Democrat who openly fights for old style FDR Democratic Values without equivocation or disclaimers...
What a concept.
I am PROUD to support you, and hope your style will energize the rest of the Party.
:patriot:

Also, Thanks to Skinner and DU for this amazing opportunity.
:patriot:

[blaze]

340. K&R

This was great!!!

Thanks so much, Alan, for your time!

[Mudoria]

341. Happy to donate $25 to a real Democrat

Keep doing what you're doing!

[Tripod]

342. Thank you Congressman Grayson for being on DU. I am

looking forward to the insight that you can bring to me and to
others. What a joy.

[Rhiannon12866]

345. Agreed!

Welcome to DU, Tripod! Well said! :hi: :kick:

[Jamastiene]

343. I hope we can keep this on the front page for as long as possible.

:kick:

[yurbud]

346. Do members of Congress privately acknowledge the oil & pipeline motives for wars in Iraq &

Afghanistan, and a lot of our political machinations in Central Asia?

Do they believe that http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/2007/04/iraq-may-have-twice-as-much-oil-and-war.html">controlling Iraq's oil and http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/2009/08/war-on-terror-shift-to-pakistan-over.html">taking pipeline business from Russia & Iran has something to do with our national security or are they just happy to carry water for the oil companies regardless of the consequences?

If it is the former, it seems like more should be proud to say so forthrightly, so voters could make informed decisions about our wars.

To their credit, a handful of people in Congress and http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/2009/10/video-oil-foreign-policy-democracy.html">Colin Powell's former chief of staff have spoken honestly about this, but it got zero MSM coverage, and was not echoed by their colleagues.

It embarrasses me as an American and makes us look like idiots to the rest of the world when we allow our leaders to say we are occupying and killing so many people in Afghanistan over http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/2007/04/iraq-may-have-twice-as-much-oil-and-war.html">a handful of terrorists or that we had to invade Iraq because they might have had a handful of nukes that everyone should know would have been suicidal for them to use against us or give to terrorist to use against us since we have thousands to retaliate with.

Every war in history has been about land, resources, or access to markets or cheap labor.

Equally frustrating is that in the midst of all the macho posturing after 9/11, evidence from http://professorsmartass.blogspot.com/2008/03/foia-doc-shows-911commission-lied-about.html">the FBI and discussed in the Joint Congressional Inquiry into 9/11 pointing to Saudi government involvement was suppressed and ignored, as was http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/01/28/020128fa_FACT">Pakistan's long-standing support of the Taliban and al Qaeda that including asking for and getting permission to evacuate top leaders of both groups from Tora Bora and continues to this day.

If I saw a guy kill my family, and used that as an excuse to kill someone else and steal their stuff, and then had a beer with the guy who actually did it, a reasonable person would wonder if I didn't ask him to kill them. Yet anyone who says that about 9/11 is driven from public life and labeled a mental patient.

[grahamhgreen]

348. Sir, you are one of the few people in America who could present a new vision for our future

Obama may be the smartest guy in the room, but he needs someone (or the progressive caucus) to give him direction.