Blue America Welcomes Back Alan Grayson for a Live Chat on "Money Bomb" day
By Howie Klein Monday Nov 02, 2009 9:00am
In the 2006 cycle the candidate who attracted the most support from Blue America donors was Ned Lamont, with his campaign that served notice on the Democratic Establishment that the grassroots was unwilling to just eat up whatever crap it was served up from Inside the Beltway hacks. Blue America raised over $77,000 for him in our first year in action. The following cycle, saw another inspiring progressive primary challenger, Donna Edwards, attract the most donors and the largest amount (almost $65,000). It may be too early to tell, but it looks like 2010 cycle will mark the year of Alan Grayson. It's still only 2009 but Blue America has already raised over $30,000 for him-- without having even made an official endorsement! We've been collecting contributions for him at No Means No, a page dedicated to members of Congress who voted against Obama's supplemental war budget in June, and at Getting Grayson's Back, a page dedicated to standing up for him when he got GOP noses out of joint by telling the truth about their health care obstructionism.
Today Blue America is joining a netroots money bomb effort on behalf of Grayson, urging our community to band together and answer the Inside-the-Beltway and Villager mentality that says there's no room for a plainspoken truth-teller like Grayson in Congress. Nevermind, they tell you, that he studied economics at Harvard, then worked as an economist, then studied law at Harvard and then successfully pursued war profiteers and Bush cronies in Iraq-- even before being elected to Congress in a Republican district and becoming the scourge of banksters and assorted evil-doers dragged before the House Financial Services committee. No, to the Villagers, he's all about "outlandish rhetoric;" he's "the left's Michele Bachmann;" he's "pugilistic" and a "wing nut."
Rep. Grayson joins us below in the comments section where you can see for yourself he's quickly become the favorite member of Congress of Democrats and independents from across the country. And please, help out with the money bomb today.
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Thanks so much for joining us this morning,Congressman.
How are you?
Now one question from me.
Are there any core principles that the Democratic party stands firm by, that they won't sell out in the name of bipartisnism?
To me, to quote the Magic Eight-ball, the outome is not good.
Of course there are principles -- justice, equality, peace. It's not the party that sells them out, it's only some individual elected officials. We don't just need more Democrats, we need better ones.
Is there a party-wide statement of core principles that we can consult, seperate from each electoral cycle party platform, which doesn't appear binding on the candidates if they win?
Congressman Grayson,
I thank your for your time and hard work as you try and hold Republicans accountable for their actions and try to get some real reform done in Washington. I wanted to ask you, due to the Department of Justice memo that Obama sent out a couple weeks ago in regards to medical marijuana, have you noticed a change in the tenor of the conversation in regards to marijuana in Washington, both medicinal and recreational? The War on Drugs continues to be a bottomless pit into which countless tax dollars are wasted and marijuana continues to be shown to be an objectively less harmful recreational substance than both alcohol and tobacco, with its medicinal properties to boot.
I look forward to hearing your reply.
Best,
Brian Bergeron
Somerville, MA
Thanks for coming to C&L, congressman. We've certainly been enjoying seeing someone stand up and speak for Democrats and progressives in a powerful way that's unafraid of throwing some elbows. We especially appreciate that you've upset the Village. When you get Sally Quinn sniffing at you, we know you're on the right track.
Now we're seeing them compare you to Michelle Bachmann. It's obvious they hope to marginalize you. How do you intend to deal with that?
The same way that I dealt with the comparison to Joe Wilson. I said on MSNBC that comparing what I said to what Joe Wilson said is like comparing a Bob Dylan song to a belch.
burp, oh, excuuze me
If Bob Dylan belched, and no one was there to hear him, did he make a sound?
,
Will the wording too H.R. 1207, whom “Melvin (Mel) Watt” - U.S. Representative from North Carolina’s 12th District allegedly had gutted from the bill be re-instituted? Thanks for your time
Already.
♥
...latest (comprehensive) update on 1207
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPgzPxPwEV8
√
Grayson got a little "heart"
...and all I got was a checkmark?
(I thought my answer was better than Graysons)!
....
PS. You may have to adjust screen resolution?
get all the love. :-(
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 05:51 — mudshark
I'll post my question here with the hopes that someone will ask it for me. Maybe cut and paste it. Or whatever.
" Congressman Grayson:
Hello sir, First I'd like to say thank you for your stance you've taken against the hyperbolic Republicans. Or, should I just come out and call them what they are? Hypocritical liars.
Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule and visiting us.
Things must be starting to get hectic now.
Here is my question for you Congressman:
This regards anti trust and the lack of.
" Are you going to try to instate a anti trust regulation aimed at the Ins industry?"
I ask this because of all the rhetoric aimed at stopping health care reform. By the very same people who claim health care reform is anti free market.
How can health ins be pro free market when then control the pricing?
This is ludicrous. With the anti trust exemption, they are allowed to divide up states and set the price. This is the kind of bs that drives me nuts. Most of the people who are against health care reform (common citizens) Don't even realize that they're being duped.
I could go on and on. But I have to go to work. Then I have some personal matters to attend to.
Thank you for your time Congressman Grayson.
And thank you to whom ever posts my question.
mudshark.
There is strong support among House Democrats to repeal the favoritism toward insurance companies in antitrust law. I'm pushing for that myself, and I'm optimistic.
Wow, a member of congress who has a soul, speaks for common folk, doesn't lie and can't be bought...you poor lonely man.
BTW, Rep Grayson sir, the next time that cowardly POS O'Reilly sics his goons on you please mention Andrea Mackris....problem solved.
My problem would be solved. Not O'Reilly's problem. His problem can't be solved.
His problem can be solved but discussing the details of that solution would have my comments banned here on C&L.
.
The master, Grayson....
Thanks for joining us Congressman. Can you describe your position on trade issues generally? You have been very good on accountability with the FED and Tarp, etc., but I'm curious where you stand on free trade. Thanks.
The Chinese have been treating us like saps for over a decade. They have been manipulating our currency, boosting employment in China at our expense, and rolling up huge positions in dollar-demoninated assets that they want, while the Bush Administration continued to genuflect toward the so-called free market.
Other than the obvious reason, protecting insurance company profits, is there any other reason that you know of to explain why single payer was never put on the bargaining table?
Not enough votes. If there were 218 votes in the House for it, it would pass this week.
?
some money in our pockets?
last weekend.
you missed it. (I got a quarter for my pirate outfit) Obama loved it.
challenge all of the media, but do you think some of the other members of congress will at least call them out when they repeat the taalking points of the right wing?
I'm so sick of seeing media simply amplify Fox talking points. Roger Ailes, the President of Fox News, has a bigger megaphone than Barack Obama. And I don't remember electing Roger Ailes.
...when Obama or his staff tell the truth about them. They think that their free speech rights are being violated. Free speech to them means being able to say what you want without anyone saying anything back. Apparently they don't know that we have free speech rights as well.
They confuse free-speech with the pulpit.
If I wanted to listen to someone preaching at me with no chance to respond
I'd go to church.
...let's talk about something that could turn our economy around: legalizing hemp. (Not the same as marijuana, if you're not up on the discussion.)
Hemp improves the soil. Here in East Texas, cotton has been destroying the soil for 150 years and it's not grown much any more. Hemp will mark the end of clear-cut forest harvest. It can be grown in nearly any climate, without chemicals, with very little irrigation. Henry Ford built an entire Model T of hemp! Ran it on fuel from the plant and used oil from the seeds.
It's a big deal. Being grown in nine states right now, it could save America's small farmers. And as our farmers go, so goes America.
...for the legislation to Audit the Fed Mr. Grayson.
Dr. Paul says that it's been gutted, but we're going to work on restoring his conception of it.
Sorry I'm a little late.
...stay a little longer.
Thanks much for joining us!
I used to live in Palm Beach Co, where we called Rep. Wexler "The Balls from Boca". Sadly, his balls, apparently, got in the way, but, clearly, you ARE the Florida rep with balls these days. Got to come up with a good local name for you...
30-Sep-2009 at 11:04 PM
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Your contribution:
Blue America PAC -- $5.00
Alan Grayson -- $25.00
ActBlue non-Federal Tips -- $3.00
Total: $33.00
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From: alangrayson@graysonforcongress.com - Thursday, October 1, 2009 6:46 AM
Thank you for your contribution to Alan Grayson for U.S. Congress! We greatly appreciate your support! Amount: $25.00
------------------------------------------
02-Nov-2009 at 11:16 AM
****************************
Your contribution:
ActBlue non-Federal Tips -- $2.50
Alan Grayson -- $25.00
Total: $27.50
--------------------------------------------
Receipt for Your Payment to John Amato - Thursday, October 22, 2009 9:48 AM
Hello ████ ███████████, Karl Rove :P
You sent a payment of $25.00 USD to John Amato
It may take a few moments for this transaction to appear in your account.
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“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” --Abraham Lincoln
Thanks. The point of our "moneybomb" today is to demonstrate that you don't need to suck up to lobbyists, PACs and the idle rich in order to fund a $2 million reelection campaign. In other words, to demonstrate People Power. Thanks for being part of something big.
Cough the cash if your healthcare provider approves.
Alan, Howie's at a board meeting in the Bay Area all day and can't log on but he asked me to ask you this.
Like many of us, he admires you for lots of reasons but one was how you stood up to the establishment by refusing to succumb to the pressure that came down in June around the war supplemental. You were one of only 32 Democrats to vote against funding the war. We all noticed that last week when many of the shills in the Democratic establishment who misinterpreted your "K Street" remark-- too close for comfort for people who consider lobbyists and the corporate money they dole out an integral part of the legislative process-- it was Obama who rushed to your defense and talk about what an extraordinary and inspiring member of Congress you are. That was pretty Christian of him to do right at that moment. Will that make it more difficult for you to oppose Obama when you disagree with him?
He is our commander in chief. That's what the Constitution says. I vote the way I vote, and I say what I say, but on Afghanistan what we really need to do is to appeal to his better nature, and change his mind. I hope Obama wins three Nobel Prizes -- one more for Afghanistan, and one for Iraq. If the polling continues to show that more and more people want peace, then it may not be long before that happens.
I have to admit I'm always arguing that President Obama is commander and chief of the US armed forces, not the populace.
But then I'm of Scottish ancestory (Pict/Celt), so I may be considered ornery.
Thanks for speaking the truth as much as you have. I'm afraid I'm flat broke this week so won't be able to make a donation.
So how's this for a question - What can a broke American do to stop the insanity that is pervading our government, stop the escalation of the senseless war in Afghanistan and bring the criminals of the Bush administration to justice? And have you read the most recent Scott Ritter article and the Scott Horton interview with Sibel Edmonds and John Cole? If you haven't I suggest you do so ASAP and help us Americans take action to stop the direction we're headed. Because I don't see any change of direction from straight over the cliff since the new President and Congress took over.
There already is a change of direction. What we need is a change in velocity. People voted for change, and that's what they deserve.
I don't see sending thousands of more troops to Afghanistan as a change of direction at all. Nor Dick Cheney on talk shows all week long instead of being in prison as a change of direction. I do realize there has been some changes but not on the big issues.
Got to go feed the cows but please feel free to post what changes you see have happened on the warmongering and criminal accountability fronts while I'm gone.
for having the spine to do the right thing and not bowing down to the Republican smear and fear machine. I am ashamed that Mr. Grayson is such a rare commodity among the Dem members of Congress and Senate, though.
A lot of your colleagues should come to terms with the fact that doing the right thing, would certainly earn them more votes (and thus provide them with the electoral stability politicians are so obsessed with) than any corporate campaign donations are likely to yield.
Give'em hell Mr. Grayson!
and elsewhere in the country, I'm continually dismayed by the nearly complete control of local radio by Fox affiliates that are the only (radio) "news" source for these communities.
Would you support reenactment of the Fairness Doctrine or other legislation to help break up the monopoly Fox has on these largely rural areas?
Thank you.
It hasn't escaped by attention that as soon as the election results were in, Hannity and the other Foxbots started bleating about the Democrats' secret plan to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine (which was news to us, of course). Even lies sometimes come true.
That was/is Kucinich.
While I agree that the Fairness Doctrine is only a partial solution to these issues, it is clear that many of these rural communities are kept in practically medieval times compared to the rest of us that can afford the luxuries of education and the internet.
BTW, does it hurt when local Fux affiliates here in O'town aren't supportive? At least the Sun Sentinel poll strongly supported your efforts.
Again, keep up the great work!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/weekinrevie...
They don't even know what the "wing nut" means because it refers to a republican and it's a word I doubt a NY Times writer has every used before to describe a member of Congress.
http://mediamatters.org/blog/200911020004
The talking heads always look overwhelmed, as if they're not sure they know what to do with you.
Are you getting many return invitations?
Sure. I got invited back to Bill Maher's show before the show was even over.
I'm surprised you got invited back, as it seemed you were much better informed AND quicker on your feet than the host.
We don't "do" television at our house; haven't for years. If it's worth watching, it will be available here at C&R. [Thanks, y'all!]
Your choice of words were just fine. Explain, don't refrain √ Ya have my support from up here in the Constitution State. Sorry John and Alan, but the Yankees still suck! :P
I actually look forward to the day when the biggest issue in people's lives will be which team to cheer for.
I don't agree with! Go Phillies!
...I want them to beat Philly though, only because I'm not fond of Tweety... Chris Mathews of Hardball.
I know it's childish and vain and shallow, but hey, Tweety is 100% MSM pundit.
Hi Rep. Grayson, just wanted to let you know your efforts are GREATLY appreciated by the little folks out here. It's nice to finally have somebody in Congress who hasn't forgotten who they're supposed to represent.
One question:
Do you think there's *any* possibility of raising the taxes on the robber barons on Wall Street? Has the "t" word become so unmentionable on the Hill that those crooks are going to get away with their multi-million dollar bonuses?
One comment:
Please don't fly on any small planes or go on any hunting trips with "Dick" Cheney. We need you!
Thanks again!
Hard to predict. It certainly polls well. We'll see.
Mr. Grayson,
First off, thank you for all your work in supporting Health Care Reform, and I applaud your efforts to call out Republicans for attempting to legitimize a point of view that consists solely of the word "No."
However, I am curious as to your thoughts as to the state of military contracting and our government---recently Al Franken's Anti-Rape Bill, (Forgive me, I do not have the proper name) stirred up 30 Republican Senators who blustered about how Congress shouldn't be "interfering in these private contracts." These same Congressmen also are the ones supporting the elimination of Government funding for ACORN.
Do you intend, in any way, to enter the debate regarding the corrupt Military Contractors, who would suffer a heavy blow from the passing of Franken's bill? If so, what are your stances on it? I am especially curious regarding your thoughts on the continued contracting with Blackwater, (Or Xe), and the state of Cost-Plus Contracting.
Thank you for your time.
Good morning Congressman Grayson,
I am so disappointed that "single payer" was not part of health insurance reform.
Health insurance reform is so vital for our future - otherwise everyone except the super rich will live the end of their lives poor and die broke. This will distroy our middle class - with either families stepping in to pick up the costs or government underwriting old age.
I feel like I deserve an explanation for the reason the single payer was never really considered. If it was for lack of votes then so be it... I also would like to know which democrates are slithering along the base boards and force them to expose themselves for what they really don't stand for.
Thank you for your opinions.
I will be donating today.
Laurie Ryan
No other reason. If there were 218 votes for it, it would pass the House by the end of the week.
fail Negotiating 101 in law school?
I also would like to know which democrates are slithering along the base boards and force them to expose themselves for what they really don't stand for.
Yes me too, put the votes on the table so we see who the ass is!.
especially now that it seems that whatever bill is going to be a non-starter.
I don't go for the attitude that anything is better than nothing - just another cop-out.
Again - expose those democrats who are not backing some form of universal coverage.
Now that you have dared to speak candidly and honestly, you have, of course, become a target of Fox News. Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and paranoid, delusional, televangelist, Glenn Beck, are all coming after you.
I have long advocated that all Democrats and progressives stay off of Fox News due to its overtly hostile stance. Their audience is unreceptive to our message and messengers. They only seek to use our appearances to bolster their false claims of fairness and to leech from us credibility that they haven't earned on their own. What's more they will exploit our appearances with biased editing and manufactured conflict that boosts their ratings.
Will you pledge to stay off of Fox News and encourage your colleagues to do the same? MoveOn has a petition to advance this project.
Hello, Rep. Grayson.
What are your thoughts on term limits. I am entirely for them and see much of the problems in D.C. stemming from career politicians who thinks their only job is to get re-elected.
That is, until someone like you comes along ;). However, they still would be one of the most productive things that would 'change' Washington. And if they were to be enacted (fat chance I know) could you possibly bottle and sell some of your mojo to your compadres, please!
Thanks.
Farley
San Antonio
No need for term limits -- vote 'em out if you're unsatisfied.
has never worked.
How would committee chairmanships be doled out without the seniority of incumbents
Expertise?
Just because one has mastered the craft of getting re-elected in their state, doesn't mean they're fit for chairing a committee. Joe Lieberman is a prime example.
There seems to be growing public support for the public option (or "Medicare part E" as it seems to be called) but not so much among members of Congress. Does it seem to you that the idea of healthcare for everybody is not accepted by enough Democrats, and why do you think that is?
...is still in committee, and I suggest that it is a far better alternative to the ridiculous bill being examined on the Floor now. Medicaid for all!
right?
Yeah. What she said.
would have any money at all. Rut row!
There is very, very substantial support in the Democratic caucus for the public option. The Republicans vote as a "no" bloc of 177 votes on everything, so the Democratic leadership cannot afford to lose more than 40 votes. The number of Democrats who are resisting a strong public option is still undetermined, but the Leadership is working hard to keep it under 40. We'll see what happens.
tackled the public financing of elections before tackling healthcare reform?
to give you Alan, but if you come over to Brooksville after the 8th, we could share our crumbs with you. :)
Would you support a third party Progressive that would challenge a Republican lite president Obama?
No third party. Am I the only one who remembers what happened with Ralph Nader? Think about what this country would be like if Al Gore had been President for the past eight years, instead of you-know-who.
But hopefully, this go around, a third party might be spearheaded by you-know-who-else, wink-wink, and that would rip the republicans apart as far as I see it.
I think he might be the one to do it. I also like Sanders or Kucinich as the the 45th president.
Late again.
I see you are already awash in questions Mr Grayson,so I'll keep it simple.Thank you for your courage.
As President Obama pointed out during the campaign, it takes courage to change things. I understand that now, better than I did before.
.......for taking a stand! We need move folks like you.
ABSOLUTELY!
Isn't it true you could crush Joe Lieberman with one hand?
He's not a Senator.
But Mr. Grayson, we're pulling for you all the way to the top!
a Federal Reserve Bank lawyer squirm...with just words!
(who knows what physical contact could result in)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1h2c3Hkf7o
Considering what is happeing in NY, with the Repub candidate throwing her support to the Dem, against an extreme right-wing candidate, do you believe that the Republican party is or is about to facture and split into lesser groups?
I sure hope so.
The teabaggers are no longer listening to their corporate paymasters.
They broke their chains and are running WILD!!!
That's odd you say that considering it just happens to be their corporate paymasters who are backing the extreme right wing candidate. Can you say Dick Armey?
Digby:
why is this so hard for other dems?
And you'll see more and more of it.
to counter the teabagger's brand?
Mr Grayson?
Related, but not the same.
.
I agree, free the weed, free Marc Emery.
I'll stop calling you one.
Honestly, it happens all the time. Maybe one day, if I deserve it.
deserve has NOTHING to do with it.
But I would be proud to have you as my representative at any level.
Housing prices are reasonable...
I used to live in College Park -- miss it!
Senator sounds too stuffy, plus the caucus would probably try to muzzle him
Seems unlikely.
Give 'em hell my friend
Net neutrality.
Whose going to win this one?
My guess is that it won't even come to a vote. But we'll see.
I doubt that will ever be revisited. But, can't there be some antitrust sort of legislation proposed that would prevent a handful of neoconservatives from virtually owning the airwaves? As I recall, the premise for the Fairness Doctrine was that the airwaves belong to the People.
?
Do you think it is possible that We the People have any chance of wresting control of our government and our lives back from the banksters, corporations, MIC???
That's the point of our moneybomb today at congressmanwithguts.com. To show that there's a new model. People Power.
but I always thought that in a 'democracy" the Vote was supposed to be the great equalizer = the power of the people, not cash.
What are the chances of getting the "big" money - lobbyists- fraud out of the system and having publicly-funded elections??
Please...........
Your views.
Why does the liberal establishment think playing it nice, with no guts is the way to go?
Being obnoxious and screeching is not how we were raised to act.
for them?
That's why we have a website called congressmanwithguts.com, and why we are doing a moneybomb there today. To demonstrate the new model, called "honesty."
...And humor is also allowed, as long as we're not screeching.
Think Will Rogers. "I don't belong to any organized political party. I'm a Democrat."
I love your humor. Makes your point better like that.
Alan's got a great sense of humor and he doesn't need to memorize lines.
The best was watching Wolfie's jaw drop when Alan walked onto "The Situation Room" set. Priceless!
And I ain't talkin' Bachmann kind of nuts...
Money will always run politics, but what can we do to get organizations like Americans for Prosperity to disclose who their donors are?
Now that I said, AFP, I have to excuse myself to wash my mouth out with soap.
The system isn't perfect, but there actually is a lot of disclosure already, if you know where to look. The problem is not so much a lack of disclosure, but influence-peddling.
votes for sale?
sigh.
This seems to extend to citizens needing to contribute money beyond taxes, to ensure their vote is honored.
to Rep. Grayson's money bomb today...
Donated a few weeks ago and got a nice note from Howie, I think?
Feel's better than a $20 hummer on OBT...
...May you choke on your thanksgiving turkey.
Sincerely, Vikram Pandit :P
is that supposed to mean?
See this.
...Vikram Pandit: CEO of Citigroup. Then it made perfect sense. Ha!
Vikram Pandit's worst enemy...since Mr. Grayson is an "Audit the Fed" kinda guy.
Vikram Pandit is the head of Citibank. He had a very bad day a few months ago, when I pointed out in a Congressional hearing that the Federal Reserve had accepted over $200 billion in liability from Citibank, in exchange for nothing. I called it the worst deal since the Indians sold Manhattan for $24. It's on YouTube.
I'm glad you got the joke! phew!
fwiw from this Big Fan: you are at your ascerbic best when conjuring up those kinds of analogies. I worry for you when namecalling commences. It's too easy to dismiss an argument then. And you are so very gifted in cutting through BS. Keep up the good fight! Don't put bullets in their guns.
..they actually received some hard assets - trinkets! And the concept of taking ownership of the ground we all walk on seemed a little silly at the time.
What are you views on "Focus on the Family" and their ilk? They've hurt so many people, including myself, in the name of "family". Even those the former most right-wing VP has a lesbian daughter that is pregnant, again. Not to mention the endless right-wing sex scandals. Why does homosexuality and rights for us make everyone in Washington, at least on the right, so squeamish in the 21st effing century? And would you openly support marriage equality/rights and not throw us under the bus as we've been so many times before?
how are you going to work with people who seem to have divorced themselves from reality?
how is your perspective regarding afghanistan being received? are you able to align with any of the senior members?
Not a good thing to say to me, since I was actually thrown under a bus once. But we're making enormous progress on equality. Look at where we are now, and where we were 10 years ago. People's minds are changing.
Obama could have got rid of Don't ask Don't tell, with a mere stroke of a pen, and yet he did not. I need more elaboration on my previous question if you are able. Thanks.
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