Mormons for Dean

Vote John Edwards.....

2004-02-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have liked Howard Dean ever since I first saw him speak on TN last June. I have been spending hours per week blogging, volunteering, and doing other things towards helping Dean.

However, I've asked myself the following question: What's more important -- electing Howard Dean, or taking the country back from George W Bush?

After much fasting and prayer, I have decided that the answer is the latter, taking the country back. While Howard Dean is the best position-wise, he is no longer the best candidate to win. He has allowed the media and DLC to steal this election from him, and change his style.

John Kerry scares me. He has changed positions every 16 months or so throughout his political career. His campaign is now against everything he voted for: NAFTA, NCLB, Operation Iraqi Freedom, to name just a few. He is a member of Skull and Bones, a large secret combination (of which GWB is a member of as well).

John Edwards can defeat John Kerry. He has Charisma. He has energy. He doesn't have the easy labels that Dean got stuck with.

Howard Dean is still my first choice. John Edwards gets my vote.

I will not be starting a "Mormons for Edwards" group, as I will be involved helping a friend. I have been asked to be a political advisor to Shaun Kruger who is running for Salt Lake County Council. It has also been suggested to me to start a "Mormons for Honorable and Just Men" PAC. If the Kruger Campaign gets shot down early, maybe I will do that.

Please contact me at bobiscookiemonster@yahoo.com, as I will no longer be checking my Mormons for Dean address. You can check out my new blog, covering just about everything, at http://bobiscookiemonster.blogspot.com

-Bob

Look for an announcement tomorrow.

2004-02-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not ready to make the announcement yet, but I will be making it tomorrow. This is a major announcement about things in my life and Mormons for Dean.

These decisions have come after many hours of fasting and prayer.

watch for the announcement tomorrow.

-Bob

The "Jello Bowl" begins voting tomorrow

2004-02-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

The Jello Bowl begins voting tomorrow morning.

For those of you who don't know, the Jello Bowl is comprised of Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Vegas. These are the areas with heavy LDS populations.

If you live in Arizona, get to the polls and vote. As we saw in Iowa and New Hampshire, your support means diddly if you don't hit the polls.

If you have friends, family, former mission companions, etc in Arizona, give them a call. Let them know why Howard Dean is the only honorable and just man running for President.

Oh, and remember Dr Dean in your prayers, and prepare for the rest of the Jello Bowl voting on Feb 14 (Nevada caucuses, also my birthday) and Feb 24 (Utah Primary and Idaho Caucuses)!

-Bob

Dean ahead nationwide!

2004-01-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I thought that'd get your attention.

However, it's true, and it's where it counts -- in the number of delegates at the national convention.

According to CNN, as of 7:10 Mountain tonight (that means NH is counted):

Dean: 112
Kerry: 95
Edwards: 36
Clark: 30
Lieberman: 25
Sharpton: 4
Kucinich: 2

However, 2161 are needed. What that means is that it ain't over 'til it's over. 304 delegates have either been awarded or pledged. Even if they ALL were going to John Kerry, that'd be just 14% of the way there.

Don't give up hope yet.

-Bob

Looking at the infamous Iowa speech

2004-01-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Again, the media this week painted Howard Dean as an angry liberal. Well, I have a few things to say about that.

1) In the edited clip, I saw passion and fire. Not someone out of control, but someone that is giving a pep talk who fed off the energy of the crowd.

2) I found a couple different clips of the CONTEXT of the clip. Anything can be taken out of context. Follow this link and this one. You can see what I said in comment #1.

3) This is what is going to bring thousands of young people into politics. This is what it's going to take to wrestle our country back.

-Bob

Prespectives on Iowa

2004-01-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE ~~ HEAR ME NOW!

First, no offense to the Iowans out there, but I think that we need to get rid of the caucus system in America. There was so much crap being thrown around it was unbelieveable. It made our Jr High Senate elections (which I won on a platform of "vote for me 'cause I wear Wilson gym clothes") look deomcratic. Iraqis are smart to protest against them. I'd be saying this if Dean won tonight.

Second, This was the first of a whole bunch of elections to decide the nominee. Kerry's broke, Edwards's campaign is poor. We must push on. It ain't over yet.

Third, write the campaign and let them know why you think we lost tonight. I think it has alot to do with the negative ad last Thursday and the fact that we need to talk about more than the war. Dean is more than a one issue candidate. He needs to focus on those other issues.

-Bob

I Have a Dream -- Martin Luther King Day

2004-01-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

"We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is not time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.

"Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy."
-Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream, August 28, 1963. Hereafter, "MLK"

I've been pondering what to say since Thursday, when I got to talk to 30 kindergarteners, about 50/50 white/nonwhite, about Dr King. While there is diversity in our schools today, unlike in 1963, Dr King's Dream still hasn't been realized. His dream was for equality and unity.

"I say to you today, my friends, that even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow. I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal."
-MLK

Unfortunately, none of the candidates are talking about unity. Except Howard Dean.

I just saw a piece on CNN about the people the candidates have on the ground for tonight's caucus. Kerry's Veterans are contacting Vets. Gephardt's union members are contacting union members.

But Dean's people are union and non-union; black, white, and brown; from all 50 states. And, they are contacting EVERYBODY.

This is a campaign about freedom. Freedom for everybody, no matter who they are. Freedom from being persecuted from their beliefs. Freedom for being persecuted for the color of their skin.

"With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to climb up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

"This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my father's died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!"

"And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

"Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

"Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

"Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

"But not only that, let freedom, ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

"Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi and every mountainside.

"And when this happens, when we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every tenement and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old spiritual, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last." "
-MLK

"For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."
-2 Nephi 26:33

-Bob

A Vote for John Kerry in the Primary = a vote for Bush

2004-01-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

I made a promise to myself that I would not speak ill of the other Democratic Candidates on here. However, I feel it is imperative that I share why Mormons for Dean will *NOT* be "Mormons for [insert Democratic nominee]." Therefore, between now and when the "Jello Belt" starts voting on Feb 3, I will give my views on the other Democrats. I'm starting with Kerry because, well, I just can't stand him. And, he's as electable in the General as my cat.

President Bush raised more money yesterday than Kerry did all last quarter, not counting Kerry's loan to the campaign. The loan came by mortgaging his house. After renting a helicopter to get around Iowa, plus other campaign expenses, he's spent almost all of it. He'll have nothing to spend to defend himself against Bush.

He's more boring than the most boring High Council Sunday. Even his 'excited' mode is a great cure for insomnia. The key to winning in November is getting out the vote. A bigger key this year is getting out a large portion of people who have never voted before. Most Americans will sleep through a Bush/Kerry election.

America needs a strong moderate in the White House, especially if the Republicans control either half of the Legislative Branch. Kerry is neither strong nor moderate. His position on Iraq has changed more times than Howard's changed his suit, and usually ends with "I'm a Vietnam Vet. I know these things." His campaign has proven that he sees debt as good (see my previous post).

John Kerry points to his years of experience in Washington. However, he doesn't point to anything he's done while he was there. We don't need do-nothings running.

In his false and hidden attacks, he has repeatedly proven himself Dishonorable and unjust. That is why I will not vote for John Kerry in November.

-Bob

My favorite Bush lie: debt is good

2004-01-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

"We will not deny, we will not ignore, we will not pass along our problems to other Congresses, to other presidents, and other generations." -George W Bush, State of the Union, January 28, 2003.

However, by going into debt, we are doing precisely that -- passing along our problems. And now, it's having an effect on the world economy.

From Blog for America:

In response to the recently released IMF report on the impact of U.S. deficits on the global economy, Governor Howard Dean, M.D., said:

"It is absurd that the Bush administration still pretends to be fiscally responsible. They claim that they will reduce the budget deficit by half in five years, but their actions speak more loudly than their words: more tax cuts envisioned for the wealthy, $150 billion and counting for their unnecessary war in Iraq, billions in give-aways for their corporate backers, and skyrocketing increases in spending. This President doesn't understand fiscal discipline."

According to the New York Times, the IMF study "sounded a loud alarm about the shaky fiscal foundation of the United States, questioning the wisdom of the Bush administration's tax cuts and warning that large budget deficits posed 'significant risks' not just for the United States but for the rest of the world." The report states that due to President Bush's reckless fiscal policies the country now faces deficits "projected as far as the eye can see."

"This report confirms what we've known since President Bush took office: his policies are not only a danger to the U.S. economy--they are a danger to the world economy as well. We cannot manage the U.S. economy based on the Argentine fiscal model."

"A president has a moral responsibility to protect the future of all Americans. He has a responsibility to make sure we do not pass on a massive debt to future generations. This president has abandoned his moral responsibility and imposed a Bush Tax on us and our children, choosing tax cuts for the wealthy over our nation's economic well-being and our children's future."

This isn't a good sign.

Calling debt good is like calling evil good.

-Bob

My reaction to the "Club for Growth" ad.

2004-01-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

The so-called "club for growth" is running yet another ad against Howard Dean. The "club for growth" is a conservative group.

From their press release:

"The ad opens with a couple walking out of a barber shop. An off-screen announcer asks what they think of Howard Dean?s plan to raise taxes on a typical family by $1,900.

"Without hesitation, the husband responds: What do I think? Well, I think Howard Dean should take his tax-hiking, government-expanding, latte-drinking, sushi-eating, Volvo-driving, New York Times-reading?

"His wife continues: ??body piercing, Hollywood-loving, left-wing freak show back to Vermont where it belongs.?"

First, if they are coming out of the barber shop (it actually looks like they are walking past), they need a new barber as bad as they need a new candidate.

Second, this ad does nothing more than throw a bunch of adjectives out about Dean, some of which are not true:

"tax-hiking" Yes, Dean is going to repeal all of Bush's "tax cuts," which will al be repealed by 2010, some of them even higher, starting in 2006.

"government-expanding" Actually, the Bush administration, not even counting Homeland Security issues, has expanded the federal government by more that the entire Clinton administration.

"latte-drinking" Actually, Dean drinks no caffeine. A call to a local Starbucks confirmed there is no such thing as a caffeine-free latte. Libel is apparently a word CFG knows.

"sushi-eating" I'm glad to know what fish products the good Dr eats. Frankly, I don't care. Also, I know a lot more Republicans that eat sushi than Democrats.

"Volvo-driving" again, I'm glad to know what car the Deans drive. I was concerned. As long as they don't drive a Kia.

"New York Times-reading?" Well, at least he reads a newspaper, right?

"body piercing" To my knowledge, Dr dean has no body piercings, nor has he ever performed a body piercing. Libel again.

"Hollywood-loving" I'm glad to know that Dean likes to go to the movies. And not just those fancy-shmancy foreign flicks either. However, I can't say whether or not Dean likes Hollywood, CA, that much. He does live on the other end of the country.

"left-wing freak show" Oh, yes they called him the Freak, the fastest thing on two feet... (My apologies to Ray Stevens)

My response ad:

What do I think?
Well, I think George W Bush should take his tax-deferring, deficit-expanding, government-expanding, coffee-drinking, pretzel-eating, non-driving, FOX News-watching,

Wife: . . . Drug-company-supporting, movie-hating, right-wing freak show back to Texas, assuming they'll take him back.

-Bob

Newsweek/MSNBC hits rock bottom of ethics

2004-01-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

OK, the journalism ethics police need to hit this one hard. While I believe in a free press, there are limits, like lying.

MSNBC had Howard Fineman, a writer for Newsweek, on the other day to talk about Howard Dean. He commented about several things, like the "fact" that Dean said 'I'm Feeling Like Job' and that he said Job was his favorite New testament book despite the fact that Job is in the Old testament.

Well, Newsweek/MSNBC has a partial transcript of the interview on their website. It is entitled 'I'm Feeling Like Job'. (italics added, quotations in original.) When the title of an article is in quotations, that means that the person the article is about actually said those words.

Well, as the car rental ads say, not exactly.

Here is what was said about Job:

"Do you have a favorite Bible passage or book or theologian?"
"I like the Book of Job. "

"[Laughs] Does it strike you more personally after this campaign?"
"I'm feeling a little more Job-like recently."

Hmm... never asked about the New testament (the Bible has 2 parts -- the Old and New testaments). And the Job quote, which Fineman butchered anyway on his MSNBC appearance, was a joke started by the questioner, Fineman.

I expect crud like this from our "fair and balanced" friends, but this is ridiculous.

-Bob

Are we safe yet?

2004-01-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

My Republican friends ask me what Howard Dean will do to make us safe from terrorists. I tell them simply: Get Osama, work on getting terrorists out, don't deal in unnecessary wars.

I then ask them what George W Bush has done to make us safer.

Founding the Department of Homeland Security? That was an idea of the outgoing Clinton Administration, not implemented due to the fact that it was needed in December of 2000. Ignored until September 11, 2001.

Duct tape and plastic wrap? Cause Duct tape to be sold at 1000% profits on eBay and killed about a dozen people, when there wasn't even an attack. Even if there were an attack, experts say duct tape and plastic wrap would be marginally effective.

Saddam? Yes, he is a bad man. However, he and Osama are mortal enemies. Saddam had ZERO to do with 9/11, Iraq had no al Qaida training camps, and yet THEY'RE the ones we attack in the name of the war on terror. Meanwhile, six days after Saddam's capture, we went to code orange and cancel some flights, because Osama's henchmen might hijack planes and crash them into buildings. That's something they've never thought of. Oh, my mistake.

When we have double the troops in Germany (protecting from what? France?) than we do Afghanistan/Pakistan (where Osama is), then we are weak on Terror. When we have right-wing commentators and the "conservative" media calling France more of an enemy than Saudi Arabia, we are weak on terror. When Wyoming gets as much Homeland Security money as New York, we are not strong on Terror.

Bush is not strong on Terror. In fact, Osama probably has a Bush/Cheney04 sticker on his dialysis machine.

-Bob

P.S. -- read this column published in today's Deseret News about Fear.

My New Year's Resolutions

2004-01-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share my (Dean-related) new year's resolutions with you:

1) Spend less time on the Dean blog, more time flyering for Dean. I can accomplish a lot more if I spend "campaign time" doing something more productive.

2) Wear my Dean Buttons more.

3) Outside of the campaign, work more for the betterment of mankind.

4) Blog here more, play less

5) More Mormons for Dean flyers.

e-mail me YOUR Dean-related resolutions, and I'll post them here.

-Bob

2003 in Review

2003-12-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time, I like to look back on the year that's been, and see how much I have progressed. In order to look at progression, let's start at the beginning: The end of 2002.

I was one of the few pro-Iraq war people who thought 1) That France was still our friend, and 2) President Bush needed to be a one-term president. You see, my anti-Bush has almost nothing to do with the war. It's the economy, stupid.

My war views started to change April Fools Day. That was the day that Jessica Lynch was "rescued." (I use quotation marks because, if you are unguarded, are you really a POW or are you a patient?) The rescue seemed too staged. Then came what I consider a big red flag that something was not right. Suddenly the war was over, because George W Bush flew a plane onto an aircraft carrier (that was 30 miles off shore). We had none of the WMDs that Bush said there were. In fact, some of the stories Bush told were revealed to be wrong. And it wasn't even the French who told us. It was the CIA. And the British. Both on "our side."

This summer, I made a list of qualities I wanted in my Presidential Candidate, as I felt is was time to start to look. Here is the list, in order of importance:

1) balanced Budget. The candidate must have a history of balancing a budget, either as an elected official or at least in past campaigns. They must also have this as a major campaign issue.

2) Name not George W Bush.

3) Must have a sense of honesty about him. Also not afraid of saying the "wrong thing" when expressing a viewpoint.

4) A strong Internet presence. I was on my mission in Minnesota when Jesse Ventura jumped rode the Information Superhighway to victory. I was disappointed in the lack of internet campaigning in 2000.

5) Someone who, even though I disagreed with on some things, I wasn't "settling" on.

6) All other subjects were minor.

I had found the websites of the frontiersman of the day; Kerry, Gephardt, and Lieberman. Then, on C-SPAN, I saw a speech. What first drew my attention was Nader fans holding a giant sign behind the speaker saying "Nader 7% in VT," and Dean supporters holding signs to try and block that sign. The scene was entertaining.

However, I then started to listen to what he was trying to say. And what he was saying made sense. And there was a website prominently displayed on the lectern. I knew another site to look at.

I was amazed. They seemed to get that it was the 21st century. They had this thing called a "meetup" happening right here in Salt Lake. I had to go.

When I arrived, everyone was watching a tape of Howard Dean, with selected speeches and interviews. In one of the speeches, Dean made the infamous "Confederate Flag" remark (which took the competition months to jump on). I thought: RIGHT ON!!!

We wrote letters to Iowa. Letters! Even though I worked for the Postal Service at the time, I thought letters were dead. I was wrong.

This was before Dean was the it man. A year from now, he'll be the man.

-Bob

An interesting article on Dean and Religion

2003-12-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

There was an interesting article in the Christmas edition of the Boston Globe about Howard Dean and religion. So, what does FOXNews use to turn this against Dean?

Answer: Dean's statement about not wanting an election decided on God, Guns, and Gays. They want to make it out that he would never talk about it. Well, maybe it's the fact that he more or less agrees with the right on guns and God. He just needs to let them know that.

Remember, even though they went to church nearly every Sunday, Clinton and Gore are painted as "non-Christian."

-Bob

P.S. right now, the #1 Google search generating hits on Mormons for Dean is Howard Dean Jesus.

A Christmas Message

2003-12-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

At this Christmas season, I just wanted to wish you the very best. I also wanted to leave you with a warm thought.

In the front entryway of my parents' home is a white nativity set. As we set it up each December, we have to say what each person represents.

My favorite is the Shepherd. The shepherds were working. The were the laborers of their day. They were the first to see the Christ Child.

I always have wondered what my thoughts would have been had an Angel come to me one evening at work and said "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

My thoughts probably would not be suitable for printing (I try to keep the blog G-Rated). However, the Shepherds' response is suitable: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

-Bob

Mormons for Dean in Suday's New York Times

2003-12-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

OK, it's official, having 3 "Mormons for Dean" listings on the Offical Campiagn Blog is turning some heads. (I'm 2 of them, by the way: One's the blog and the other is the homepage at geocities.) From the December 21 New York Times: "To while away an afternoon, go to the left-hand column of the official blogforamerica.com page and tour the unofficial sites. On one of three Mormon-centric pages, you can find the answer to the question "Can Mormons be Democrats?" (Yes, they can, and yes, they can vote for Howard Dean.) " The only other Dean Site they mention from the left column of the blog is Project Deanlight, where I considered submitting an entry.

-Bob

A rare Sunday Morning post.

2003-12-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have made it a rule to take Sundays off from campaigning. However, the news of the morning needs a response.

For those who don't know, we captured Saddam.

I know what I'm going to hear from my Republican friends at Church today, and I'll be shocked if I don't get at least one e-mail saying this:

"Give it up! We won the war! We got Saddam! Dean's got nothing now!"

Well, I will respond to these things:

1- "Give it up" Never!

2- "We won the War!" As my grandfather once said, there are no winners and losers in war. Also, we may have "won" the war in Iraq (didn't that supposedly happen in April?), but it ain't over. And, it had NOTHING to do with the War on Terror, which we are losing.

3- "We got Saddam!" OK, but where's Bin Laden? He's still on the loose, has killed more Americans than Saddam ever has, and yet we have fewer than one tenth the forces looking for him and trying to keep the peace in Afghanistan than we do in Iraq.

4- "Dean's got nothing!" Well, contrary to popular belief, Dean has a much larger platform than being anti-war. In fact, he wants to see more attention paid to Osama. Let me also run down some other planks:

A) Osama, Osama, Osama. I can't say it enough. If anyone thinks we don't need to spend more time and money finding him, I'll offer to send a copy of my tape of September 11. I'll also let them take a trip to visit one of the many countries where attacks happen. It's only a matter of time before the U.S. is attacked again.

B) It's the economy, stupid. One good quarter of growth does not a great economy make. The job growth in November does not even cover the new people eligible to work.

C) Health Care for All. Millions of Americans pay over 25% of their incomes to health care. Many more can't afford it. Doesn't it seem unfair to not afford to get sick?

D) Debt. Fiscal Conservatism is dead in the Republican Party. And, it will be their undoing.

These are just a few. I will respond with more later.

-Bob

Howard Dean on the front page of today's Deseret News.

2003-12-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you who did not know, Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean this morning. The story broke last night, and both Salt Lake papers had the story on the front page. The Deseret Morning News had it above the fold, meaning that everyone that passed a newsstand today saw the Headline "Gore stuns Demos by backing Dean" (click title of story to read it).

-Bob

MormonsforDean exploding!

2003-12-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

This week we have had our highest number of hits ever, and it's only Tuesday.

Ironically, the majority of the hits are now coming from BlogforAmerica. To the new people, welcome. Please drop me a line at mormonsfordean@yahoo.com

-Bob

Visitor #1000 to Mormons for Dean this morning!

2003-12-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

Mormons for Dean (http://www.geocities.com/mormonsfordean) just got our 1000th visitor this morning!

Please tell your friends and family about Mormons for Dean, and about Howard Dean in general.

-Bob

Where I've been the past 2 weeks.

2003-12-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't been translated. Nor have I been abducted by aliens, the Bear Lake Monster, or Karl Rove. I haven't been sick. I got a job (finally!).

I got the job on Tues the 25th, took Thanksgiving for a breather, and then I've been exhausted by my new schedule (I start work at 6 AM and have finals next week). However, I'm back, and I'm ready for action!

-Bob

Do it!

2003-11-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I just read an article in Time titled "Can anyone catch Dean?" It has some interesting stories about how Dean has done what he has done: He followed the advice of those who were giving it. For instance:

"Over the past year, whenever one of the leading Democratic presidential candidates made his way to the downtown Washington office of Andrew Stern, head of the nation's largest union, he came away with two things: a bit of advice and the names of local officials across the country. "I'm the voice of 1.6 million members," the president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) told those who sought his endorsement. "Go talk to them." Only one candidate, Stern says, took him up on it. Howard Dean not only talked to SEIU members, he showed up on their picket line at Yale University, cheered their organizers at a San Francisco hospital and consulted the union's nurses in Iowa as he put together his proposal for solving the shortage in their profession."

The campaign has some advice of it's own. Some of it is requests for help, but others are some advice. Let's take a look at it:

REQUESTS FOR HELP:

Pledge to vote in your state's primary or caucus. It will help them gain which states they are strong in.

Write letters to Iowa and New Hampshire. Many people in these states have decided to join the campaign after getting a handwritten letter from someone. Just imagine how much it would wake YOU up if you got a handwritten letter from a stranger. It would make you at least pay attention to their cause, wouldn't it? Much more than 37 cents worth of advertising would get, right?

ADVICE:

Go to school!
The campaign has a great grassroots school to teach you more about how to campaign effectively. The best part is: it's all home study, and it's free!

Well, that's all for now.

-Bob

My non-Dean letter published in today's Des News

2003-11-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have had a letter published by the Deseret News. While not Dean-related, it shows how easy it is to get a letter to the editor published. So, write one today!

If you want to read the letter (it is LDS-related), click the link below:

Is this Christianity? Hmm

-Bob

Psalm 2003 (because I need a good laugh)

2003-11-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

I need a good laugh.

So, with apologies to the Psalmist, is Psalm #2003, which I received from Las Vegas for Dean:

PSALM 2003

Bush is my shepherd, I shall be in want.

He leadeth me beside the still factories,

He maketh me to lie down on park benches,

He restoreth my doubts about the Republican party,

He guideth me onto the paths of unemployment for the party's sake.

I do fear the evildoers, for thou talkst about them constantly.

Thy tax cuts for the rich and thy deficit spending

They do discomfort me.

Thou anointeth me with never-ending debt,

And my savings and assets shall soon be gone.

Surely poverty and hard living shall follow me,

And my jobless children shall dwell in my basement forever

Breaking News -- They found Charlie

2003-11-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Howard Dean's brother, Charlie, was MIA in Laos in 1974. Well, it looks like they found his body.

The Sunday Times (Australia): MIA Aussie found in twin grave

Our thoughts and prayers, as always, are with the extended Dean family.

-Bob

Celebrate National Whiner's Month

2003-11-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I was a stubborn little brat. It was my way or the highway. If I didn't get my way, I would yell, scream, cry, hold my breath, do just about anything to get what I wanted. I once wanted chocolate cake for breakfast.

Now, despite what Bill Cosby says, kids should not eat chocolate cake for breakfast. It's not good for them. My parents, being older and wiser, said no. I screamed. They put in earplugs. I tried holding my breath. That lasted until I was blue in the face, about 10 seconds. I never did get my chocolate cake.

Nobody likes a brat.

As I type this, the U.S. Senate is in hour #17 of debating the fact that the Democrats won't let the Republicans eat Chocolate Cake for Breakfast. Or, at least, that's all I can gather.

Surely, the Republicans would be more mature than to argue about four judges, right? I mean, that's only about 2% of what's passed through the Judiciary Committee. Compare that with 20% of Clinton's being blocked.

May I remind you that these four judges could be helping define the constitution for the next 50 years? And they won't answer simple questions about their feelings on the constitution. I bet they hate the constitution. Oh, wait, that's "liberals." Never mind.

So, we get 30 hours of whining about 4 people who actually have jobs, health insurance, and an education. Let's spend some time whining about the 9 million people WITHOUT jobs. Whine about the 44 million WITHOUT Health insurance. The Veterans that wait 6 months for a simple doctor's visit. The students who can't go to school next semester because their Pell Grants got cut. The children being left behind by No Child Left Behind, who will be paying the $450 Billion debt generated last year.

That's what we should whine about. Since there is so much to whine about, I declare, by the power invested in me by myself, that the rest of November be National Whiner's month.

Anyone care to join me?

-Bob

Happy Veterans Day

2003-11-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Today is November 11th. Aside from being the 111th anniversary of my Great-Grandmother, it is Veterans Day.

My Great-Grandmother was a great woman. Her husband served in, and survived, both World War I and World War II. Of her 5 sons, 4 served in WWII as well (the 5th was too young). My Grandfather was one of her sons to have served, although it was the very tail end of the war. My grandfather on my Dad's side of the family, who I stood as proxy for in the Temple last Friday, also served in WWII. My Dad's stepdad was in the Canadian Army in WWII.

My Aunt lost a fiancee' in Viet Nam. Thankfully, my father was too young to be eligible to be drafted.

Since the last Veteran's Day, we have added roughly 200,000 new Veterans, yet we have cut funding for Veterans programs.

Since last Veteran's Day, more Americans have died in Iraq than died in Viet Nam from 1957-1964.

It is because of the selfless efforts of all our Veterans that we are free. From the leaders of the Revolution, to the Mormon Battalion, to Operation Enduring Freedom, we need to honor, and pray for, these men and women.

-Bob

Rep Peter DeFazio (D-OR) on Veterans.

2003-11-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Veterans on Veterans Day, I post this speech made by Rep Peter DeFazio (D-OR) on November 5, 2003:

"Mr. Speaker, next week is November 11. And often, I believe, in this Chamber we pay lip service to our veterans; and we fail to deliver on solid votes and programs that would better demonstrate our recognition of their sacrifice and service. And this year, unfortunately with the budget and the appropriations passed, is no exception.
I was astonished earlier today when a colleague from the Republican majority stood up to pretend to document how great things are for our veterans, all these new services and things we are providing. I am hearing a very different assessment from my veterans and their dependents. And facts are stubborn things.

"Here are some real facts, unlike what we heard earlier today: 150,000 veterans are waiting 6 months or longer for appointments; 14,000 veterans have been waiting 15 months or longer for their "expedited'' disability claims; 560,000 disabled veterans are subject to the disabled veterans tax, something we have tried to rectify.

"We have 373 cosponsors. There are only 435 people here. If 373 people want something, we should be able to do it, should we not? That is a super, super, super majority. But guess what. The Republican leadership, under urging from the President and Secretary Rumsfeld and threats of veto from the President, are refusing to bring up a repeal of the disabled veterans tax.

"We can have tax breaks for people who do not work for a living, the investor class. We can have tax breaks for whole hosts of people and things. But we cannot have tax relief for disabled veterans. Is that not extraordinary? President Bush refused to spend $275 million in emergency money for veterans health care provided by Congress in the fiscal year 2002 supplemental appropriations bill. But of course he wants to do everything he can to recognize the service of our veterans and our young men and women.

"January 8 of this year, the Bush administration cut off VA health care for 164,000 veterans. They put them in a new category called Category 8. They are wealthy veterans just like the wealthy people they are giving tax breaks to. Well, not quite. The wealthy people the Bush administration is raining tax breaks on earn over $311,000 a year. But these vets are wealthy. They do not deserve that veterans health care, according to the Bush administration. They earn $25,000 a year. They should pay for their own health care.

"The President's budget also proposed doubling the prescription drug copayment from $7 to $15 for veterans, the ones who are still able to qualify, and a $250 enrollment fee on another category, Category 7 and 8. These could be people with low incomes, distinguished service, but under the Bush administration, we just cannot quite afford to give them the service we promised when they enlisted.

"Now we either believe in the all-volunteer military or we do not. And we are either going to recognize the sacrifice and service of veterans or we will not. And if we do not, probably the next generation is not going to want to enlist for what is a very tough and today very bloody and dangerous job because they are not quite sure of the promise that we will take care of them and we will take care of their families and their dependents.

"A few other problems. Rather than funding the VA, the Bush administration sent a memo to regional VA facilities that forbid Veterans Administration employees from proactively informing veterans about the services available to them in order to reduce the number of veterans using VA facilities.

"That is supportive. Is that not great?

"In March, House Republicans voted in favor of their budget resolution that cut $14 billion, "B'' billion dollars, from mandatory veterans benefits over 10 years, including veterans pensions, education and other benefits. That was an hour after we voted to support the troops in Iraq.

"Maybe it would have been a better message if we just had not bothered with the words, but had duly voted for the money. But, no, the Republican majority, pushed by President Bush, could not vote for that money, and that budget passed by one vote.

"The House Republican budget resolution also cut $14 billion from veterans health care and other discretionary veterans programs. The Republican budget also included the President's proposal to impose a $250 enrollment fee on our veterans for the free health care that they were promised.

"The Republican budget also included the President's proposal to double the prescription drug copayment from $7 to $15. The President had already raised it from $2 to $7, but, hey, we need money. We have got to send a lot of money over to Iraq, and we cannot ask them to pay any of it back, so we have to double the prescription drug benefit fee for our veterans.

"Now, the House VA-HUD appropriations bill funded VA at the level requested by the President, which was $1.8 billion below the House Republicans' own budget, and it was $3.3 billion below the level requested by national veterans organizations in their independent budget proposal.

"Let us really celebrate Veterans' Day, and give them the services they earned and need, and pay for them."

Senator Harry Reid filibustering in the Senate

2003-11-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), a Mormon and the Assistant Minority Leader, is filibustering on the floor of the Senate, to protest the complaining of Republicans on judicial nominees.

He is reading a book he wrote about mining history in Nevada.

Democracy in action!

-Bob

A fine example of the military's "family values."

2003-11-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Republicans, in general, make themselves out to be the candidate with "family values." Well, read this article, printed in today's Deseret News, and see that family values in the Bush military means losing custody of 2 children.

-Bob

The campaign has an important decision to make -- and it's letting us make it.

2003-11-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

The nature of the campaign finance laws is this: Agree to spend less than $45 Million, and the Government will give you $19 million of that 45, if you can raise at minimum $19 million.

Given that Dean has raised $25 million (not counting the last 35 days), that means he could only raise $1 Million more between Oct 1 and July 31.

So, it only seems logical to opt out of the matching funds, and raise unlimited funds. Campaign finance is nice, but only if the playing field is normal. When it is clear that Dean is the Dem nominee, Bush will have $200 Million to attack Dean. Dean will have about $15 Mil left.

However, even though there is only one choice to make, the campaign is doing the unprecedented: Letting us vote. If you are one of the 485,000 signed up at deanforamerica.com, you will be e-mailed a ballot to vote on this issue.

I urge you to vote to opt-out.

As Howard Dean said tonight: This is a campaign of the people, by the people and for the people.

For more information about the vote, visit www.deanforamerica.com/decision.

-Bob

Are we really safer under Bush?

2003-11-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001: 19 men from the Middle East hijack 4 planes. 1 plane crashes into each of the World Trade Towers in New York. 1 plane crashes into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashes in Pennsylvania, after an attempt to re-take the plane from the hijackers. The weapon that was used to hijack the planes: boxcutters.

So, what to my surprise, do we find on planes a couple weekends ago? Boxcutters.

A woman drives a car into the side of the building where President Bush had just finished speaking, right near the part of the building the President was in. Imagine, for a moment, that the car was loaded with explosives.

Just yesterday, a man threw a brick into the House Office Building. Imagine if it was a grenade.

Hundreds if not thousands of people sneak into the country every day. Some are here for the American Dream. But there are some that are here to destroy the American Dream. And, if anything, the Bush administration is welcoming them in.

And some of my friends claim we're safer with President Bush. If this is safety, it has me worried.

-Bob

Attend Meetup This Wednesday

2003-11-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

I would like to urge all of you to attend your local meetup this Wednesday.

What is a meetup? Well, a meetup is a meeting of Dean supporters held at 7:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month in hundreds of cities nationwide, and in some foreign countries. They range from rallies to more subdued informational meetings. It all depends on what the local organizers want to do. The meetups I have attended have been on the more subdued side (This is Utah, after all). We have gotten good information, found out about some local resources, and worked on coordinating outreach efforts.

There is a meetup in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah campus, Orson Spencer Hall Building, room 202. For those in Utah County, there is a meetup at the Borders Books & Music, 4801 N University Ave #910, in Provo. Both meetings are at 7PM.

If you live outside of Utah, visit dean2004.meetup.com for information about where your meetup is.

-Bob

Another article outlining Bush's lies.

2003-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Click here to read an excellent article about some of Bush's lies.

When will the lies stop?

-Bob

My apologies for the Abortion thing....

2003-10-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

I know I promised a week ago that I was going to post a better, more researched post about abortion. However, between illness in the family, a good friend having a stroke (at 32 years old) and making plans to go to SoCal in the possibility of my aunt and uncle are evacuated due to the Simi Valley fire, I just haven't had time to research, much less post. However, while not the best way to say it, the previous post makes my point. And, if that wasn't enough, check out this article about whether the GOP supports women. Special thank to Carrie from Utah for Dean for helping me out.

-Bob

Abortion, part 1

2003-10-21T19:03:00.000-06:00

***Preface: This post is being written on pure emotion tonight. Part 2 tomorrow will be written on fact, although the opinion won't change****

Ask most members of the Church what the main reason they vote Republican is, and one answer will come up more than others: Abortion. You see, abortion is wrong, and so therefore, in order to keep with the standards of the Church, you must be against all abortions.

Well, that isn't the case.

"While we denounce it, we make allowance in such circumstances as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth." President Gordon B Hinckley, October 1998 General Conference, Priesthood session.

Let me hit that one more time, for emphasis: "we make allowance." WOW. So, reason would have it that not all abortion=bad, correct.

Let's focus on another phrase in this statement from President Hinckley: "when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth." Now, usually, the health status of the fetus (or the mother for that matter) is known until fairly late in the pregnancy. Therefore, a procedure, commonly known as a "partial birth abortion" has to be performed. (Keep in mind that there is no reference to "Partial birth abortion" in any medical dictionary.)

However, thanks to a vote today by our friends in the Senate (the house voted earlier), *all* partial-birth abortions were outlawed. Now, if the life of the mother is in danger, so what. She'll have to risk it.

Sounds like a "compassionate conservative" thing to me.

Let's face it, under this bill, instead of one baby dying, we will have many mothers and children dying, and several disabled children coming into this world. Deaths will be greater under this bill than before it, and that doesn't include illegal, back-alley abortions (more on this in part 2).

Remember, Republicans only care about babies until they breathe on their own, unless they're worth 7 figures.

Howard Dean, himself a doctor, unlike 99% of the senate, had this to say:

"As a physician, I am outraged that the Senate has decided it is qualified to practice medicine. There is no such thing as 'partial birth abortion' in medical literature. But there are times when a doctor is called upon to perform a late term abortion to save a woman's life or protect her from serious injury. Today the Senate took a step toward making it a crime for a doctor to perform such medically necessary procedures.

"This bill will chill the practice of medicine and endanger the lives of countless women. This kind of legislation serves the sole purpose of chipping away women's constitutionally protected reproductive rights and overturning Roe v. Wade."

Check back tomorrow, when I have had time to cool the jets.

-Bob

Deseret News Editorials

2003-10-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

Any time the Deseret News (or the "Deseret Morning News" as they now like to be called) has an editorial that helps the Dean cause, I'll try to post it here. Why the DesNews? Well...

The Deseret News is owned by the Church and is often thought of as the "Conservative" voice of Salt Lake.

I will post the headline, a short excerpt, and sometimes a commentary. You can read the entire editorial by clicking the headline.

So, on with some editorials:

Are the skies safer today?

"...Since the attacks on America, air passengers have been repeatedly assured by the federal government that domestic air travel has never been so safe. Airports nationwide are using enhanced security measures. Anyone who has flown in a commercial flight recently has been asked to arrive at the airport hours before the scheduled departure in order to endure the customary security checks. Some passengers are also asked to remove their shoes, have their fingers and luggage swabbed and undergo additional security details.

"Because they trust the need for all of this, most people are willing to endure the inconvenience and added time in airports.

"But airport security isn't foolproof. Recent events suggest that a considerable amount of contraband continues to slip past security agents. This past week, a 20-year-old college student allegedly boarded two commercial jets while carrying box cutters, bleach, matches and modeling clay..."

So, Bush supporters claim that we are safer with Bush in the White house. The weapons used on 9/11 are still getting on flights. Makes you feel REAL safe, don't it?

============

An update on my goings on

2003-10-21T09:56:00.000-06:00

It's been a long and busy week for me, so let me bring you up to speed on a few things:

1) Last Tuesday, the 14th, I was invited to speak to the College Democrats club at BYU. 30 people showed up. Only a couple of them were Dean supporters, but a couple is better than none. And, there are lots of undecideds down there as well. The Dean supporters are heavily involved with other things right now, so nobody was willing to take on the responsibility of forming a Generation Dean group on campus. If someone would be interested, let me know ASAP.

2) For those of you who do not know, I am currently unemployed. If you know of any job openings, please let me know. Having no income source is putting a drain on my ability to do things here.

3) I had a conference call last Wednesday night with some leaders of various "for Dean" groups, with a brief intro from Joe Trippi, Dean's campaign manager. It was a good re-alignment for me. One thing I'm going to harp on more is to get people to sign up for e-mails from me. You can do this either by joining the YahooGroup, or simply by sending me your e-mail address.

Thanks for everything. Together, we can do this.

-Bob

My letter to the Deseret News gets edited, published, I send a complaint.

2003-10-14T09:20:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, the Deseret News (Salt Lake's Church-owned paper) published my letter to the editor. However, as you will see by reading the published letter and the one I wrote, there was some editing done. This made the second paragraph make no sense. I have no problem with them editing letters for length and/or clarity, and agree with most of what was edited, but to make me sound like I wasn't making any sense, well, that's silly. So, my response:

While I was pleased to see my letter published by your fine paper this morning, I wanted to point out that in editing, you caused the 2nd paragraph to make no sense. The line about 2000 Dean supporters in Utah should have contained a line about meetup.com only representing 25% of online Howard Dean supporters nationwide.

-Bob Aagard
Mormons for Dean
[address edited]
Holladay UT
84124

Elder Oaks's talk in General Conference & the value of lieing.

2003-10-12T19:42:00.000-06:00

I needed to wait until the transcripts were posted, but I want to talk about my favorite talk from General Conference last week. It was by Elder Dallin H Oaks on Saturday Afternoon.

In the talk, he said:

"Some cultures allow lying, stealing, and other dishonest practices. But dishonesty in any formÂwhether to appease, to save face, or to get gainÂis in direct conflict with gospel commandments and culture. God is a God of truth, and God does not change. We are the ones who must change. And that will be a big change for all whose traditions accustom them to thinking that they can lie a little, cheat a little, or engage in deceit whenever it brings personal advantage and is not likely to be detected."italicscs mine)

My #1 favorite lie from President Bush: "we will not pass along our problems to other Congresses, to other presidents, and other generations." Yet, this past year, we passed along about $450 Billion to other Congresses, to other presidents, and other generations.

Some more Bush lies:

10. "I have been very candid about my past."
9. "I'm a uniter not a divider."
8. "My [tax] plan unlocks the door to the middle class of millions of hard-working Americans."
7. "This allows us to explore the promise and potential of stem cell research."
6. "We must uncover every detail and learn every lesson of September the 11th."
5. "[We are] taking every possible step to protect our country from danger."
4. "I first got to know Ken [Lay in 1994]."
3. "Intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised." And, "[Saddam Hussein is] a threat because he is dealing with al Qaeda."
2. "We found the weapons of mass destruction."
1. "It's time to restore honor and dignity to the White House."

Click here to read a further explanation of these lies.

-Bob

The California Recall -- A thank-you to the RNC for helping Dean.

2003-10-08T12:38:00.000-06:00

Near everyone had the same reason for why they wanted to get rid of Gray Davis -- the economy. Caleeforneea, as the new Gov says, has a deficit of $38 billion. Deficit=bad, so Davis=Bad. So, since deficit=bad, we must look at it on a national scale, as CA is not the only place running a deficit.

Between November 2002's midterm elections and next November, the United States will spend $1Trillion more than it takes in. That's $1 Trillion more added to a multi-trillion dollar deficit that has existed for a long time, and was going down in 2000.

Now, if things were just as bad nationally as they are in California, we would have a deficit of $293 Billion (CA accounts for 13% of the US economy). Our yearly deficits are nearly double that.

A reminder to my friends on the right -- deficit=bad. That means Bush=bad.

-Bob

P.S. -- Click here to read Gov Dean's statement regarding the head of the GAO's satement refuting Bush's claim of deficit reduction by tax cuts

A letter to the Deseret News Re:Clark

2003-10-08T12:19:00.000-06:00

This morning, I sent the following letter to the Deseret News about this column mentioning Wes Clark and Utah:

I am writing in response to the October 8 column written by Lee Davidson.

Wes Clark may be the flavor of the month, but all he has is buzz. Every time he states his policy on something, he has to retract it the next day. To say that he will generate excitement is false. He ranks high on the boring meter.

However, there is a candidate that is generating genuine excitement here in Utah. His name is Howard Dean. According to meetup.com, Dean has 505 Utahns willing to meetup once a month to talk about him. Nationally, only about 25% of the people signed up with Meetup are signed up with the national campaign. Assuming that is roughly accurate for Utah, that makes about 2000 Dean supporters in Utah.

Of the 505 people on Meetup, 442 are in and around Salt Lake/Ogden. That ranks SLC as the 75th highest nationally for Dean Meetups, just behind Albuquerque, NM, and just ahead of Las Vegas.

Furthermore, a student group at the University of Utah has over 110 members supporting Dean (many not included in the meetup numbers), and student groups are currently getting organized on the campuses of SLCC, Weber State and BYU. Many of the students at these Universities have never voted in their lives.

The range of Dean supporters is broad. They include not just Democrats, but Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Greens, Constitutionalists, non-Mormons and Mormons.

To find out more about the Dean campaign in Utah, visit http://www.utahfordean.com

-Bob Aagard
Volunteer organizer,
Mormons for Dean
.....

Dr Dean Announces Plan For National "Welcome Baby" Visits

2003-10-07T12:22:00.000-06:00

From Blog for America:

"CONCORD, NH--Governor Howard Dean, M.D. announced today that as President he would create a national "Success by Six" initiative designed to ensure that children start school ready to succeed by providing all families with young children early access to health care, education, and other support critical to children's health and working families. ...

"Community-based partnerships provide this service to connect families and their children to the resources and services available to help them raise healthy, successful children. Because of the community-driven nature of the program and the individualized needs of new parents, the exact make-up of a "Welcome Baby Visit" varies in each town and city, but they can include providing nutrition information, helping parents connect with local medical care, or even something as simple as explaining how to get a library card."

This type of program is truly Christian. Many people, even in our own Church, have know idea how to survive those first few days, weeks, and months. If a new baby gets off to a bad start, it will be hard to survive.

Dr. Dean has more compassion for humanity than the Bush White House, who has burdened the children of this country with Billions of dollars of debt.

To the good Doctor, compassion is not just a word -- it's an action.

-Bob

I have updated the home page...

2003-10-07T12:08:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, especially with the style of website authoring I use, it becomes necessary to do some house cleaning. Well, the house cleaning is done, and can be seen by clicking here.

Among the things I've changed:

-I brought the last 5 blog entries closer to the top. That way, you can better see when I've updated the blog.
-Joining the YahooGroup is now much easier. Signing up for the YahooGroup allows me to contact you when I have announcements. It also allows you to interact with one another.
-added "Why we Support Howard Dean." WWSHD is a collection of stories by fellow Latter-Day Saints about why they support Howard Dean. You can add your story by e-mailing me at mormonsfordean@yahoo.com.
-I combined and added some more issue papers, with more one the way.
-A links page, so that you're not just clicking out of the home page.

I hope you enjoy the changes. Please let me know how you like/dislike them.

-Bob

Flyers at General Conference

2003-10-04T16:05:00.000-06:00

I went downtown today to pass out flyers to people there for General Conference (plus it was great to hear conference from Temple Square during the morning session). I have a few comments about the experience, and then some stories from today.

- I need a big, oversized button that says "Mormon for Dean" or "Mormons for Dean" to wear next time. My regular Dean buttons were nice, but people thought I was handing out anti-Mormon literature, not something political. Some people took a flyer when they realized it was something political.

- Nowhere on the flyer did I put that Howard Dean is running for President, or even that he is running for office at all. Oops!

- I had some good things happen, though. Many people who were Dean supporters thanked me for being out there, and were glad to know that Mormons for Dean existed. One dear sister gave me a kiss she was so happy (Now if only supporting Howard Dean got the same reaction in my single's Ward).

As I was walking back to my car that was parked at the Gateway (A new shopping center located west of Downtown), I picked up a copy of The City Weekly. I stopped to look at it, found a nice shady spot in the shade to lean against the building. I got stopped, and I heard a "tap, tap, tap" on the window. I looked up to see Chris Carroon (SP? I know I butchered it, sorry Chris) waving to me and showing me a picture of him with Howard Dean. For those who don't know, Chris and his brother, Peter, are first cousins of Howard Dean's). I went inside his place of business, and we talked for a moment. He gave me a Howard Dean lapel pin (looks much classier than my buttons did), telling me that Howard had given it to him. We talked about how Mormons for Dean was going. He took my picture to send to his brother and to Howard.

What a day! I'm sure I forgot to say something, but that will give me something to write tomorrow.

-Bob

What ARE they doing here? A personal message to Donald Dunn

2003-09-30T13:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I was tabling at the Rock the Vote Event at the University of Utah. While I was walking around, Craig Axford from the Democratic Progressive Caucus (or whatever the heck they're called) told me about an article in the New York Times that mentioned Howard Dean and Utah. Since it is only part of the article, and this link only will work if you sign up for free with them, I will tell you what it said:

"What Are They Doing Here?

"UTAH is so Republican that no other state cast a higher percentage of votes for President Bush in 2000, when votes for third-party candidates are excluded, than its 71.7 percent.

"So what's with all the Democratic challengers building ties there?

"Senator John Kerry, Representative Gephardt and Dr. Dean have made campaign appearances, said Donald Dunn, chairman of the Utah Democratic Party. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman has promised to visit. General Clark is about to win the endorsement of the leading Democrat running for governor next year, Scott Matheson Jr., and Representative Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio has a small band of Kucinistas traveling the state on his behalf.

"All this for a piddling 29 delegates?

"That and money, Mr. Dunn said, pointing out that Fat Cat Democrats live everywhere, including ski towns like Park City.

"Mr. Dunn said the contenders' interest aids Utah Democrats in their generally impossible task of defeating Republicans. Citing Representative Jim Matheson of Salt Lake City Â Scott's brother Â as the best (ahem, only) example of a Utah Democrat winning high office, he said: "People here will split their votes. So the party benefits.""

OK, Mr Dunn, I'll give you the fact that Money is a big key, but Dr Dean has mobilized a huge grassroots movement not only nationally, but here in Utah as well. Over 100 people have signed up to be part of the on-campus group for Dean. The majority of them are not a part of the 489 people signed up for Dean Meetups in Utah. (Go to dean2004.meetup.com to find a Meetup near you. Meetups are the first Wednesday of each month.) The Dean Campaign is revolutionizing the way politics work here in Utah, which was a goal of yours when you took over the leadership of the party.

Our goal here at Mormons for Dean is not just to help get Howard Dean elected. It is to prove to fellow Mormons that the Republican Party is not the Mormon Party.

Mobilize the youth and promote Mormon is not equal to Republican: *THAT'S* how the Democrats can and will win.

-Bob

What could you do for $175.80?

2003-09-30T10:16:00.000-06:00

I saw on Utahfordean.com today a link about how much Utah's contribution to the $87 billion for the Iraq war would cost.

That amount -- $407.2 Million. Based on the US Census estimate for Utah in 2002, that's $175.80 per man, woman, and child. It's $550.26 per household. These costs don't even include interest on this debt, since the government doesn't even have $1 to spend, let alone $87 Billion. The document includes what could be done in Utah for $407.2 Million.

Click here to see your state's costs.

Then visit house.gov and senate.gov, and let your congressmen know how much this will cost you and your family.

Today's random thoughts...

2003-09-25T14:03:00.000-06:00

From time to time, I tend to just ramble on. I need to release. So, here goes:

-A have had a persistent cough for the last few days. Then, some genius at the US Forest Service decides to do a "controlled burn" of 600 acres (approx. 60 square Salt Lake City Blocks) above America Fork. Well, now it's 4,300 arces of uncontrolled burn, and the smoke is all over the Salt Lake Valley, making it even harder to breathe. It even stinks indoors constantly. They say it's healthier to not run than exercise right now because of smoke inhalation. So, if I die from smoke inhalation in the next few days, blame the US forest service.

-OK, I'm trying to stay away from focusing on other campaigns, but it seems like the Clark train is fading faster than his mind changes. He has abandoned the grassroots that wanted him, and his initial high poll numbers are fading. And it turns out Bill Clinton is not supporting him any more than others.

-Also on the Clark front, Utah's own Democratic Representative, Jim Matheson (who is LDS) signed the letter supporting Wes Clark. Write him and tell him how bad we need Howard dean.

-I have created a MormonsforDean Dean Team. Click here to contribute. All donations go directly to Dean for America, and are not tax deductible. If you would like to help contribute to MormonsforDean, e-mail me a mormonsfordean@yahoo.com.

-Bob

I react to the President's UN speech

2003-09-23T11:22:00.000-06:00

The White House just posted the transcript of the President's speech online. I will react to a few points he made.

"Twenty-four months ago -- and yesterday in the memory of America -- the center of New York City became a battlefield"

The World Trade Center is NOT the "center" of New York City. You would think that the President would know the geography of one of his largest cities, right?

"Those who incite murder and celebrate suicide reveal their contempt for life, itself. They have no place in any religious faith;"

JUDGE not, that ye be not judged. -Matt 7:1. Suddenly, the President is the judge for all religions. And you thought separation of church and state was dead... ÃƒÂœ

"No government should ignore the threat of terror, because to look the other way gives terrorists the chance to regroup and recruit and prepare."

Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Palestine. Do these countries ring a bell? How about Afghanistan?

"By the end of 2004, more than 90 percent of Iraqi children under age five will have been immunized against preventable diseases..."

I don't think that number is even that high in the U.S. I'll have to check, though.

"The old regime built palaces while letting schools decay, so we are rebuilding more than a thousand schools."

There are schools right here in the U.S. that are decaying, while Ken Lay builds more homes.

"The old regime starved hospitals of resources, so we have helped to supply and reopen hospitals across Iraq."

Medical machines in the U.S. are failing. Theree is such a crisis of nurses, that many of them are taking double or triple the patient load deemed safe. And, they are working 60 hour weeks.

"The old regime built up armies and weapons, while allowing the nation's infrastructure to crumble, so we are rehabilitating power plants,"

Isn't OUR infrastructure crumbling? Isn't that one reason why we had a massive blackout last month?

"I proposed to Congress that the United States provide additional funding for our work in Iraq, the greatest financial commitment of its kind since the Marshall Plan."

Actually, it's the biggest proposal ever. The most money ever spent by the Marshal Plan (rebuilding Europe after WWII) was $47.6 Billion in 2003 Dollars (source: Time September 22, 2003). $87 Billion (with the promise there may be more asked for) is a lot more than $47.6 Billion.

-Bob

Dean in today's Salt Lake Tribune

2003-09-23T09:38:00.000-06:00

Today's Salt Lake Tribune has a great article about Howard Dean's cousin Peter Carroon, who is in charge of the campaign here in Utah.

Click here to read the article.

-Bob

Top 7 ways to help Howard Dean

2003-09-22T10:10:00.000-06:00

Here are the top 7 ways (in no particular order) that you, as a Mormon can help Howard Dean. (Even non-Mormons can do these too!)

1-register on http://www.deanforamerica.com.
2-Donate to the campaign. They are trying to raise $5Million in 10 days. We can do it!
3-Fast and Pray for Dr Dean. President Bush is destroying our country. Please fast and pray for Dr Dean's health and strength in the coming months, he'll need it.
4- Print the flier from my web site. Give it to your LDS friends. I hope to have some more (and better) fliers soon.
5- For those in Utah, even if just for conference weekend, print the MormonsforDean fliers, make copies, and come join me Saturday, October 4, on the corner of West Temple and North Temple, as we flier General Conference. I will have some, but I am limited by finances. I plan to be there for all three Saturday sessions.
6- Register on the MormonsforDean Yahoo Group. I will be sending more notices here.
7- Print a poster for Dean, and put it in your car. Make one for your state, or create a custom one. I have one that says "Mormons."

Some people make even Sean Hannity Look Smart...

2003-09-18T10:01:00.000-06:00

I saw a link to an article on Generation Dean and had to respond to something in it:

Too Young to Vote? Global Proposals Aim to Lower Voting Age

"You're dealing with people who don't have any knowledge of or any stake in our democracy," said Curtis Gans, executive director of the Washington-based Committee for the Study of the American Electorate. "If they're lucky, they will have had one civics course before 16, and many won't have that. They're not parents, not homeowners, not raising children, and they're not in any responsible jobs."

OK, let's dean with this bit by bit:

-"You're dealing with people who don't have any knowledge of...our democracy,"

I wouldn't say *ANY* knowledge. Most 16 year-olds know that you can vote when you are an adult. Those who work know what taxes are. And, for that matter, most adults don't know much about our democracy. Look how many people were confused with the electoral college, because they had no knowledge of it.

""You're dealing with people who don't have...any stake in our democracy,"

Hold the phone. This is the comment that puts Curtis Gans into the bonehead of the day pool, and below Hannity on the intelligence meter. What group will 2005's soldiers come from? 2003's 16 year olds. Who will be paying off the current deficits? The 16 year-olds' children. What, when you hit the magical age of 18, then you suddenly have a stake in democracy, but you have zero stake at 17 years, 364 days?

"If they're lucky, they will have had one civics course before 16, and many won't have that."

Well, I haven't had one civics class before 24, and probably never will. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the vast majority of people born after 1975 have had no civics class. So, using this theory, let's just change the law to disallow anyone born after 1975 from voting.

"They're not parents

Well, some 16-year olds are. In fact, one of my little sister's best friends was raising 2 kids before her 17th birthday. And I don't have ANY kids at 24. Guess I can't vote.

", not homeowners,"

No, but neither are most 25 year olds.

" not raising children,"

Wouldn't that be part of "Not being parents?"

" and they're not in any responsible jobs."

Well, neither are most 23 year olds. If fact, if holding responsible jobs were a requirement for voting, MOST American couldn't vote.

Now, I'm all for informed voting, but sometimes, people overspeak their bounds.

e-mail Mr Gans at csnag@erols.com and let him know how unqualified you are.

-Bob
mormonsfordean@yahoo.com

Happy Birthday to the Constitution

2003-09-17T13:20:00.000-06:00

September 17, 1787. Not many people recognize this date. However, it is very important in our country's history. It is the day that the constitution was first ratified. It set out the structure of the government. However, our forefathers saw that they had left some key point out, and wrote some amendments, now known as the Bill of Rights. In all, there are 27 (I think) amendments.

However, the constitution is in grave danger. We are being asked to give up on freedom of speech, the entire 4th amendment, and other provisions in the name of "safety." However, consider this senario for a moment: Instead of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart, "God" told Brian Mitchell to hijack a plane and fly it into the state capitol building. And in part of his plot, he enlisted the people of Hildale, UT (90+% polygamous). Now, you and I know that these people are not LDS. But, they are as Mormon as the 9/11 highjackers were Muslim. And the Book of Mormon has as many passages that could be interpreted into condoning terror as the Quaran ("It is better for one man to perish...). Therefore, the US government raids wardhouses and even the Temples to find "terrorists," because all Mormons are terrorists.

No, you'll probably say that this will never happen, and if it did it would be almost as bad as what happened in Nauvoo. Well, it's been happening since 9/11/01 to Muslims.

If fact, Joseph Smith prophesied that the constitution would be in danger. James Burgess recorded in his journal, the notes from a sermon given by
Joseph Smith. He wrote that Joseph said:
"The time would come when the constitution and government would hang by
a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this
people the latter-day saints will step forth and save it." (James
Burgess Journal, 1818-1904, Church Archives, vol. 1-found among loose
sermons)

Let us step forth and save it.

Happy Birthday, Constitution. May you last another 216 years.

-Bob

Separating myth from fact

2003-09-16T20:53:00.000-06:00

MYTH: Howard Dean is anti-war.

TRUTH: Howard Dean is anti THIS war. He supported both the first gulf war, because a friend got attacked, and the war in Afganistan, as that was in responce to our being attacked.

MYTH: Howard Dean is pro/anti gun.

TRUTH: Howard Dean is a realist. He supports a state's right to choose thier gun control laws, as what's good for Utah isn't good for New York City. Which brings us to annother point: Isn't state's rights a Republican issue?

MYTH: Howard Dean Supports gay marriage.

TRUTH: Howard Dean supports civil unions, allowing two people who love each other to have access to making life/death decisions for each other or recieving life insurance benefits. One of the heros of Flight 93 was gay. His true love, albiet in a sinful relationship, recieved not a dime. Likewise, the "Defense of marriage act" paves the way to bring government into marriage, which one day could lead to outlawing "secret weddings" where the government is not present. That would outlaw Temple Marriages.

-Bob

P.S. This is a good place to reiterate that the views expressed here are the views of the writer and not those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, nor does it express the views of Howard Dean, Dean for America, or any of it's subsidaries.

As I promised -- "Who's our Enemy?"

2003-09-16T11:11:00.000-06:00

I hope this posts OK. Blogspot.com seems to be down at the moment...

In this country, we have spent billions of dollars protecting ourselves from Iraq in the name of terrorism. However, let's look at some facts:

-Most of the men who hijacked planes on September 11, 2001, were from Saudi Arabia. None were from Iraq.
-Osama bin Laden is from Saudi Arabia. He actually despises Saddam Hussien.
-One of the major contributors to al-Qaeda and Hamas is the Saudi Royal Family. Saddam funded Hamas, but not al-Qaeda.
-North Korea has the capacity to make Nuclear weapons, has said they are making them, and has rockets that can reach the US mainland. None of these is true of Iraq.

So, why Iraq?

If I had all the questions, I would be president. However, lets remember these facts next time the President asks for a 15-20 free ad on prime time TV to request $87 Billion for the "central front in the war on terrorism," Iraq.

-Bob

Do we need the reminder of what Today is?

2003-09-11T11:32:00.000-06:00

Today should be meant as day day of reflection, but also a day to progress.

Steven at Republicans for Dean said it best:

"I want my Today back. I want to lay a wreath at the memory of those who died, those who died too early, too young, and for no reason. And By God's Name, I do not want those in power to use their Death to control us who are still graced by life on this Earth, and in this Great Nation.

"I cry Today for the souls of the lost.
"I cry Today for the children without parents.
"I cry Today for the loss of Today, for it has become Their Today, and They have no guilt for using Today against our Democracy, against our Constitution, and against our community."

Personally, I'm opposed to memorializing today as a national holiday. This is for the simple reason that every other holiday that we have to memorialize people (Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Vetrans Day, etc.) has been corrupted by merchants to make a sale. However, it should be a day that people work, but take a moment to reflect, to hope, to pray. And at the beginning and end of the day, to hug thier kids, hug thier spouse, call thier mother, and tell them that you love them.

Some thoughts on the Utah meetup and the future of Mormons for Dean.

2003-09-04T12:41:00.000-06:00

Can I just say that I really enjoyed the meetup I attended at the Salt Lake Library last night? It left me excited, and is making me push just a little harder to work for Dean. Both in building and updating Mormons for Dean, but also in outreach efforts. Grassroots politics at it's best.

In fact, it was the perfect end to a miserable day. About an hour before I left the house, I found out (by mail, no less) that I had been laid off. So, I give Howard Dean and the folks at MeetUp credit for my cheerful mood today! And, I even had a dream about campaigning for Dean!

Now, some goals for Mormons for Dean (as outlined on the LDS4D homepage):

1- Get some regional "Mormons for Dean" leaders for UT county (Provo/Orem), Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, Idaho, and Southern CA. Regional Leaders would share in posting to the blog and moderating the Yahoo group, and helping co-ordinate outreach to other Mormons.
2- Flyering October General Conference. This will be expensive, especially because I just got laid off, but I think it could be done. Just think: 100,000+ in the downtown Salt Lake area in one weekend. PLus, if I can get the flyers ready, flyer the General Relief Society Meeting on Sept 27. 20,000+ more people. And, there are Open Houses for leaders of the Young Women, Primary, and Relief Societies on the Tues, Wed, and Thurs Before both weekends.
3- Work with Local groups (Generation Dean, etc) to get them information to pass out when people use the "I'm Mormon" excuse (Trust me, it will happen).

There will be more goals, including, obviously, getting that series of articles actually written, when the time comes. But Goals #1 and 2 are the most crucial right now.

-Bob

Reflecting on Labor on Labor Day

2003-09-02T07:27:00.000-06:00

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.

After spending the weekend with my family, I worked the evening of Labor Day. Since it was slow, I had an opportunity to think about the state of labor in our country, and in my own family. Then, when I got home from work, I read this column from Molly Ivins about the state of labor that reflected some of my own thoughts, and is worth a read.

So, about labor locally.

Nurses at the hospital have been pushing to unionize for years. Finally, they held a vote. That was nearly 2 years ago. Nobody knows the results of the vote.

why? Because just before the vote, the owners of her hospital filed an appeal. They claimed that "charge nurses" are supervisors and should not be eligible to vote. However, nurses do not work in a "charge" capacity every shift, so therefore are not the traditional supervisors who would be exempt from union membership. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) held the vote, sealed the ballots in envelopes, which have been sitting in the NLRB's offices since. It may be months to annother year before the NLRB even looks at the case, let alone make a decision.

This can be blamed on President Bush. The NLRB are Presidential appointees, and they can only meet when they have a full board. President Bush has let positions remain open for months before even nominating someone. This has caused a tremendous backlog. This is to prevent Unions to do what they were designed to do: secure basic rights to health care, occupational safety and retirement protection.

Howard Dean supports unions. He has stood with employees trying to unionize. He has set forth a plan for labor. Some of his proposals:

-"Card Check. Federal labor law should be amended to declare that a union is established whenever a majority of workers have signed cards stated that they wish to unionize. This would avoid protracted and divisive campaigns in which employers use intimidation and coercion to block unionization. Republicans in Congress are proposing to ban even discretionary card-check procedures. As President, I would veto such mean-spirited anti-worker legislation.

-"Ban on captive audience / mandatory anti-union meetings. Under current law, employers may schedule meetings that employees MUST attend at which employers advocate against formation of a union. Federal law should ban such practices.

-"Ban on one-on-one anti-union meetings. Current law permits employers to pull individual workers off the job to attend one-on-one anti-union propaganda sessions. Such inherently coercive one-on-one meetings should be banned as an unfair labor practice.

-"Streamlined NLRB procedures. The process by which the National Labor Relations Board certifies unions is subject to endless appeals and delays. Employers should have only one opportunity to challenge the validity of a new union, and the process must be streamlined so that workers can form a union in a timely way.

-"New civil penalties for failure to negotiate in good faith. Right now there are no serious consequences if an employer ignores a newly formed union. There should be meaningful financial penalties available to federal regulators when an employer fails to negotiate in good faith with a union. " (Source: Dean for America website, http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/PageServer?pagename=policy_statement_labor)

I urge you to sign up with the Howard Dean campaign today. What's more Christ-Like than human rights for all workers?

-Bob

P.S. -- Here is an article from the Salt Lake Tribune about an LDS labor leader, about how her Faith leads her to be pro-union.

P.S.S. -- YEs, I'm still going to do the other articles I promised. They just take the back burner when an issue is more timely.

Credit Card economics and getting out of debt.

2003-08-28T10:16:00.000-06:00

I do not want to turn this into simply a matter of posting a bunch of quotes, but The words of the Prophets are better than mine, so that's where I'll start. The quotes for non-Prophets and Apostles were quoted by President Hinkley in the October 1998 conference talk I qouted from below:

"Our own pioneer forefathers have left us a heritage of thrift, of saving, of freedom from debt." Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, June 1987, pg 3

"Do not accustom yourself to consider debt only as an inconvenience; you will find it a calamity." -Samuel Johnson

"But I am troubled by the huge...debt which hangs over the people of the nation....Everyone knows that every dollar borrowed carries with it the penalty of paying interest...." President Gordon B Hinckley, October 1998 General Conference, Priesthood session

"The debt-habit is the twin brother of poverty." -Theodore Thornton Munger

Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you" -J. Ruben Clarck, Jr., April 1938 General Conference

"Poverty is hard, but debt is horrible." -Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage" -Doctrine and Covenants 19:35

"I have discovered the philosopherâ€™s stone, that turns everything into gold: it is, 'Pay as you go.'" -John Randolph

"If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet." -Heber J Grant

"Think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty." -Benjamin Franklin

"I urge you as members of this Church to get free of debt where possible and to have a little laid aside against a rainy day." -President Gordon B Hinckley, October 2001 General Conference "The times in which we live"

"Neither a borrower nor a lender be: for loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry." -Hamlet, Act 1, scene 3, lines 75-77

And now, from yesterday's Salt Lake Tribune (In a reprint of a Washington Post article):

"The federal government will post a record $480 billion deficit next year and accumulate nearly $1.4 trillion in new debt over the next decade before climbing back into the black by about 2012, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said Tuesday.

" But if President Bush succeeds in making his tax cuts permanent, the government will run substantial budget deficits as far as the eye can see, the forecast made clear. Add the White House's $400 billion prescription drug benefit and the deficit would still total $324 billion in 2013....

"Current policies, which assume three successive tax cuts passed since 2001 will all expire by 2011, would bring the government a nearly balanced budget by 2011, and a $161 billion surplus by 2012, congressional forecasters say.

"But budget experts say more realistic scenarios are far more bleak.

"Extending the tax cuts indefinitely, as the president and congressional Republicans have vowed to do, would add nearly $1.6 trillion to the federal debt through 2013. CBO also assumes spending at Congress's discretion will rise only with the rate of inflation.

"If instead, spending rises with the growth of the economy, the debt would grow by another $1.4 trillion.

"Add the Republican prescription-drug benefit and the deficit in 2013 would stand at $754 billion, by CBO's projections."

You can read the entire article here.

SO, I know that the quotes from the Prophets and others was for personal debt. However, the federal government is us, and affects us personally. So, if things go the way they are going right now (even assuming our economy gets back on track, as the CBO did) we will be borrowing billions of dollars a year until 2012, and that's only because the tax cuts installed over the past few years will expire. President Bush wants to make the tax cuts permenant, making debt our permenant friend.

This is where you'll be asking me: "What is Howard Dean's position on debt?"

Well, I'll tell you.

"As Governor for more than 10 years, I guided the Vermont economy through two Bush recessions. Despite economic uncertainty, I was able to reduce taxes, maintain a balanced budget, expand health care and increase funding for education.

"My economic policies for America are based on four fundamentals:

"--Repeal the Bush tax cuts, and use those funds to pay for universal health care, homeland security, and investments in job creation that benefit all Americans.
"--Set the nation on the path to a balanced budget, recognizing that we cannot have social or economic justice without a sound fiscal foundation.
"--Create a fairer and simpler system of taxation.
"--Assure that Social Security and Medicare are adequately funded to meet the needs of the next generation of retirees."

So on the economy, who will you listen to, President Bush (who has run every business he was in charge of into serious problems), or the Prophets?

-Bob

P.S. -- Some upcoming topics:
-Who's our enemy? Iraq or Saudi Arabia?
-The State of the Union address -- moving beyond the 16 words.
-The Gospel, homosexuality, marriage and human rights.
-Being a good Mormon, but not a Republican.
-Howard Dean -- the extreme left of what?

P.S.S. -- please sign up for my yahoo discussion group. I will have my web site up and running soon.

2003-08-27T12:08:00.000-06:00

An introduction

Hi. My name is Bob Aagard. I live on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley, and I work for the U.S. Postal Service (I'd be more specific, but for security reasons, I won't do that right now). Most importantly, I am a Mormon who supports Howard Dean for President of the United States, and I think all Mormons should do the same.

But first, some background.

I have always believed that the two-party system in our government is a poor way to do things. Few people fit nicely into either party, so why have membership in one or the other? I always have researched candidates and voted on who would do the best job. If I could not make up my mind, I would vote for the Republican, because I have always considered myself conservative.

Then came George W Bush. In 2000, the thing that most concerned me was that he would finish what his dad started in Iraq, and use "Reganomics" (which was called "voodoo economics" by someone running against Reagan in 1980's primary elections. That candidate? George H.W. Bush) do destroy the economy.

Don't get me wrong. I supported the first gulf war. I supported (and still support) Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. I even supported the 2003 engagement in Iraq, until I discovered that the President was no more honest than his predecessor (who I did not support, FYI).

My first several posts will be about the economy, war, and lies, and comparing George W Bush to Howard Dean. I will also use as a backdrop the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including both scripture and the words of the Prophets.

I hope to use this to reach out and touch someone, and help get Howard Dean elected in 2004.

Some upcoming topics (a feature I will use when topics/thoughts outweigh the time I have to post):

-Credit Card Economics and getting out of debt.
-Who's our enemy? Iraq or Saudi Arabia?
-The State of the Union address -- moving beyond the 16 words.
-The Gospel, homosexuality, and human rights.
-Being a good Mormon, but not a Republican.

-Bob