Monday, December 05, 2005

DNC condemns divestment

In a good move and in showing that Democrats still support Israel, at the party's winter meeting, the Democratic National Committee has unanimously condemned " any efforts to boycott or divest from companies doing business in Israel" according to a NJDC press release.
Receiving only broad support and sponsored by four DNC vice-chairs, the resolution's preamble notes in part that Israel "remains a close strategic ally of the United States of America," and that "the democratically-elected government of Israel is to be applauded for the recent bold and successful withdrawal from Gaza where Israel made painful sacrifices by relocating more than 9,000 citizens, and abandoning schools, businesses, farms and places of worship in the hopes of peace."

The resolution concludes by declaring the Democratic Party's opposition to divestment from companies doing business in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and commending those of all faiths who work towards peace. The resolution was co-sponsored by 29 DNC members from across the country, representing a diverse range of states including Alaska, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico.

"This resolution demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Democratic Party to Israel's physical and economic security," said National Jewish Democratic Council Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "This action by the Democratic Party makes clear exactly where the Party stands: against those who would hurt Israel through boycotts or divestment.

"The width and breadth of support from within the Democratic Party for this resolution is a signal of just how strongly the Party feels about this issue. We are particularly gratified by the continuing strong support from Chairman Dean, as well as the key leadership role taken by Vice-Chair Susan Turnbull in advancing this resolution," Forman added.
Please join me in thanking those members of the DNC especially Vice-Chair Susan Turnbull.

Baseball America takes a look at the top ten prospects for the St. Louis Cardinals. Some of those players could be playing for St. Louis as early as next season. However, my dark horse is Rick Ankiel, the pitcher-turned-outfielder.
1. Anthony Reyes, rhp
2. Colby Rasmus, of
3. Tyler Greene, ss
4. Chris Lambert, rhp
5. Mark McCormick, rhp
6. Adam Wainwright, rhp
7. Travis Hanson, 3b
8. Cody Haerther, of
9. Nick Webber, rhp
10. Stuart Pomeranz, rhp
Also, with regards to the World Classic, Albert Pujols will play and Chris Carpenter won't.

David Gilmour, of Pink Floyd fame, will release a solo album. This is his first in 22 years! The album called On An Island will feature CSN'S David Crosby and Graham Nash on the title track. Richard Wright also makes a guest appearance.

Ryan Alessi has an article on Democrats and candidates.
State Rep. Mike Weaver announced he's leaving his Elizabethtown-based House seat to try to upset Rep. Ron Lewis of Cecelia, who for 11 years has represented the 19-county district that includes Bowling Green and Owensboro.

Weaver faces a tough fight.

In a 30-month span during the 1990s, conservative voters easily propelled Lewis past three of the Democrat's most formidable candidates -- former Senate President Pro Tem Joe Prather, former Owensboro Mayor David Adkisson and former state Sen. Joe Wright.

Regardless of what happens in the congressional race, it's Weaver's decision to challenge Lewis that's been illustrative of the Democrats' problem. His move might have cost the party a state House seat as well as a chance to pick up a crucial spot in the Kentucky Senate.

Consider this: Weaver, a former Army colonel, is among the legislature's most active and conservative Democrats, and thus he was a snug fit for his Hardin County district.

Despite that, each of the last two Republican challengers for his seat posted about 47 percent of the vote, giving the GOP hope of winning it next fall.

Meanwhile, Republicans are wiping their brows in relief now that Weaver won't challenge Republican state Sen. Elizabeth Tori of Radcliff.

Vincent Fields, a Republican campaign consultant, said Weaver was probably the Democrat in that district who had the best shot at unseating Tori.
Watch out Ron Lewis.

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