Jon Pelto on Cuts to SEEC and Malloy's Education Reforms

Fformer 5-term Connecticut State Representative Jonathan Pelto discusses two important issues coming out of Hartford this year.  First, cutbacks in funding for the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) threaten the landmark Citizens Election Program which was enacted in 2005 and strengthened in 2010 to provide public financing for state elections. Now both parties in the state legislature and Democrats in particular seem intent on tearing apart this program which was seen as a model for the nation.

Second, Jonathan discusses the sweeping education reforms being proposed by Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy. These reforms will effect state funding of public education as well as how teachers are evaluated and rewarded for their performance in the classroom.

"Reckless Endangerment"

Ann Galloway discusses Gretchen Morgenson and Joshua Rosner's new book, "Reckless Endangerment," about the ambition, greed and corruption that led to the financial meltdown in 2008. Ann lays out the tangled web of characters, conflicted interests and systemic failures that resulted in the biggest global economic downturn since the Great Depression. And one wonders why, with so much obvious fraud and corruption, almost no one has been prosecuted or sent to jail.

Medical Marijuana Bill Makes Its Way Through CT Legislature

Erik Williams, Executive Director of CT NORML (National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws) visits Stream of Conscience to give the background on the medical marijuana bill that was recently introduced in the Connecticut legislature.

Jim Himes on the Rule of Law

Were you upset that President Obama signed the National Defense Autorization Act (NDAA) which mandated military tribunals and allows indefinite detention without trial for presumed terrorists?  So were we.

Were you disappointed that Jim Himes voted for this bill, when Chris Murphy and Rosa DeLauro voted against it?  So were we.

We asked Jim to make a special appearance on Stream of Conscience to talk about a whole range of "rule of law" issues arising from 9-11, including the Patriot Act, Guantanamo, targeted assassination of American citizens abroad, and Presidential powers claimed by both Bush and Obama.

 

DFA Campaign Academy Coming to CT!

Democracy for America is teaming up with the Shoreline League of Democratic Women to co-host a two-day DFA Campaign Academy on Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, at Wesleyan University.  The cost is only $70 for two full days of training (lunch included) staffed by trainers from Democracy for America's national office in Burlington.

This two-day professional training program covers the science of running and supporting a winning campaign.  Learn the ropes and sharpen your skills!  Learn about building a strong field plan, effective campaign communication, successful financial strategies, grassroots organizing via the Internet and other important campaign topics.

If you're a current office holder, candidate, campaign manager, fundraiser, or volunteer, this training will help you.  You'll also meet fabulous people from all over the state.  If you only have time for one event this spring, THIS IS IT!

SIGN UP TODAY

Where We Stand

America has never been more divided in our lifetimes, and 2012 is shaping up to be another critical year.  Our group, which came together initially to support Howard Dean, then formed the core of Ned Lamont's support in 2006 and worked hard for national, state, and local candidates in more recent elections, has never defined itself beyond being "socially progressive, fiscally conservative."

But what does that mean?  How, as a group, should we evaluate office holders and candidates who want our support?  What do we stand for?

The conversation is still on-going, but the direction is clear.  We want an end to foreign wars, a return to the rule of law, a fairer financial and tax system, universal health care, a political system based on people not money, a clean environment, and a focus on rebuilding America.

The list below is a start.  We invite your comments.