I can't pass up a chance to comment on an Associated Press story I just read.
A New York elementary school got a name change mid-school year, mid week. Ludlum Elementary School is now Barack Obama Elementary School.
The local school board voted to rename the school Thursday and the change was to take place immediately.
I can only imagine being like seven. Your bus drops you off at Ludlum Thursday. But on Friday, you step off the bus to find that the name has been changed.
I wonder what Ludlum's mascot is. Maybe the school board should have waited until the Obamas decide on their new pet before changing the school's name?
It could have also waited to change names until Obama was officially sworn in as president.
The school name change clearly illustrates the hype surrounding Obama. Many, including our own state's leaders, have high hopes for the incoming president. They believe that Obama will change the direction of a frustrated country. That's a lot of pressure on one man.
And as for the change that has been promised and is expected? As Obama appoints more and more seasoned Washington insiders, I am growing increasing skeptical. A revised Clinton administration doesn't exactly scream reform.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Lieberman's future takes shape
The news is out. U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., lost a chairmanship for supporting the Republican presidential candidate -- just not the chairmanship people expected him to lose.
Lieberman will no longer lead a subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency. He, however, will continue to chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
It looks like Lieberman lucked out.
Were Democrats right in telling him he can't lead the subcommittee? Should he have lost the more prestigious chairmanship instead? Did Democrats play it smart?
I guess the answers to these questions depend on who you ask.
Lieberman will no longer lead a subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency. He, however, will continue to chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
It looks like Lieberman lucked out.
Were Democrats right in telling him he can't lead the subcommittee? Should he have lost the more prestigious chairmanship instead? Did Democrats play it smart?
I guess the answers to these questions depend on who you ask.
Friday, November 14, 2008
State looks to lend a hand
The state is putting money into Connecticut's Insurance and Financial Services Center for Education Excellence to help companies affected by the economic downturn. The center will help the companies assess the capacity of their work force. It will also provide training to help companies meet new business requirements.
The center was established in 2006.
Don't worry -- Connecticut is not dipping into the state budget to make this work. It is using $250,000 from a federal grant.
"The upheaval on Wall Street has taken a difficult toll on some of our largest employers including banks and insurance companies – and far too many workers and their families have felt the pain," said Gov. Rell in a prepared statement that just arrived in my inbox. "Connecticut is especially susceptible to the ups and downs of the market because so many of our residents work on Wall Street or work for companies with important Wall Street connections."
The additional services are a nice gesture, but will it make a difference?
Additional note: If you are looking for more information on the center or on how companies can participate, call (203) 610-8528.
The center was established in 2006.
Don't worry -- Connecticut is not dipping into the state budget to make this work. It is using $250,000 from a federal grant.
"The upheaval on Wall Street has taken a difficult toll on some of our largest employers including banks and insurance companies – and far too many workers and their families have felt the pain," said Gov. Rell in a prepared statement that just arrived in my inbox. "Connecticut is especially susceptible to the ups and downs of the market because so many of our residents work on Wall Street or work for companies with important Wall Street connections."
The additional services are a nice gesture, but will it make a difference?
Additional note: If you are looking for more information on the center or on how companies can participate, call (203) 610-8528.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Newspapers at risk
I am a firm believer that most things are political in the end. That and this is my little spot in cyber space. Within reason, I get to write what I want.
Right now, I want to write about the state of the newspaper industry. And no, I don't intend for this to be a boring lecture-like blog.
Newspapers aren't doing too well lately. It's tough economic times for all, but newspapers seem to be taking a hit -- and have been taking that hit for a while now.
I've grown concerned about the industry, particularly over the past week.
The Day of New London announced they were laying off another 11 employees last week. I believe nine of them were from the newsroom.
Then came the announcement by the Journal Register Company that it will be closing several of its papers, including the New Britain Herald.
The company followed up that announcement with more talk of layoffs today. The New Haven Register is planning to eliminate about 20 jobs.
Thankfully, the Record-Journal's publisher says Meriden's hometown paper is doing O.K., but that doesn't change what is happening to newspapers nationwide.
It is depressing to see an industry -- one that has served the American people for so long -- start to fade.
One of my favorite quotes is the following: "Journalism is the first rough draft of history."
I desperately want to believe that is still true.
I'm not a math whiz, and I certainly do not claim to know all about the newspaper industry, but I do recognize that the industry will not survive when publications close and when so many jobs are cut. Soon, eager young journalists will follow another career path, and America will lose out on creating that first rough draft of history.
That is my initial reaction to the recent announcements. Beyond that, I welcome all thoughts. We need to work together to get this industry back on its feet.
Right now, I want to write about the state of the newspaper industry. And no, I don't intend for this to be a boring lecture-like blog.
Newspapers aren't doing too well lately. It's tough economic times for all, but newspapers seem to be taking a hit -- and have been taking that hit for a while now.
I've grown concerned about the industry, particularly over the past week.
The Day of New London announced they were laying off another 11 employees last week. I believe nine of them were from the newsroom.
Then came the announcement by the Journal Register Company that it will be closing several of its papers, including the New Britain Herald.
The company followed up that announcement with more talk of layoffs today. The New Haven Register is planning to eliminate about 20 jobs.
Thankfully, the Record-Journal's publisher says Meriden's hometown paper is doing O.K., but that doesn't change what is happening to newspapers nationwide.
It is depressing to see an industry -- one that has served the American people for so long -- start to fade.
One of my favorite quotes is the following: "Journalism is the first rough draft of history."
I desperately want to believe that is still true.
I'm not a math whiz, and I certainly do not claim to know all about the newspaper industry, but I do recognize that the industry will not survive when publications close and when so many jobs are cut. Soon, eager young journalists will follow another career path, and America will lose out on creating that first rough draft of history.
That is my initial reaction to the recent announcements. Beyond that, I welcome all thoughts. We need to work together to get this industry back on its feet.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Victory in the fight for a right
When the state legislature voted in favor of civil unions in the spring of 2005, I was there -- as an intern. I was interning at the Capitol with the Journal Inquirer, and at that time, I really had no idea just how historic one of my assignments would be.
As lawmakers in the Senate debated legalizing civil unions, I remember sitting in the chamber frantically scribbling down notes. I distinctly remember the lawmakers going back and forth about the definition of marriage, and I remember Sen. Andrew McDonald rising to tell his colleagues that the civil union legislation did not threaten the religious institution of marriage.
But despite the passage of the bill, several lawmakers were still fearful. They were wondering what was next.
Sen. John Kissel is a good example. Like many Republicans, including Governor Rell, he said he believed marriage should be limited to one man and one woman. He also said the effort over the years to legalize same-sex marriage showed that civil unions were just one more step toward that goal.
The latter part of his statement proved to be true. Thanks to the state Supreme Court, same-sex couples in Connecticut can get marriage licenses beginning today.
It's a ruling that has received national attention, and the hype could validate another one of Kissel's predictions. If same-sex marriage is legalized in Connecticut, advocates will use the state as a springboard to launch a national issue, Kissel said in 2005.
Personally, I'm anxious to see how the nation will react. The issue of same-sex marriage has been hotly debated and many are passionate about the matter. Change takes time, and I'm guessing that it will be a little while before other states follow Connecticut's lead.
Do note that Connecticut and Massachusetts are the only states that allow same-sex marriage.
In the end, I guess the questions we ask today are the same questions that have been discussed for years. Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry, and why should they have to fight for a right that many take for granted?
As lawmakers in the Senate debated legalizing civil unions, I remember sitting in the chamber frantically scribbling down notes. I distinctly remember the lawmakers going back and forth about the definition of marriage, and I remember Sen. Andrew McDonald rising to tell his colleagues that the civil union legislation did not threaten the religious institution of marriage.
But despite the passage of the bill, several lawmakers were still fearful. They were wondering what was next.
Sen. John Kissel is a good example. Like many Republicans, including Governor Rell, he said he believed marriage should be limited to one man and one woman. He also said the effort over the years to legalize same-sex marriage showed that civil unions were just one more step toward that goal.
The latter part of his statement proved to be true. Thanks to the state Supreme Court, same-sex couples in Connecticut can get marriage licenses beginning today.
It's a ruling that has received national attention, and the hype could validate another one of Kissel's predictions. If same-sex marriage is legalized in Connecticut, advocates will use the state as a springboard to launch a national issue, Kissel said in 2005.
Personally, I'm anxious to see how the nation will react. The issue of same-sex marriage has been hotly debated and many are passionate about the matter. Change takes time, and I'm guessing that it will be a little while before other states follow Connecticut's lead.
Do note that Connecticut and Massachusetts are the only states that allow same-sex marriage.
In the end, I guess the questions we ask today are the same questions that have been discussed for years. Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry, and why should they have to fight for a right that many take for granted?
Friday, November 7, 2008
Lieberman faces top Democrats
Politics can be a tough arena. Just ask Joe Lieberman.
Joe was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988, and in recent years, he hasn't had it easy.
Right now, his chairmanship is in jeopardy. He is chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Why?
He is an Independent who alligns with Democrats, but he backed Republican John McCain for president. And he just didn't quietly support McCain; he was loud about it. Loud enough to raise serious concerns among Democratic leaders.
As I said, things can get rough in politics.
But here's the thing. Joe was elected as an Independent. Is he at fault because he has his " political freedom," but still chooses to allign with Senate Democrats, or are Democrats at fault for keeping Joe in the inner circle?
And for those who seek cooperative lawmakers who want to work together, I guess there is another question. Why can't everyone just get along?
The situation Joe finds himself in shows us two things: partisan politics at its best and beytral. Afterall, maybe holding on to Joe was the Democrats way of giving him a second chance after he lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont in 2006. In their eyes, maybe Joe failed to take advantage of the political lifesaver that was thrown his way.
Joe was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988, and in recent years, he hasn't had it easy.
Right now, his chairmanship is in jeopardy. He is chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Why?
He is an Independent who alligns with Democrats, but he backed Republican John McCain for president. And he just didn't quietly support McCain; he was loud about it. Loud enough to raise serious concerns among Democratic leaders.
As I said, things can get rough in politics.
But here's the thing. Joe was elected as an Independent. Is he at fault because he has his " political freedom," but still chooses to allign with Senate Democrats, or are Democrats at fault for keeping Joe in the inner circle?
And for those who seek cooperative lawmakers who want to work together, I guess there is another question. Why can't everyone just get along?
The situation Joe finds himself in shows us two things: partisan politics at its best and beytral. Afterall, maybe holding on to Joe was the Democrats way of giving him a second chance after he lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont in 2006. In their eyes, maybe Joe failed to take advantage of the political lifesaver that was thrown his way.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
2009 legislature takes shape
There was a Senate Democratic caucus today and the group decided it intends to reelect Donald E. Williams Jr, D-Brooklyn, as president pro tempore and Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, as majority leader.
Williams was first elected as the Senate's president pro tempore in July 2004. Looney has been majority leader for six years.
There are now 24 Democrats in the Senate and 12 Republicans. All senators will officially vote on leaders on the first day of the legislative session, which is scheduled for Jan. 6.
The House Democratic caucus is expected to meet tonight to decide its leaders. Current House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, will likely be the choice for speaker of the House, while Denise Merrill, D-Mansfield, is said to be getting the nod for the position of majority leader.
It is important to note that Democrats have a veto-proof majority in both chambers after Tuesday's elections. The House has 114 Democratic members, while the Senate has 24.
Williams was first elected as the Senate's president pro tempore in July 2004. Looney has been majority leader for six years.
There are now 24 Democrats in the Senate and 12 Republicans. All senators will officially vote on leaders on the first day of the legislative session, which is scheduled for Jan. 6.
The House Democratic caucus is expected to meet tonight to decide its leaders. Current House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, will likely be the choice for speaker of the House, while Denise Merrill, D-Mansfield, is said to be getting the nod for the position of majority leader.
It is important to note that Democrats have a veto-proof majority in both chambers after Tuesday's elections. The House has 114 Democratic members, while the Senate has 24.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sharing Election Day thoughts
It was much anticipated, but now Election Day is over.
I waited for numbers in Waterbury with U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy and his supporters yesterday. Murphy won another two years by beating his chief opponent, David Cappiello, by a pretty good margin (57 percent to 41 percent).
Cappiello lost in Danbury, his own hometown. You should have heard the cheers from Murphy's fans. I think taking Danbury made their night.
But it was not Murphy who stole headlines Tuesday. There was an Obama victory and a Shays defeat to talk about.
While Connecticut's Chris Shays' loss is certainly notable because he was the last New England Republican in the U.S. House, I am choosing to write about Obama today. Afterall, his victory is notable too. He will be the country's first black president.
Being that I have a degree in sociology, this intrigues me. It should be interesting to see how the country responds as time goes on. I want to believe the United States has coming along way since the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, but sometimes I'm not so sure.
But there is one thing I do know. Obama will be talked about for years to come -- and not just for being president. College professors and other intellectuals are going to have a field day analyzing him, and most of those discussions will -- right or wrong -- happen because of the color of his skin.
I'm willing to bet these discussions would not happen if he were white. Oh well, I guess it is good that we can at least talk about race relations now. Call it progress.
I waited for numbers in Waterbury with U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy and his supporters yesterday. Murphy won another two years by beating his chief opponent, David Cappiello, by a pretty good margin (57 percent to 41 percent).
Cappiello lost in Danbury, his own hometown. You should have heard the cheers from Murphy's fans. I think taking Danbury made their night.
But it was not Murphy who stole headlines Tuesday. There was an Obama victory and a Shays defeat to talk about.
While Connecticut's Chris Shays' loss is certainly notable because he was the last New England Republican in the U.S. House, I am choosing to write about Obama today. Afterall, his victory is notable too. He will be the country's first black president.
Being that I have a degree in sociology, this intrigues me. It should be interesting to see how the country responds as time goes on. I want to believe the United States has coming along way since the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, but sometimes I'm not so sure.
But there is one thing I do know. Obama will be talked about for years to come -- and not just for being president. College professors and other intellectuals are going to have a field day analyzing him, and most of those discussions will -- right or wrong -- happen because of the color of his skin.
I'm willing to bet these discussions would not happen if he were white. Oh well, I guess it is good that we can at least talk about race relations now. Call it progress.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pay attention to all political races
The secretary of the state's office is reporting a record number of registered voters in Connecticut. Susan Bysiewicz says the state has more than 2.09 million voters.
Furthermore, she is saying that since Jan. 1, more than 134,000 people have registered to vote.
It is nice to see that people are choosing to register to vote, but it remains to be seen whether they will actually go to the polls tomorrow.
I know there is a lot of hype surrounding this year's presidential race, but will Connecticut residents flock to the polls, or will they just be names on voter registration lists?
Also, are voters only paying attention to the presidential race, or are they also taking note of the state House and Senate races?
It is refreshing to see people registering to vote, but I hope that people care about more than just who will be the next president. State and local elections are important too. Local, state and federal governments work together and that symbiotic relationship should not be ignored.
Furthermore, she is saying that since Jan. 1, more than 134,000 people have registered to vote.
It is nice to see that people are choosing to register to vote, but it remains to be seen whether they will actually go to the polls tomorrow.
I know there is a lot of hype surrounding this year's presidential race, but will Connecticut residents flock to the polls, or will they just be names on voter registration lists?
Also, are voters only paying attention to the presidential race, or are they also taking note of the state House and Senate races?
It is refreshing to see people registering to vote, but I hope that people care about more than just who will be the next president. State and local elections are important too. Local, state and federal governments work together and that symbiotic relationship should not be ignored.
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