Mormon Democrats

Religious Right = Achilles’ Heel of the GOP

demlawyer — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:01:03 +0000

Pat Roberston is a perfect example of all that is wrong with the Religious Right and why I believe the unholy alliance between the fiscal conservatives and the religious right will eventually become too strained to maintain (think McCain/Palin and going rogue).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/13/pat-robertson-haiti-curse_n_422099.html

Obama’s quagmire?

Dale Dunkin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:18:18 +0000

The war in Afghanistan is a 9 year war at this point. The war was begun on solid reasons and was executed in a manner that quickly obtained our intended result, expelling the Taliban government and destroying Al-Queada’s ability to function. We then ignored, neglected and squandered our chance at rebuilding a country that has been in a constant state of war and rebellion for 30 years.

The result is a strong Al-Queada, destabilized nuclear Pakistan and increasing death toll of American soldiers. President Obama has been in office less than 12 months but already the Afghan war is “Obama’s War.” I don’t fully support this notion but I do acknowledge that Obama is at a cross roads. Regardless of the immoral dereliction of duty that got us into this situation in the first place President Obama now has the task of fixing it. (None of the dereliction is or was the result of anything our armed forces and those serving did or did not do.)

My question now is how much do we put on Obama? He is the leader who now has to decide to escalate, maintain or stop our engagement in Afghanistan. I use the word escalate because I am not going to play word games by calling it a “surge” in an attempt to avoid any Vietnam comparison, like our last administration so successfully did.

If President Obama decides to escalate the war by increasing troops the only way this can be done is to move troops out of Iraq. I am in favor of us getting out of Iraq because Iraq country is going to fall apart, all we can do is delay the inevitable. The other way to add troops into Afghanistan is to institute a draft. I do not think the public will stand for that? Maybe I am wrong?

From what I have read and learned, simply maintaining the current 45,000 or so troop level only continues the level of neglect and improper allocation of military resources that brought us to the current situation. Ignoring things at this point is not an option because Al-Queada has regained the strength and capabilities it once had.

Stopping the war in Afghanistan is a possibility. The results would be devastating to the people of Afghanistan. Doing so is not something we have not done in the past. We did the same thing after we helped Osama Bin Laden kick out the Soviet Union and when we refused to offer air support to the Kurds and Shiites at the end of the first Iraq war.

My emotional / moral side wants us to do the right thing, my pragmatic side simply wants us to do what is best for our country. Considering I don’t think we are out of the woods with our economic troubles I flinch at the idea of dumping billions, borrowed from China, into a war my grandkids will have to deal with. What do you feel and think?

HEALTHCARE OPTIONS WE NEED

Dale Dunkin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:39:07 +0000

Even though accusing a black man and a Jew of promoting Nazi policies is illogical let alone understandable it has kept the media from explaining the multiple but complicated solutions to our healthcare problems. Considering Republicans think government is unable to do anything right I am amazed they believe the government has the man power let alone ability to set up panels to discuss or push death on old people. To help cut through the clutter here is a list of some healthcare options we need now.

1. Allow “ANYONE” to buy into Medicare just like they would any other insurance option.
This creates a government option that is in place operating and ready to go. No learning curve is needed for doctors or the public. The administrative costs of Medicare are lower than private healthcare so that alone will save millions if not billions in total healthcare dollars spent.
2. Allow Americans to cross state lines to find the best policy.
Increased competition is the heart of a free market so why not let it loose. Insurance companies would be able to cut redundant over head costs. The number of state processing centers and state policy specialists could be trimmed due to national standards, condensing 50 different systems into one.
3. Make it illegal for insurance companies to exclude or disqualify Americans due to “pre-existing conditions.”
This makes insurance companies more focused on maintaining the health of their customers rather than weeding out those who actually need the product they provide. This also assures americans that they will not be denied coverage even after paying premiums.
4. Repeal the law that stopped Medicare from using its sizable buying power to negotiate lower drug prices.
This restriction was passed during the Republican control of congress and demonstrates how Republicans work to undermine the success of government even when they would scream at any hint of doing such in the free market.

Other solutions exist but these are key to creating a system that puts us on par with the rest of the modern world. Let me know your ideas, and more important make sure your elected officials know!!!!

Dale Dunkin

AFGHANISTAN, SHOULD WE STILL BE THERE?

Dale Dunkin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:38:12 +0000

Unlike some military ventures the United States of America has chosen to engage in, the U.S. had clear reason and solid moral ground to invade and occupy the country of Afghanistan. The invasion has now lasted almost 8 years and appears to have no end in sight. Our original objectives have only partially been reached, for a military operation our current objectives are unclear. What path should we as Americans take in Afghanistan? Should we stay, and why?
The Afghan government sheltered if not actively supported the known terrorist organization of Al-Qaeda, which planned and executed the attacks on 9/1 killing just over 2900 people. Very quickly after the attack of September 11th CIA operatives and assets were on the ground building strategic connections with regional warlords and chiefs, often referred to as the Northern Alliance, as well as tracking and militarily engaging Al-Qaeda. The initial objective was to create tactical assets within the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban Government and organization of Al-Qaeda. The other objective was to find capture and or eliminate Osama Bin Laden and other key leaders of Al-Qaeda. The CIA was soon followed by the full capability of the US military. The military employed the strategy of tactical insertion of special forces for short term highly focused attacks on Al-Qaeda. The highly trained special forces after a short time were withdrawn back to the states to prep for starting a war in Iraq. The special forces were replaced by National Guard units. Almost 8 years after the first military operations started in Afghanistan we still have not caught Osama Bin laden and Al-Qaeda is now expanded its influence into the northern tribal areas of Pakistan and controls if not disrupts all but the central capital of Kabul. The ability of Al-Qaeda to directly reach beyond Afghanistan is unclear.
The question I have is what is our goal in Afghanistan? Do we think we can build “democracy” in a country that has been in an almost constant state of war for 30 plus years? Is it our job to establish democracy / nation build around the world? Al-Qaeda is a real threat and if we do nothing they will attack us again if they are not already able to do so now. How long do our kids or grandkids have to be there until the “objective” is achieved?
Rarely do I lack an opinion, but I don’t think we as a nation are not ready nor can we afford the political, social and economic costs required to get the job done in a quick manner.
Tell me what you think. What is your way out of Afghanistan? Help me get off the fence because I hate being so undecided.

Dale Dunkin

Twitter

mormondemocrats — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:32:50 +0000

Obviously we’ve been having a hard time keeping the posts up lately. Maybe Twitter can keep us more active. Follow us on Twitter @mormondemocrats

Who should be the first Mormon “Supreme?”

brainscientist2008 — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:42:43 +0000

Suppose that President Obama decided that it was time to nominate a member of a religious minority to the Supreme Court that had never been represented before and decides it is time to appoint a Latter-day Saint. He asks you for potential nominees. Who would you recommend? Clearly, there a many talented church members in the legal profession. It would not be an easy task, but I would like to suggest one likely candidate.

The individual I would choose is R. Collin Mangrum. My reasons are many fold. The first is that he is one of the best trained legal scholars in the world. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard University in 1972; his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Utah, School of Law in 1974, where he was Associate Editor of the Law Review; his Bachelor of Civil Laws from Oxford University in 1978; and his Doctor of Judicial Science degree from Harvard University in 1983. He is currently the A. A. & Ethel Yossem Endowed Chair in Legal Ethics at Creighton University School of Law. Collin is considered to be a constitutional scholar of considerable renown in the areas of evidentiary law and church and state issues.

The second reason is the clarity of his reasoning and thoughts. I remember when I was a young graduate student, Dr. Mangrum was asked to speak in a forum jointly sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the local LDS Institute of Religion. The topic was on comparing and contrasting classical liberalism and Mormon Philosophy. What impressed me the most, besides refuting many of the so-called conservative political philosophers who haven’t bothered to do their basic homework, is how he logically set up the “dots” of his arguments then carefully connected those “dots.”

The third thing is that I had considerable contact with him with my ward in Lincoln, and was very impressed by his genuine humanity and compassion; qualities that are highly desirable in every member of the “Supremes.”

I would like to hear from our readers who they would nominate for the first Mormon Supreme Court Justice and why.

A nation shows its gratitude

brainscientist2008 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:50:42 +0000

I was pleased to see in the Washington Post earlier this week that the administration has reversed the no press policy at the Dover Air Force Base arrival ceremonies and replaced it with a family discretion policy. This hits home a little harder to me than most Americans. As the father of a daughter who was deployed to Iraq’s Al Anbar Province during its most dangerous period, I can certainly empathize with the families of the deceased warriors. In my daughter’s case, she was “volun-told” to double as a blackhawk helicopter crew chief (door gunner). She participated in several “Angel Flights”; both planned and when, as the closest helicopter a badly wounded service member, they simply could not make it in time. I now have an American flag that they would hang in the window as they brought of their fallen Angels home.

My only suggestion would be that each fallen angel should be met at the tarmac, with the family’s permission, by at least one elected representative of the people to present the family with the fallen warrior’s Purple Heart. That duty should be the responsibility of the President, Vice President, the fallen warrior’s Senator, Congressperson, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor. This new tradition would serve several purposes including showing the families that the American people are truly grateful for their sacrifice and giving our elected officials a better appreciation for the true costs of war.

As always my friends, your feedback and comments are always appreciated.

Conference Round-up

demlawyer — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:47:37 +0000

Here’s your chance to share your impressions from this weekend’s General Conference. Were there particular talks you found inspiring? Themes that you appreciated? Questions that came up? They don’t have to have a political angle, just share your thoughts.

I was particularly impressed, although not surprised, by the number of talks that addressed the struggling economy. There is so much finger-pointing going on in the media right now that it gets a bit exhausting. I sometimes wonder if some of the more radical pundits out there want the economy to continue to dive just so they can blame Obama. But what impressed me about Conference was the refreshing focus on how we as individuals, families and wards can help ourselves and those around us to improve our financial health. I was inspired to revisit my own family budget and do more to help those who may be in need but too afraid or embarrassed to ask.

Friday Forum: John Shupe’s dream

brainscientist2008 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:44:54 +0000

It must have been bitterly cold, during the winter of 1776 when Private John Shupe stood guard for General George Washington’s revolutionary army. Like many of his colleagues, my ancestor was likely ill-prepared for the blizzards of that year. He did not have adequate food clothing or shelter. I am utterly amazed of the sacrifices made that winter in the wilds of Pennsylvania. Not much is known about Private Shupe; just the basics like birth date, his rank and his unit. But much is known about the issues that motivated him to join the revolution. His was a fight against tyranny. He fought so no innocent man, woman or child should have good reason to fear the government of the United States of America. His dream was to form an nation based on freedom and liberty for all, including those who are not like us.
For most Americans the concepts of freedom and liberty are vague ideas that are brought out for the Fourth of July in between the picnics and parties. But there are a few of that have stared at the ugly face of tyranny and stood helplessly by as witness to man’s worst nature. As a 19-year-old missionary I was called to the Chilean Mission arriving two weeks before Salvador Allende was overthrown by Angusto Pinochet on September 11, 1973. At one point I was picked up at gunpoint for questioning and accused of “clandestine activities.” I was the accused terrorist. I have stood before the man who was my judge, jury and executioner with the full knowledge that I had no Constitution – no consistently applied rule of law to protect me. I was at the mercy of one man who only had his sense of professionalism left over from a career of public service restraining him from becoming the instrument of tyranny.
I have heard the cries of the orphans and widows. I have heard the tales of torture and indiscriminate execution. I have seen the faces of the women who lined up outside the “Intendencias” [local police stations] every morning waiting for news of their husbands and sons who had been picked up by the police or military. I have heard the stories of the covered trucks that quietly make deliveries to the cemeteries after midnight, of the helicopters that fly out to the Pacific with bound prisoners and return without them; prisoners that would never be seen again. I have been woken by the sounds of gunfire in the wee hours of the morn. I have seen trials of blood down the city streets. I understand the fear of the knock on the door in the middle of the night.
I have often wondered what men like John Shupe would think if they could see what they hath wrought. I would imagine that they would be filled with pride and gratitude for much of what the United States has accomplished, for clearly we have overcome our darker nature most of the time throughout our history. Though most of our history innocent men, women, and children have not needed to fear being held without evidence, having our personal correspondence monitored by the “king,” tortured for information or watched over by heavily armed soldiers or police.
But there have been times in recent years when my personal nightmare has returned. I cringe at reports of my government holding civilians at Gitmo without the most basic of due process. A flood of memories comes back when I hear reports of torture and/or activities like unto it. I am very proud of my son who turned down a badly needed computer programming position with the NSA because he had read the Constitution.
My fellow Democrats, we are the party in charge now. What can and should we do to restore John Shupe’s dream?

My attempt to influence.

Dale Dunkin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:51:54 +0000

The last few weeks as I listen to the talking heads go back and forth discussing the Obama budget I felt a need to do something. Tonight I finally found an outlet. Below is a letter to one of my elected officials. Share with us the letter you sent or want to send or simply comment on my letter.

Dear Mrs. Cantwell,

You have shown leadership over your term of service and I appreciate the value you provide the state of Washington.

This email is to urge you to support President Obama’s budget. A budget is very complicated and such a blanket statement lacks proper scope. I specifically want you to show your leadership in the following key areas.
1. Building the future growth: The world is passing the U.S. in key industries that will shape the future. Countries that control energy resources yield influence. The U.S. has and is spending too much chasing “old” resources, i.e. oil. We need to retake the lead in wind, solar, and electric technologies. This is what will build the future economy. We currently give billions to the most profitable industry in the history of man kind, the oil industry. We must say no to the powerful oil lobby and start putting that money into the industries of the future. Ending our dependency on oil is not only economically smart but in our national security interest.
2. Building Human resources: We have reached a point where the cost of education is so high only the rich or those able to take on massive debt can think of higher education. Without an education system accessible to all who want to learn we will fail as a nation. The great minds of tomorrow don’t only come from rich families!
3. Health Care: We are the only industrialized nation in which citizens will go bankrupt because they get sick. In fact the number one cause of bankruptcy is healthcare bills, divorce is a distant second. Not only is the current health care system going to bankrupt the country but it fails to cover an ever growing percentage of our population. Many claim we have the best health care in the world, yet the U.S. is not in the top five in infant mortality, life expectancy, and many other key indicators that show the effectiveness of a nation’s healthcare. Maybe if our federally elected officials had the same health care options the rest of the country has they would be motivated to find a solution to why we pay more than any other nation, cover fewer of our population than any industrialized nation and fail to lead the world in any health indicator.

As you work on the hard budget decisions ahead please focus on assisting growing industries, accessible education and healthcare for all. I will be watching.

Sincerely,
Dale Dunkin