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Progressive Values Stories: Loni Hancock on Empathy and Caring
Linked to groups: Courage Campaign
This is part of a continuing series of interviews of progressives telling stories about their progressive values. I am working on a documentary to answer the question, What are Progressive Values? So far, I have interviewed over 100 progressives and have placed over 350 video clips on YouTube with the various replies. See ProgressiveSpirit.com
This interview is with Loni Hancock, California Assembly member representing the 14th Assembly District: Serving Berkeley, Richmond, Albany, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Kensington, Emeryville and Oakland. Loni says that empathy and caring are the most important progressive values to her. She tells a childhood story about empathy and her visit to the zoo.
Progressive Values Stories: Loni Hancock on Empathy and Caring
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Loni: Well, I think progressive values are all about forming a society in which every human being and every child can live a fully realized life, regardless of the circumstances of their parents.You know, I grew up in a family that talked about those values a very great deal, and also, a family where empathy was talked about. I think that empathy, the ability to understand how other people feel, particularly, the disrespected or physically hurt, or hungry, is the way we develop.
Edwin: Can you think of any incidents, something that happened where you learned that lesson about empathy?
The only thing that comes to mind is crying the first time I went to the zoo. My father explained to me that he thought they were really happy there, because they didn’t do anything but sleep and eat. But I don’t think so, they looked to me like they were pacing.
Edwin: What happened?
Oh, just sitting and crying and refusing to go into the house that had little cages, and my father, who was happy after being with his daughter, was now turning sour and trying to explain to me why he thought it was okay. But it just didn’t feel okay.
[From her speech at a Berkeley antiwar rally] If we care about the quality of life of the human beings who live in the congressional district, who live in our state, we must stop this war. If we care about our souls, we must stop this war. If we care about the constitution of the United States, to maintain a vital democracy so that the people can be heard and make the changes that they need, we must stop this war. So, thank you all for being here, and together, we will stop this war.
Crossposted to:
http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_edwin_ru_080327_progressive_values_s.htm
Edwin Rutsch
What Are Progressive Values? Documentary Project
http://ProgressiveSpirit.com
and Study Group
http://www.dfalink.com/group.php?id=2285
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DFA's endorsement of Andrew Rice got front paged at myDD. What an indignity.
I'd vote for Lori Hancock. proud to be a fellow progressive (who wouldn't have anybody by the throat even if the thought passed my mind)
Pelosi's office responds to Clinton supporters
Brendan Daly, a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), responded late Wednesday night to a letter by supporters of New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton urging his boss to stop making comments about the superdelegates respecting the will of Democratic primary voters and caucus-goers:
“Speaker Pelosi is confident that superdelegates will choose between Sens. Clinton or Obama — our two strong candidates — before the convention in August," Daly said. "That choice will be based on many considerations, including respecting the decisions of millions of Americans who have voted in primaries and participated in caucuses. The speaker believes it would do great harm to the Democratic Party if superdelegates are perceived to overturn the will of the voters. This has been her position throughout this primary season, regardless of who was ahead at any particular point in delegates or votes.”
The Clinton supporters had asked Pelosi, who remains neutral in the presidential contest, to refrain from making comments that could influence undecided superdelegates to back the candidate with the most votes — who, at this point, happens to be the New York senator's rival, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. But Daly's comments suggest the speaker will not be backing off her stance anytime soon.
the indignity is you dragging dd over here day after day Tom, but I'm in a sour mood due to the snow falling all day here so pay me no mind, Inhofe needs to go
The New York Times yesterday featured Lucy Blake, our chief executive officer, and Jerome Ringo, our president, in a very good piece about the potential of the new clean energy economy to generate millions of green collar jobs. The article also noted the good work of Apollo Alliance board members, Carl Pope, Kathleen McGinty, and Van Jones.
Click here to read the article
The Times article comes as the Apollo Alliance and its partners participate in the unfolding of America's new clean energy economy. This week we posted an excerpt from "Apollo's Fire," by Representative Jay Inslee and Bracken Hendricks, that describes the pioneering work that developer Carlton A. Brown is doing in New York and other cities to build energy-efficient, environmentally-sensitive and affordable homes. Inslee and Hendricks are in San Francisco this week to talk about their book and how labor, environmentalists, businesses, and community leaders are advancing economic development that makes money, saves money, creates jobs, reduces pollution, and responds to global climate change. Read the full piece here
The Apollo Alliance Web site this week also features Apollo Chairman Phil Angelides' stirring address at the Take Back America conference earlier this month in Washington.
A reminder about the Dream Reborn conference fast-approaching in Memphis from April 4 to April 6. Jerome is one of the featured speakers. See: www.dreamreborn.orgAnd our friends at the Center on Wisconsin Strategy this week published the full text of "Greener Pathways," the companion piece to "Green-Collar Jobs in America's Cities" report, released in Pittsburgh on March 13.
Green Collar Jobs in America's Cities
Greener Pathways
Both can also be found here
Until next time, have a great week and let us know about clean energy projects in your community that are generating good jobs, prosperity, and a cleaner environment.
The story at myDD referenced by Tom, front paged at myDD, talks about PA and how many jobs have been lost there mainly because of NAFTA.
And that, the story claims, is why Hillary Clinton is doing so well there!!!!!!!!! Where are those people in PA coming from. Why would they want to support one of the very people who pushed to get NAFTA passed in the first place?
Mind boggling to me, guess I'll never understand the minds of the victims of NAFTA in Ohio and PA who now support their hangman.
Can than be anymore doubt that Clinton is a repugnicon?
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/carpenter/025
The Iowa Senate voted to make the campaign reports filed by candidates more revealing and easier for the public to use.
The legislation creates a searchable, web-based database at the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board for all political candidates and committees. This is a dramatic improvement in citizen access and ease of use.
Many functions of the new database are already up and running. To learn more, go to https://webapp.iecdb.iowa.gov/PublicView.
Phil wrote "the indignity is you dragging dd over here day after day Tom, but I'm in a sour mood due to the snow falling all day here so pay me no mind, Inhofe needs to go"
All people are free to remain as ignorant as they like, but I wouldn't recommend it as a strategy. I've found that ultimately, it's much better to know what the other side is up to.
But Daly's comments suggest the speaker will not be backing off her stance anytime soon.
Good for Pelosi.
What gall of HRC to try and tell Pelosi what to do in this matter!!
Pelosi herself would have made a much better candidate for prez than Hillary.
For example, if you are a strong arm bag person for the Clinton campaign, I want to know what you're thinking so I can help to oppose it.
House File 2393, which requires minority impact statements, passed the House 99-0 this week. The bill has two main parts regarding minority impact statements.
Under current law, correctional impact statements must be attached to any bill, joint resolution, or amendment before debate in the Legislature. In addition, correctional impact statements are only required when a change in the law is proposed which creates a public offense; significantly changes an existing public offense or the penalty for an existing offense; or changes existing sentencing, parole, or probation procedures. House File 2393 adds the requirement that correctional impact statements must now include the impact of the legislation on minorities.
This idea was generated after reports indicated that a disproportionate number of minorities were incarcerated in Iowa in comparison to their share of the population. The concern is that some changes in law unintentionally target certain segments on the Iowa population.
Further, the bill adds new language stating that the Legislative Services Agency, in cooperation with the Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning of the Department of Human Rights, must develop a protocol for analyzing the impact of the legislation on minorities.
more from Elesha Gayman our A-List Dean National Delegate turned legislator:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lately, I have read news reports about HF 2645 to expand Collective Bargaining. In these reports, I see a lot of misinformation that takes what HF 2645 does out of context and puts a pundit’s spin on the issue. Sadly, our media tends to talk about negative speculation rather than honest content in order to sell a few more newspapers. Having read the bill and talked to Scott County workers, I wanted to take a minute to set the record straight and let you know my position. House File 2645 relates to the scope of collective bargaining and has passed both the House and Senate. Chapter 20 was originally brought into existence under Republican leadership (Gov. Bob Ray) in 1974 and has yet to be updated since that time.
Collective bargaining results in safer workplaces, better working conditions, and more rights for all employees – not just those who voluntarily belong to a union. Currently, 34 states have collective bargaining laws. Of those 34 states, 27 have Open Scope bargaining. HF 2064 with bring to Iowa’s public sector equality with Iowa’s private sector employees, ensuring parody to all of Iowa’s workforce
Pelosi herself would have made a much better candidate for prez than Hillary.
Joan~ That's what I've been thinking.
Mydd |Jerome is hardly an "authority" (average visit length of 26 seconds).
See ad revenue fmi. He's desperate.
At least they use SoapBlox, which is legit blogware.
mainefem wrote "Mydd |Jerome is hardly an 'authority'"
Yeah, really. What's worse than supporting Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination? Supporting Mark Warner.
For one shining moment, everyone loves Pelosi.
This is the same person who took impeachment of the table which enabled the continuation of Bush excesses.
If a Dem wins, both Pelosi and Reed need to be replaced in their jobs with someone more progressive....how about Dennis and Feingold?
dog wrote "This is the same person who took impeachment of the table which enabled the continuation of Bush excesses."
You can see how well impeachment proceedings against President Clinton worked for Republicans. Maybe Pelosi is nothing more than a cognizant political observer.
(average visit length of 26 seconds).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Too funny! Mine is 49 seconds. . . .
Wonderful: last post is #22. My response shows up at #13. Shows you what intrepid bloggers we are. Almost any other blog on the nets would have been killed dead in the water by such management. . . .
This is the same person who took impeachment of the table which enabled the continuation of Bush excesses.
Dog
Pelosi did the right thing, the only reasonable thing all things considered.
I agree Feingold would make an excellent senate majority leader.
waving to puddle high in the clouds above mid way up
Hi, Phil, way down with his feet firmly planted on the ground.
I'm glad when you're googled you show up at my place, lol!
2:41 PM EDT
mydd ? dailyKos ? etc.
maybe I'm not that adventurous --
-- other than this blog and www.barackobama.com , I don't bother looking at and/or commenting on other blogs
rd wrote "other than this blog and www.barackobama.com, I don't bother looking at and/or commenting on other blogs."
I've never commented at the Obama blog. It's just a plain old blog; nothing like the excitement that reigns here! Some people may have seen comments I've posted at certain Red Wings blogs, though.
Phil wrote: "how about a link to a worthwhile place to visit? (hint,hint)"
Speaking of progressives, I've registered with the Rockridge site. They don't seem to get a lot of traffic. But........
Tom wrote:
"You can see how well impeachment proceedings against President Clinton worked for Republicans..."
It is obviously out of the question now but not in 2006.
It is only out of the question then if you equate lieing about a BJ vs. lieing to go to war, illegal spieing and torture.
Bush would have beat the rap for the first one (Tenent made me do it), but not the last two.
That is why a seat at the Haig must be waiting for Bushgang in 2009.
As far as loving Pelosi, I've been disappointed many times by her so I'm pleasantly surprised at her tough stance against the Clinton machine.
I've actually had a phone call about this post
http://www.blogforamerica.com/view/24518
and then a follow-up email to that because I laughed when the fellow told me he'd "sent Carol Shea-Porter to washington"
Some people do have a very proprietary attitude towards politicians.
Would you rather be impeached over an amorous dalliance or selling political favors for campaign contributions?
Some people do actually prefer the lesser of two evils.
dog wrote "It is only out of the question then if you equate lieing about a BJ vs. lying to go to war, illegal spying and torture."
I understand what you're saying. However, the legal distinction was one lie was made under oath. The others were just swallowed whole by gullible lawmakers.
As much as I dislike Bubba and knew about his sexual hobby from his Governor days, I did not favor censure or impeachment.
He did lie to Congress about sexual activty under oath so he needed his hand slapped. The question is why was the question asked?
To really be fair about, every US government employee should have to publiclly answer about having sexual relations with someone other then their spouse. Or any relations with others if they are single.
After that, they should have to publicly answer what kind of cars they prefer, boxer or briefs, which sports teams, their favorite colors and if they were a tree, what kind of tree would they be?
Kindof absurd isn't it? So was the Clinton impeachment fiasco and this is from someone who has no use for him or his bride.
Tom, As my post said further down.
The Iraq war is not an impeachable offense. If anyone gets impeached it is those who voted for the war because they were too lazy to read the report or to scared to vote against it.
Spying on US citisens without a warrant violates the Constitution.
Torture violates the Geneva Convention which we signed.
Both are impeachable offenses.
A fact sheet detailing these steps, as well as Obama’s principles for modernizing the regulatory framework for our financial markets, can be found
HERE.
A document containing statements of support from leading finance experts can be found
HERE.
Continue reading for the full speech...
I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his extraordinary leadership. At a time when Washington is divided in old ideological battles, he shows us what can be achieved when we bring people together to seek pragmatic solutions. Not only has he been a remarkable leader for New York –he has established himself as a major voice in our national debate on issues like renewing our economy, educating our children, and seeking energy independence. Mr. Mayor, I share your determination to bring this country together to finally make progress for the American people....
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGBNsq
It's time for Pat Buchanan to be shown the door at MSNBC. He's calling Barack a black hustler.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3...
listener's grand neice's candle page:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=ALLYS
Dailykos is currently being maintained and not available.
dog wrote "Spying on US citisens without a warrant violates the Constitution. Torture violates the Geneva Convention which we signed. Both are impeachable offenses."
Yes, I think you could make those cases. However, the gang of Eight were briefed on the NSA warrantless surveillence program before it was implemented, and the Congress has failed to pass legislation to require that U.S. interrogation techiques conform to the army field manual.
The hearings will be informative but articles of impeachment won't pass, and the president wouldn't be convicted if they did. The Republican majority in Congress proved what a folly this is, but the learning curve for is apparently high.
Obama's pastor

The Once Upon a Forest Page
All images (except the fan art section) are copyrighted © 1992 by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Rae Lambert
We had an eagle's nest near our house when we lived on the Kitsap Peninsula. Periodically, their nests would be checked. Once the environmentalists found 11 cat collars in there! One time our cat was outside near the door and two eagles were circling her but my kids scooped her up and brought her in.
A wren, and a minister. He presides over the "funeral" for Bosworth (a little bird who is trapped in the mud). He only has a brief appearance in the film, but from this appearance we see he is a kind soul who helps the furlings find the meadow they seek. He also warns them about the "yellow dragons" - construction machines, in actuality - that threaten the birds' habitat.
copyrighted © 1992 by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Rae Lambert
6.
Joan In Florida
Thu, 03/27/08
I total agree with you on that one.
And we would probaly be out of Iraq by now if she was the President.
I see Tom is still trotting out all the lame excuses for not impeaching Cheney-Bush.
The fact that the constitution demands it doesn't seem to sway him.
John wrote "I see Tom is still trotting out all the lame excuses for not impeaching Cheney-Bush."
Political pragmatism is always lame to you, but that's because you're not politically pragmatic. You're still touting the Kucinich campaign.
wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt!
A JOINT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
AN OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL NURSE
PASSED THE VT HOUSE TODAY!
THIS JUST IN A SHORT WHILE AGO FROM MY REP. BILL FRANK! ~
Yea!!! The resolution was just presented on the floor by Rep. Patty
O'Donnell and passed on a voice vote. Later today the House Journal
will be posted on the Leg web site, where this will show up.
{ I have been working on this for a looong time! Tickled! Hurrah for Vermont }
wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt! wOOt!
41.
puddle
Thu, 03/27/08
I love eating cookies too. Yum.
What a cutie!
Pat Buchanan is the hustler. Hateful, just hateful.
4:17pm Thursday...
My post with BREAKING NEWS FROM VERMONT just popped in five posts above this one.
♡ puddle ♡ Thanks so much for posting the link for ♡ ALLY's ♡ Candle Page upthread!! ♡
Today's headlines from Iraq:
Fighting continues unabated in BasraAcross Iraq, battles erupt with Mahdi Army
123 Iraqis, 3 US Contractors Killed; 191 Iraqis Wounded
Thousands in Baghdad Protest Basra Assault
Growing clashes with US troops in Iraq
Baghdad's Green Zone attacked for 4th day this week
Bombers attack Basra oil pipeline
Iraqi spokesman kidnapped in Baghdad
U.S. military fatalities in Iraq; 4,004
George Bush today on his upcoming and latest new "way forward" in Iraq:
As this debate unfolds, I ask people on both sides to keep an open mind, and to take a close look at the situation on the ground.
51.
listener
Thu, 03/27/08
Wonderful news!
Who wants to make the post on that one?
From the AP...
Barack Obama, 49 percent
Hillary Rodham Clinton, 39 percent
The two rivals' standings in the Pew Research Center poll have changed little from late February, the latest indication that so far Obama has weathered the controversy over provocative sermons by his longtime pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
- jkennerl's diary :: ::
Another interesting tidbit re: the Reverend Wright
While Obama has a mostly favorable image among white Democrats, those with unfavorable views about him are likelier to say equal rights for minorities have gone too far and to oppose interracial dating.
So in other words, he only lost the really racist folks, who probably would have found their reason to oppose a biracial man prior to November.
Amazingly, though, many of the people who feel unfavorably towards Obama still think he's a Muslim. The article isn't terribly charitable regarding this viewpoint
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/27/153159/518/606/485538
I hope you all noticed that MSNBC, CNN, and the Clintons are attempting to Swift Boat Obama by replaying the Pastor Wright tapes, digging up old transcripts of his, and replaying Clinton's Pastor Wright speeches.
They are also saying that this has been and is affecting the polls, something I don't believe is true, but which they are free to make up anyway.
This war within the party must come to an end!!!!!!!!!!
As far as I know, only the super delegates who have influence can put a stop to this right now. What is the h*ll are they waiting for?
Everytime I get an email for contribution to a PAC from Feingold, Boxer, etc. or to contribute to some Dem who is in trouble from Leahy or other, I reply to them now with my thoughts about what they could be doing to save this party now -- not later -- now!

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By Tom Bearse on Mar 27, 2008 1:16 PMDean is first and has the DLC by the throat. Good times.