Inland Empire Progressive

It’s sad that we as Progressives have allowed the populist, working-class terrain of country music become the soundtrack of conservatives. While artists like  Zach Bryan  are teasing songs like “the fading of the red, white and blue” that jab at immigration enforcement and decry the American dream as being battered. Progressives remain absent from this cultural space. Country music is hardly apolitical. Its roots lie in the rural working class, in economic despair, labor protests, in voices that howl against injustice. Yet today the genre has been corralled into a chorus of right-leaning tropes: patriotism, guns, small-town nostalgia. An article in  The New Yorker  notes a new cohort of “outlaw songwriters” challenging Nashville’s conservative lock-in—but too many left-leaning voices remain mute.  I feel that if Progressives don’t move into this space, they hand the cultural microphone to the conservatives and allow them to shape the narrative. The Trump admini...

  Fight the Oligarch! Eat the Rich! While I agree with the sentiment, I just do not see the policies that channel this anger into policy action. While the moderates, such as Third Way and Center for American Progress are steadily building their power by making policies that can be sold, I do not see the same planning going or work from the Progressive side.   If anyone knows of an organization working on these issues let me know. What I'm looking for is a deep dive into the policy weeds on how to leverage government to enact our vision for the world. A Project 2025, but for the Left that lets us change government on Day One. Progressives believe in government to solve problems and be the bulwark against powerful business interests. I do not believe that the current representation of Progressives is a building the foundation necessary to achieve long term results.  The one thing that I have to thank President Trump for is that he has thrown out the norms and shown wha...

It is well known that off year elections and primaries are do not bode well for Dems. This has to be changed. Instilling a sense of duty to vote in Progressives is very important. Progressive voters must be constantly reminded why thier vote matters. Currently, I use a sports metaphor when talking with voters about why they should vote in Congressional Elections. I say: "The President of the United States is like Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, he can score a lot of points and make key plays. However, without a solid team (Congress) around him sometimes all that effort expended will be for nothing if they still lose. So if health care, education, or jobs is your priority it is important to vote for somebody who care about your values up and down the ticket. That way other player can make key assists in both offense and defense." When talking to voters, we have to remind them why it is important to them and what is in it for them. We as activists have to make it not...

I was impressed with Justin Kim as he was campaigning for the 31st Congressional District. While some may disparage him because they say he cost Mayor Pete Aguilar votes. I knew differently that people were looking for an alternate voice because Pete Aguilar was just too conservative for the tastes of activists. While the other candidates did well, Justin Kim stood out because he was young and articulate unlike a certain President that we all know. More than anything, he fired up the base. I hope he stays active and runs again. Here are some of his highlights: Ran on Progressive Values Mr. Kim ran on Progressive values and could explain them in simple terms that ordinary folks could understand. He ran on including the Public Option in health care, immigration reform, cutting wasteful defense spending, cleaner air, and financial reform. As he said on his ballot statement: “I will be an active progressive voice for the Inland Empire in Congress.” No other candidate mentions progressi...

I am a Principled Progressive. What I strive to achieve in society is to inspire understanding that there is something out there greater than ourselves. Through fame, fortune, or glory I believe that we as Progressives always strive to remain humble. Through money, power, and respect we give back and pay forward our good fortune. I see this as 100% opposite as the philosophy of our conservative counterparts, who internalize the principle of selfishness to the point where they cannot see beyond themselves. This is playing out now in the 21st Century American politics. A confluence of events has laid waste to the bi-partisan myth and has return us to our norms. Failed and/or inadequate elites, institutions, and rules have pushed both sides to the extreme. In addition, communication  technology has rapidly unified and polarized the two factions of American society. We may want bi-partisanship, but we govern in principle. I believe a principled compromise can be achieved to ensure ...

  Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. -Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence The sentence above is what this election and subsequent elections are all about. We are moving from a Center-Right nation to a Center-Left nation. Conservatives know that their days are numbered, but the desire to maintain their grip on power is great. The Koch Brothers, ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), even the Tea Party (which are the REAL useful idiots in this battle), etc. are the folks that are pushing this extremist agenda. What do you think these groups are about….Power. And how do they maintain power, by introducing extremist legislation. While initially derided, extremist legislation is eventually accepted as mainstream. This is why ALEC took a mocking tone when this once secretive group was exposed during the Trayvon Martin situation. They ...

While my posts take a principled Progressive stance, I can be a realist. I understand that the 31st Congressional District is  very closely divided between Progressives and Conservatives. So my question would be where will Democratic the candidates break from principle? I believe in principled compromise (1 for 1 ratio) on issues defining the budget. The budget sets the priorities for the nation and should not be ignored by the Left. Progressives should aspire for a robust welfare state in addition to balanced budgets. Does this mean that the tax rate should go up? Definitely! However, everyone needs to sacrifice. On social issues, LGBT marriage, the decriminalization of marijuana, and true freedom of religion (and non-religion) should be at the forefront of our pursuit of happiness. The majority of these issues encompass the principle of Equality that is at the heart of the Progressive agenda. Some of these principles require political risk. A candidate with the intestinal for...

We the Millennials, have been battered, beaten, and torn down by this economic crisis, and this is only the beginning. We will inherit by far the most challenging choices that have ever been faced by our nation. From the economy to the environment, we can easily become discouraged and disillusioned at our current plight. However, we can fight back. We are the most interconnected portion of the population and we can persuade the establishment on both the local and the national level that our interests matter.  If you don’t think so, look at the nation’s that have fallen to interconnected networks of youth. The Progressive commitment to the Millennials could not come at a more opportune time. To unite our sometimes apathetic generation the Progressives must present a bold position on principles and policies that ensure that our youth never again face the prospect of poverty and destitution. We, as Progressives, must present a path of stability and long term growth. These are the ...

This is a first in series of conversations to explain why Democrats and Progressives shouldn’t support Redlands Pete Aguilar to represent the 31 st Congressional District. As I have researched this candidate, I have grown increasingly concerned about his position on issues, the shadiness of his dealings, and the associations he has made. Reason: He is a Blue Dog. As anyone who has read my posts, I despise the Blue Dog Coalition (AKA the Blue Curs) for unprincipled stands on important issues. Mr. Aguilar has shown by words and deeds that he will follow this mold by unilaterally caving before the debate has begun. In addition, he has the support of other prominent Blue Curs such as Rep. Joe Baca and Rep. Steny Hoyer, the leader of the pack. This coalition takes advantage of their safe position to enrich themselves, while playing smoke and mirrors with those they represent. Reason: No Principles   As a Redlands city councilman, Mr. Aguilar has had chance after chance to prove hi...

This video was edited Starting at 14:15 and Ending at 15:15. Please watch this clip and if you can watch the whole remarks. I believe that 2012 is going to be one in a series of crucial elections that will shape how we govern in the 21st Century. I watched this video in full and have to say that once again I am fired up and ready to go. However, in order for the President to be effective he needs a Progressive Congress. That is why the 31st Congressional District election is vital to ensuring that the Progressive Agenda continues to move forward. We don’t need Blue Dogs or Conservatives standing in the way of a brighter 21st Century. President Obama lays out the case for 21st Century Governance in its infancy. Some parts were a little rough, but as the campaign season continues I know those parts will be smoothed and expanded.

In 2008, people from all walks of life came together in a historic moment to elect our nation's 44th President, Barack Obama. It was a euphoric moment for all, especially for Progressives who after years in the wilderness stormed back with a resounding triumph and a mandate for change. However, the bliss was short-lived as Conservative obstruction hindered, delayed, and blocked the President's agenda that Congress was pursuing. Wall-Streeter called Obama to the carpet about his policies and soon after the Tea Party was born. The health care reform battle in 2009 was the culmination of this, as misinformed folks stormed town-hall meeting across the nation accosting Senators and Congressmen alike. This rage caught the Progressives flat footed as we made the assumption that the American people wanted a more activist government. Though they have waned a bit recently, they are pretty active locally in Redlands and Chino Hills.

I imagine preparing to take on Wall St. to these sounds right here. The message though brief is an inspiration for a generation! “You stole it all, give it back!” Radiohead is flipping awesome!!! Enjoy the sounds, then Occupy!

Today, I came across some notes that I had written a while back about what it means to be a Progressive of Principle. Progressive Principles Equality Opportunity Race      Gender   Marriage Sacrifice Taxation Preservation Conservation Greater Good Religious Tolerance Public Service Volunteerism    

When I first encountered the Tea Party I thought they were a fundament threat to the Republic. I realize now that Progressive have some things in common with the Tea Party, but with one HUGE sticking point. That sticking point is the role of government in the 21st Century. These folks harken back to the past and a return to the fundamentals. That is fine with me however, Progressive interpret fundaments very differently than Tea Party folk. Progressives tend to think of the Constitution as a living document that reflects the values of current society. While some universal elements should be kept, there are other elements of the Constitution that seem out moded and reflective modern 21st Century society.

I just wanted to say that Progressives Democrats in the House Rule and Blue Dogs suck!! Progressive Representatives Anthony Weiner (NY), Alan Grayson (FL), and Raul Grijalva (AZ) deserve the respect and admiration of Progressives around the nation. Even though some are in swing districts facing difficult fights (Grayson), have taken on their own state (Grijalva), and have on occasion have gotten a little angry (Weiner), these Progressives have shown backbone by calling Conservatives out on their obstructionist tactics. My own " honorable" Congressmen, "w orking " Joe Baca, being the Blue Dog Devil that he is has shown no leadership in the Inland Empire and gets bitch-slapped by the surrounding Conservatives in the area. Where was he on immigration, health care, energy, and financial reform? While he did vote for some of these things, he has not shown the kind of leadership necessary in the District. Where are you Joe Baca? Why are y...

With unemployment at 14.5% you would think Conservatives will wake up to unleashing carbon entrepreneurs across the I.E. However their sight is blinded by their dogmatic view that 19th Century technology of coal mining and offshore drilling will be the panacea to all our energy problems. With "Drill Baby Drill" as their mantra, this mentality will keep the unemployment rate where it is while rendering us to the technological Dark Ages. We as Progressives need to make the case that in order to develop and maintain a competitive edge in the 21st Century and provide jobs to relieve unemployment, we have to have a national energy policy in place to keep America economically secure at home and nationally secure abroad.

My campaign for the 63rd AD County Central Committee is going great! I feel very optimistic about our prospects in November. If we as Progressives United now and went after every winnable seat, I know we would be able to have a Democratic Majority.

It is a historic time to be a Progressive in these United States of America. The 21st Century will be the beginning of a new era. This era will mark a dramatic paradigm shift in the way we govern, the choices we make, and the struggles this shift entails. Candidly, there will be no easy choices going forward. We, as a nation and as individuals, have squandered our savings and are deeply in debt. In addition, we are in a nascent economic recovery due to Keynesian policies implemented under the Obama Administration. These policies, though necessary, require government to step in temporarily to make up for the lack of consumer and business spending adding to our deficit. Finally, we have an opposition party who obstructs to no end while whipping the country into an emotional frenzy for no other reason than they have no good alternative policy proposals to offer the country. In short, ou...

I am running for the Democratic Central Committee in order to turn it into a professional and competitive organization. I do not know why our Central Committee is weak, all I know is that we have failed to hold our electeds accountable for too long. Our Central Committee needs to be strong to build a Progressive foundation in the Inland Empire. The San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee is in position to help elect capable candidates to take on the Developer-Fueled Corruption that Conservatives have prostituted for so long throughout our county. This is offensive!!! But where is the outrage, the change of the guard that comes after corrpution spews forth when Republican evils come to the light of day? This has to change! Republicans in this county and throughout the state cannot just come to our county and believe they can sieze our land and resources without a fight. It is not enough to turn th...

Repubs may be sharks but what are Progressives? DOLPHINS!!!