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Celerity
Celerity's Journal
Celerity's Journal
April 9, 2019
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/liberals-threaten-house-democrats-budget-plans-clouding-coming-fiscal-talks/2019/04/09/ed116e72-5ad0-11e9-9625-01d48d50ef75_story.html?utm_term=.94111ee9397a
The development demonstrated the newfound clout of the most liberal members of the House, and their ability to frustrate their leaders’ plans if they stick together — much like the conservative Freedom Caucus routinely did when Republicans controlled the House. And it underscored divisions among House Democrats that have repeatedly forced them to focus on internal disputes instead of the governing agenda they hoped to celebrate as they approach 100 days in the majority. They will reach that milestone on Friday as they gather in Virginia for their annual retreat.
“We have to figure out whether we’re going to be able to govern,” Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) told reporters Tuesday morning as plans to hold a vote on his legislation on Wednesday began to collapse.
At stake Tuesday was legislation setting overall federal spending levels for domestic and military programs that depend on annual congressional appropriations, including the Pentagon and agencies such as the Education and Health and Human Services departments that affect many Americans. (The bill would not set spending levels for programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that are funded automatically.)
Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus were pushing an amendment calling for higher levels of domestic spending. With Republicans expected to unanimously oppose the legislation, leaders could lose only 17 Democrats on the vote, giving the group of lawmakers the power to exact their demands.
snip
House Democrats cancel budget vote as liberals demand more spending on social programs
A liberal revolt forced House Democratic leaders to call off a planned vote on a two-year budget plan Tuesday, an embarrassing outcome for leadership that raised questions about Congress’ ability to solve huge spending fights that loom later this year.https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/liberals-threaten-house-democrats-budget-plans-clouding-coming-fiscal-talks/2019/04/09/ed116e72-5ad0-11e9-9625-01d48d50ef75_story.html?utm_term=.94111ee9397a
The development demonstrated the newfound clout of the most liberal members of the House, and their ability to frustrate their leaders’ plans if they stick together — much like the conservative Freedom Caucus routinely did when Republicans controlled the House. And it underscored divisions among House Democrats that have repeatedly forced them to focus on internal disputes instead of the governing agenda they hoped to celebrate as they approach 100 days in the majority. They will reach that milestone on Friday as they gather in Virginia for their annual retreat.
“We have to figure out whether we’re going to be able to govern,” Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) told reporters Tuesday morning as plans to hold a vote on his legislation on Wednesday began to collapse.
At stake Tuesday was legislation setting overall federal spending levels for domestic and military programs that depend on annual congressional appropriations, including the Pentagon and agencies such as the Education and Health and Human Services departments that affect many Americans. (The bill would not set spending levels for programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that are funded automatically.)
Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus were pushing an amendment calling for higher levels of domestic spending. With Republicans expected to unanimously oppose the legislation, leaders could lose only 17 Democrats on the vote, giving the group of lawmakers the power to exact their demands.
snip
April 8, 2019
2020 frontrunner Bernie Sanders is stalling over releasing his tax returns. Stephanie Ruhle discusses whether Sanders’ records contain anything that can drive his supporters away. Weighing in: MSNBC Contributor Victoria DeFrancisco Soto, Washington Post National Political Reporter Robert Costa, Princeton University Professor Eddie Glaude and Commentary Magazine Associate Editor Noah Rothman.
MSNBC: Could Bernie Sanders' tax returns drive his supporters away?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/c/could-bernie-sanders-tax-returns-drive-his-supporters-away/vp-BBVJuOC2020 frontrunner Bernie Sanders is stalling over releasing his tax returns. Stephanie Ruhle discusses whether Sanders’ records contain anything that can drive his supporters away. Weighing in: MSNBC Contributor Victoria DeFrancisco Soto, Washington Post National Political Reporter Robert Costa, Princeton University Professor Eddie Glaude and Commentary Magazine Associate Editor Noah Rothman.
April 8, 2019
Host a watch party for Pete's special announcement this Sunday
This Sunday afternoon, Pete is making a special announcement in South Bend. (If you still need to RSVP, please do so here.)
Some supporters will be driving in to join us in person, but most folks will be tuning in from their living rooms, dorms, and community spaces all across the country.
Will you host a watch party so that Pete supporters can meet up and be a part of the special announcement?
What: A watch party for Pete’s special announcement
Where: Your home or another spot in your community
When: Tune in around 1:45 pm EDT
Why: To build community around Pete's bold vision for the future
How: Sign up to host here
We’ll be livestreaming the event to our website and on Facebook and YouTube, so all you need to have is a space for folks to gather and an Internet connection.
You can host the event in your home, or you can find a spot in your community like a restaurant, community room, or library.
Because you’ll likely be watching from your computer, it will be best to have a way to show it on a screen and make sure the audio is loud enough for everyone to hear.
If you are ready to host a watch party for the special announcement on Sunday afternoon, please sign up:
https://www.peteforamerica.com/april14-host/
We’ll send a resource guide to everyone who volunteers to host, and will hold a conference call to answer any questions.
We’re so excited for Sunday and are grateful you’re going to be a part of the day.
Thanks,
Pete for America
P.S Grab an "Explorer Club" shirt while you can! 
April 8, 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/08/windrush-victim-compensation-scheme-government-scandal
Sajid Javid, the home secretary, promised to make things right by the victims of the so-called Windrush scandal. He now has his chance to live up to the promise – but the much-needed and welcome compensation scheme announced on Wednesday has some potentially serious flaws.
Guidance, which runs to 45 pages, details all the documents that the people affected will have to present to apply for compensation for the hardships they have endured over many years: loss of jobs and income, debt, homelessness, stress, physical and mental health problems, detention and even deportation.
The fundamental problems within the Home Office that contributed to the Windrush scandal in the first place – the disproportionate amount of evidence required, the difficulties of application processes and the lack of support for completing applications – appear to be reflected once again in this scheme. Not to mention the continuing “hostile environment” that generates a culture of disbelief and antagonism towards applicants.
There is no legal aid being made available to provide specialist support to fill in the lengthy application form, help people quantify their losses or track down the evidence required. The burden of proof is still disproportionately placed on the individual. To access compensation, people are again required to provide evidence that might not exist – for example, to prove their attempts to contact the Home Office to resolve the problems that the Home Office was itself responsible for creating. The cost of applications to the Home Office to secure some form of evidence of status – in the face of its refusal to recognise their existing rights – will not be reimbursed, though they can cost individuals hundreds or even thousands of pounds in fees (and debt).
snip
No Windrush victim will feel 'compensated' by this bungled scheme
Complex, expensive and with derisory payouts, the government’s attempts to atone for this scandal are an insulthttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/08/windrush-victim-compensation-scheme-government-scandal
Sajid Javid, the home secretary, promised to make things right by the victims of the so-called Windrush scandal. He now has his chance to live up to the promise – but the much-needed and welcome compensation scheme announced on Wednesday has some potentially serious flaws.
Guidance, which runs to 45 pages, details all the documents that the people affected will have to present to apply for compensation for the hardships they have endured over many years: loss of jobs and income, debt, homelessness, stress, physical and mental health problems, detention and even deportation.
The fundamental problems within the Home Office that contributed to the Windrush scandal in the first place – the disproportionate amount of evidence required, the difficulties of application processes and the lack of support for completing applications – appear to be reflected once again in this scheme. Not to mention the continuing “hostile environment” that generates a culture of disbelief and antagonism towards applicants.
There is no legal aid being made available to provide specialist support to fill in the lengthy application form, help people quantify their losses or track down the evidence required. The burden of proof is still disproportionately placed on the individual. To access compensation, people are again required to provide evidence that might not exist – for example, to prove their attempts to contact the Home Office to resolve the problems that the Home Office was itself responsible for creating. The cost of applications to the Home Office to secure some form of evidence of status – in the face of its refusal to recognise their existing rights – will not be reimbursed, though they can cost individuals hundreds or even thousands of pounds in fees (and debt).
snip
April 8, 2019
Midwestern mayor Buttigieg wows progressive Dems in San Francisco
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/29/pete-buttigieg-san-francisco-1243203
Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay major presidential candidate, took his campaign Thursday to San Francisco — a heartland of progressive gay politics — but said he is running “not to be a candidate for the LGBTQ community alone, or for any one group,’’ but to speak to all Americans.
“I’m proud of who I am, I am proud of my husband and our marriage,’’ said the Democratic mayor of South Bend, Ind., whose spouse, Chasten, sat nearby as he addressed reporters here prior to a sold-out speech before hundreds at the Commonwealth Club. “It might just be the most normal thing in my life.’’ His husband, Buttigieg said, will have a role in his upstart campaign for the White House because he is “somebody who’s passionate about education, passionate about family ... and his story is part of my story.’’
When asked how he will get past what many believe could be his greatest hurdle in running for the presidency — his status as a married gay man — Buttigieg told POLITICO, “I don’t know how it plays in San Francisco. But I can tell you I came out, during a reelection campaign, in Indiana, while Mike Pence was the governor. And I wound up winning reelection by 80 percent."
Buttigieg was greeted by a rousing standing ovation, whoops and cheers from the audience in the progressive bastion of San Francisco, the hometown of fellow Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, who served as district attorney in the city before becoming the state’s attorney general.
Asked about competing with Harris, Buttigieg said, “I don’t think I’m running against any individual, especially when there’s like 20 of us. I admire a lot of the people in this process, but each of us has a different message.’’
snip
Clara Jeffery interviews Pete Buttigieg, Inforum, Commonwealth Club, 3/28
Midwestern mayor Buttigieg wows progressive Dems in San Francisco
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/29/pete-buttigieg-san-francisco-1243203
Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay major presidential candidate, took his campaign Thursday to San Francisco — a heartland of progressive gay politics — but said he is running “not to be a candidate for the LGBTQ community alone, or for any one group,’’ but to speak to all Americans.
“I’m proud of who I am, I am proud of my husband and our marriage,’’ said the Democratic mayor of South Bend, Ind., whose spouse, Chasten, sat nearby as he addressed reporters here prior to a sold-out speech before hundreds at the Commonwealth Club. “It might just be the most normal thing in my life.’’ His husband, Buttigieg said, will have a role in his upstart campaign for the White House because he is “somebody who’s passionate about education, passionate about family ... and his story is part of my story.’’
When asked how he will get past what many believe could be his greatest hurdle in running for the presidency — his status as a married gay man — Buttigieg told POLITICO, “I don’t know how it plays in San Francisco. But I can tell you I came out, during a reelection campaign, in Indiana, while Mike Pence was the governor. And I wound up winning reelection by 80 percent."
Buttigieg was greeted by a rousing standing ovation, whoops and cheers from the audience in the progressive bastion of San Francisco, the hometown of fellow Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, who served as district attorney in the city before becoming the state’s attorney general.
Asked about competing with Harris, Buttigieg said, “I don’t think I’m running against any individual, especially when there’s like 20 of us. I admire a lot of the people in this process, but each of us has a different message.’’
snip
April 7, 2019
His most crystalline, laser-focused short-form interview I have seen to date. He has taken it up to another level yet again.
Meet The Press April 7th, 2019: Pete Buttigieg, Full Interview
His most crystalline, laser-focused short-form interview I have seen to date. He has taken it up to another level yet again.
April 7, 2019
Pete Buttigieg rallies against white nationalism, calls climate security a 'life and death issue'
April 5, 2019
Stacey Abrams is an African American woman, of “sturdy build” she says, from the South who barely lost the Georgia governor’s race, has made voting rights her passion and knocked it out of the ballpark in her response to this year’s State of the Union. Pete Buttigieg is a white, gay man of slight build from the Midwest who’s spent eight years as mayor of South Bend, Ind., a mid-sized city, served in the military and is a genuine intellectual. They couldn’t be more different, right?
Not exactly. Both are quite progressive but do well in red states and both have made a giant impression on the media and among those voters who know who they are. What’s the secret of their success? I’d argue they have important ingredients rarely found in a single politician.
First, both are crazy-smart. She’s a Yale Law School grad, he’s a Harvard grad and Rhodes scholar. They don’t simply have credentials, however. They have nimble, curious minds and are voracious readers. That makes them interesting to listen to and makes them sound somehow different, more serious than traditional politicians who rely on buzzwords and catchphrases.
Second, while quite young (he is 37, she is 45) they can be almost eerily calm and composed. They speak with deliberation and don’t stumble over words, fill in gaps with a series of ahs and uh-huhs. They rarely raise their voices yet command the room.
Third, they are very still when speaking. No arm gestures, no fidgeting, no nervous habits. That also helps convey a sense of command and purposefulness.
Fourth, they present progressive ideas as common sense solutions without inflammatory language and labels. They explain what voters need (e.g. Abrams on broadband and health care in rural areas, Buttigieg on economic development.) If Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) aims to define himself as a socialist, they embrace humane capitalism, and thereby don’t scare away more conservative voters.
snip
Things Stacey Abrams and Pete Buttigieg get that most other pols don't
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/04/05/five-things-stacey-abrams-pete-buttigieg-get-than-most-pols-dont/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.849508f8a59bStacey Abrams is an African American woman, of “sturdy build” she says, from the South who barely lost the Georgia governor’s race, has made voting rights her passion and knocked it out of the ballpark in her response to this year’s State of the Union. Pete Buttigieg is a white, gay man of slight build from the Midwest who’s spent eight years as mayor of South Bend, Ind., a mid-sized city, served in the military and is a genuine intellectual. They couldn’t be more different, right?
Not exactly. Both are quite progressive but do well in red states and both have made a giant impression on the media and among those voters who know who they are. What’s the secret of their success? I’d argue they have important ingredients rarely found in a single politician.
First, both are crazy-smart. She’s a Yale Law School grad, he’s a Harvard grad and Rhodes scholar. They don’t simply have credentials, however. They have nimble, curious minds and are voracious readers. That makes them interesting to listen to and makes them sound somehow different, more serious than traditional politicians who rely on buzzwords and catchphrases.
Second, while quite young (he is 37, she is 45) they can be almost eerily calm and composed. They speak with deliberation and don’t stumble over words, fill in gaps with a series of ahs and uh-huhs. They rarely raise their voices yet command the room.
Third, they are very still when speaking. No arm gestures, no fidgeting, no nervous habits. That also helps convey a sense of command and purposefulness.
Fourth, they present progressive ideas as common sense solutions without inflammatory language and labels. They explain what voters need (e.g. Abrams on broadband and health care in rural areas, Buttigieg on economic development.) If Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) aims to define himself as a socialist, they embrace humane capitalism, and thereby don’t scare away more conservative voters.
snip
April 4, 2019
Thank you for your support over the last two months. In that short amount of time, this community met the 65,000-donor threshold to get invited to the DNC debate, raised more than $7,000,000 in the first quarter, and introduced us to voters all across the country.
I’m making an announcement in South Bend on April 14th and would be honored if you would join me.
Whether you’ll be supporting us from home through our livestream or joining us in person, we want you to be a part of the special day.
Probably his official launch.
Pete Buttigieg: Join me in South Bend on April 14th for a special announcement
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=361805897864971Thank you for your support over the last two months. In that short amount of time, this community met the 65,000-donor threshold to get invited to the DNC debate, raised more than $7,000,000 in the first quarter, and introduced us to voters all across the country.
I’m making an announcement in South Bend on April 14th and would be honored if you would join me.
Whether you’ll be supporting us from home through our livestream or joining us in person, we want you to be a part of the special day.
Probably his official launch.
April 3, 2019
https://www.ebony.com/exclusive/is-pete-buttigieg-black-voters-2020-presidential-dark-horse/
From Black women to Black LGBTQ millennials, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s messages on economic opportunity and gun violence are resonating with the Democratic Party’s base—Black voters.
The openly gay Democrat running the city of South Bend, Indiana, was a lesser-known 2020 presidential candidate until his acclaimed town hall performance on CNN on March 10. Since then, the midwestern mayor has captured the attention of Black voters and David Axelrod, the former campaign manager for Barack Obama.
https://twitter.com/davidaxelrod/status/1104922963386630144
Buttigieg, 37, contends that every candidate “brings a different profile and a different life experience,” but the conversation around intersectionality and his personal experience as a member of a marginalized community helps him find “new sources of solidarity” across identity groups.
South Bend might not be known for having a large Black population. But, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Black community represents over a quarter of the city’s population.
Before “Pete for America” officially launched, Mark Meier ran the “Draft Mayor Pete” political action committee in an effort to bolster nationwide name recognition for the Afghanistan War veteran. Meier who like Buttigieg is a millennial member of the LGBTQ community, said on the PAC’s website that Buttigieg is a uniquely suited candidate to bring together Democrats from every part of our big tent party.”
snip
South Bend is overall 45% minority btw and Pete was re-elected with 80% of the vote
https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Buttigieg-vies-for-second-term-as-South-Bend-mayor-340002362.html
During his 8 year tenure, African American wages, wealth, home ownership rates, and employment rates are all up, and although they still lag under the national average, but they were far worse before he was initially elected.
He also has dealt with a diverse South Bend City Council, and even often has gotten the Republicans (at present there is only one) to go along with the city's initiatives.
https://southbendin.gov/department/common-council/
here is his interview with Charlamagne Tha God and The Breakfast Club
Pete Buttigieg On Political Honesty, His Black Agenda, Open Homosexuality + More
Ebony Magazine: Is Pete Buttigieg Black Voters' 2020 Presidential Dark Horse?
The midwestern mayor has captured the attention of Black voters and David Axelrod, Obama’s former campaign manager.https://www.ebony.com/exclusive/is-pete-buttigieg-black-voters-2020-presidential-dark-horse/
From Black women to Black LGBTQ millennials, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s messages on economic opportunity and gun violence are resonating with the Democratic Party’s base—Black voters.
The openly gay Democrat running the city of South Bend, Indiana, was a lesser-known 2020 presidential candidate until his acclaimed town hall performance on CNN on March 10. Since then, the midwestern mayor has captured the attention of Black voters and David Axelrod, the former campaign manager for Barack Obama.
https://twitter.com/davidaxelrod/status/1104922963386630144
Buttigieg, 37, contends that every candidate “brings a different profile and a different life experience,” but the conversation around intersectionality and his personal experience as a member of a marginalized community helps him find “new sources of solidarity” across identity groups.
South Bend might not be known for having a large Black population. But, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Black community represents over a quarter of the city’s population.
Before “Pete for America” officially launched, Mark Meier ran the “Draft Mayor Pete” political action committee in an effort to bolster nationwide name recognition for the Afghanistan War veteran. Meier who like Buttigieg is a millennial member of the LGBTQ community, said on the PAC’s website that Buttigieg is a uniquely suited candidate to bring together Democrats from every part of our big tent party.”
snip
South Bend is overall 45% minority btw and Pete was re-elected with 80% of the vote
https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Buttigieg-vies-for-second-term-as-South-Bend-mayor-340002362.html
During his 8 year tenure, African American wages, wealth, home ownership rates, and employment rates are all up, and although they still lag under the national average, but they were far worse before he was initially elected.
He also has dealt with a diverse South Bend City Council, and even often has gotten the Republicans (at present there is only one) to go along with the city's initiatives.
https://southbendin.gov/department/common-council/
here is his interview with Charlamagne Tha God and The Breakfast Club
Pete Buttigieg On Political Honesty, His Black Agenda, Open Homosexuality + More
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