(R) No Labels Party
For many of my readers, allow me to introduce you to someone in my life that has helped shape, hone and sometimes, take my opinions "head on!" That man is Joseph Newman who turns 100 today! How do I know this guy? Well, over two decades ago, he became Grandpa Joe to my family when he became my wife's Grandmother's "Significant Other" and with that, became Great Grandfather to my children when they were born (and they forever will know him as such). I am lucky to also live near Grandpa Joe in Florida, so I have been able to sit and talk with him for quite a while. In fact Joe and I head to The Robyn Report on WWPR together every Tuesday to discuss current political events. Joe has been a lifelong activist, providing and seeking intellectual thinking when it comes to our complex social problems (while always employing both rational and historical frames of reference). Joe is an amazing man, and turning 100 is by itself a milestone. But Joe has, unlike many other centenarians, had an amazingly rich life because he has made countless contributions to mankind in ways most of us can only stand in awe of. But although Joe enjoys looking back on his life, he prefers we collectively look forward and create solutions to the problems we face as a Nation today (and tomorrow). So, before moving on to something else that caught my eye, I wish Grandpa Joe Newman a Happy, Healthy and forward looking 100th Birthday!
A relatively new political party is re-emerging under the No Labels banner. Why "re-emerging?" Because when founded in 2010, it failed to gain any real "traction" on the national political landscape. But No Labels, is finally beginning to take shape with several high profile leaders adding their names to their cause under the motto; "Stop Fighting, Start Fixing." According to the No Labels Party, their creed is clearly outlined; "Make America Work!1) Tell us the full truth; 2) Govern for the future; 3) Put the country first; 4) Be responsible; 5) Work together.
But who are the "leaders" of this great sounding new Party? According to their website (www.nolabels.org), their new Co-Chairs are former GOP Governor Jon Huntsman and current Democratic Senator Joe Manchin who have dedicated themselves to create a new "Radical Centrist Party." The group is holding a "Meeting to Make America Work" conference tomorrow (January 14) in New York City hosting speakers ranging from "Maine Independent Sen. Angus King; Newark, New Jersey Mayor and Democratic Senate candidate Cory Booker; and Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller, who will address the group by video. President Bill Clinton and Arizona Sen. John McCain will each send taped messages." The No Labels Party has also formed a “Problem Solvers’ Group” which includes 12 Republican and 13 Democratic "lawmakers." Sounds great right? But if this group is truly motivated to work on fixing problems, what is their position on Abortion Rights, Gun Restrictions, The Patriot Act, Voting Rights, Climate Change, Foreign Policy and other important matters? Is this group really an innovative movement or a smokescreen to insulate the existing two-party "Winner Take All" electoral system?
I maintain a skeptical view whenever elected politicians do anything, especially when they claim their first priority is to raise money for a Super PAC! But, what if the No Label Group is "for real" and not a faux movement? What if it has the willpower necessary to influence and move public policy back to the elusive political "Middle?" I will be watching this group closely to see if they are finally addressing what I am interested in and ask that you do the same. Their name certainly seems to be a great start.
A relatively new political party is re-emerging under the No Labels banner. Why "re-emerging?" Because when founded in 2010, it failed to gain any real "traction" on the national political landscape. But No Labels, is finally beginning to take shape with several high profile leaders adding their names to their cause under the motto; "Stop Fighting, Start Fixing." According to the No Labels Party, their creed is clearly outlined; "Make America Work!1) Tell us the full truth; 2) Govern for the future; 3) Put the country first; 4) Be responsible; 5) Work together.
But who are the "leaders" of this great sounding new Party? According to their website (www.nolabels.org), their new Co-Chairs are former GOP Governor Jon Huntsman and current Democratic Senator Joe Manchin who have dedicated themselves to create a new "Radical Centrist Party." The group is holding a "Meeting to Make America Work" conference tomorrow (January 14) in New York City hosting speakers ranging from "Maine Independent Sen. Angus King; Newark, New Jersey Mayor and Democratic Senate candidate Cory Booker; and Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller, who will address the group by video. President Bill Clinton and Arizona Sen. John McCain will each send taped messages." The No Labels Party has also formed a “Problem Solvers’ Group” which includes 12 Republican and 13 Democratic "lawmakers." Sounds great right? But if this group is truly motivated to work on fixing problems, what is their position on Abortion Rights, Gun Restrictions, The Patriot Act, Voting Rights, Climate Change, Foreign Policy and other important matters? Is this group really an innovative movement or a smokescreen to insulate the existing two-party "Winner Take All" electoral system?
I maintain a skeptical view whenever elected politicians do anything, especially when they claim their first priority is to raise money for a Super PAC! But, what if the No Label Group is "for real" and not a faux movement? What if it has the willpower necessary to influence and move public policy back to the elusive political "Middle?" I will be watching this group closely to see if they are finally addressing what I am interested in and ask that you do the same. Their name certainly seems to be a great start.
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