Well, he gave us quite a scare. So much so, in fact, that I wasn't even annoyed that MSNBC had Pat Buchanan doing most of the commentary or the really bad habit people have of speaking of the ill in the past tense. The majority of the coverage was excellent, including some great old file footage, and it was comforting to hear both sides of the aisle come together to wish Senator Kennedy well.

If you watched the news at all yesterday, you know that Senator Kennedy was admitted to Mass General with 'symptoms of a stroke'. Thankfully, it was not, and by last night, he was resting comfortably and watching the Red Sox best the Brewers in both games of yesterday's double-header.

Dr. Larry Ronan, Sen. Kennedy's primary care physician, released this statement: "Sen. Kennedy was admitted to Massachusetts General today after experiencing a seizure at his home. Preliminary tests have determined that he has not suffered a stroke and is not in any immediate danger. He's resting comfortably, and watching the Red Sox game with his family. Over the next couple of days, Sen. Kennedy will undergo further evaluation to determine the cause of the seizure, and a course of treatment will be determined at that time."

Of course, his friends in the Senate had plenty to say, all three presidential candidates releasing statements wishing him well, and both Obama and Clinton asking supporters to keep Senator Kennedy in our thoughts and prayers. Senator Kerry stopped by the hospital to check on his friend, and released a statement of support.

"Ted Kennedy is beloved and respected on both sides of the aisle in the Senate in which he's been a giant for close to half a century, a legend in Massachusetts, and a dear friend to me and Teresa. He's also been a fighter who has overcome adversity again and again with courage, grit, and determination. Teresa and I are praying for Teddy, Vicki and all of his family and we know that everyone in Massachusetts and people throughout the nation pray for a full and speedy recovery for a man whose life's work has touched millions upon millions of lives." -John Kerry

NECN had an update last night on the Senator's condition, which looks promising. No news yet on the cause of the seizure, but that's expected in the coming days. For now, we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief and hope for all the best for the Senator in his recovery.

"Anywhere, anytime."
-Barack Obama

After his insulting and bizarre appeaser/Nazi remarks to the Knesset, President Bush has decided to go with an 'I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about someone else' defense. No doubt the response was prompted by the series of beatings he took at the hands of Senators Kerry, Obama, Biden, Reid, Durbin and Clinton, Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Emanuel, the traditional media, the blogs, and just about everyone with an opinion. Bush's mysterious 'some' was spun, first by White House spokesperson Dana Perino, then by Ed Gillespie as a generic slam, but, they claim, not directed at Obama or Pres. Carter or any other individual. Sen. Obama asked who this amorphous 'some' is that the President was referencing, knowing there would be no answer.

Of course, Bush wasn't talking about John McCain, although (unlike Obama who explicitly stated he would not) McCain has said we should engage with Hamas. And Syria. I'm not sure if McCain has actually changed his position on that or if he forgot, in yet another 'senior moment', that he said it. And the President couldn't have been referencing himself, although it was, after all, Bush policies that helped give Hamas their power and become an even greater threat to Israel. But I don't think the President intended to point the finger at either himself or at John McCain with his 'some'. No, I think that was an accidental consequence, brought about by people listening to his words and looking at his policies. In any case, the Nazi reference doesn't fit, even someone who is as wrong as Bush/McCain on foreign policy doesn't deserve to be compared with a Nazi appeaser. Not only is it an insult to 'some', but it's an insult to anyone with a lick of common sense.

Whatever the case, and whoever the 'some', Obama said yesterday that he'd happy to take them both on in a debate on foreign policy. I suggest he write down the date and time for McCain so he doesn't forget, and list out a few other facts like the definitions of diplomacy and appeasement, since neither Bush nor McCain seem to know the difference.

They won't accept Obama's challenge, of course. Bush won't because he's a blowhard who won't back up his words, and McCain because he's just so wrong on foreign policy, he's got to be afraid the American people might learn that he's not the expert the media has made him out to be. It really is time to lay that old canard to rest, and tell the American people the truth about John McCain. To that end, Obama's offered a debate on the topic, so either they put up or shut up. Either debate him on our foreign policy or just stop with the divisive and nasty bully tactics where they spit out distortions then run and hide from their own words.

Something interesting that came from all this was a discussion I heard yesterday between Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow about the rhetoric that's been used by the right to generate fear and shut down dissent. I have to give Matthews kudos for this, he was spot-on. Years late, but correct nonetheless. It's the same message Senator Kerry had for us in his 'Dissent' speech, and one that needs to be advanced.

To give full credit where it's due, Chris Matthews has been exceptional these last few days. I hope he continues to speak on the right wing's use of language to divide, and the importance of dissent in a democracy. It's a conversation that I think is necessary if we're to move beyond the past eight years, and I'm pretty sure the American people are ready for that change.

Did the President of the United States of America, in Israel, on the 60th anniversary of their becoming a nation, equate the majority of Americans with Nazi appeasers?

I think he did.

Now, most people think Bush was talking about Barack Obama, but the White House says no, he wasn't. So, if we're to believe them, he might have been referring to anyone who believes we should negotiate with Iran. Like John Kerry, or Defense Secretary Robert Gates, or Secretary of State Condi Rice, or most of the American people, or leaders of other countries. or Ronald Reagan (not legally in his case), or, if he were alive, President John F. Kennedy.

I'm almost at a loss for words. But Sen. Kerry is not. He's not going to let this disgraceful attack by the President of the United States on the people of the United States go unanswered. And neither should we. Thinking people understand that diplomacy is not appeasement, it's strength. So, either Bush doesn't fall into that category, or he thinks we don't.

Here's Joe Biden's response

And Nancy Pelosi's

Sen. Clinton called Bush's words "offensive and outrageous".

Never to my knowledge has such a disgusting attack been made by the president of a country about the people of the country he's sworn to serve.

So, does John McCain stand up for the American people when we're attacked by George Bush?

No, he embraces Bush's words. Why? Because it's what they do. He's Bush III. There's really no daylight between them. McCain promises more of the same George Bush foreign policy that has made the Middle East and the United States less safe, and although the media continues to tout his foreign relations credentials, they've really got to stop. I don't know where McCain got that reputation, but it's seriously flawed. He's also, as the Washington Post pointed out today, a huge hypocrite.

And through it all, Republican pundits are spinning. Badly.

Bush is really calling people who want us to engage in diplomacy with Iran appeasers? Compare us to Nazis? You'd think he'd steer clear of playing the Nazi card, given grandpappy's connection, but then, he apparently has no shame.

I'm with Biden on this. I call bullshit.

Photo Credit: Alan D. Wilson/Creative Commons license

We've written here several times about the Senator's defense of the polar bear, and on the occasion of their addition to the endangered species list as 'threatened', it's time to revisit the topic.There's still work to be done, but yesterday was a huge step in the right direction, and the Senator marked the victory with a statement, and a warning:

“Today’s announcement is both a victory and a lifeline for our last remaining polar bears. The next step is to secure the long-term survival of the species by ensuring that the polar bear habitat in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas is protected from the threat of oil and gas drilling. Even while the Interior Department was taking steps to give these bears ESA protection, the Bush Administration opened almost 30 million acres of polar bear habitat to oil and gas exploration, which -- by their own admission -- may ultimately kill polar bears. We need to protect the bears’ habitat, and we must do so now. The polar bear has become the mascot of all we could lose to climate change and it is critical that we fight to save this species even as we wage a larger battle against global warming.”

A year ago this week, Senator Kerry introduced the `Polar Bear Protection Act of 2007'. In January of this year, he proposed S. 2568, a moratorium on leasing in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Planning Areas, which stipulates that no drilling occur unless and until "oil and gas exploration and development activities can be conducted in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Planning Areas without posing a risk of substantial adverse impact to wildlife or wildlife habitat and subsistence."

I think most people can agree that life without the polar bear is not a good trade off for the possibility of few more gallons of gas in the Hummer. It's not our right, obviously, to spoil the planet, it's our responsibility to protect it, and there are better ways to feed our energy habit than to destroy these beautiful living beings and threaten the culture and livelihood of the local people.

Of course, the administration sneaked in the drilling lease by delaying the endangered species designation. It is, after all, what they do. Thank goodness, though, not for much longer.

Of course Republicans are going to start lying about Barack Obama. He's beating McCain in the latest polls by a significant margin. But as Senator Kerry has said, our nominee will not be 'swiftboated', so when House Republicans John Boehner and Eric Cantor used their positions in Congress to distort the words of Senator Obama, Senator Kerry was quick to fire back.

When I read Senator Kerry's post on Huffington yesterday about the incredible lie John Boehner told about Barack Obama, I wasn't at all surprised that he took the time to write it. I wish I had video of the Senator banging out this post on his Mac, I'm sure it would be classic. But all I have is the post. Probably for the best, if you've ever watched the Senator grill people in Senate hearings, you know he's a little scary when he's mad.

What i do have is access to YouTube, and plenty of evidence that John Boehner is a typical Republican Congressional shill, and a Bush boot-licker of the first order. There are a few videos of Boehner's performances, including one titled "John Boehner is ignorant", which is really a bit long. I guess there was lots of evidence. There were a couple of his drama queen performances on the House floor. One of him crying because, apparently, he loves America and the rest of us don't, was just pitiful. Here's a good one, mercifully short, of Boehner proclaiming that the loss of life in Iraq is a "small price" to pay. I doubt it's a small price for the family left behind, but I don't think Congressman Boehner has had to make that sacrifice.

So, to the Senator's point, and to follow his example, when the Republican leadership attacks with lies and distortions, our response must be to fight back with the truth, and point out that blatant distortions like Boehner's fabrication yesterday are just more of he same old Republican dirty politics. It is, after all, what they do.

h/t to ProSense for the link to Huffpo and the great photo of my two favorite Senators.

photo credit Wikimedia Commons/Jarekt

Having grown up a stone's throw from the WV border and feeling a great affinity for my neighbors to the south, I'm not sure how to take the recent polls that show Sen. Obama trailing significantly in the state. I guess it has a lot to do with the perception that West Virginians are distrustful of outsiders, as though they're somehow different from the rest of us. Or maybe it's that many West Virginians think a black guy from Chicago (who grew up in a white family in Kansas) mistakenly feel he doesn't understand and can't relate to their needs. Granted, the state is not very diverse when compared with the rest of the nation. It's not his ideal demographic. But perhaps the pollsters and pundits who have given up on West Virginia just haven't reached people like the ones I have met there, who are kind and proud and independent, and who will vote for Barack Obama because they know he will bring the kind of change the state desperately needs.

I hope I'm not making the entire state out to be a bunch of backwoods 'folk'. They're not, of course. Morgantown is the home of WVU. We've posted about the University here, and remarked on their visionary transportation system. West Virginia is the place where I attended my first Edwin concert, and where my memories of the incredible beauty of places like New River Gorge are a frequent reminder to me of a place that John Denver described so well.

Funny thing is, when I think of West Virginia and Sen. Obama, a lot of my hopes for the state are consistent with the reasons I support him. They are the second poorest state in the nation, and the earth that they've depended on for sustenance is being exploited, as they are, by corporate interests that are destroying the natural beauty of the state by blowing the tops off the mountains they love. The people of West Virginia need change, and the voters of West Virginia have, probably more than most, a lot to gain from his presidency.

Senator Obama spoke to supporters in West Virginia yesterday about the values they share, like the new GI bill, that he supports and McCain opposes.

So, West Virginia, maybe Obama's not exactly like what you've come to expect from politicians. Seems to me that's a good thing for all of us. As one of the least prosperous states in the nation, and one of the most derided, West Virginia should be able to relate to his message, and be hopeful for the change that is to come.

On a much less serious note, here are some photos from Sen. Obama's website of him hanging out at Schultzie's Billiards in South Charleston yesterday. When you think about it, not so different from pool halls in the south side of Chicago, or anywhere else in the country. As Sen. Obama reminds us, there is more that unites us than separates us.

As the Boston Globe notes, Sen. Kerry is determined that we do the right thing by our men and women in the military. His commitment to them is clear, from standing up for their voting rights, to standing with the families of missing soldiers Alex Jimenez of Massachusetts and Byron Fouty of Michigan.

The Senator had legislation passed last week that will help provide aid to Myanmar, he introduced the Medicare IVIG Access Act, blogged at Huffington about the Pentagon's pundit program, and on the Hill's Congress Blog urging that Nelson Mandela be removed from the terrorist watch list.

The Senator also announced legislation to preserve Massachusetts historic sites, and again urged protection for the endangered right whale and other marine life at Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary.

Of course, the news coverage is still all about the primary, and Senator Kerry made several appearances last week on behalf of Barack Obama on MSNBC, and also on the Michael Baisden radio show. He made a very important point on Baisden's program, that while we're all inclined to look at Obama and McCain and think we've got it in the bag, it's dangerous to make assumptions or to underestimate your opponent. Once people know the truth about McCain, I think they'll see the difference, but our job right now is to make sure they do.

Back in Massachusetts and campaigning for his own re-election, Senator Kerry attended the Haverhill Democratic breakfast over the weekend, and walked away with 84% of the vote in the straw poll. Most folks would probably be pretty happy with that, but to the Senator's point, we're just going to have to work a little harder on the 16%.

Happy Monday. Enjoy the news.

Happy Mothers Day to all our KV reader moms, and especially to one of our favorite mothers, who has a special message for us on this very special day. While flowers and gifts are a great way to show your appreciation, a lot of moms and grandmothers are going to need much more than that, and Teresa reminds us of the importance of looking ahead and planning for the financial security of all people, women in particular.

A tireless advocate for women, Teresa Heinz addressed the issue of retirement security in a Daily Kos diary and Mothers Day video yesterday, and introduced a free e-book, "What Women Need to Know about Retirement". As the founder of WISER, the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, Teresa has a history of addressing this critical issue.

A native of Southwestern Pennsylvania, I have long known of the philanthropic works and the influence of the Heinz family. You can't navigate the city of Pittsburgh without knowing where Heinz Hall, Heinz Chapel, Heinz Field, the Heinz plant, the Sarah Heinz House and the Heinz History Museum are. But what I didn't know until the last few years is how deeply involved Teresa has been in the issue of women's health and other concerns specific to women.

What's particularly striking to me is the personal investment she makes in these projects. She doesn't just throw cash at them, she actually shows up. And not just to give a speech, but to hang out and chat with participants of events she sponsors, like the one I attended last year, her Women's Health and the Environment conference, which she began in 1996 and has been offering free to the public every year since. Her advocacy isn't a one-shot deal, but a lifelong commitment, and for that she deserves our great thanks.

So, when you hand mom her hydrangea today, give her the link to the e-book, too. What could be more thoughtful than to let her know you care about her future?

The dictum, "first, do no harm" is typically applied to physicians, but I think works here. At this point, when Senator Obama has the nomination all but locked up, it's what the Democratic party leadership must insist on from Sen. Clinton if she's going to stay in the race.

Lately, Mrs. Clinton has attempted to make the only case she feels she has left, flimsy though it is, that 'hard working white people' (an unfortunate statement on a couple levels) won't support Sen. Obama in the general election. I'm not sure if that means the people of Nebraska, Utah, Minnesota, North Dakota, and other Obama states that are almost exclusively white have been dismissed, if they're seen by the Clinton campaign as a bunch of slackers, or if the inference is that only white people work hard. There's really no good way to interpret it. Personally, as a 'hard working white person', I'm a little insulted by her statement, just as I'm insulted by her insistence that, as a woman, she can claim my vote, and that those of us who are fortunate enough to have worked our way to a college degree are elitist and outside the mainstream, or that those who are either not so fortunate or have chosen another course are a huge monolithic voting block. I understand that it's a futile last-ditch effort to resurrect her dying campaign, and I have some compassion for her in that regard. She's a fighter. A dirty fighter at times, but still, there's something in her tenacity to be admired.

The problem with her latest strategy, aside from the fact that her claims are completely baseless, is that goes against the 'do no harm' rule. The divisive rhetoric, the dog whistles, the pandering and the threats are all just the death rattle, but the real harm is that she's hell-bent on taking the party down with her. Despite Sen. Obama's attempts to allow her a graceful exit, Sen. Clinton has insisted on dragging this thing out to the bitter end, irrespective of the damage to anyone who might stand in her way. including the presumptive nominee and the standard bearer of the Democratic party.

As Senator Kerry points out, the claims Senator Clinton is making aren't really true. Senator Kerry won the female vote in 2004, as well as the Hispanic vote. Facts matter. Could we have done better? Certainly, we could have, but I don't recall a whole lot of Hillary out there in '04, urging her 'base' to vote for our candidate. If she's going to claim she speaks for them, maybe she should have spoke up then and helped save us from the last four years of Bush. In these waning days of the primary, she can do that now if she chooses, and exit the race having helped the Democratic party to a big win in November. It doesn't appear that's her plan.

If Senator Clinton needs more time to come to grips with the facts, then there's no reason she shouldn't continue to campaign. She doesn't have to help the Dems to a win, although I think it would help restore her and Bill's damaged legacy. She can continue to make her case. But it's time to insist that she first do no harm.

I'm guessing that most of us make hundreds of choices every day, maybe more, from how many times to hit the snooze button in the morning to whether it's really a good idea to stay up to watch Colbert. For me, some are as simple as deciding what to say to you nice people every morning. Today, for example, there was a choice between Senator Kerry's interview on MSNBC and Senator Obama's on CNN. I chose neither, because sometimes the choice is very clear and sometimes, there really isn't a choice at all. In the case of Myanmar, the survivors of that devastated country had no choice but to watch as their homes were destroyed and their neighbors and family members perished in the aftermath of the Cyclone Nargis.

And in the case of a compassionate nation, there's no choice but to empathize with their plight and come to their aid. It was no surprise to me who lead the Senate in that effort. I can't imagine he felt he had a choice.

“At this tragic moment, the United States has a responsibility to help the Burmese people and push the junta to allow humanitarian aid to get to the people who need it the most, freely and rapidly. This could be remembered as the moment when the United States and the world came to the aid of the Burmese people and made it clear that while we loathe the junta that has isolated Burma from the world and oppressed its citizens, we find common cause with the people of Burma and we will be there by their side at this difficult time.”
 

Even before the storm hit, the people of Myanmar (Burma) survived under a repressive government in a sometimes violent struggle for democracy. Senator Kerry has spoken on the topic in the recent past, and has pointed to the need for the US to show our solidarity with the people of Burma.
As Myanmar fights to recover from the effects of Cyclone Nargis, our hopes and prayers are with them. And if the government of Myanmar allows, our country's humanitarian aid as well. Let's hope they make the right choice.