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.

There was plenty of important Senate business this past week, both in DC and in Massachusetts. But the thing that had the blogosphere cheering was when, during an MSNBC interview, the Senator said what millions of Americans have been waiting to hear. Finally, one person on the national stage had the guts to tell the mainstream media we've had enough of the nonstop coverage of stories that are not news, and that have no impact on the lives of the American people.

I think maybe the fact that real news, like the administration's use of propaganda to promote Bush's war, seems to be buried or not covered at all, got the Senator a little ticked off.

Really, do you think most Americans know that Sen. Clinton's dangerous remarks about Iran provoked an international response at a time when we need their cooperation? They would, if it was covered.

Senator Kerry spoke at the Hyannis Jefferson-Jackson dinner, secured funding for small businesses hurt by drought, proposed legislation to help babies, worked for voting rights for veterans, pushed for investigations into tax shelter abuses, introduced a resolution to urge President Robert Mugabe to acknowledge the results of the Zimbabwe election, and held an ASP webcast on national security.

He was also recognized with the first annual Father Drinan Award, and received a 100% rating from the Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law.

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy the news.

It was another busy week in the Senate for JK, with hearings on Darfur, broadband access, deforestation and climate change, nanotechnology research, and a floor speech on Small Business Week where he urged passage of important small biz legislation that's being blocked by some Republicans in the Senate. He also got his Right Whale legislation through the Commerce Committee, and worked with Sen. Obama on an effort to stop offshore tax shelters, proposed a resolution to uphold the results of the Zimbabwe elections, and legislation to help kids get student loans.

Still, he had time to take in a ball game, where he and the rest of the crowd at Fenway honored PFC Sean Bannon's service by awarding his purple heart before the game. The Senator also started the wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon, gave some advice to the slumping Big Papi, and called out a Yankees fan at his NYC book signing.

Sen. Kerry was also on hand for the presentation of the Middlesex County DA's office John F. Kerry Leadership Award, and will remain in Mass. today for a Senate field hearing in Chelsea.

On a historical note, last week was the 37th anniversary of the Senator's testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he spoke on behalf of anti-Vietnam War veterans on the tragedy of that conflict.

I am going to have to ask for your forgiveness once again for missing some of this week's news, but tomorrow is Pennsylvania's primary, and I've been working some pretty long hours to help Sen. Obama get the nomination. As a matter of fact, after reading about the Clintons' Democratic enemies list in the NYT yesterday, the only thing that could keep me from working extra hard for Sen. Obama would be if JK himself were running. If I didn't know better, I would say Bill and Hill seem a little bitter over the loss of their entitlement.

In addition to topping the Clinton hit list, Sen. Kerry is fending off attacks from the do-nothing Senate Republicans, who have the audacity to suggest he's not getting legislation passed, even though they're the ones blocking it. I'm telling you, these people are just getting more bizarre by the day.

But some things are getting done, and Sen. Kerry was busy again last week, working for the people of Massachusetts and the country. I think I caught a good bit of it, like legislation that will help our men and women in uniform keep their homes, and hearings on how to help small business owners get the credit they need to stay afloat in these difficult economic times, he also helped Massachusetts fishermen remove a roadblock that will allow them to expeditiously put a $13.4 million grant to good use.

The Senator spoke at a Boston Chamber of Commerce government affairs forum, heard Mayor Carolyn Kirk's testimony at a Senate Small Business Committee hearing, blogged about net neutrality at Firedog Lake, spoke to a group of Democrats in Hudson, attended an event that promotes physical fitness for young girls, joined other local officials in denouncing predatory lending practices that have caused so many to lose their homes, congratulated the Boston College Eagles hockey team in the Senate, and proposed the Emergency Student Loan Liquidity Market Act to help students get loans.

I see This Moment on Earth is coming out in paperback, which is pretty awesome, although I already have a couple (signed) copies and have handed a few out to friends and family. If you haven't read it, I suggest you pick up a copy and try to track down the Senator to get yours signed. It's a really great book from two wonderful people who have both been long time environmental leaders.

Happy Primary Eve!

Just the facts.

I hope you'll excuse my lack of commentary this time (maybe you'll appreciate it), but I've been spending these last few weekends talking to folks in PA (who really are incredibly bitter, by the way, about the failures of the Bush administration) about why I think Barack Obama should be our next President, and to tell the truth, I'm tired. Still, I feel like a bit of a slacker when I look at what Senator Kerry has accomplished over the past week. One of these days, I'm going to find out how he does it.

Senator Kerry sent a letter to the Department of Justice on behalf of the survivors of first responders, announced a million dollar grant to the former employees of Quaker Fabric, received a leadership award from the American Optometric Association, introduced legislation to increase National Guard benefits, passed The Military Family Homes Protection Act to help active duty military keep their homes, and the Kerry-Smith provision to help others facing foreclosure, and spoke at a hearing on immigration raids. He also wrote to George Bush about the President's attempts to push the Columbian trade deal through Congress. Check that last one out. It's the deal President Clinton supports and that Hillary opposes, even though Bill has made a bundle from it.

The Senator spoke at MAPS, welcomed home returning troops with the 719th Movement Control Battalion, investigated a government contractor, was recognized by the American Public Health Association, held a conference call with reporters on the Bush administration's misguided policy in Iraq, wrote to SBA administrator Preston on behalf of small business, questioned Petraeus and Crocker at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, campaigned for Sen. Obama in Pennsylvania, and spoke at some local Democratic events. I think Kerstin attended one of them, so we should be hearing more on that soon.

I may have missed a few, but I think I captured the highlights. Enjoy.

Fired up.

It may be an Obama rallying cry, but it also pretty accurately describes Sen. Kerry's demeanor over the past week of hearings and interviews. I think, though, that what he believes is 'ready to go', is the current administration. With only nine months left until the grownups take back the White House, I believe that's pretty much in line with the general feeling of the country.

The Senator was interviewed on all three cable news networks this week in addition to Senate hearings in the Foreign Relations and Finance Committees, a floor speech on the housing crisis and a swing through the eastern half of Pennsylvania for Obama. I was pretty disappointed that he didn't stretch that trip a bit further west to his wife's home town of Pittsburgh, but we're still hoping he makes it here before the primary.

I'm afraid I missed the Finance Committee hearing on anti-terrorism financing last week, which can be found at the committee website (Sen. Kerry is at 1:07 and again at 1:21:30). Actually, listening to it now, I'm really sorry I didn't catch it, as he mentions his investigation into BCCI. There are some pretty slimy things hiding under rocks Senator Kerry has overturned, and no doubt a lot more ooze yet to be uncovered. This is a hugely important issue that is at the heart of our national security, and that you won't hear much about on the evening news. The full hearing is worth watching, but if you're short on time, try to find a few minutes to watch JK.

Sec. Levey: "That's a difficult question."
Sen. Kerry: "That's why I asked it."

Levey looked pretty relieved when JK was done with him, and not especially thrilled about Sen. Wyden's Saudi question that followed. I don't think he was looking forward to a second round, but I was. Follow the money, indeed.

A perfect score twice in one week. Nice work, Senator.

Senator Kerry received a 100% rating from both the The American Association of University Women and from The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights this week. As much as we hate to inflate the guy's ego, there's not much room to argue with a perfect score.

The Senator also fought to increase funds for port security, made a statement on a Boston SBA initiative, fought for direct aid to fishermen, and was asked to speak at MCLA's commencement, where he will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

He sent an email in support of four vets who are running for Congress, attended Mayor Menino's foreclosure seminar, and debated Gov. Ed Rendell on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos".

The Senate's back in session this week and the SFRC has a full slate of hearings planned on Iraq. First, though, Senator Kerry will make a stop in Boston at the newly renovated Coast Guard Command Center, and chat with Ed Schultz on the radio.

Looks like a busy week.

Four Thousand.

Four thousand American lives, probably upwards of 100,000 Iraqi lives, unknown numbers of severely wounded, four million displaced Iraqi citizens, and a huge drain on our economy.
And yet, John McCain is still wearing his rose colored glasses, refusing to acknowledge the terrible toll of this misguided war. Really, can any rational person consider voting for someone who would continue this massive disaster for another hundred years? Or joke about starting another war in the Middle East?

Senator Kerry was in Massachusetts this past week, and commented on the fourth anniversary of Bush's disaster, but before he left Washington, he spoke with a group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. In MA, he met with vets in Bristol County, and wrote to the VA about voting rights for veterans.

In addition to standing up for our veterans, Sen. Kerry spoke with women entrepreneurs in Framingham, discussed the failures of the current administration, stopped by a blood drive in Chelmsford where he met Stefani Bush (no relation) and her kids who are battling a genetic disorder that he has introduced legislation to help combat, spoke with South Coast Today (for which he took some flack, but was absolutely correct in his statements about Obama) on a number of topics, including home foreclosures, rode a zero-emission motorcycle, and sought emergency funding for fishermen. He also addressed small business funding, and proposed legislation with Barack Obama to prevent government contractors from avoiding payroll taxes.

I hope he took Sunday off.

Cead Mile Failte and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm on my way to TBA, but I did manage to get the news done before I left for my third annual trip to this huge progressive gathering in DC.

I was searching for a really profound Irish blessing for all of you, but when Kerstin and I came across this one, we decided it was our favorite.

Well, I don't suppose anyone can argue that would be a blessing. Enjoy the news.

The photo at the beginning of the newsreel is one I took on my last trip to Ireland. It's just outside the village of Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry. Funny that the Irish name counties after US Senators, isn't it?

You can watch the full Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing at the committee website. There was a lot of news this week, the Senator is trying to close an offshore tax loophole, lift the AIDS travel ban, help veterans keep their homes, help fishermen keep their jobs, and generally do all that great Senator stuff he does. He also talked to a bunch of bloggers (including me and Kerstin), wrote an essay for the Washington Monthly, and added a bunch of cash to the budget to assist small businesses.

A big thank you and Happy St. Pat's Day to the artist whose music I used -

The song, Irish Soldier Laddie is quite lovely, and I hope Dan O'Donnell doesn't mind that I used it. I couldn't find anything on his site to the contrary, so I'll just give him a plug here and hope that's OK. And Dan, I do hope you make it to Ireland some day. Here's another photo from my last trip to tide you over. It's from just outside Glenbeigh.

If any of you happen to be in South Florida and find yourself in need of a good traditional Irish musician, Dan's website indicates that he does gigs for the following occasions:

Ethnic (any) Festival, Fair, Snipe Hunt, Hoe Down, Wake, Wedding, Divorce, Anniversary, Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, Excommunication, Mitzvah, Circumcision, Mass, Exorcism, Revival (of anything), Seance, Resurrection, Coven Gathering, Viagra Party, Deflowering Rites, Rain Dance, Orgy, Barn Dance, Barn Raising, Barn Burning, Peace Rally, Revolution, Hunger Strike, Sit In, Riot, War, Protest (anything) Rally, Convention (any), Inauguration, Impeachment, Debutante Ball, Barbecue, Clambake, clipping your toenails ...

Sounds like my kinda guy. Here's one more picture for Dan and the rest of you.

Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ireland

Big news this week. First, Obama won Vermont and Texas. I don't care what the traditional media says, and I don't care what Rush Limbaugh says. The media has been hyping TX as a Hillary win for days, and it's really bugging me. Hillary may have won the first half, but Obama won the caucus and the most delegates in the Texas prima-caucus, so he won. Period. He also came away with a big win in Wyoming on Saturday, and is headed for another tomorrow in Mississippi. GObama.

In other campaign news, it was all about Michigan and Florida on the Sunday shows, and if/how to seat the delegates from the rogue states. It's a tough one. Bending the rules for these two might set an ugly precedent, but the people have a right to their voice. I wonder why the governors of these two states are getting a pass on this? Their really bad decision to try to circumvent the rules hasn't been questioned and they really did start this whole cluster.

The other big Dem election news from the weekend was a scarcely covered IL special election for Congress. The reason it's big is that Democrat Bill Foster won Denny Hastert's seat! Now THAT is a big Dem win.

Oh, and the Clintons have changed their campaign strategy. I think the new slogan is "Confuse to Lose". Hillary says Obama's not ready to lead, but is suggesting a 'dream ticket', presumably with her at the top. Someone might want to tell her the winner doesn't take second prize. I missed who Scarborough was quoting this morning when he said "It's like selling a house you don't own," but it was spot-on.

There was huge news for Massachusetts, too, as both Senators Kennedy and Kerry were ranked among the most powerful members of Congress. We already knew that, of course, but it's good to have the validation. MA was also recognized as the leader in e-prescriptions, and Senator Kerry, who introduced legislation to make it a national priority, accepted the honor on behalf of his state.

There was a SFRC hearing on strengthening national security (watch Gen. Zinni), a letter to Senators Conrad and Gregg about the Social Security disability backlog, an appeal to ICE secretary Julie Myers, and an investigation into veterans' center funding.

Lots more news. Enjoy.

Support the Troops!

Maybe the Bush administration figures if you've got a flag on your lapel and a ribbon on your SUV (that he doesn't know what it costs to put gas in), you're supporting those who served. As Kerstin noted in yesterday's post, it turns out that the veterans legislation JK and Sen. Snowe introduced and President Bush signed into law is not included in the SBA budget, and in case you missed the video, the Senator was none too happy about it. I can honestly say I felt no compassion for Administrator Preston after watching the whompin he took. If this administration is going to take credit for signing veterans' legislation, they'd damn well better fund it or I'm sure there will be more twitching and stuttering from the next Bush lackey they send to make excuses.

Speaking of people with nothing good to say, President Bush proved once again that he's completely out of touch with the American people. I suppose he doesn't run down to the Wawa with the secret service to fill up the guzzlers, but you'd think he'd at least know what we're paying for it. Senator Kerry sent him a little reminder, though. I doubt he'll get a thank you note in return.

There was a press conference with Joe Biden, where they discussed their recent trip to the Middle East, a hearing about Pakistan, a bit of sports, more sports, and lots of help for the people of Massachusetts.

I guess Senator Kerry likes his job a lot. He'd have to, I suppose, to finish up a week in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Turkey with a trip to Texas to talk about a veterans' hospital and to campaign for Obama. Personally, if I were stranded in the mountains of Afghanistan, I'd have to take a week off to recover when I got home.

I don't think the Senator will be doing that, though. The Senate is back this week, and he's got whales to save and an administration to battle. And several interesting hearings. Finance looks good on Tuesday, and the SFRC is meeting on Thursday to discuss Pakistan's elections. A couple hearings on 2009 budgets scattered throughout the week, too, which might be a good time for a nap if it weren't for the ever-present eye of C-SPAN.

Lots of news this week. Enjoy.

Four countries in three days. I'm not sure if Sen. Kerry is still in Pakistan, or if he's moved on to India or Afghanistan or Turkey, but it doesn't sound like a fun trip. Maybe I should hook him up with my travel guy, I'm sure he could have found him a nice cruise deal.

Although we're not likely to see coverage of the Pakistan elections in the US media, I was able to catch a bit on IBN and French TV. You know, when I vote, the scariest part is crossing the street from where I park and I've yet to see anyone outside my polling location toting a machine gun. But the people of Pakistan appear to be voting, despite the fear of violence and the shooting death today of one of the candidates.

In addition to the trip to the Middle East, the Senator spoke at a climate change conference at Rice university and questioned Condi Rice at a Foreign Relations Committee hearing. He introduced legislation to provide low-cost health coverage to Massachusetts fishermen, wrote to SBA Administrator Preston about providing access to capital for small businesses, and wrote a diary for Daily Kos in addition to four TV interviews and a conference call with Chuck Hagel prior to their leaving for Pakistan. And he sold his car.

Not a bad week's work. Enjoy the news.

I don't think the Senator was really in several places at once last week. I'm pretty sure it just seemed like it. In the Senate, he spoke on the climate, the economy, and the need to re-focus on Afghanistan. On the campaign trail for Sen. Obama, the Senator hit the east coast, the west coast, and several of the major television and radio talk shows. Sen. Kerry spoke this week about Rice and sushi and the State of the Union. He urged increased funding for the Massachusetts National Guard, and had small business legislation passed for veterans. He was named Small Business Champion by Staples and is again championing the cause of polar bears. And whales.

There was more, actually, but I'm afraid I just couldn't keep up. I also couldn't keep the news to five minutes, so enjoy the extended newsreel.

Maybe he'll slow down a bit this week, but I wouldn't count on it.

It's pretty typical to find Senator Kerry fighting back against Bush, but this week he had to push back not just at the current President, but at the last one as well. I hope we can get back to the three person race this week. Four was getting a little crowded.

It was another fun filled week of primary battles, hearings and meet-ups with constituents, championing environmental causes and generally trying to keep the administration from destroying the country and the planet before they slink away to Dallas and leave the cleanup to the next administration.

Sen. Kerry met this week with Massachusetts leaders to discuss a stiumlus package that will create jobs, and not just put a bandaid on the economy. He briefed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the Bali talks, and warned that the Department of Homeland Security's disaster response plan doesn't make the grade. He continued to fight the good fight against swiftboating with his fellow bloggers at Daily Kos, and hit the airwaves with Andy Gobeil on The Big Picture, and Linda Douglass of National Journal on Air. Both interviews can be heard at the links.

Looks like lots of environmental stuff in the coming days, including an event tomorrow with 'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere, a global warming 'teach in' at North Shore Community College, and a keynote speech at Rice University on climate change.

Stay tuned.

Finally. The Senate is back in session this week, and I have to say I missed those guys. It's also a lot easier to keep track of a Senator when you know he's going to be at work.

This week was a challenge, as Sen. Kerry just couldn't seem to stay in one place. The Senator was in Massachusetts for part of the week, meeting with mayors and speaking at Harvard on climate change. He was on the radio with Big Eddie and BlogTalk, and on the ground rallying the troops for Obama in Nevada. He blogged at TPM, wrote to the Secretary of the Interior on the polar bear crisis, wrote to the president of Amtrak about their contract negotiation, and released a statement about a planned investigation (that he had requested in March) into an immigration raid in New Bedford.

Whew.

I understand Sen. Kerry's in South Carolina this morning before heading back to DC, where there should be some interesting hearings on tap, including a two-parter in Finance on the proposed economic stimulus package. I also expect, but haven't yet seen, Senate plans to join the House regarding the administration's attempt to sell off part of the polar bear habitat.

A happy thought to leave you with, there are only 364 more days of the Bush Administration. I hope we make it.

Enjoy the news.

Hey, guess what. John Kerry endorsed Barack Obama!

OK. Unless you've been in living in a cave, maybe that's not news any more. Actually, it's probably not news to people living in caves, either. It's been in newspapers from Illinois to India and everywhere in between in both directions. It was good to see the Senator all over the news talking about a Presidential race again. I'd rather it was his campaign, of course, but still it's good that he's endorsed a great candidate like Obama. And his interview on 'This Week' was stellar.

The Senate's still in recess, but there was other Kerry news this week in addition to the endorsement, including a keynote speech to a mock congress at AIC and a couple visits to Mass firms working on green technology, which we posted about earlier this week. He spoke at the Berkshire Creative Energy Showcase in Pittsfield, and at the Massachusetts Municipal Association annual meeting. He also called for additional funding for the SBA and protection for SBA whistleblowers.

Enjoy the news.

Recess is such a drag. Although there's been plenty of politics on TV, it's all about the primaries, and I haven't been able to get all that fired up over it. I think I'm close to picking a favorite, but I'd really like to hear more about their solutions to our economic problems, foreign policy and what they'll do about climate change. So, I'm left watching old videos on C-SPAN and counting down till the Senate reconvenes on the 15th. Still, we have a few new items for you this week that you probably didn't see on the mainstream news.

In Small Business news, Senators Kerry and Snowe sent a letter to EPA Administrator Johnson to encourage an increase funding for the Energy Star small business program. Senator Kerry also announced that he will hold a hearing on the SBA's efforts to undermine the Women's Procurement program, calling the SBA's proposal a 'slap in the face' to women business owners.

The Senator also issued a statement on Bush's plan to kill off arctic wildlife. Truthfully, I'm not surprised that Bush was for polar bears before he was against them, having first proposed endangered species protection before announcing he wants to allow drilling in their fragile habitat.

Expect more lies and spin from the hateful side of politics. There was a good piece by Christopher Hayes in The Nation on the vile Swift Boat Liars and the money they're donating to Republicans, and the increasingly arrogant Bill O'Reilly accosted former Kerry staffer Marvin Nicholson the other day.

On the lighter side of the news, Pittsfield, MA is pretty thrilled to have JK scheduled for an event this Friday that sounds like a lot of fun.

Abbreviated, but still some good stuff. Enjoy the news.

While the mainstream news this week was mostly focused on Benazir Bhutto's assassination, the bin Laden tape and the upcoming Iowa caucus, there were a couple items that flew under the radar. One was the SBA's underhanded interpretation of the Women's Procurement Program, which we'll focus on in a post this week, and the other was the Defense bill, in which the President is holding the troops' pay raise hostage due to an objection by the Iraqi government.

And then there was the Pats game which I watched with 34.5 million fellow football fans. Thanks to the Senator for helping change some minds on that one. We all appreciated his effort. I have to say that it was a nail-biter, and credit goes to both the Giants and the Patriots for an amazing game, and congrats to New England on the big win.

May we all have a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Enjoy the news.

Happy Holidays and a Very Merry Christmas from KerryVision.

Not sure if the Senator managed to get his Christmas shopping done between speaking at the Center for American Progress and securing critical funding for Massachusetts, but I do see that the Republicans managed to break the filibuster record in the first session as a gift to the Bush administration. Seems to me I recall Scrooge being reformed by the end of the story, but apparently, he's come back in the form of Mitch McConnell.

Still, the Dems managed to get a lot done this year. We'll take a look at some of that over the coming days. For now, though, Happy Holidays to Democrats and Obstructionists alike. Enjoy the news.

Best news headline of the week goes to the Boston Herald for "Pigskin fans hail Kerry". I say that only because I didn't see "Taxpayers cheer as Kerry fights looming AMT", "US praises only Congressional representative at Bali" or "Kerry lauded for taking on the FCC".

Oh, well. I guess its better to take the laurels as they come, and not complain about the ones that don't. It was another full week of hearings and media events for the Senator. who continues to fight the good fight on issues like the economy, AIDS, media diversity and localism, small business, veterans issues and climate change.

And football.

As expected, it was a killer week for the Senator, who returned from Africa, put in a full work week, then finished it up with a flight to Bali for the climate conference. Good that he went, since the Bush delegates aren't making many friends or much progress there. Something about the rest of the world wanting us to take some responsibility.

This morning's news reports of Sen. Kerry's participation in the conference are here, here and here. And speaking of news and climate change, I'm watching VP Gore get his Nobel Peace Prize as I type. Congratulations to Al on this highly deserved honor.

We're going to give Senator Kerry extra credit, too, for venturing into the land of 'fair and balanced'. Although I think he enjoys the tough interviews, he seemed to have more fun with Mason and Imus than he did with Geraldo. Still, all good interviews, and well worth another viewing.

The Senator also gave a speech at SAIS, wrote op-eds in the Globe and the International Herald Tribune, blogged at Huffington Post, and voted on some really important legislation that was Roadblocked by the Republicans.

I hope the Senator is able to sleep on a plane, because next week promises to be another busy one in the Senate, with a closed Foreign Relations hearing on the Iran NIE on Tuesday, another SFRC hearing on AIDS on Thursday, and an FCC hearing in Commerce on Wednesday. The Finance Committee hearing on exports to Cuba on Tuesday sounds like a must-see as well. Looks like another hefty newsreel next week.

Not much to report this week, as the Senator and Teresa wind up their trip to Africa. We do know that they spent some time visiting with orphaned children in the AIDS stricken KwaNgcolosi area of Durban. Senator Kerry also sent an e-mail describing a bit of his trip and calling attention to World Aids Day.

Next week promises to be busy, as Senator Kerry and Senator Boxer prepare for the Bali talks on climate change. Here's some of what's on the schedule next week for the committees of which the Senator is a member, as well as the logistical details for a major policy speech at SAIS.

The Senate Commerce Committee focuses on climate change in advance of the Bali talks on Tuesday.

Senator Kerry will speak at Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) on a winning strategy in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing on aid to Pakistan on Thursday.

Much more news next week!

Abbreviated version, as the Senator and his wife are on *gasp* vacation.

Well, not entirely. The trip included a meeting with Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille (more on that tomorrow), and some work on heating assistance, consumer safety and tax relief for us here at home.

Still, the Kerrys got to spend some time, we hope, enjoying some much deserved r&r.

If, like me, you've never been to Africa, here's a fascinating site to check out. It includes a live webcam of a watering hole in Sabi Sands Game Reserve South Africa. If you're lucky, you can watch lions and other wildlife stop by for a drink.
Note that the tab on the site labeled "Bush School" is not remedial English, but wildlife education.

Music credit Kevin MacLeod

Hearings! Hearings are my favorite Senate happenings, and we had a bumper crop this week.

Senator Kerry chaired hearings this week in the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. That's a lot of hearings. Two of them had to do with climate change, to be expected as he's gearing up for the Bali talks, so there's a lot of prep work. The links will take you to the full hearings, so be prepared to spend several hours.

The Senator also spoke at Boston University and did a really great interview on Midweek Politics Radio, won a bunch of meat from the Colorado guys for a veterans' group to feast on (thanks to the Red Sox), and chatted online with some small business people at BizBox. He also got a shout out from The Boss at a DC concert, as reported by The Hill via The Dem Daily.

Oh, and he took up a challenge from Texas Republican T. Boone Pickens to disprove just one of the allegations of the Swift Boat Liars that should net the Paralyzed Veterans of America a million bucks. I think it was an open challenge, by the way, so here's a good place to start in case you're interested. Or here, here, or here. Heck, might just as well go directly to the guy whose life he saved rather than wading through the rest of it.

Anyway, busy week for the Senator. He did some other stuff, too, much of it in the video. Enjoy!

It wasn't easy, but once again I was able to squeeze the Senator's entire week into less than five minutes.

Senator Kerry held another hearing this week, this time on Syria and our diplomatic options in the region. Just as he pointed to Pakistan as a country where there is a great need for our attention, Syria and its relations with Lebanon are critical to the stability, such as it is, in the Middle East. The full hearing on Syria can be found on the SFRC site.

The situation in Pakistan does not seem to be improving, as Musharraf continued the suspension of the country's constitution and banned a protest march planned by opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who was placed under house arrest and later released. Senators Kerry and Biden have introduced a resolution condemning the 'state of emergency ' and urging a restoration of the country's constitution. While President Bush sees "positive steps" in Pakistan, his "indispensible ally" Musharraf is releasing Taliban from prison as he locks up lawyers and democratic activists. Pakistan is a nuclear power. This is not comforting.

"It's kind of stupid."

It really does sum up this administration's policies, doesn't it? Specifically, Sen. Kerry was speaking to Mark Green on Air America Radio about the Kyl-Lieberman Sense of the Senate Resolution, and how it was used as a political tactic rather than to state the Senate's position on Iran.

It's a great interview in which JK and Mark discuss foreign policy, domestic issues and how to stop the administration from doing "something stupid". Quite a challenge, given that this administration will just not quit saying stupid stuff regarding foreign policy.

The Senator also helped commission the USS Sampson this past weekend, and joined Step It Up in Concord to bring awareness to the climate crisis.

Unlike the Concord Step It Up rally which was attended by both the Senator and the remnants of Hurricane Noel, the weather was lovely for the rally in Pittsburgh. The roses are in full bloom here, and even more beautiful than they were in the spring. Maybe, if we're lucky, we can manage some tulips for Christmas.

Lots of news, so let's get right to it.

First, the big news. The Red Sox won the World Series in a four game sweep over the Colorado Rockies last night. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous going into this series after that incredible winning streak the Rockies had going, and last night's game was a nail-biter, but they were just no match for the Sox.

Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox on an amazing season, and thanks to both teams for a great Series.

It was an important week for the Senator, who made his way to western Massachusetts to meet with residents and the press. There was some excellent coverage by the local media which we detailed in a previous post.

Watching the Red Sox, so this'll have to be between innings.

First, I have to say that I was really pleased with the Senator's questioning of Sec. Peters at the Commerce Committee hearing. Rail is such an important issue, and the Bush administration seems to have little interest in it. Doesn't look like JK's going to let up, though. Thank goodness.

The Senator was also on hand at the Women's Health and the Environment Conference, sponsored by Teresa and the the Heinz Family Philanthropies. I wasn't able to make the conference in Boston, but I did attend the last one in Pittsburgh, which was fascinating. Kerstin went to this one, and should have something to post for us tomorrow.

OK, that was a disappointing inning. Still, we're up 3-1 going into the 5th, so I'm not too nervous just yet.

3-2. Yikes. OK, back to the Senator.

Kids healthcare -- for (He sent an e-mail. Sign up here).
Offshore tax havens -- against.
Small business -- for.
Korean War Veterans -- for.

Then there was the Politico.com piece that credits the Senator for the Dem position on Iraq, and notes that he was right about diplomacy with North Korea. It also points to his part in electing a Dem Congress in '06. Still the writer manages to sneak in an off the wall comment about wetsuits (I got the 'masculinity' part, but I'll have to look up 'effete'. Apparently it's the opposite of fake-cowboy cheerleader, so perhaps not as bad as it sounds.) and a couple other jabs. The piece flip-flops between 'Kerry was right and his endorsement would be a boon to an '08 candidate' and 'He should keep his head down so he's not attacked by late night comedians'. Good article, though, if you filter out the standard media misperceptions.

Back to the Sox. Enjoy the news.

A few days ago, KerryVision featured a post to complement the debut of Keeping America's Promise's Roadblock Republicans radio ads.

Today, Senator Kerry sent out an email- Clear the Roadblock For Kids' Health, in which he calls on all of us to contact our Senators and demand that they override Bush's veto of the S-CHIP program.

Hello Kerstin,

Here we go again -- another fight with the Roadblock Republicans.

We've talked about the Roadblock Republicans who say they want change in Iraq but stand in the way of changing course every time they're actually asked to vote for it.

Now the Roadblock Republicans are about to be tested on kids' health care -- and the circumstances aren't all that different.

With one stroke of his veto pen, President Bush actually declared unilateral war on children's health care -- vetoing a $35 billion extension of the kids' health care program. This time George Bush's "coalition of the willing" is even smaller than it was in Iraq: a handful of right-wing ideologues who are putting their rejection even of good government ahead of health care for poor children.

(Yes, President Bush, who never saw a spending bill he wouldn't sign when Republicans ran Congress, the man who signed bills to build "bridges to nowhere" and lavished billions on Blackwater vetoed health care for our kids -- some days I have a feeling that if Halliburton provided children's health care, the President would've doubled S-CHIP by now.)

The Senate was in recess last week, but it seems the Senator was not. At home in Massachusetts, we spotted JK working for Niki Tsongas, dedicating a Veterans' Memorial, and taking in a Red Sox game. Hey, a guy's gotta have some fun. Besides, the Sox are tied 1-1 in the ALCS with those evil Cleveland Indians, and we all know how important it is to keep an eye on the Buckeye state.

I'd guess he's also spent a bit of time tending to an injured Teresa, but (and I'm sure she's eternally grateful for this fact), we have no pictures or video of her broken foot, so we'll just wish her all our best for a rapid recovery. Well wishes to Teddy, too, as he recovers from surgery. We understand he's doing well, and we expect he'll be back in the Senate soon to help defend kids from Bush's war against children.

Thankfully, the Senate's back in session today, so if you would kindly send the Senator back to DC, I can return to feeding my C-SPAN addiction. For now, here's the news.

Those were the words of Bruce Springsteen last Sunday on 60 Minutes.

"Silence is unpatriotic," he told interviewer Scott Pelley.

"What's on your mind? What are you writing about?" Pelley asked.

Bruce replied:

"I guess I would say that what I do is I try to chart the distance between American ideals and American reality. That's how my music is laid out. It's like we've reached a point where it seems that we're so intent on protecting ourselves that we're willing to destroy the best parts of ourselves to do so."

In response, Pelley asked Springsteen to elaborate. At that point, I guess he could have been giving Bruce an opportunity to continue with his thoughts. Either that, or he just doesn't get Bruce's music at all. Let's give Scott the benefit of the doubt.

Bruce explained:

"Well, I think that we've seen things happen over the past six years that I don't think anybody ever thought they'd ever see in the United States. When people think of the American identity, they don't think of torture. They don't think of illegal wiretapping. They don't think of voter suppression. They don't think of no habeas corpus. No right to a lawyer … you know. Those are things that are anti-American."

With that, simply stated, Springsteen eloquently summed up what has happened to our country under the reign of King George.

Pelley's follow-up was a shocker:

"You know, I think this record is going to be seen as anti-war. And you know there are people watching this interview who are going to say to themselves, 'Bruce Springsteen is no patriot'."

OK. Pelley no longer deserves the benefit of the doubt. I'm not sure what planet he's living on, but it appears it's one where they don't publish opinion polls. Because on the one where the rest of us live, the vast majority of people are opposed to Bush's war. Sure, there are people who are going to say that. Just not very many.

I think even Bruce was a little mystified by his questioning and reasoning, but answered like a true patriot.

Bruce continued:

"Well, that's just the language of the day, you know? The modus operandi for anybody who doesn't like somebody, you know, criticizing where we've been or where we're goin'. It's unpatriotic at any given moment to sit back and let things pass that are damaging to some place that you love so dearly. And that has given me so much. And that I believe in. I still feel and see us as a beacon of hope and possibility."

If I can get a little personal here, as the mother of a son who is a musician and songwriter, and a daughter who just graduated with a Music major, I can tell you that they know what Bruce is saying. On my son's website there is the quote, "Life is Music", and on my daughter's:  "Those in power write the history, and those who suffer write the songs".  I'm glad they can hear Bruce Springsteen telling them to speak truth to power and say what's on your mind, and that it's patriotic to do so.

Watch Pelley's rather bizarre statement in the video below and catch a snip of Bruce's new song "Last to Die". Senator Kerry has told us that he's very touched by it and if I may add, so are we.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños!
Joyeux Anniversaire!
Buon Compleanno!
Parabéns!

Happy Birthday!

The gang at KV and a lot of our friends have had the great pleasure of spending a bit of time with Teresa over the past couple years. Although we're not able to wish her a Happy Birthday in person, we've put together a few of our favorite THK moments.

Thanks, Teresa, for all you do. Here's hoping your birthday was filled with happiness and your lifetime is overflowing with joy.

Oh, and we promise not to sing. We've been told we're not very good.

So shoot me. I missed the biggest JK story of the week.

We'll follow up with video if we can catch him tomorrow at the speech, but in case you haven't heard, Setti Warren, Senator Kerry's Deputy Director in MA, is being deployed to Iraq. And guess what? He's a real soldier (Navy, actually, like his boss), not a phony one! Yes, by God. An honest to goodness troop, who happens to be a Democrat, working for a Democratic Senator who, believe it or not, is a veteran himself! Who'd a thunk it?

Peter Gelzinis of The Boston Herald wrote a great column on Setti and his upcoming deployment, including reaction from JK.

Godspeed Setti. Come home safe and soon. The gang at KV sends our thoughts and prayers your way.

Speaking of bosses, Springsteen is releasing his new CD "Magic" on Tuesday, and I already have a favorite song. "Last to Die" is rockin and poignant and some of the words are vaguely familiar. My recommendation is buy. I've only heard the one tune, but if it's any indication, it's classic Springsteen.

I guess I should say something about the Senator. OK, I'm going to see him tomorrow at Faneuil Hall! Hmmm... I guess that was actually about me. But there's plenty of JK in this week's newsreel, so enjoy.

Thanks again to Danny and Shotgun Wedding for the tune. You guys rock.

When the highlight of your week is a Senate floor speech, does it mean you've got to get out more? Perhaps, but this was one hell of a speech, and I had a pretty slow week.

The thing is, if you didn't catch it live on C-SPAN or here, you probably missed it entirely. Funny, isn't it, that the traditional media is all over the latest Brittany fiasco, OJ trial, and newspaper ad, yet nothing much on the Democratic Senate's attempts to stop the bleeding in Iraq and the ensuing Republican obstruction? And by 'funny', I don't mean 'ha ha' funny, more like 'what's that smell in the back of the refrigerator 'funny'.

The most recent and most egregious Bush announcement this week was his proposed veto of SCHIP funding. What I heard on Blitzer's show the other day is that kids are stuck in the middle of the SCHIP fight. No, Wolf, they're not. The kids and their parents are on our side. The middle is Scrooge territory, and the Administration is where they send you when hell is full.

All I'm asking for is a little perspective here. Bush is going to veto children's healthcare, we're stuck in the middle of another country's civil war, and the big news story is about how mean some liberal group is to a grown man? I'm pretty sure the General is tough en