DC VIBES

Stick up for your friends

2011-11-05T15:52:00.002-05:00

Printed in the Morning Journal 11/5/11

To the Editor:

Firefighters. Nurses. Teachers. Police.
They’re on your side.

Stick up for your friends.
Vote NO on Issue 2.

Kara Afrates

Online Comments to my letter:

Carl Menger
MY friends don't usually hector me for more money every 3 to 5 years.
MY friends don't have closed-shop laws protecting them from competition.
MY friends recognize everyone else is taking serious pay CUTS these days.
My friends will be voting YES on Issue 2.

Fact Checker
Carl, public employees ALREADY RECEIVE LESS COMPENSATION than comparable private sector employees. In Lorain as an example, EVERY school employee has made concessions and virtually every employee has taken a freezes over the last 10 years or so.
Of course these 'friends' will ask for money to keep the school system afloat. They have seen NO INCREASE in local operating revenue for 19 years!
And you want to take away their ability to negotiate for themselves. Shame on you.

NavyDad86
Carl,its a good thing that your only friends live in your narrow mind.

Phronesis
I do not consider them my friends. They are just very fine people doing their job. Vote NO on Issue 2

Phronesis
Off the topic: I see world anarchy is rearing its ugly head. Just like I predicted months ago. The Occupy Movement [lib tea party] Rocks! Arab Spring baby! Arab Spring!

Salty Dog
Kara, this bad bill is the brainchild of the Wall street pocket boy, John Kasich and his Tea Party lackeys. THEIR friends in high places are the Koch brothers. This union busting bill sets a bad precedent for private sector unions as well, and it's outcome is being closely watched by the rest of the country. This is a slippery slope. How much more control are we willing to give the top 1 percent?

HankKwah
chucker said: carl, public employees ALREADY RECEIVE LESS COMPENSATION than comparable private sector employees.
Bullchit. That's what the union folks want us to believe. I think if you factor EVERYTHING in, and not just what chucker 'opines' (lies) about, you'll find they make very good money.
Tell us about how they can take collected sick time when they retire. Tell us about all the other crap. Tell us about how cities are broke from union concessions. Tell us more of your LIES, chucklehead.
Vote YES on Issue 2. Help put your cities back in the black, and actually HIRE more employees, versus what chucklehead would have you believe.
Issue 2 will have these employees pay MORE, so the city has more money to actually hire more people.

kafrates
I am not deterred by the opposing comments on this thread. I remain in steadfast support of our nation's fire fighters, nurses, teachers, and police. I'm grateful they are willing to put their lives on the line for us, and I am voting NO on Issue 2. ~ Kara Afrates

LeBron again...really?

2011-07-08T08:23:00.000-05:00

I'm all for sports. I think being part of a team helps build character, and professional teams are a great source of entertainment that give us a healthy break from the dull routines in our daily lives. That said, if you are actually still thinking about what LeBron James -- or any sports figure -- did a year later, then really, you need to get a life. The season ends when the season ends. Sports figures then leave teams to get better salaries. Managers recruit new people to build better teams. That's how it works. I realize it was harder to let LeBron go because he was one of our own, but really, it's been a YEAR -- and 99.9% of you didn't know him personally. He wasn't your family, he wasn't your neighbor, he wasn't your friend. He was some guy you watched play basketball. Get over it!!!!

State of the Union

2010-01-27T23:46:00.001-05:00

So much going into these Townhalls and State of the Unions. President Obama spoke for almost an hour and a half here in Elyria last week, and now he’s on a bridge building marathon at tonight’s State of the Union. He brought it on for over an hour, calling on his opponents to cooperate (I know!! Crazy!!) and for law-makers of both parties to top constantly being stuck in a how-will-any-given-policy-hurt-my-re-election-campaign-mentality. Whoa Baby! Barack Obama! You got big ones! (Big ideas, that is...what were you thinking?) He hit on creating jobs, jobs, jobs (how can you not love this guy) – as well as funding college, ending the war, and providing health care for all Americans. Can this guy read my mind? He’s a damn psychic!

It was really, really good. If you missed it, check it out ~ here’s the link for the transcript on CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/27/sotu.transcript/index.html?hpt=T1N:

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Super Cool Article on the Presidential Planning Team

2010-01-23T09:45:00.003-05:00

This video, "Behind the Scenes of Presidential Advance", explains what the presidential planning team does. The White House Advance Office -- which plans presidential visits -- goes to a site ahead of the President "in advance" (hence the name of the office). I was lucky enough to work with the Advance Office when I was at The White House. The work is very detailed, sometimes stressful, as the advance office gathers information and does the site planning for the President. Click the title above to view the video, which offers a realistic, behind the scenes look at what has to happen so that Lorain-Elyria can take her place in history.

Video courtesy of The Chronicle Telegram (chroniclet.com) and youtube.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network

2009-10-28T00:48:00.001-05:00

Visited the Firefighter Cancer Support Network today.

Posted:
My father, the late Kenneth Afrates, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and subsequently died from it June 24, 1993. The only known cause of pancreatic cancer is beta-naphthylamine, which is only given off when oil burns. On June 24, 1971 (22 yrs earlier to the day), Ken fought the Roger Blough fire, a Lake Erie ship that caught fire while loading 30,000 gallons of fuel oil. The latency period between exposure to beta-naphthylamine and developing cancer is 20 - 30 years. He died from it 22 yrs later, to the day.

His love and guidance inspired me to fight for cancer presumption legislation. Fifteen years later, we are still fighting for it in Ohio (proposed S.B. 94).

My heart goes out to all the heroes battling this horrific disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our Children Need YOU!!

2009-09-09T23:18:00.002-05:00

Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz (Senator Brown's wife) posted "Looking for Hidden Messages in Obama's Education Speech" yesterday on Cleveland.com. You can read it, here: http://www.cleveland.com/schultz/index.ssf/2009/09/looking_for_hidden_messages_in.html#comments

President Obama's education speech basically said: all children have gifts, they should do their homework and stay in school. Ms. Schultz wrote a colorful column supporting President Obama, which had garnered 161 comments before I posted my own.

Some of the comments were insightful; most would make good lunchmeat (they were total baloney). To which I responded:

Wow. 161 comments......because Barack Obama told kids to do their homework and stay in school.

Really?
This is up for debate?

Okay. Let's take a vote.

All Republicans who think children should not do homework and prefer they drop out of school, raise your hand. (Seeing none....)

Okay.

All Democrats who think chidren should not do homework and prefer they drop out of school, raise your hand. (Seeing none....)

Okay then. Do we really need to debate this? Or is something else going on here? While you are busy giving your two cents, there are kids on the streets doing drugs, kids running away from home, kids being recruited to join gangs, and kids being forced to prostitute themselves. Children are being abducted, raped, molested, murdered.

Don't you agree: we have better things to do than debate this. Kids should do their homework and stay in school. And we need to help them. So all you busy bodies: get off your butts, go away from your computer, and take the time to make a difference in the life of a child. Your energy is badly needed. At the end of your life, I think you would like to look back and say: "Thank God I took the time to help all those children." Rather than: "Thank God I took the time to heckle Connie Schultz."

Really.
We have better things to do.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown in Afghanistan; U.S Rep. Zack Space Tags Along

2009-08-24T22:41:00.006-05:00

Ohio's Sherrod Brown calls out the corruption in Afghanistan; proposes trained officers and agricultural pursuits to end terrorism. This was his first trip there, where he also met with Ohio troops serving in the region. Ohio's Zack Space also tagged along. For more: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/08/us_sen_sherrod_brown_following.html

Catch and Release

2009-05-27T13:35:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite memories is going fishing with my father. While I suspect most men didn’t put taking their daughters fishing high on their list, my father thought it rather neat. It was his ultimate act of acceptance, really. After years of trying to have a son, he had come to terms with loving three lovely girls.

He took us everywhere. He took us to work, taking pictures of us “driving” the fire trucks, letting us slide down the fire pole, and run our tiny fingers over his name engraved on the front porch. We all knew he loved us. But we really knew he loved us when he took us fishing.

The day began by selecting a proper pole from the garage, which to a young man would probably mean the biggest pole, but to a young woman, it meant the prettiest pole. After loading our very pretty poles, tackle, and lunchbox, we’d putter off in his favorite ‘52 Ford. In 1997, we were a struggling middle class family, and that ‘52 Ford was just perfect for a day of fishing.

The first stop was the bait shop. Upon arrival, you would get the usual drill. “We’re picking up some worms (or minnows) because we’re trying to attract (some kind of icky fish)”. “Okay, Dad.” I’d roll my eyes. He Didn’t think I was actually going to touch any of that slimy stuff, did he! Then in we’d go, and out we’d come with the “best (translation: smelliest) bait in town!”

Then came the best part. After a short drive, we would arrive at the lake. And then Dad would manage (translation: struggle) to carry all the bait, poles, tackle, and lunch in one hand, so he could hold mine with the other. I would wrap my sweet little fingers around his big, strong hand, and we would make our way to the end of the pier.

Once comfortably settled, he would take out the bait. Naturally, I eyed the stinky cup with great suspicion. One look at me with my crinkled nose -- and he’d reassure me -- “I’ll put the bait on the hook!” And that’s when I knew it: He loved me. He really, really loved me!

After the hook was baited with the slimy worm, he would sit on the pier and I would sit on his lap. He would grip the fishing rod, and I would put my hands on top of his so I could get the “feel” of casting. We would pull the rod back, then whip it, and he would let me hit the ever important line release button. Our baited hook would go swooshing through the air until the weighted bait plunked into the clear Erie waters. And then came the hard part: the waiting. We would wait. And wait. And wait. (For what seemed an eternity)….until he slowly reeled our baited hook back in again. “Nothing yet, “ he say, and we’d whip the weighted bait back into the water. After several tries, I would inevitably plead, “But when are we getting a fish!” (While secretly hoping we would never reel in one of those slimy things.) “Oh, we will, we will,” he’d reassure me. “Okay, be careful of the hook,” he’d say as he prepared to cast off once again. And he would put his hands on the rod, and say, “this is where you put your palm, then wrap your fingers around this way.” And I would put my hands where his hand had been. “Careful now. Swing it back slowly. Watch the hook. Now…..(whip!)…..hit the release!” And there it was, the familiar plunk! I was so proud of myself!

Then came the familiar wait.

Inevitably, the rod would bend just a little. “We have a nibble!” he’d whisper (we had to whisper so we wouldn’t scare away the fish). “We have a nibble?!” I’d excitedly whisper back. He’d let me reel it in slowly, and when it got too hard for to turn the reel, he would finish pulling the icky fish in. Just when I thought I would actually have to come in contact with that stinky, slimy, wiggling thing, he would declare with disgust, “Oh No! It’s a sheephead! He has to go back!” And I would think to myself, “Thank God, that big stinkers not coming home with us!” But I didn’t want to hurt Dad’s feelings, so I would reassure him, “We’ll get a better one next time!” And he would reassure me, “Yes we will!”

This process would go on for three or four hours. We’d reel in all kinds of sheephead, occasionally a perch (which Dad would always declare far too small), and even once an old shoe -- all of which came to the same fate: “Throw it back in!” “Okay, Dad!” (Thumbs Up!)

After we’d tossed back a small but respectable school of fish, finished our contingent of bologna sandwiches, and properly burned our cheeks under the heat of the afternoon sun ~ Dad would declare it a day. We pack our rods and tackle, and empty the remainder of the bait. Dad would manage to put the rods, tackle, and lunchbox in one hand, so he could hold mine with the other. And down the pier we’d walk to our ‘52 Ford.

Fishing. We didn’t keep the fish, but we sure caught a little piece of heaven.

Aaaaaaaaamen!

* * *

Thank you, Dad! Happy Father’s Day!

We are dependent on the banks, bail the banks out!

2008-09-29T23:02:00.002-05:00

Our country is sick.
And there is no cure, but to swallowing a bitter pill.
We need to bail the banks out.

I know it's hard to bail out an industry who is intelligent enough to police itself, but nontheless has failed to do so. While we were breaking our backs in the factories, the hospitals, the schools -- the biggest banks in America were handing out millions of dollars in bonuses to bureaucratic fat cats. And those million dollar bonuses came from foreclosure-laden adjustable rate mortgages that put more working families out on the street. As if that isn't nauseating enough, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the most horrendous ATM fees in American history.

As much as I loathe the picture of bloated bureaucrats smoking cigars, downing port, and gambling with our economy, I nevertheless understand why we have to resurrect their sinking ship. There is a direct connection between the bank and each one of us.

Imagine a lady on a swing. The lady is all of us hard working, middle class Americans trying to find decent jobs and make our ends meet. The swing is the bank. While we middle class Americans are working hard to make our ends meet, we are nevertheless falling short as gas approaches four dollars a gallon, the cost of health care is skyrocketing, and finding a job is like finding a needle in a haystack. We need someone outside of our family unit to extend us credit to fill the gaps. This is how most families are paying for all those crazy things like medicine, gas, and groceries. We cannot do it alone. We need the credit, we need the banks. So we are sitting in their swing. This is why we need to bail the banks out. If we don't, we're just screwing ourselves. If the banks fail, they can't extend us credit. If we don't have credit, we can't meet our needs. Not to push the analogy, but if the bank breaks -- then the entire country is going to fall flat on it's ass.

Can we afford that?

And it's not just going to affect us. The downturn in our market is going to echo the world over. Nations in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America -- all over the world -- these nations, in many cases, aren't much bigger than the state of Ohio. Their economies are completely dependent on ours. So when we fall, the effect will ripple from one nation to the next. What then? How will we recover? You can manufacture goods here, but how can you sell them to people in the US who cannot afford them? How can you sell them to people outside the US who cannot afford them?

Bottom line, we need to suck it up and bail the banks out. This can be done in a way that holds the industry responsible, the executives accountable, and brings the best of Wall Street back to Main Street.

~ * ~

In the meantime, I just want each one of you to know that I am praying for you. I am praying for our elected officials to make responsible decisions. I am praying for struggling families to stay strong and loving towards one another. Remember that in the end, it's not about what you had, but who you loved. So keep smiling. Keep laughing. Enjoy the sun on your face, and all the little things in life that don't cost a cent. My heart is with you and your family while our nation endures these difficult times.

God Bless!
Kara Afrates

Hillary to Replace Biden?

2008-09-29T00:31:00.002-05:00

The following article appeared in the Belfast Telegraph (online) on September 26, 2008.

BIDEN 'TO BE REPLACED BY HILLARY' ON OBAMA TICKET

Several US websites are today claiming vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden is set drop out of the US election to be replaced by Hillary Clinton on the Democratic presidential ticket.

Biden, running as Barack Obama's number two, is said to be ready to drop out due to health reasons.

The 61-year-old had surgery ten ago years for two brain aneurysms and could leave the race after the vice presidential debates take place on 2 October, leaving the position open for Mrs Clinton to step up.

Pundits say the huge media interest surrounding John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin has prompted a rethink in the Democratic camp.

The Obama campaign's official website 'Fight the Smears' - set up to suppress any damaging internet rumours - has not addressed the latest reports, fuelled speculation that there may be some truth in the rumour.

The only statement Obama's camp have released is to say that Biden's medical records will be released shortly.

Biden has been responsible for a number of gaffes in the last two weeks, including admitting his own ad campaign was 'terrible' in a CBS news interview and at one stage even acknowledged that Hillary Clinton may have been a safer bet for Obama's vice president position.

However Democratic supporters have dismissed claims that Biden may drop out.

Democratic strategist Bob Beckel said: "It's crazy...it's just not going to happen."

Christopher Hull, presidential scholar at Georgetown University in Washington DC said: “Joe Biden is not that big a liability. Joe Biden was arguably the most experienced candidate in the [Democratic primary] race.”

“Joe Biden, of course, has shot off his mouth and gotten himself in trouble,” he added. “It’s Joe Biden we’re talking about.”

Obama has stood firm on his decision to install Biden as his number two, telling NBC's Today Show on Tuesday this week: 'Joe Biden is also an outstanding public servant and I am very proud of the choice that I made.' He added that he's a 'great admirer of Senator Clinton's' and hopes she will remain 'a close adviser'.

My life and times

2008-09-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

Going off to college was hard on me. My father had been severely disabled and was bed-ridden at home, so I worried about my mother and sisters constantly.

It was hard to find relief from the constant drama of caregiving. We were either calling the ambulance because my father choked on his food, calling the nurse because he pulled out his catheter, or calling on neighbors and friends because we couldn’t get his dead weight out of the bathtub again. My mother shouldered the heaviest burden -- bathing him, shaving him, dressing him, feeding him. We had to call 911 regularly (like the time he tried to eat a plumb whole), not to mention the endless trips in and out of doctors offices, hospitals, and nursing homes.

While my father’s body was shattered, his mind was still in tact. He would go through long periods accepting his condition, punctuated by periods of exasperation and despair. He would cry endlessly, until he couldn’t cry anymore, and then he would fall asleep. We would try to comfort him by pushing his hair across the brow, turning him, rubbing his eyebrows. While he couldn’t talk well (a word or two), he could hear just fine, so we’d constantly pepper him with what was going on throughout the day. He loved that. He also had the advantage of knowing a lot more of what was going on my life as a teenager than he would have ever gotten to know if he were well. Since he couldn’t really talk, I could tell him everything. Well, almost everything.

So when the colleges started to call, it was hard to wrap my mind around the thought of leaving. But then

(to be continued)

Blog Stats

2008-09-08T12:54:00.003-05:00

The bravenet counter at the bottom of the blog has been counting the number of *new* people coming to the blog. So if you came to the blog once, you got counted. But if you came back, you *didn't* get counted again. I set it up this way because I wanted to see how many people were interested. We now have a steady following and as of this morning the official tally is 1764. All I can say is....Wow! That's the size of a small town! Thank you for visiting!!!

Now I'm curious to know how interested those 1764 folks are. So, I'm changing the counter. It will now reflect "page views". So if you come once, you will get counted. And if you come again, you get counted again. Isn't that nice?

Thank you for supporting my blog!
Your opinion matters!

Take care!

Kara Afrates

A Comment on Governor Palin

2008-09-08T00:10:00.005-05:00

I received this comment on Governor Palin. I'm posting it because I think it's interesting to examine opposing veiwpoints. -Kara

From Jonathan:
"Funny that you should have posted that column on your blog. I saw it earlier today. I then talked to my father, who told me that was the final straw-- after 30+ years of subscribing to the Plain Dealer, he cancelled his subscription. I've been trying to convince him to cancel for years, and I figured that he would cancel in a month or two when the paper endorses McCain. So what do you think of Palin? I have to say that I don't care for her at all (not that I ever would have considered voting for McCain anyway). I resent that she was chosen simply because she is a woman-- that is tokenism and identity politics of the worst sort. I disagree with her on every single issue from creationism to abortion to polar bears. I don't think she has the qualifications to be vice president. Also, I think it is wrong that she put her political ambitions before her family and that she keeps using her retarded baby as a political prop."

Regina Brett on Governor Sarah Palin

2008-09-05T13:13:00.003-05:00

This column was published on Cleveland.com, September 04, 2008
The author is a columnist for The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

WOMEN CAN RELATE TO GOV. SARAH PALIN

By Regina Brett

This is one of those columns that's going to get me in trouble.

My family will hate it. Friends will disown me. Faithful readers will think I've lost my mind.

But I have to say it. I kinda like this Palin Power surge.
When Sen. Barack Obama, my choice for president, picked a tried-and-true white male as a running mate, I was disappointed. Women were once again sidelined. It has been 24 years since Geraldine Ferraro made history on the Democratic ticket. I hated to see Sen. Hillary Clinton left in the dust.
Then Sen. John McCain shocked America. He picked a female running mate.

Wow. I felt ecstatic until I found out who she was. Sarah Palin. Sarah Who?

OK, so she's governor of Alaska, population 670,053. Big whoop. That's like being mayor of Columbus, only easier. Our capital has 77,702 more people than Alaska.

Before that, Palin was mayor of Wasilla, population 9,780. That's like being mayor of my Ravenna, only easier. My hometown has 1,642 more people.

McCain picked a token female, a former beauty queen who looks like the model in those eyeglass ads. His cheerleader choice insulted some women.

Plus, she was a bad role model. Why wasn't she home with her five kids? The youngest, a baby boy, has Down syndrome. Then, heavens to murgatroyd, her unmarried 17-year-old turns up five months pregnant.

So, what kind of mother is Sarah Palin?

The kind people all over America can relate to.

A mom who joined the PTA to make the public schools better.

A mom who is sending her own son off to war. (How many governors, senators and Congress members have sent theirs?)

A mom who chose to have a baby others would have rejected as imperfect.

A mom who asked if we knew the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull, then pointed to her face and said, "Lipstick."

A mom who married a fisherman/oil field worker who never finished college and looks clumsy in a suit.

A mom raising a flawed family, the kind we all have.

Women can relate to her. I know I can. It doesn't mean I'll vote for her, but I'm excited that she's one of our choices.

Like it or not, Palin proves there's more than one kind of feminist. That you don't have to be pro-choice to fit under that umbrella. That women can break ground for other women and still believe life starts at conception and is always a gift.

Those who criticize Palin for putting country first and family second should consider this: Men do it all the time, only when they do it, we call them heroes.

Wednesday night, on stage with her family, Palin didn't seem to put country ahead of family. It looked like a tie to me.

She took her place in history, the first woman vice presidential nominee for the GOP. She took her place with her family, a beautiful baby boy in her arms, a pregnant daughter at her side.

When it was over, one commentator called her a torpedo aimed at Obama. She's more than that. She's a rocket, aimed at that last glass ceiling in America.

Stephanie: Her Legacy

2008-08-22T13:09:00.000-05:00

When you are working or volunteering in politics you meet people from every walk of life. You also meet public servants, and it doesn’t take long to tell which ones are well-intended and which ones are just plain cocky and full of themselves. I wish I could say that the jerks are limited to the upper echelons of government, but the truth is, you will find the good and the bad at the top, at the bottom, and everywhere in between. There is just something that comes from within that keeps the humble ones humble. Whether it stems from a particular life experience, a religious belief, or just the people around them – I do not know. But I do know it when I see it.

I think that’s why I am still reeling at the loss of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was just such a good person, it hurts. Volunteering in Cleveland, I first crossed paths with her at both political functions and community causes. She knew my face and not my name, but she valued me just the same. She would stop and talk to all the volunteers and smile, and look at you without looking down at you. You got the sense that she really took you in, that she valued you, she respected you, and she wanted the best for you. She was a ball of fire -- and in her own fiery, determined, courageous way -- I think she inspired all of us to do better, be better, and think better of the world around us. She was a real gem. A true gift. She will be sorely missed.

Kara Afrates

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a Congresswoman from Cleveland. She died suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm. My heart goes out to her friends and family at this difficult time.

Brown, Baseball, and Politics

2008-08-17T23:25:00.002-05:00

For one man, they go hand in hand.

"A SHUTOUT AT COOPERSTOWN"
By Sherrod Brown

Usually it's the pinstripes that push open the doors of Cooperstown. If the ballplayer comes from Philadelphia or Cleveland, rather than from the Bronx, he has to be better to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A lot better.

So how do you explain Bowie Kuhn and not Marvin Miller?

For more than 15 years, Kuhn and Miller -- the commissioner of Major League Baseball and the head of the baseball players' association, respectively -- went head-to-head over the direction of America's pastime. And as they say in baseball, Miller owned him. Players went from being chattel to being celebrities, salaries followed, and interest in the game blossomed.

During the worst of the labor strife in the early 1980s, Kuhn seemed too detached, too ineffectual. After the game was brought to a standstill, the great sportswriter Red Smith joked, "This strike would never have happened if Bowie Kuhn were alive."

Last month, the late commissioner was inducted posthumously into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Marvin Miller is still waiting.

Kuhn's supporters on the Veterans Committee that votes on nominees argued for his induction by saying how much he loved the game. But so do I, and my suffering season after season rooting for the Cleveland Indians doesn't earn me a place in Cooperstown next to Cobb, Speaker, Mathewson, Aaron and Mays. (Notice I mentioned no Yankees in this litany of baseball greats.)

My late father, who saw Bill Wambsganss pull off the only World Series unassisted triple play in Cleveland's League Park in 1920, loved the game maybe even more than I do. He isn't in the Hall of Fame either. (His legacy lives on, though, through his three sons. Like all good Ohio fathers, he raised us to hate the Yankees. And we are raising our daughters to do the same.)

Kuhn, who was born in Takoma Park and grew up in Washington, became the fifth commissioner of baseball, the youngest in history, in 1969. He was 42.

As commissioner, he did much that was noteworthy -- disciplining players for drugs and gambling, suspending Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle and George Steinbrenner to "protect the integrity of the game," even demanding that pitcher Jim Bouton retract or disavow his best-selling book "Ball Four."

Kuhn, who served as commissioner until 1984, was harshly and rightly criticized for missing the game at which Henry Aaron broke Babe Ruth's long-standing career home run record.

But there's no surprise about Kuhn's induction into the Hall of Fame. Baseball as a business is no different from oil companies or the pharmaceutical industry. Management -- hold your breath here -- is known for taking care of itself.

Unlike the standard route to Hall of Fame immortality, which requires the votes of more than 400 sportswriters, Kuhn needed only nine votes from a special committee of executives -- made up of seven representatives of team management, three sportswriters and two retired players.

And Marvin Miller?

The management committee -- er, Veterans Committee -- has not seen fit to support his induction. Now 91, the former economist for the United Steelworkers of America, and executive director of the baseball players' association from 1966 through 1983, was close to getting the votes for induction when the rules were changed to stack the executive committee.

Marvin Miller, the labor guy, bested Bowie Kuhn, the management guy -- and fundamentally changed the game -- whenever they went up against one another: on arbitration, ending the reserve clause, through several strikes and lockouts.

Maybe if Miller had worn pinstripes. . . .

***
Published in The Washington Post, Wednesday, August 13, 2008; A15
The writer, a Democrat, is a Senator from Ohio.

A Small Tragedy

2008-08-09T20:31:00.000-05:00

This truly is small. With a big point.

We went to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner tonight and Mark ordered steak. When it came, he asked for A1. Can you believe they didn’t have it? I was like, “what?” The waitress said she had to scrape the bottle to get him this little tiny bit that was left. But, they happen to have a house steak sauce and Mark should try that. So he did. He said it tasted like barbeque sauce, and would be great on ribs – if that was what he’d ordered.

Of course I am no stranger to the restaurant industry having waitressed through college. So I know that not having A1 is like not having ketchup. It’s a standard staple. Could you imagine ordering fries and your server coming up to you and saying we’re out of ketchup? It’s the same damn thing. Where I come from -- you get steak, you get A1. And that’s that. Not having it – is just plain wrong.

Now, before I go any further, I want you to know that I grew up with a severely disabled father. And so I know that if this is the worst thing that happened to me today – then I have had a very, very, very good day. And I acknowledge that.

Nevertheless, I also have to say that I think we have far too relaxed our standards in all the service industries. Restaurants not having steak sauce – is almost comical. But builders passing cheap knock offs as quality construction, medical practitioners amputating wrong legs, and a President sending kids to war on fabricated facts – makes me sick. Our standards just seem to be going down, down, down.

So I hope you will join me in bringing our standards up. If you go to a restaurant, call the manager if you aren’t properly served. And then tell your friends about it. If you buy a house with poor construction, let the builder know. And then tell your friends about it. Report medical practitioners who aren’t up to snuff. And then tell your friends about it. And whoever you vote for – whether it’s your councilwoman or Congresswoman or the President of the United States – at the end of the day make sure you can look that person in the eye and say they are honest, smart, and fair. And then tell your friends, to tell all their friends, all about it.

I can’t do it alone. But maybe we can make things better, together.

~ Kara Afrates

"Happy" Afrates: 1932 - 2008

2008-07-21T00:50:00.004-05:00

Dennis J. “Happy” Afrates, age 75, of Lorain, died on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, following a brief illness.

He was born on December 3, 1932 in Lorain and has lived here his entire life.

He was a 1951 graduate of Lorain High School. Happy was a member of the Lorain Arena Roller Hockey team “Swift Sticks.” They were Ohio State Champs in 1961 & 1962 and placed 3rd in the National Competition. He was also a member of the Lorain Arena Speed Skating Team.

Happy was a Floor Guard as of May 2008 at Lorain Skateworld, being employed there for 32 years. He was also employed as an assistant installer with John Scarvelli of Firelands Floors, where he retired in 1998. Prior to this he was an assistant manager for A&P.

He was a member of Local #880 Retail Clerks and Lorain Bowling Association. His life-long love of bowling earned him many trophies and awards, including the 2002 “Kings & Queens” Championship.

He enjoyed gardening, classical music and researching family geneology. He especially enjoyed teaching beginners of all ages how to skate.

He is survived by his brothers: Leonard “Jiggers” Afrates, (Gracie), Allen Afrates (Deanna), both of Lorain, sisters: Angela Wise, of Monroeville, PA, Elaine Feldkamp (Ron), Sandra Kastl (Richard), Cynthia Gladney (James) all of Lorain and Janice Hoover, of Leeds, Alabama. He was a favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Mildred (nee Zimmerman) Afrates, brothers: Kenneth Afrates and Norman Afrates.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Big Brothers Big Sisters LC Inc. (for Skating Parties at Skate World) 1917 N. Ridge Road, Lorain, Ohio 44055.

Change Is In The Air

2008-03-16T18:13:00.000-05:00

As I looked deep into the October night, I saw the half moon glowing down in my cozy living space. I yearned to go outside and start a bonfire in the crisp autumn night, sit and warm myself as I gazed upon an awesome autumn sky. Perhaps I would have a little wine, perhaps not. I cracked the window. I felt the air. A bit too crisp. Was winter coming so soon? I could hear only the rustle of crisp leaves floating dryly by. They seemed to collect and nest, as if finding security in one another’s warmth.

I took a breathe of the fresh night air. It almost seemed sweet, like the smell of fresh maple syrup warming on the stove. I knew I would miss the fall, as we drifted into winter.

Then winter came, and went.

Now I see the signs of spring unfolding before me. The sun is shining. There’s warmth in my soul. And the snow is receding like a bad hairline.

So what’s next, my friend? What’s next?

I feel a vibrance awakening within. A shell is shed as an inner voice quietly urges…what’s next. I can feel myself emerging from a sleepy winter, clearing my eyes, and peering across the open landscape.

My life is unfolding. Change is in the air…

Peace!

Kara

Late Night Ramblings

2008-03-08T01:17:00.002-05:00

Saturday night is my favorite night of the week. After working overtime in the morning, I come home mid-afternoon, feed the dog, and change into whatever fancies my taste. Sometimes it’s sweats, when my boyfriend and I are having an evening in. Sometimes it’s jeans, when my boyfriend and I are having an evening out. Either way, I’m letting my hair down. Sometimes, I curl it up. I whip out the hairspray, sharpen the lip-liner. I love it. I’m going to look good, and I’m going to look good for him.

What I like about Mark, is we may have a plan, but really anything goes.

What we do, is anyone’s guess. Saturday nights are either “on again” or “off again” -- Meaning: Are we on the couch again, cuddled up in front of the TV (watching HGTV, my favorite, or The History Channel, his) ~ Or ~ are we off again: off to the movies, off to the bookstore, or off to another one of our favorite haunts. Although these are all great things, our sweetest moments are usually the quiet ones. We’ll be settled between the magazine racks at Borders. I’ll have my coffee cup tucked neatly between the racks, my white-chocolate-macadamia-nut-cookie nestled nearby, and the most recent issue of Coastal Living settled in my lap. Engrossed in my own world, I never notice him lowering the latest issue of Rolling Stone and peeking over the edge. When I finally feel the weight of his stare, I look up, and our eyes meet. His eyebrow goes up, and then he flashes me this silly, warm, crooked smile. I know to some, it would be nothing, but to me, it's really something. His smile is charming. I giggle. It genuinely makes me feel warm inside. That’s probably why I love him with my whole heart.

When I told him I was going to start a political blog, he kind of rolled his eyes.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because I think it’s important”.

He sighed. He kind of tapped his toe on the floor.

Of course I couldn't leave it at that. “Look at all the things that have happened (with the war, the economy, healthcare, jobs). It impacts us. Other people are making decisions for us. It’s important.”

To give it a little more weight, I tried to give him “the look”: tilted head, slightly pursed lips, and big round puppy dog eyes. Like, you don’t think this is important? I know you know it’s important.

He shrugged. “Okay.”

Since then, he’s never held me back. He gives me the time I need to write, and he doesn’t try to censor me or keep me from writing about anything (even ex-boyfriends). From time to time, he shows interest in my work. He’ll ask me who I think will win a certain primary, or which candidate I think is better on a particular issue. Then before I have a chance to answer, he’ll whip me around and smother me with a big, juicy kiss. I love it!!

Like I said:
What I like about Mark, is we may have a plan. But really, anything goes!

~*~

Mark!
Thank you for your love and support,
it’s been a great three years!
~Kara Joy

NAFTA: Brown Speaks

2008-02-29T22:12:00.002-05:00

It was like an itch that had to be scratched. All those reporters, asking him over and over again: What did you think of Clinton and NAFTA? What did you think of Obama and NAFTA? What did you think of what they said about NAFTA at the debate?

This wasn't just any itch, it was THE itch. The NAFTA itch.

Itch. Itch.

Itch. Itch. Itch.

I knew that discussing what "other people" think, wouldn't last long. Sherrod Brown is a strong-willed, direct, get-to-the-point kind of guy. Talk to him for two minutes, and he'll tell you what HE thinks. (No wonder he reminds me so much of myself.)

Given this, it comes as no surprise that Brown penned a NAFTA editorial for USA Today. While I hate to essentially blog the same thing twice, his comments hit the nail on the head. They go right to the crux of why we are plagued by an economic depression here in Northeast Ohio.

So, read on, my friends.

Read On.

~Kara Afrates

Friday, February 29, 2008
Opposing view: Agreement was a mistake
Trade pact saps manufacturing jobs; it's time to renegotiate
By Sherrod Brown

If NAFTA were really a free trade agreement, it would contain just a page or two on eliminating tariffs.

Instead, NAFTA is an 824-page tome packed with rules to protect drug companies, banks and Wall Street investors. Safeguards for workers, the environment or food quality don't merit even a footnote.

Supporters of NAFTA made three major promises to the American people: NAFTA would bring hundreds of thousands of new jobs to America; NAFTA would raise wages for American workers; and NAFTA would empower Mexico to flourish and prosper, staunching the flow of undocumented workers into the USA.

Fourteen years later, we have lost millions of manufacturing jobs in our country. In Ohio, 200,000 manufacturing jobs have disappeared. Wages for the great majority of Americans have stagnated or, worse, declined.

And for Mexico? Some 19 million more Mexicans live below the poverty line since NAFTA became law in 1994. Not coincidentally, at least 10 million undocumented Mexicans now live in the USA, up from less than 3 million before NAFTA.

NAFTA, coupled with its dysfunctional cousin Most Favored Nation Trade with China and other wrongheaded trade policies, have seen a trade deficit of $38 billion in 1992 explode to more than $800 billion in 2007.

The first Bush administration told us that a $1 billion trade deficit translates into a loss of 13,000 jobs. Do the math.

We want more trade — but under a very different set of rules. All trade agreements should require enforceable environmental and labor standards at least as strong as International Labor Organization rules.

The agreements should conform to an international standard of food and product safety that is at least as high as U.S. standards. They should include measurable benchmarks for job creation, property rights and press freedom. And they should guarantee national sovereignty to protect each country's democratically adopted public health and safety laws.

Tuesday night in Cleveland, the two Democratic candidates acknowledged the devastating results of NAFTA. Each vowed to renegotiate NAFTA and similar trade deals.

Finally, we can learn from our mistakes.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is the author of Myths of Free Trade and an uncommitted Democratic "super delegate."

You can find this article online at:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/02/opposing-view-6.html

CNN: Sherrod Brown on the NAFTA Answers

2008-02-27T23:30:00.004-05:00

Ohio's Senator Sherrod Brown has been a staunch opponent of NAFTA for many, many years. I almost hesitate to use the word "staunch", because it doesn't feel strong enough. "Ardent" "stubborn" and "steadfast" don't quite cut it, either.

Nonetheless, you get my drift.

So, anyway.
If you aren't living in the batcave or on some hippie compound, then by now you have probably heard that Cleveland, Ohio hosted a Democratic Presidential Debate on Tuesday. And, as you can imagine, the questions centered around healthcre, jobs, national security, and of course, NAFTA.

Needless to say, as the debate was in Cleveland, and Sherrod Brown hails from the Cleveland area, and the debate partly focused on NAFTA, and Brown has been such a staunch opponent of NAFTA, the press was naturally all over Brown like bees on honey.

They all asked: What did Brown think of what Clinton and Obama said about NAFTA?

Did Brown think they were big sissies? Or, did Brown think they had teeth?

Well for all you inquiring minds, luckily, CNN settled it.

They published a nice little article with a big juicy scoop. I'd recap it for you, but I don't want to spoil the ending for all you die-hards.

So...Here it is! You can have it all to yourself!

Cheers!

Kara Joy

~*~*~*~

From CNN's Political Ticker, published February 27, 2008:

CLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) — Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, an avowed economic progressive who also happens to be an uncommitted superdelegate from a very important state, said he was pleased with both candidate's answers on NAFTA during Tuesday's debate.

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were asked if, as president, they would opt out of NAFTA in six months. Both candidates said they supported restructuring NAFTA and would use the threat of opting out of the agreement as a negotiating tool.

"They said it exactly right," Brown told CNN. "I want trade and more of it. I want it under different rules."

Brown voiced loud opposition to NAFTA during his 2006 Senate campaign, in which he unseated GOP incumbent Mike DeWine.

"If we say we want a different NAFTA," Brown continued, "they will negotiate, always with the threat of opting out if they don't, and that's exactly the right position. And I was thrilled, because I have not heard either of them specifically say that and they answered the question directly."

Brown said he is not planning to endorse either Democratic candidate.

Kennedys for Clinton

2008-02-02T00:51:00.000-05:00

From the Los Angeles Times

She stands for Democrats and for the nation, these family members say.
By Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kerry Kennedy

January 29, 2008

This is a wonderful year for Democrats. Our party is blessed with the most impressive array of primary candidates in modern history. All would make superb presidents.

By now you may have read or heard that our cousin, Caroline Kennedy, and our uncle, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, have come out in favor of Sen. Barack Obama. We, however, are supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton because we believe that she is the strongest candidate for our party and our country.

While talk of unity and compromise are inspiring to a nation wary of divisiveness, America stands at a historic crossroads where real issues divide our political landscapes. Democrats believe that America should not be torturing people, eavesdropping on our citizens or imprisoning them without habeas corpus or other constitutional rights. We should not be an imperial power. We need healthcare for all and a clean, safe environment.

The loftiest poetry will not solve these issues. We need a president willing to engage in a fistfight to safeguard and restore our national virtues.

We have worked with Hillary Clinton for 15 years (and in Kathleen's case, 25 years) and witnessed the power and depth of her convictions firsthand. We've seen her formidable work ethic, courage in the face of adversity and her dignity and clear head in crisis. We've also seen her two-fisted willingness to enter the brawl when America's principles are challenged. Her measured rhetoric, political savvy and pragmatism shield the heart of our nation's most determined and most democratic warrior.

She has been an uncompromising and loyal ally for each of us in our battles to protect the environment and to promote human rights around the world and juvenile justice in America. Hillary is a problem- solver, listening to people and then achieving solutions by changing attitudes.

Her transformational leadership was on display when she ran for the Senate seat in New York that had been held by our father, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. She faced rabid, heavily funded attacks from the far right and the challenge of prevailing in traditionally Republican upstate New York. Traveling with her, we watched admiringly as she persuasively articulated an inspiring and unifying vision rooted in American values and history. Then, through patience, hard work, leadership and political acumen, she transformed many of those rock- solid conservative counties into solid Democratic strongholds.

We look forward to working beside her in the general election as she uses those same talents to change once rigid opinions and political affiliations across the nation.

Like our father, Hillary has devoted her life to embracing and including those on the bottom rung of society's ladder -- giving voice to the alienated and disenfranchised and working to alleviate poverty and injustice, while urging that we cannot advance ourselves as a nation by leaving our poorer brothers and sisters behind.

She's been an equally effective champion for human rights and for women's rights, a worldwide cause that will profit enormously by her elevation to the presidency. She has worked for peace in Northern Ireland and fought to bridge religious, racial and ethnic divides from Bosnia to the Middle East to South Africa. She has shown a rare understanding that American values can only be exported by moral leadership, by a strong home economy and by a detailed understanding of the history and cultural backdrops of the nations we engage.

She understands, as our current administration does not, the uses of power. The world, she says, is hungry for U.S. leadership but will not accept our bullying. She knows the difference and will reestablish America's lost prestige and moral authority.

Hillary Clinton's political career has been centered in comforting the afflicted, afflicting the comfortable and reminding Americans what it means to be American. As a young lawyer, she focused on children's issues and legal aid. As first lady of Arkansas, she brought healthcare to rural areas and helped reform the state's lagging education system.

As first lady, she courageously took on healthcare reform. When a massive propaganda campaign by Big Pharma and the radical right derailed her efforts, she didn't give up. She helped create the nationally acclaimed Children's Health Insurance Program. That kind of persistence in pursuit of our highest ideals is the brand of leadership America now requires. Inspirational leadership comes in many forms.

Seldom has history confronted America with such daunting challenges: a catastrophic foreign policy that has cost us our international leadership and aggravated the threat of terror; a misbegotten war that is squandering precious American lives and treasure; a healthcare system that leaves millions of Americans without coverage; irresponsible corporate power that is corroding our democracy and outsourcing our jobs, aggravating global warming and other environmental crises and reducing our economy to shambles.

We need a leader who is battle-tested, resilient and sure-footed on the shifting landscapes of domestic and foreign policy. Hillary Clinton will move our country forward while promoting its noblest ideals.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental advocate and Kerry Kennedy is a human rights activist.

Copyright 2008 Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-kennedy29jan29,0,624676.story?track=mostemailedlink

John Edwards: A Class Act

2008-01-30T23:44:00.002-05:00

John Edwards, You are a class act. I met you once when you spoke in Columbus, Ohio, and I remember how your hands were as warm as your words. You spoke then -- as you did now -- for the need to eradicate poverty, expand healthcare, and make our government more accessible to everyday Americans.

I feel honored that a fighter like you would step forward for middle Americans like me. You've proven that anyone can work their way out of poverty and into the fabric of national politics. I am proud of the legacy you have left for us, and hope we haven't seen the last of you yet.

~*~

For those of you who haven't heard, John Edwards (unfortunately) suspended his race for the Presidency. The text of his announcement follows:

Dear Kara:

Let me start by saying, "Thank you." You have stood with Elizabeth and me throughout this campaign. Your support has sustained us as we have traveled across this country.

Earlier today, I suspended my campaign for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. I made this announcement from where our journey began just over 12 months ago: New Orleans.

I began my presidential campaign in New Orleans to remind the country that all of us -- as citizens and as a government -- have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters.

Now, it's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to the White House -- but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history.

And, along the way, all of you who have been involved in this campaign and this movement for change and this cause, I am asking you to continue speaking out for those who have no voice, just as Elizabeth and I will continue to do. We need you.

Do not turn away from the great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us -- all of us together -- to make the two Americas one. We need you.

I hope you will take a few moments to listen to the video clip of my speech in New Orleans earlier this afternoon or to read it below.

In the meantime, Elizabeth and my family join me in thanking all of you for your support and for working so hard on my behalf. We are truly blessed to have such friends.

Thank you.

John Edwards
January 30, 2008

---

Thank you all very much. We're very proud to be back here.

During the spring of 2006, I had the extraordinary experience of bringing 700 college kids here to New Orleans to work. These are kids who gave up their spring break to come to New Orleans to work, to rehabilitate houses, because of their commitment as Americans, because they believed in what was possible, and because they cared about their country.

I began my presidential campaign here to remind the country that we, as citizens and as a government, have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters. We must do better, if we want to live up to the great promise of this country that we all love so much.

It is appropriate that I come here today. It's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history. We will be strong, we will be unified, and with our convictions and a little backbone we will take back the White House in November and we'll create hope and opportunity for this country.

This journey of ours began right here in New Orleans. It was a December morning in the Lower Ninth Ward when people went to work, not just me, but lots of others went to work with shovels and hammers to help restore a house that had been destroyed by the storm.

We joined together in a city that had been abandoned by our government and had been forgotten, but not by us. We knew that they still mourned the dead, that they were still stunned by the destruction, and that they wondered when all those cement steps in all those vacant lots would once again lead to a door, to a home, and to a dream.

We came here to the Lower Ninth Ward to rebuild. And we're going to rebuild today and work today, and we will continue to come back. We will never forget the heartache and we'll always be here to bring them hope, so that someday, one day, the trumpets will sound in Musicians' Village, where we are today, play loud across Lake Ponchartrain, so that working people can come marching in and those steps once again can lead to a family living out the dream in America.

We sat with poultry workers in Mississippi, janitors in Florida, nurses in California.

We listened as child after child told us about their worry about whether we would preserve the planet.

We listened to worker after worker say "the economy is tearing my family apart."

We walked the streets of Cleveland, where house after house was in foreclosure.

And we said, "We're better than this. And economic justice in America is our cause."

And we spent a day, a summer day, in Wise, Virginia, with a man named James Lowe, who told us the story of having been born with a cleft palate. He had no health care coverage. His family couldn't afford to fix it. And finally some good Samaritan came along and paid for his cleft palate to be fixed, which allowed him to speak for the first time. But they did it when he was 50 years old. His amazing story, though, gave this campaign voice: universal health care for every man, woman and child in America. That is our cause.

And we do this -- we do this for each other in America. We don't turn away from a neighbor in their time of need. Because every one of us knows that what -- but for the grace of God, there goes us. The American people have never stopped doing this, even when their government walked away, and walked away it has from hardworking people, and, yes, from the poor, those who live in poverty in this country.

For decades, we stopped focusing on those struggles. They didn't register in political polls, they didn't get us votes and so we stopped talking about it. I don't know how it started. I don't know when our party began to turn away from the cause of working people, from the fathers who were working three jobs literally just to pay the rent, mothers sending their kids to bed wrapped up in their clothes and in coats because they couldn't afford to pay for heat.

We know that our brothers and sisters have been bullied into believing that they can't organize and can't put a union in the workplace. Well, in this campaign, we didn't turn our heads. We looked them square in the eye and we said, "We see you, we hear you, and we are with you. And we will never forget you." And I have a feeling that if the leaders of our great Democratic Party continue to hear the voices of working people, a proud progressive will occupy the White House.

Now, I've spoken to both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. They have both pledged to me and more importantly through me to America, that they will make ending poverty central to their campaign for the presidency.

And more importantly, they have pledged to me that as President of the United States they will make ending poverty and economic inequality central to their Presidency. This is the cause of my life and I now have their commitment to engage in this cause.

And I want to say to everyone here, on the way here today, we passed under a bridge that carried the interstate where 100 to 200 homeless Americans sleep every night. And we stopped, we got out, we went in and spoke to them.

There was a minister there who comes every morning and feeds the homeless out of her own pocket. She said she has no money left in her bank account, she struggles to be able to do it, but she knows it's the moral, just and right thing to do. And I spoke to some of the people who were there and as I was leaving, one woman said to me, "You won't forget us, will you? Promise me you won't forget us." Well, I say to her and I say to all of those who are struggling in this country, we will never forget you. We will fight for you. We will stand up for you.

But I want to say this -- I want to say this because it's important. With all of the injustice that we've seen, I can say this, America's hour of transformation is upon us. It may be hard to believe when we have bullets flying in Baghdad and it may be hard to believe when it costs $58 to fill your car up with gas. It may be hard to believe when your school doesn't have the right books for your kids. It's hard to speak out for change when you feel like your voice is not being heard.

But I do hear it. We hear it. This Democratic Party hears you. We hear you, once again. And we will lift you up with our dream of what's possible.

One America, one America that works for everybody.

One America where struggling towns and factories come back to life because we finally transformed our economy by ending our dependence on oil.

One America where the men who work the late shift and the women who get up at dawn to drive a two-hour commute and the young person who closes the store to save for college. They will be honored for that work. One America where no child will go to bed hungry because we will finally end the moral shame of 37 million people living in poverty.

One America where every single man, woman and child in this country has health care.

One America with one public school system that works for all of our children.

One America that finally brings this war in Iraq to an end. And brings our service members home with the hero's welcome that they have earned and that they deserve.

Today, I am suspending my campaign for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency.

But I want to say this to everyone: with Elizabeth, with my family, with my friends, with all of you and all of your support, this son of a millworker's gonna be just fine. Our job now is to make certain that America will be fine.

And I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard – all those who have volunteered, my dedicated campaign staff who have worked absolutely tirelessly in this campaign.

And I want to say a personal word to those I've seen literally in the last few days – those I saw in Oklahoma yesterday, in Missouri, last night in Minnesota – who came to me and said don't forget us. Speak for us. We need your voice. I want you to know that you almost changed my mind, because I hear your voice, I feel you, and your cause is our cause. Your country needs you – every single one of you.

All of you who have been involved in this campaign and this movement for change and this cause, we need you. It is in our hour of need that your country needs you. Don't turn away, because we have not just a city of New Orleans to rebuild. We have an American house to rebuild.

This work goes on. It goes on right here in Musicians' Village. There are homes to build here, and in neighborhoods all along the Gulf. The work goes on for the students in crumbling schools just yearning for a chance to get ahead. It goes on for day care workers, for steel workers risking their lives in cities all across this country. And the work goes on for two hundred thousand men and women who wore the uniform of the United States of America, proud veterans, who go to sleep every night under bridges, or in shelters, or on grates, just as the people we saw on the way here today. Their cause is our cause.

Their struggle is our struggle. Their dreams are our dreams.

Do not turn away from these great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us, all of us together, to make the two Americas one.

Thank you. God bless you, and let's go to work. Thank you all very much.

~*~

Thank you, John Edwards.

--Kara Afrates

John Edwards Helping Katrina Victims

2007-11-13T15:47:00.000-05:00

John Edwards visited New Orleans to help rebuild an area devastated by hurricane Katrina. To see the video, visit his website: http://johnedwards.com/watch/buildwithjohn/
Thank you John Edwards for helping rebuild this devastated community.

-Kara Afrates

Organized Labor: Thank You!!

2007-11-13T15:24:00.000-05:00

My Thanks to Organized Labor who made substantial strides in the Lorain County races. Your efforts made a difference!! Thank you for taking the time to support local candidates who will, in turn, impact the presidential and congressional races next year. On behalf of workers here and everywhere -- Thanks a million!! -Kara Joy

Strickland Endorses Clinton

2007-11-09T14:50:00.000-05:00

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland endorsed Hillary Clinton today, noting that "These are serious times for our nation and the world, and I believe we need a serious leader who is able to bring about the change we desperately need." The Governor further stated, "She is the strongest candidate that our party can put forth, and she is the candidate that can win the Presidency."

As to speculation that Governor Strickland might be tapped for the Vice Presidency, he stated he had no interest in the position, and was not presumptuous enough to speculate he was even being considered.

(We'll see).

-Kara Afrates

John Won!

2007-11-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

Congratulations John on a job well done!! Already this morning I saw him and a friend cleaning up the village and removing his political signs. I'm confident the village is now in good hands and will soon be poised as one of the premier communities in northeast Ohio. Thank you to all who supported his campaign!!

-Kara Afrates

Get Out and Vote!

2007-11-06T14:26:00.000-05:00

Today’s voting day, My Friends. Whether you are Democrat, Independent, or the One Republican who reads this column – doesn’t matter, just get out and vote.

Thanks for doing your part!!

--Kara Afrates

John D. Hunter: Concerned, Competent, Involved

2007-11-02T15:12:00.000-05:00

After spending many years in local politics, I’ve got a sense of who the movers and shakers are. We all know there are certain people in the community that have the credibility and connections to “make things happen”. John Hunter is one of those people and I am pleased to support him for Mayor of Sheffield Village.

I had an opportunity to sit down with John yesterday. We met for coffee at Gus’s on Colorado, and with his usual boundless energy, he shook my hand and started rattling off statistics. There are 1568 houses and apartments in Sheffield Village. Thirteen went for foreclosure and 35 are on the market now. The Village had 239 businesses the day before, but now has 238 after losing a manufacturing plant. They’ve lost 24 businesses since 2004, but gained only 13 in the same time.

Jobs and economic development are the #1 issue for Sheffield Village. I asked about a new Holiday Inn the current mayor is planning for the Village. “That’s a misnomer,” he said. “They don’t have financing. They don’t have franchise approval.” He slid a flyer across the table that explained this and pointed out that no traffic study has been conducted. “That area’s already congested,” he said with a shrug. “And this,” he pointed across the street, “This is the only remaining fire station in Sheffield Village.” John’s concern runs deep, because the station is bounded on four sides by railroad tracks on Colorado Avenue, East River at 31st Street, Abbe Road north of the Route 90 overpass, and French Creek between East River and Abbe Road. There was a station at Detroit and Gulf, but the village closed it in 2006 citing budgetary reasons, despite the fact that a 1/2% levy had been passed for police, fire, and city services three years before. On October 9, 2006, the Hritz Family home located on East River Road burnt and the only existing fire station in the Village could not respond as they were blocked by a train on the railroad tracks. Lorain and Avon Fire Departments came to the rescue (and they are, in my opinion, some of the nation’s finest firefighters), but they are never-the-less limited by their geography. The home sustained damage and the owner lost a dog, cat, and four exotic birds. One can only wonder how much damage was done while the owner waited for help to come from neighboring towns. “About 65% of the Village is on the other side of the tracks,” John said. “The station they closed is on prime real estate, we could sell that land and (use the proceeds to) build a new station. I’d (stock it) with equipment we already own.”

With lingering problems surrounding fire service, it’s almost ironic to learn that there are also long-running concerns about flooding in the area.” There are about 207 homes in the flood plane, and most are on slabs. The flood waters run right into their homes.” John said. He further explained, “There was flooding in my area, 58 homes. My backyard was full of water, and so I walked (the drainage line) one day.” He went on to tell the story that two 61” pipes empty to a ditch on Walker, and then the water runs to a culvert that is emptied by only one 18” pipe. “You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure out you can’t drain water from two 61” pipes into one 18” pipe. Of course there’s going to be flooding.”

John attended council meetings and asked when the flooding would be corrected. He felt that he never got a straight answer and that not enough was done. It was then that he started to look for a candidate for Mayor.

“She just doesn’t follow through on anything,” he said, pointing out that the Village still needs sewers, another fire department on the other side of the tracks, and more economic development. “Two of the roads in the village are still not paved. 850 homes don’t have sewer. Even all the schools are on septic.” You could almost see this wheel in his head that just keeps turning, “What are we doing here?...We can’t sit back with our heads in the sand any longer.”

In the end, John chose to personally answer the call to public service. He’s spoken with all the area mayors and mayoral candidates in the cities bordering Sheffield Village. He wants to solicit federal, state, and EPA grants, reminding me, “I have the contacts.” If you didn’t know, Governor Strickland himself came to endorse John’s candidacy.

As a citizen journalist, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t promote John’s run for Mayor. For one, I live the next town over and my property values and job opportunities are directly linked to the success of the Sheffield Village. In my opinion, the Village has been largely overlooked in regional planning because the current mayor doesn’t have the clout with, nor the cooperation of, the county’s political and business leaders. John does. I also feel that she lacks the vision and contacts needed to move Sheffield Village into the 21st century. Unpaved roads, lack of regional planning, and impaired fire and sewer services are just plain unacceptable. She might be a nice lady, but she’s just not effective. John is a retiree with extensive, amiable contacts in the community. He has the time, energy, competence, and cooperation to address these issues and move Sheffield Village forward.

Therefore, I enthusiastically endorse John Hunter for Mayor of Sheffield Village.

-Kara Afrates

Legislative Update

2007-11-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

The firefighter cancer presumption bill I’ve been working on will be introduced in the Ohio House this year. We have a wonderful, conservative, labor-backed sponsor that we feel both understands our perspective yet can work with the leadership.

Once the bill is introduced, there will likely be two hearings. Anyone interested in testifying, please get in touch with me so I can assure the necessary arrangements have been made.

Thank you to all those who have assisted in this endeavor.

Sincerely,
Kara Afrates

Update

2007-11-02T13:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

All is well!! My time at WEOL proved to be a real pleasure before moving on to other projects. One I am particularly excited about involved transitioning from residential real estate to commercial. If you have not heard, my broker retired this summer, and this provided a nice opportunity to make the change. My new broker worked with Colliers Ostendorf-Morris for several years as a partner/broker before going on to create his own commercial real estate firm. He’s knowledgeable and connected, and named his firm after his wife and daughters. I knew right away I’d be a good fit, and have enjoyed taking the next step in my real estate career.

So, that’s the latest! Or, as some would say, “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!”

-Kara Afrates

THANK YOU WEOL

2007-09-04T22:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you Craig Adams and Larry Wright of WEOL. Larry attended the press conference and gave us terrific reviews. That means a lot to me, as Larry is well-respected within the news community, particularly the radio news beat. If you don’t know, radio news is tougher than TV news or the papers because there’s no pictures or video. Your word choice and personal credibility weigh more, making radio news a unique niche. I was also honored to see Larry because we used to be colleagues. I announced at WEOL for a short time under the name “Joy Matthews”. Craig Adams had me in to discuss Lorain Catholic’s closing (which I protested), and I guess he saw a little newsgirl in me. He ran a voice test, and decided I could handle a.m. radio. Being a little nervous, he let me take on the radio name. “Joy” is my name – my middle name – and “Matthews” is my own personal reference to my favorite book in the bible. We co-hosted the morning news for a few months, and even though I had to get up at 3:45 a.m., I really enjoyed it.

Craig has been kind enough to invite me back to WEOL. I’ll be on “Les in the Mornings” to highlight some of the efforts made to protect firefighters. That’s really neat. There may even be a day or two of co-hosting….but will I go as Kara Afrates or Joy Matthews?…We’ll see!!

Thanks again Craig and Larry ~ You’re doing a fine job!

See you on the flip side!

-Kara Afrates

THANK YOU EVERYONE

2007-09-01T15:07:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU to everyone who made the firefighter’s press conference a success.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown has been a strong advocate and good friend. Thank you, Sherrod, for taking the time to attend. We know you have a busy schedule and it was an honor to have you. Thank you also to your spokesperson Bethany Lesser who did an excellent job of focusing media attention on this issue.

U.S. Congresswoman Betty Sutton has also been truly wonderful. She is the wife of a retired firefighter and we were delighted to have you. Thank you, Betty. Thank you also to Ian Mandel in your DC Office and Kay Giardini in your Lorain office, who helped pull the scheduling together. We couldn’t have done it without you.

State Representative Matt Lundy previously worked as a broadcast producer, and we were impressed by his media advice and contributions to our political strategy. Thank you Matt, you are a class act who made immeasurable contributions to the press conference’s success.

Dr. Roy Church, President of Lorain County Community College, was truly gracious in lending us space at The Spitzer Conference Center. Thank you for coming and welcoming us to campus. Marcia Ballinger, VP for Strategic and Institutional Development, Thank you for attending and your continued support. Debbie Janscura, Thank you for making all the arrangements, the space was truly beautiful and we could not have done it without you.

Thank you anchorwoman Deb Lee and the cameraman from News Channel 5. I have had the privilege of speaking with Miss Lee before, she is an amazing journalist and we were so glad that you and your team could be there with us. Thank you.

Thank you to Mike O’Mara and cameraman Mike Greene from News Channel 3. Mike O’Mara was a shining star, he is one of Cleveland’s long-time news announcers and we were lucky to have you there with us. Mike Green is an experienced cameraman and he did a terrific job, I’m so glad you could make it.

Thank you Editor Julie Wallace, reporter Shawn Foucher, and photographer Jason Miller of the Chronicle Telegram. Shawn came out the day before to hear more of our story, Jason took incredible pictures, and Julie gave us front page coverage. This team is truly phenomenal. All three, creative and bright. Thank you for all you’ve done for us. My mother was so happy she laminated the entire front page. Twice.

Thank you to Terry Oblander and the editors at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It was interesting meeting you and learning your story. Terry also passed on information about another fire fighter’s widow who contacted him after the article ran, and we appreciate this kind act. We really are all in this together, aren’t we. Thank you, for everything.

Thank you to Bob Downing at The Akron Beacon Journal. Your story also ran front page. We were so happy you took the time to drive all the way to Elyria to cover the press conference. That was a hike. Thank you for your time and patience, we loved the article.

Thank you to Editor John Cole and Kate Giammarise of the Lorain Morning Journal. The article ran on the front page of the metro section. You did a wonderful job of making the article personal, and pertinent to Lorain. It spanned the entire top of the page. John, you have served Lorain so well for so long, our wishes and hopes are with you. Kate, it’s inspiring to see a young reporter covering the beat. You remind me so much of myself.

Mark Sanders, President of the OAPFF, Thank you for your hard work and your continued advocacy. Mark Horton, Secretary-Treasurer of the OAPFF, Thank you for attending the press conference in 2002 and again in 2007. There were only four “repeats” from both press conferences, Tim Kling, myself, Sherrod Brown, and You. Thank you. Andy Drwal, OAPFF 2nd District Vice President, Thank you for connecting us with who we needed to know and for pulling us all together. You are a great coalition builder, and one of the best dressers in town. Thank you. John Beavers, Thank you for coming all the way from Akron. John is not only with the OAPFF, he is also the Midwest Director for the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation. We were delighted to have you. Tracy Koons, Vice President of the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation and involved with the OAPFF legislative committee, Thank you for coming all the way from Bucyrus and for taking the time to educate us to what the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation does.

Than you to James Astorino, President, and Brian Dunlap, Office Representative, of the Northern Ohio Fire Fighters. I didn’t even know you were there until the end. It was a privilege to have you. Words cannot express how excited and delighted I was to know that you were with us. You are welcome anytime! Thank you, Thank you for coming!

Tom Brown, Lorain’s Fire Chief, Thank you for coming and lending your support. Tony Bucci, Lorain F.D.’s union leader, Thank you for spreading the word and lending a hand. You are a great asset to Lorain’s Department. Dean Marks, Elyria F.D.’s union V.P., Thank for coming and for the contributions you and your wife continue to make to our community. Thank you also, for the cookies and punch. They were delicious!

Tom Jelepis, Thank you for putting me in touch with people who care. They have all been top-notch. You’re a first-class guy and I look forward to working with you.

Scott Carpenter, Thank you for your informative talk about The Western Reserve Fire Museum and Education Center. You did a remarkable job of bringing the history of firefighting to life. You readers may not know, the Fire Museum has been fourteen years in the making. Scott came in recent years and has been charged with its completion. We know you will make it top-notch. Thank you.

There were firefighters who attended and were not recognized, which is my fault because I put the sign in sheet with the pictures. Not everyone looked at the pictures, so not everyone signed in. I apologize for that. Nonetheless, I know you were there. It felt good to know that. Thank you for your support.

Tim and Susan Kling, Thank you. Tim, Thank you for supporting my creative projects to bring these issues to light. Sue, Thank you for your continued patience. Thank you to your children for their support.

Dad, Thank you for being a fire fighter and man I could be proud of.
You gave me values and showed me how to live.
Mom, Jennifer, Marijoy, Thank you for enduring all we have endured.
Mark, Thanks for everything.
I love you guys.

Thank you to all the firefighters of the past, we are building on your legacy.
Thank you for the fire fighters of the present, for risking your life to keep us safe today and every day.

YOU ARE MY HEROES!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

-Kara Afrates

Fire Fighters and Cancer

2007-08-30T00:24:00.001-05:00

On Friday, August 24, 2007, we held a press conference on fire fighters with cancer at Lorain County Community College. By “we” -- I mean to say – Tim Kling and I. For those of you who haven’t met this character, just remember these three numbers: 31, 52, and 1. Thirty-One is the number of years Tim served on the Akron Fire Department. Fifty-Two is the number of chemo treatments he underwent for the colon cancer caused by his 31 years of work on the Akron Fire Department And One is for the one wife who supported him through his fifty-two chemo treatments for the colon cancer caused by his 31 years of work on the Akron Fire Department. He’s a good guy, and he has a nice family.

So, Tim and I decided there needs to be more attention on fire fighters with cancer. It’s an important issue, as we all know that fire fighters are getting cancer from their work. Nearly 2 in 3 fire fighters will get it in their lifetime. Why? Because they are not adequately protected from the toxins given off in the smoke.

1) Their air masks do not last long enough. The masks last 20 minutes, while the average fire last eight hours. So, firefighters are breathing these toxic by-products in, leading to lung and other cancers.

2) As they breathe the toxins in, the toxic residues are left in their mouths. When swallowed, they lead to higher rates of stomach and intestinal cancers.

3) Their gear does not adequately cover their skin. Despite the fact that they are wearing protective hats, coats, pants, gloves, boots – there are still gaps between the gear where the toxic by-products seep in. For example, a firefighter’s face and neck are largely exposed, so the toxins seep in through these areas.

4) Even a fire fighter’s coat, until about five years ago, was made of cancer-causing asbestos.

Major medical studies have concluded again and again that firefighters have an increased risk of cancer from the toxic exposures at work. In response, many states have enacted legislation to protect firefighters when they get cancer. Ohio needs this kind of legislation.

A video of the press conference is on the left. It includes the story of how my father got pancreatic cancer from The Roger Blough burning. If you didn’t know, Pancreatic cancer’s only known cause is beta-naphthylamine. Beta-naphthylamine is only given off when oil burns, and the Roger Blough was carrying over 30,000 gallons of fuel oil. It takes 20 to 25 years for the cancer to come. The Roger Blough burned on June 24, 1971. My father died from pancreatic cancer on June 24, 1993. Twenty-two years to the day.

Coincidence?

I don’t think so.

Change of Direction

2007-08-29T23:03:00.000-05:00

Starting now, this blog is making a change. While the focus will remain on politics, the scope will broaden to include state and local politics. As support for my decision, I cite the mantra: “all politics is local”. By neglecting moves in local and state politics, I am neglecting to report on the undercurrents that help shape national policy. I feel this is an oversight, one that I can’t continue to ignore.

As my audience also includes the simply curious, I intend to make it a bit perky by including other interesting tidbits along the way. Personal insights. Adventures. People I meet. The common thread to these stories will be a desire to lead a better life, hope for a better future, and an appreciation for lessons of the past. I feel these human experiences shape our mindset, which in turn shapes our values, which come to bear on local, state, and national politics. It all comes back to policy in the end, my friend.

Thank you for your time ~ I appreciate you, embracing me.

Fondly,
Kara Afrates

Stay or Go?

2007-08-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

Should they stay or should they go?….

I am talking about the long-shot candidates, of course. Democrats Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel. Republicans Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, and Ron Paul.

By the way, why is it the guys with the coolest names are the biggest long-shots? Tom Tancredo. Sounds like a novelist. Duncan Hunter. Reminds me of an outdoorsman. Ron Paul. He was born to be in TV news, we love news people with two first names. What about Mike Gravel? He’s all set to start a stone and tile company. And a good, ethnic name like Kucinich…could sell a load of pierogies. What cool names they have. And their names would be even fresher with the word “President” preceding them.

So should they stay and broaden our perspectives: having an opportunity to raise ideas outside of the mainstream and help shape the debates……or….should they go, so we can really focus in on the current front-runners and allow them more time to fully express their opinions.

How would you vote? Stay…or Go?

Until earlier this evening, my vote was an emphatic GO. As in: Take a hike. Hidey Ho. Isn’t it about time you get off of your soapbox, spend some real time with your family, and get on with your life. Thanks for running for President. It’s been real.

Then it struck me. Isn’t politics a lot like sports? Isn’t there always this little underdog team that everyone underestimates?…Their coaches don’t fit the mold, the players come off a little sloppy, even their uniforms don’t seem to fit right. And then just when it really matters, they get this stubborn, head-strong, gritty determination…and they fight their way to the head of the pack. To me, there is something about that, that is very American. And there is something about having that innate ability to fight and overcome that we all admire.

So, they might be long-shots. But they should get their shot.

I would craft the debate a little differently, however. Like sports, there are only two teams on the field at a time. In my opinion, there should be no more than two candidates in a debate at once. Being President is an important job. We should have an opportunity to really, really hear, what each candidate has to say. At the end of every month, there should be a poll. And then in the next month, the weakest candidate should go against the strongest candidate. The second strongest should go against the second weakest, and so on. Until everyone has had a chance to publicly debate that month. At the end of the month, we poll again. The next month, they debate again. And so on, until the primary. All the debates should be nationally broadcast and publicly funded. This will give a chance for underdog candidates to speak their peace, and give any candidate with good ideas an opportunity to rise.

There should also be one, unified primary, in all states at the same time. No results should be released until the last poll closes.

Then after the primary, the successful candidate from any party i.e. Democrat, Republican, Green, Independent, Reform, etc. should debate the other candidates in the same manner, until the general election.

The system we have now is too hodge-podge.
It needs to change.
It should be fair. And square.

-Kara Afrates

Thompson’s Out

2007-08-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

It’s splitsville. Tommy Thompson, the man who never seemed to officially be IN the race for President, is now officially out. Even though I wouldn’t have voted for him, I give him credit for trying. It’s hard to run cash-strapped in a race where they (in the words of David Letterman) “hand you your shorts everyday”.

God Bless You Tommy Thompson.
And God Bless America.

Inevitable

2007-08-07T20:05:00.000-05:00

With the money that is required to run a presidential campaign, it almost seems inevitable that our next president will be Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, or John Edwards (who has raised a lot of money but compared to the others is operating on a shoe string). Guiliani is leading the republicans and we may see an interesting independent bid by NYC Mayor Bloomberg.

Bloomberg has a huge advantage in that he can self-finance. Read: He’s filthy rich. On one hand, that shows he might hold a bias for the wealthy. On the other, his hands won’t be tied by special interest money. That might lead to independent decisions. Used wisely, this could be a great thing.

Regardless of who wins, what I am hoping for is this: new ways of looking at old problems. Issues like jobs, healthcare, war, the economy – these are nothing new. They have probably persisted since the start of time. But we have new technologies, better education, and fresh minds to approach these problems with new perspectives.

Even if we will inevitably elect one of the top fundraisers, I hope that we will nonetheless have the guts and determination to raise the bar -- and expect something better -- for me, and for you.

Best wishes,
Kara Afrates

John Edwards: Road to One America

2007-07-20T01:14:00.000-05:00

I just can’t express how impressed I am with John Edwards. From what I understand, he came from humble beginnings and went on to college and later became a lawyer. That alone, is quite an accomplishment. But while many are criticizing him for enjoying the fruits of his labor (including a 28,000 square foot home), I still feel that his actions on the anti-poverty tour should be commended.

For those of you who haven’t heard, John Edwards recently completed an anti-poverty tour called “Road to One America”. He traversed our nation, making stops in eight states to call for an end to poverty.

In Ohio, John Edwards spent time in Mount Pleasant – one of Cleveland’s struggling neighborhoods – before heading to a homeless shelter for women in Youngstown. He met with four women there who explained what it felt like to hit rock bottom.

He didn’t have to do that.

John Edwards could have gone to any blighted area in any big city and held one big press conference. His status as a presidential candidate would have drawn a throng of reporters. He could have simply outlined his plan and gone home.

Instead, he chose to traverse the country from top to bottom and talk to struggling families in eight states.

That’s incredible!

Of course you can always play devil’s advocate: Was his anti-poverty tour a photo op? Sure. Was his plan to promote economic diversity within school districts a pitch to the middle class? You bet.

The cynical know that, in politics, talk is cheap. That’s why you have to stand up when you see someone making an honest effort. Here, John Edwards took his time, money, and energy to make that tour. He’s not only talking the talk, but he’s walking the walk.

John Edwards, hats off to you for remembering your roots.
Your actions speak louder than words.

-Kara Afrates

I want YOU!…

2007-07-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

Do you have a special reason why you are supporting a particular candidate? Then I want YOU…to share your story. Email me at DCVibes@gmail.com and include your name, city, and state.

Thank you!!

Coming Cleaner

2007-07-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

Up until now, I was attempting to be as open-minded as possible, with the thought that covering presidential personalities and events in a non-partisan way would lend more credibility to my blog. Kara: The Idealist.

Last week changed all that.

We had a summit here in Cleveland of 600 Steelworkers. If you don’t know about the steel industry, it’s in dire straights right now because of a practice called dumping. This occurs when foreign steel manufacturers basically cut costs by not paying a living wage to their workers, and then dump (sell) their steel right here in America. American steel companies can’t compete with the lower cost product, and so their workers get screwed.

So 600 American Steelworkers convened in Cleveland. They invited the presidential candidates to speak. And none of the Republicans showed up.

I thought that in light of last years’ mid-term elections, no Republican candidate would make this kind of blatant mistake. Have you not learned your lesson? In 2006, the middle class voted. And we won. We bounced several incumbent republicans out of office. This included Ohio’s republican Senator Mike DeWine, who got trounced by Ohio Congressman Sherrod Brown.

I was lucky enough to have met both of these Senatorial candidates. I knew Brown better, because he was my Congressman, and I volunteered for his office. But I had also met Mike DeWine. In my volunteer work in greater Cleveland, he spoke at a fundraiser and I had the opportunity to meet and speak with him. Mike DeWine was a nice guy, and I enjoyed meeting him. But I voted for Brown because he shares my values.

This is just the middle-class coming out in me. I can’t help it. I was born and bred that way.

I was raised that you deserve an honest days pay for an honest days work. I was raised that you help people when they’re down and out. And I was raised that you share what you’ve been given.

All of these candidates have been granted an incredible opportunity -- to be strong advocates for the disadvantaged. To lift those who are down and out. To bring hope to discouraged workers.

How could any candidate miss this opportunity?

Biden, Clinton, Edwards, Kucinich showed. They’re in. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the other Democratic candidates pleaded scheduling conflicts. They get a pass.

As for the others, you just still don’t get it. Do you. Maybe you think this is all about you, but you’re wrong. This is all about us. We workers are suffering. Every month, our ends just barely meet. We’re cutting pills in half so we can still buy food. We’re maxing out our credit cards on gas and groceries. We’re drowning in the debt -- and we desparately need you -- to help us.

So, if you’re not “In” – then get the hell out.

-Kara Afrates

Coming Clean

2007-07-06T02:15:00.000-05:00

I really don’t know who I’m voting for in the primary. I’m not even sure which primary I’m voting in. Honestly. I’ve been a voter in every democratic primary since I began voting. But I think my political views have largely been shaped by my life experience, and as I get more “living” under my belt, I can’t help but see the world in a different way.

My mom and I were discussing this not too long ago.

“I just don’t see people the same way I used to,” I said. “It’s not bad, it’s not good, it’s just different.”

“You’re just starting to see people for what they really are,” she explained.

Maybe so.

Nevertheless, I just can’t seem to discern a particular candidate as standing out from the rest. So many of them have qualities that I like.

For example, take Dennis Kucinich. His grin is a little toothy, isn’t it. He’s almost a little boyish, isn’t he. But he has this gritty determination that just won’t yield to the status quo. There’s something about that -- that I like. I just can’t help it. A law school classmate of mine dated him for several years, before he met his wife, and she told me some of his story. He has extremely humble beginnings. If I remember correctly, his family was so poor they lived out of a car. I feel like I should vote for him just for surviving that.

Dennis Kucinich. The Underdog. Check.

Now take John McCain. He was a freakin’ P.O.W. He was captured and tortured in the name of our country. He’s speaking out for the P.O.W.’s that are captured now. His party is alienating him because he’s not ‘republican enough’ – he has crossed party lines to co-sponsor badly needed legislation with (gasp!!) democrats. My God, when did that become a sin? Bottom Line: The guys got balls. Big Ones. I can’t help it, I just like the guy.

John McCain. War Hero. Check.

What about John Edwards?…
(to be continued…..)

Obama: Man of the People

2007-07-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama. No one knew his name before he went mainstage at the National Democratic Convention. Then his life exploded. Everywhere he went, people wanted a part of him.

Dubbed a rising star, he was thrust into the spotlight. It wasn’t long before he announced his run and we were discussing him over coffee.

“He’s going to win,” my sister said.

“No he’s not,” I mumbled back.

We’d had the discussion many times before, the prediction that there will be a black president far before a woman will hold the seat. In any field, black men seem to break into it, and then we women can follow.

I wonder sometimes: who made that rule?

That rule sucks.

Why should race or gender matter? Haven’t we arrived where what you choose to think supercedes your unchosen physical characteristics?

The color of your character should far preceed the color of your skin; and the strength of your character should far exceed the strength of the muscles within.

In truth, I feel that there are many qualified candidates in this race. In fact, I believe the 2008 race has inspired more qualified candidates than any other Presidential election in my living history. And what is imperially neat – is that amongst the most credible candidates – one happens to be black, and another happens to be a woman. That’s amazing. I feel privileged to be alive and bear witness to this moment in history. And I will be pleased as peaches whoever wins -- Man or Woman, Black or White, Democrat or Republican -- so long as they exude the leadership this country so badly needs.

That said, I only have to add one more thing.

Whatever happens, just remember these two, wise, words:
Ladies First.

Rudy Giuliani’s 12 Commitments

2007-06-29T18:17:00.000-05:00

Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People:
I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists' War on Us.
I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
I will impose accountability on Washington.
I will lead America towards energy independence.
I will give Americans more control over and access to healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
I will expand America's involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.

Rudy’s 12 Commitments reads like a love poem to the American people.

But: Is being on the offense the best approach to terrorism? Is one of our top priorities ending illegal immigration? Can our health care woes be cured with “free-market” solutions?

You decide.

For more ~ http://www.joinrudy2008.com/commit.php

Time to Pass the Buck(s)

2007-06-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

A Buck. A Bill. A Little Green. However you wanna say it, it’s time to pony up on the chump change. There’s an FEC fund-raising deadline this Saturday, June 30 for the presidential races.

So pick your man -- or pick your woman -- and put your money where your mouth is.

Ann Coulter is Sick and Twisted

2007-06-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

I honestly feel that this woman is sick and twisted. I have many Republican friends with whom I debate, and we can rant, and we can rave – but we keep it clean, back up our facts, and shake hands in the end. We might not agree, but we’re not going to kill each other over it. They call that integrity.

I don’t think Ann Coulter “gets it”.

She’s just sick and cruel. She’s twisted. She’s whacked. She’s “who-hoo, who-hoo” (point to your head) – “not right” upstairs. She lobs the most hateful, painful, twisted remarks, and news sources keep carrying her despite these wicked attacks. I can’t stand it. It’s disgusting.

Her most recent suggestion was that she wished [John Edwards] would be “killed in a terrorist assassination plot.” In an appearance Tuesday on MSNBC’s hardball, Mrs. Edwards called in to request that Miss Coulter stop making personal attacks on her husband.

Now I ask you: Should a terminally ill woman have to resort to calling in to a talk show to request that this journalist stop wishing death on her husband?

Hon-est-LY!

How sad is that?!

Miss Coulter has struck a new low. There aren’t words to express how low she can go. And I hope that other journalists and bloggers worldwide will join me in blackballing Miss Coulter for her hateful words advancing terrorism against any American.

If it’s not criminal, it should be.

For more, visit: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EDWARDS_COULTER?SITE=OHALL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Follow The Money!

2007-06-26T17:07:00.000-05:00

When I was spanking fresh out of college, I landed my first job at local manufacturer in Amherst, Ohio. I enjoyed it, and had a great deal of respect for my boss. In addition to being quite bright, Alain made an active effort to be approachable and down to earth. Which was good. Very good. Because part of his duties encompassed supervising our unit of nine action-packed, international employees. One was a former Olympian from Japan. One had just immigrated from Russia. One guy had been born here, but his parents were from Norway, and so on. They all had their story. And then there was me. Born here. Raised here. All I could speak was English, and even that seemed to go out the window on a bad day.

One by one, Alain took us all out to lunch. Every few weeks or so, he’d make a rare appearance on the floor, and pick whoever he thought best. Off they’d go. I often wondered what he talked about with the others, because when Alain and I went to lunch, Alain and I never talked about work. We mostly talked about life. And politics. But not too much about politics, because he was a Big Republican and I was a Big Democrat. The only thing we had in common politically is that we both agreed that we disagreed on just about everything, and we agreed to just leave it at that. It was very amicable.

In one of our debates, however, there was something he said that has just stuck in my mind like gum on a park bench. He said that of all life’s questions, nine out of ten of them can be answered if you follow the money. At the time, I was young and idealistic enough to disagree. Now, I’m old and wise enough to know better.

I’m not the only one.

This month, the FEC unveiled a Presidential Campaign Finance Map on their website. If you go to http://www.fec.gov, you will find it right smack dab in the middle of their front page. “Up-to-date campaign finance information for the 2008 Presidential Election is now available via an easy to use map of the USA.”

Now that’s nice. Real nice.

Now whether you’re a Big Republican like Alain or a Big Democrat like me, you can find some answers there. Odds are nine out of ten. Or, maybe better.

Good luck!

Howard’s Comin’ to Cleveland!

2007-06-21T22:04:00.000-05:00

DNC Chair Howard Dean is coming to Cleveland next Thursday. He’s ready to rally the troops in the home of Rock and Roll!

Who: The DNC Big Kahoona ~ Howard Dean
What: At a Big Ole Democratic Smackdown!
Where: In the smashing ambiance of the Intercontinental Hotel
When: June 28, 6-7 pm (Be there or be square)
Why: To fundraise your socks off! Tickets are a hundred smackaroos! ($100!)

For more, visit…
http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/06/democratic_big_boss_to_rally_b.html

Bloomberg for President?

2007-06-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

Mayor Bloomberg (NYC) may be flirting with a run for the Presidency, The New York Times reports. He severed his GOP ties and has enough money to self-finance an independent bid. For more…find the article at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/us/politics/20mayor.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

The Republicans Debate: Yays and Nays

2007-06-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

YAY to Tommy Thompson for acknowledging that (if elected President) he would not send G.W. Bush to the United Nations as our ambassador.

YAY to Mitt Romney for underscoring that we were “underprepared and underplanned” for what happened after Saddam Hussein left power.

NAY to the candidates who are even remotely interested in pardoning I. Lewis “Libby” Scooter. Anyone convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice should receive more than thirty months in jail, not less.

NAY to McCain and Brownback for voting to authorize the U.S. Invasion of Iraq without reading the formal national intelligence estimate in advance. Any time human lives are placed in harm’s way, U.S. officials have an obligation to weigh every shred of evidence.

YAY to McCain for acknowledging, “Presidents don’t lose wars. Political parties don’t lose wars. Nations lose wars.” Even though he should have read the national intelligence estimate prior to his vote (see above), there was nevertheless a need for someone to take a leadership role and remind the American public that we are all in this together. While I don’t like how he arrived at his decision on Iraq, and I don’t like the decision he made to invade Iraq, we are nonetheless in need of leadership now that we are in this for the long haul. He stepped up when it was needed, and I will give credit where credit is due.

Thank You!

2007-06-05T23:07:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all my family and friends for visiting and offering words of support and encouragement. Your vote is important to me – especially your vote of confidence!

Rock on!

Faith and Politics

2007-06-04T22:38:00.000-05:00

I have a deep and abiding belief in God. I also have a deep and abiding belief in the separation of church and state. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not thankful that I can choose to pray, worship, and live the way I like.

My spiritual life began as a youngster in essentially a Catholic tradition. I say “essentially” because my father wasn’t Catholic at all. His father had immigrated from Greece, and so my father was Greek Orthodox.

Although Catholicism and Greek Orthodox have obvious differences in language and church décor -- at their heart -- they share the same core values. Nevertheless, my mother will recall how my father had to sign a church declaration before they got married. “He had to sign a paper saying he was a heathen,” she’ll say with roll of her eyes. That always bothered me. Although sometimes stoic on the outside, on the inside, he was one of the most tender men I knew.

He would sometimes take me to “Greek Church”. Almost six feet, well built, in a simple, dark suit, he looked so handsome with his jet-black hair. Dressed in my Sunday best, I could hardly get my little hand around his big, strong grip. Although not completely fluent, he prayed in Greek, and the service would immerse me in the spiritual energy and timelessness of a language that had endured thousands of years. A language and a tradition that had bound one generation to the next.

Hardly “heathen” material.

Despite their “religious differences” (which were really none at all), my parents chose to educate their three daughters in the Catholic School System. We wore the uniforms, were taught by the nuns, and put our money in the basket.

I was a regular attender for years. Then sometime in my adult life, I just gradually drifted away from it. Years later, a Pentecostal man witnessed to me and began taking me to his church. Once again, there were differences, but at the core – essentially, we were the same. They had a great, charismatic pastor. They allowed women in ministry. And the music was off the hook. I liked it. I became a member and worshipped there for a few years.

Eventually, that pastor took his leave. And I took mine. Nothing personal to the great folks there, but I just felt it was my time to move on. These days, I suppose I am still officially Catholic, being raised that way and all. But above all, I think there is value in faith and I look forward to where my spiritual journey will lead me.

And so it occurs to me, how lucky am I? Through all these years, my family and I were all free to make our own spiritual decisions. My mother made hers. My father made his. And I made mine. Meanwhile, people in China are still hiding holy books. They’re holding secret baptisms. It just blows my mind.

How lucky am I?

I am so, so lucky.

I have a deep and abiding belief in God. I also have a deep and abiding belief in the separation of church and state. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not thankful that I can choose to pray, worship, and live the way I like.

You Said It: Best Quotes from NH

2007-06-03T22:59:00.000-05:00

Clinton: “[We need to] cut spending….and raise revenues.”
Edwards: “[S]how America is strong, but America is also moral and just.”

Finally Something Fresh

2007-06-03T22:58:00.000-05:00

Some fresh ideas came from the debate in New Hampshire. Finally.

Edwards: College for everyone. If you graduate high school, qualify for college, and agree to work 10 hours a week, then your college is paid for.
Richardson: Grow the economy by 1.8% (instead of 1.3%) and he believes the solvency issues with social security in 2045 would be resolved.
Biden: Public funding for elections to get rid of earmarks
Richardson: Minimum wage for teachers at $40K. Preschool for all.
Biden: Not for profit health care systems.
Gravel: 1 yr of service to your country, get 4 years of school free.
Richardson: Implement “Pay as you go” (for federal policies).

…and The New Hampshire Debate Awards go to:

2007-06-03T22:07:00.000-05:00

Clinton: Best Hair
Edwards: Most Popular
Obama: Best Smile
Richardson: Best Dressed
Biden: Best Tan
Kucinich: Best Chick (his wife Elizabeth)
Gravel: Best Tie
Dodd: Best Ear(marks)
…and…
Former President Clinton: Most Likely to Succeed

Richardson Schmichardson

2007-06-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

In Iowa last night, Bill Richardson underscored an interesting point. A U.S. Senator hasn’t been elected to the Presidency in over 40 years (the last being Kennedy). Therefore, he implies, his experience as the Governor of New Mexico makes him a stronger candidate. Blah. Blah. Blah.

Get real. I disagree.

First of all, before I say anything else: I want the world to know I think Richardson appears reasonable and presentable. And I like that. He kind of reminds me of a much more amicable version of Jackie Gleason from the Honeymooners, and while he doesn’t have the same name recognition as Clinton, Guiliani, or McCain – if he raised enough money, he could change that. He’s a viable candidate, and hats off to him (and all these other folks) for trying.

That said, I have to express my fear that he’s a little out of touch. While his statement was factually accurate, I don’t like how he used it. First of all, it’s limiting, and that bothers me. A lot. It’s like saying, we’ve been using gas to fuel cars for the last forty years, and that’s worked. So obviously, the only way to get around for the next forty years is in gas-fueled cars. Sorry, Charlie. That doesn’t wash with me. And it’s not going to wash with the voters.

Nothing in our lives is how things used to be. Our primary communication is over the internet and on blackberries and on cell phones. Not landlines. We are fighting a war where we can’t clearly define the enemy or the territory where the enemy resides. That’s so different from WWI or Korea or Viet Nam. And God only knows what this genetically-engineered, hormone-fed, antibiotic-laced crap is on my dinner plate. We call it food, but only because we eat it.

Nothing now, is the same as before. Like it or not, our lives are changing. Rapidly.

And that is why I think old-time politics is a thing of the past. You might use the same public relations method to craft your message, but the message itself better be fresh. The reality is: I paid over three dollars for a gallon of gas yesterday. I paid almost four dollars for a gallon of milk. I lead a real life with real problems and I want real answers.

So while you might think being Governor qualifies you to be President -- I don’t. I actually think that being a Governor or a Senator is a big strike against you. You don’t lead my life. You don’t have my problems. What that says to me is that you are out of touch.

I’m not alone when I say I’m sick of the same old thing. I’m tired of the status quo. We’re living in a new age, a new world -- and we need new ideas.
Three dollars for a gallon of gas. Four dollars for a gallon of milk.

The voters are thirsty.

Torture: McCain’s Disdain

2007-06-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

(Des Moines, IA) While at a town hall meeting yesterday, Senator John McCain spoke frankly about his no torture policy for enemy captives. He explained that when we torture enemy captives, other countries will torture our men when they’re captive. After alluding to his time as a POW, he underscored the conviction behind his remarks by adding, “and I feel very strongly about that”.

Senator McCain also supports: closing Guantanamo and moving the prisoners to Kansas, permanent tax cuts so businesses won’t need to re-adjust their budgets, and addressing climate change to avoid an increase in cataclysmic events.

On a lighter note, he recalled meeting an 1190 pound pig at the Iowa State Fair last year. His name, was Waldo.

(As Broadcast 6-1-07 on c-span. More info at www.c-span.org.)

I Want YOU!

2007-06-01T16:59:00.000-05:00

Have you ever met a President? A Vice President? A Presidential Candidate? Is there a special reason you are volunteering for a campaign?…I want to hear YOUR STORY!! Let your voice be heard! Email me at DCVibes@gmail.com -- include your story, your name, address, email, and a phone/time where you can be reached. Look forward to hearing from YOU!!

Rowing My Own Boat Ashore

2007-06-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

Some of you out there are mighty curious. Oh, yes. Mighty curious, I must say. You’re wondering…what is this chick up to?…what is her agenda?

I don’t want to frighten anyone, so sit down. The truth is, I don’t really have one. An agenda, that is. (Do you suppose I could buy one on e-bay?)

I will admit forthrightly that I do have my favorite candidates, and (my friends will reel to learn) they are on both sides of the aisle. But, I also admit, I still do not know enough about all of the candidates to make an informed decision. Hoping to change that, I began
calling on all of the press secretaries this afternoon. I had some interesting conversations. Some had been to Ohio, some hadn’t. Some had time to talk, some didn’t. Although all eyes and ears are New Hampshire.

Oh, yes. The Big Debate. On Sunday.

One particular spokesperson had just landed and was talking while he walked. You could almost hear his luggage rolling beneath his feet as he trudged through the airport. He wanted to know what I wanted to know. I gave it my best shot: 1) Anything about the candidate that isn’t going to be discussed in the mainstream media. 2) A formative experience that impacted his position on an issue. 3) Who he is through the eyes of his family, his friends, his colleagues. His minister perhaps.

I am much more interested in the human side of the candidates. Their leadership style, their strengths, how they see the world. Whatever it is that makes them tick. I think it’s in these crevices that any real man is made. Truly, any leader. Man or Woman.

So, for the record: I am rowing my own boat. Merrily down my own stream. And I hope you will join me.

Hill and Bill: Why does their marriage matter?

2007-06-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

There she is. There he is. They’re walking together and holding hands, the image of The White House fading as they walk towards us, along a quaint path on the North Lawn. They’re happy. They’re smiling. And none of us seem to matter.

It’s an old clip. But it still bothers us…Why? Why is it that we just can’t let it go? Why can’t we accept that public officials have private lives? Public officials have connections, relationships, feelings – yes, even feelings! -- that just can’t be reached, and touched by us. Why is this so right, and yet it seems so wrong?

As part of the limelight, public figures are constantly subject to our harsh scrutiny. It’s another “inconvenient truth”. Our human, human nature. We check out their eyes, their nose, their hair. What they wear. We look at how they purse their lips. How they move their hands. During the debate, some experts will measure how much a presidential candidate blinks. What do we do with these things? In my mind’s eye, I imagine two men commentating.

“Well John, she blinked twenty times an hour. I think this is a signal of the great distress in her marriage.”

“Well Bob, I think she blinked ten times an hour, and then I couldn’t help but notice, she happened to glance down. Not only is this a sign of the great distress in her marriage, but that she is uncomfortable wearing pearls!”

Isn’t this all too ridiculous?

Isn’t it time we admitted that no matter how much we know, how much we see in the press, no matter who is quoted – whether it be a spouse, or an estranged daughter or son – that the truth is, we really don’t know. We really don’t know how much a wife loves her husband, or why she forgave an infidelity, or what the glue is that keeps them together. Was it political ambition? Or was it his eyes, his hair, and the way he pursed his lips?

He truth is, we’ll never know the truth. And it shouldn’t matter. Not to us.

“[L]ove is a private transaction between consenting adults. Leadership is a public transaction with history.” ~ Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Intro

2007-03-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

This is for all you political junkies out there, wrestling with what's great in '08. We'll be including DC tidbits along the way, too.