Virginia Fitzpatrick's Blog

Local paper published my letter to the editor about McCain economic proposals

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:49:39 EDT

Halleluya - The conservative Times Herald published my letter to the editor under their big headline story about McCain's visit to our Montco Community College to announce his new economic proposals. I kept my critique of his economic proposals simple and folksy, given the audience. I am capable of something more academic, but right now we are trying to win an election.
at http://www.gomytown.com/bbs3/viewtopic.php?p=273212#273212

Went to a Hillary rally in support of Senators Obama and Biden

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:04:32 EDT

I went early to Graeme Park in Horsham, PA and stood for two hours waiting for Senator Hillary to arrive. I was in the second row behind the rope around the podium. Took pictures and Movies and most frustratingly ran out of film before Hillary came by and picked up the sturdy baby (named Ysreal) of the African American women just in front of me. Ysreal was born the month Senator Obama became the Democratic Party nominee for President. Must have been a momentous month for this young mother, who obviously cares deeply about the political future of our country. She waited longer than i did to see Hillary and managed two young children while she waited.

McCain on the defensive

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:18:06 EDT

As a women environmentalist, I think overpopulation and unwanted pregnancies are primary issues that politicians and most religious leaders never talk about. Gov. Palin's strong stance against sex education has highlighted this issue in the campaign. Senator McCain will now have to defend his poor record on this issue. In 2006, McCain joined fellow Republicans in voting against a Senate Democratic proposal to send $100 million to communities for teen-pregnancy prevention programs that would have included sex education about contraceptives. Gov. Palin's and Senator's McCains decisions regarding their own families are private matters, but their decsions may not be appropriate for all families. Each family must have the tools and resources to make their own choices.

Met Undecided Hillary supporters on my canvass

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:11:18 EDT

Last week I canvassed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 6:00 and 7:30 by bicycle for Obama and Bob Roggio. I knocked on 25 doors of supposedly “undecided” voters. Those homes included 45 people. Only 14 were at home. Out of that 14, 3 were for Obama. There were eight actually undecided voters. Turns out they like Hillary and apparently the Clintons have convinced them that Obama was too inexperienced to be president. I never argue or disagree with my constituents, but I always say what I can that is positive. When I told the Hillary supporters that I would like to see Senator Clinton appointed to the Supreme Court, they really brightened up. I confessed that it would not be as ground breaking as the Presidency, but it was still extremely important to the country’s future. They asked me if she would be appointed. Said I could not promise that , but that we know she would not be appointed if McCain is elected. Based on their comments and body language, they were starting to think on a different track that more likely will make them decide for Obama. I was telling the truth about my feelings and apparently they shared my concern for Supreme Court appointments.

How to reach more undecided neighbors in less time

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:40:37 EDT

This lovely August evening I went out with my list of Undecided voters to canvass. I was able to knock on twice as many doors in an hour than I did during the primary. My speed up secret ---- I rode my bike. It is so much faster than walking and so much easier to park and get in and out of than my car. With fantacies of being a "ward boss" I have been canvassing my voting district for the last five years, but this was only my second time by bike. Since I have a "girls bike", I put on a blue skirt, a white shirt and carried my literature in a big shinny red bag. I always wear red, white and blue for campaign work hoping it will encourage patriotic fever to vote. Mind you, I am 64 years old and my neighborhood has somewhat steep hills, which I have grown use to pedaling.

You betcha Obama's ready to lead

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:57:35 EDT

Many Times I am serious, but I am not above silliness. I find McCain ads a riot, especially the one out today called "The One". I would love to rerun that ad with footage tacked on the end of a bunch of hard hats raising their tools and saying "you betcha" right after the announcer asks "Is he ready to lead".

McCAin's ads remind me of the type of ridicule I got in high school from the foot ball captain because I thought football was a stupid sport. When he ridiculed me everyone laughed and then kept laughing when I ridiculed him back. He didn't like me, but he found another target.

As for other sports: Barack will not understand the fustration girls of my generation felt until he plays b-ball by rules of girl's basketball in the 1950's.

Connect the Oily Dots

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:23:21 EDT

The US Taxpayers have been played for suckers from the get-go by the Bush administration. With Lip service to the contrary, The Bush-Cheney regime has established large permanent military bases in Iraq.

Quote: There are at least four such "super-bases" in Iraq, none of which have anything to do with "withdrawal" from that country. Quite the contrary, these bases are being constructed as little American islands of eternal order in an anarchic sea. Whatever top administration officials and military commanders say -- and they always deny that we seek "permanent" bases in Iraq -- facts on the ground speak with another voice entirely. These bases practically scream "permanency."........

In a country in such startling disarray, these bases, with some of the most expensive and advanced communications systems on the planet, are like vast spaceships that have landed from another solar system. Representing a staggering investment of resources, effort and geostrategic dreaming, they are the unlikeliest places for the Bush administration to hand over willingly to even the friendliest of Iraqi governments.

Source: www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2006/02/15/tomengelhardt/index.html

Just read Senator McCain's 15 page economic plan

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:11:42 EDT

Making an effort not to just rely on the liberal media, I read all 15 pages of Senator McCain’s economic plan. I was glad to see that his plan addresses the Home foreclosure issue. His solution sounds plausible. Also McCann’s $2,500 tax credit for health care would help people like me who are self employed and earn a reasonable income. However, I doubt that the credit would make health care affordable to the 30 plus million people unemployed, on low wage jobs or with chronic illnesses that can’t afford insurance. On other issues I am often troubled by what he doesn’t say. He vigorously promotes Nuclear Energy without mentioning the problem of nuclear waste or the huge federal subsidies for Nuclear construction. McCain promotes CAFÉ standards with no mention of what they should be. His proposals for saving oil on transportation makes no mention of rail and other forms of public transportation. I want our freight RR expanded not freeways. McCain would allow the re-import of drugs to lower costs, which I agree with, but he makes no mention of the Republican administration disallowing Medicare to negotiate on drug prices.

Democratic Congressman Joe Sestak on FISA

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:00:10 EDT

I contributed to first term US Representative Joe Systak's successful 2006 campaign because he was progressive. This week I recieved an email explaining his position on FISA i.e HR6304. I live in a neighboring PA district. After much discussion (see details) he concludes:

As Director of the Navy's anti-terrorism unit after 9/11, I saw the value of data-mining facilitated by proper eavesdropping. I also understand the FISA system and its role in the proper balance of civil liberties with national security needs. I believe strongly that this bill enhances our intelligence gathering capability and protects both the American people and their civil liberties as written in our Constitution. At the same time, it ensures that accountability remains for any abuses that have occurred. Finally, I supported this bill because it is far superior to the Senate bill which would have provided much less oversight and also would have granted immunity to the telecommunication companies. The Senate bill would have come to the House floor with widespread support from Republicans and a large number of Democrats prior to the expiration of warrants beginning in August. To provide more detail, the House-approved bill, unlike the Senate bill preferred by the Bush Administration, will: require prior FISA Court approval of targeting and minimization procedures; state unequivocally that FISA and Title III are the exclusive means to conduct surveillance domestically; include robust IG reviews of the President's warrantless surveillance program that will be provided to Congress; eliminate a "carveout" of the definition of electronic surveillance; require the government to establish Reverse Targeting Guidelines and to provide those guidelines to the FISA Court and to Congress; empower U.S. District Courts to make the final determinations as to who may be entitled to civil liability protection.

Can we transition our manufacturing base

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:46:06 EDT

When I lived in Europe for 6 months, I could happily take the train and walk almost everywhere. Back in this country I have to fight traffic and bear the expense of car ownership. I love seeing my country from a train, can't really do that while driving. The trains even have plugs for your computer or cell phone. So to me a vacation is a train ride- sometimes just a 3 hour vacation or even one hour. What's wrong with a mini vacation? Now that gas has become more expensive, more of my fellow countrymen have converted to my preferred life style. Hallelujah! According to the NY Times today, ridership on Amtrak is up dramatically. There is one big snag. Amtrak is reaching their capacity and the industrial base to build more rail cars has shrunk. How impossible would it be for Michigan to shift from car to rail car production? Could it be a way to provide jobs, stimulate the local economy, and diminish oil consumption?

Norristown PA Online Board posts critical of Obama

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:57:56 EDT

There are some crackers that have been posting some extremely crude posts about Barack Obama on our local community blog. Being a fast typist, I will not let the right wing control the narrative. The post about "Wright or Wrong" @ http://www.gomytown.com/bbs3/viewtopic.php?t=9643 has had almost 4000 hits. I began my counterattack with the fifth post.

Wavering Hillary Supporter

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:51:43 EDT

While pulling weeds along my front sidewalk this morning, I got involved in a conversation with a Neighbor about "No Child Left Behind". My neighbor was an elementary School teacher for many years. I told her that Barack Obama supports some aspects of NCLB, but believes there needs to be changes. I asked her that if I could find some detail on the changes, could I review them with her. She said she would be very interested. She was for Senator Clinton because she felt HRC would bring a women's perspective to the Office of President, but she has been disappointed by the way Hillary has cconducted her campaign. Meanwhile I have some Obama homework to do.

My brother - a potential Obamacan ?

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:12:07 EDT

My brother and his numerous friends liked the Maverick John McCain, but they think Senator McCain has gone too far to the right in seeking the nomination. Meanwhile they are concerned about the people Obama would appoint to high political office. I don’t know the answer to who or what Obama would consider for his appointments. Does anyone?

Appealing to older women

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:29:46 EDT

I and many of my friends are over 60. So I have been thinking about what can be done to get other women my age on the band wagon. Of course I will be studying Senator Obama's platform on the issues that concern us most. However, the Senator could set the mood by playing music that was more familiar to us. My friends loved the will.i.am music video, but they and I did not recognize the stars. Personally, I think a rendition of Ray Charles singing "America" would go over big. I use to love singing patriotic songs in grade school, but the Viet Nam war and the Civil Rights movement knocked it out of me. Hearing Ray sing about "crown they good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea" brings it all back. Charles reminds us of the patriotism of African Americans.

Wakadoodle or Justice

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:06:45 EDT

After a "wakadoodle" weekend, we can all go back to worrying about the price of gas. While there is obviously as much debate among African Americans about racial issues as there is among myself and other palefaces, I think Michelle Obama (as well as the Senator) has provided a constructive commentary about the struggles facing black families. Her words resonate because we have witnessed the discrimination towards African Americans Michelle describes. Also many of us can empathize with Michelle being told to lower her expectations because many of us have struggled with being told we could not achieve due to our medical condition, gender or social status. Sensational indictments of our whole society may grab media attention but they impede the careful thinking we need to find solutions that enable every citizen to fulfill their potential.

Reflection on PA Primary

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:33:57 EDT

I needed a couple nights of good sleep before I could think rationally about the election results in PA. While we had hoped for more, We and Senator Obama reduced Hillary's lead among PA voters from 20 to 10 percent. That was an achievement. While Senator Obama is not a miracle worker, he has worked honestly and hard to the goal we all pray for in the Fall. He has come far. Lets keep the faith. Senator Clinton's climb is even steeper and they are still going. Meanwhile there are many issues and questions that our country needs to discuss among each of the candidates. New ideas can help us all.

My ancestors worked on the RR

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:56:40 EDT

I have been a big Rail Road Fan ever since I was a kid. I have ridden railroads on three continents. So I was thrilled that the Obama campaign highlighted there usefulness. I hope this means back to the future of transportation. We can see his handsome blue car at the end of the train at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sw9Tz-mMRc

Who was in the first two cars?

The tabloid debate questions on the ABC Presidential Debate

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:23:45 EDT

I was so disgusted by the debate last night, I posted the on ABC’s web site (LAST PARAGRAPH BELOW). The ABC post debate poll showed Senator Obama winning by about 3 to 1 among debate viewers – but that’s not being reported this morning.( I am well aware that the poll is far from scientific and does not represent how people will vote in the primary). I thought Senator Obama held up well under the attack. From the comments on the ABC debate blog, the overwhelming number were outraged at ABC for not asking about the issues that affect them. Even the local Fox news commentators said the debate was off the real issues.

MY POST ON ABC: Although I support Obama , I read a mailer from Philadelphia mayor -Michael Nutter - about 5 major changes Senator Clinton would like to make. They looked interesting and I was hoping to learn more from the debate. Instead you spent most of the time on trivial issues that have already been overplayed in the media. I had friends over to watch the debates with me and we all felt we wasted our time. Will go back to watching the news on PBS. END OF POST ON ABC:

Meeting Other Obama Supporters Today

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:57:22 EDT

Had a fantastic time today at Obama headquarters in Plymouth Meeting PA. Met wonderful, interesting people as we addressed these beautiful post cards from all over the United States. The post cards were written by US citizens to voters in PA telling them why they support Obama. We are sending them to undecided voters. The woman next to me came with her nine-year-old daughter. I was very impressed with how many post cards the very young lady addressed. She knows Obama has a daughter her age. After our hands were tired, her mother and had I a passionate discussion about Science education in this country.

What I have learned from Canvassing my Voting District

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:29:24 EDT

Good Afternoon PA Obamanites I have almost completed the canvass for East Norriton Voting District 3-1, which will be voting at Paul Fly. Weeks ago I stuck a "Women for Obama" bumper sticker on the side of my big bright red flat rectangular purse made of fake patent leather. It is great for carrying Obama brochures and letting the world know I am for Obama. When I started canvassing my neighborhood yesterday another woman visiting the neighborhood saw my sticker and told me how much she really liked Obama. She said she was undecided until she heard Senator Obama's speech in response to the Rev. Wright controversy. She felt the speech was so right on. That made me feel up beat for the canvassing. Going door to door yesterday was easier after 5 PM because everyone had come home from work and many were hanging out in their front yard enjoying the sunshine. However, I ended the canvass with a neighbor I knew who was very down beat. He said he didn't like any of the candidates ( which is reflected in his no-show voting record). He is afraid his son will be drafted and claimed the primary is all about race. I said that I personally knew lots of white people who were going to vote for Obama, which actually did quiet him down a bit. Since my last canvass health care and social security were mentioned as big concerns

So far my neighborhood precinct canvass shows: Obama (1) = 15 Leaning Obama(2) = 2 Undecided = 19 Leaning Hillary (4) =3 Hillary (5) = 8 Not at home = 10 although I knocked on most more than once

Tea Party for Obama

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:39:23 EDT

Last Saturday a small group of local women came over for tea at my home in East Norriton. We discussed the issues that were most important to us and used my iMac to find out how we could get involved in the campaign. That worked well. We have started canvassing.

Two young women from the Conestoga High School newspaper - The Spoke - in Berwyn, PA wrote an upbeat story about our event to post on "The Spoke" web site at: http://spokepolitics.blogspot.com/ . The paper said that most of the women were registered Republican. However, they have since registered as Democrats so they can vote for Senator Obama in the primary, because they think he would make the best president.

Affirmative Action policies.

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:33:59 EDT

I just posted a new topic on the Norristown online forum about Senator Obama's stance on affirmative action and my own experience based opinions on this topic. The post can be found at http://www.gomytown.com/bbs3/viewtopic.php?t=9761

Debate about Rev. Wright's influence on Obama

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:00:17 EDT

A debate I had with another member of the Norristown PA online forum about Rev. Wright @

http://www.gomytown.com/bbs3/viewtopic.php?t=9643

DEBATE WITH MY NEIGHBOR ABOUT SENATORS CLINTON AND OBAMA

Virginia in East Norriton, PA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:37:05 EST

BELOW IS A DEBATE I HAD WITH MY NEIGHBOR ABOUT SENATORS CLINTON AND OBAMA THIS WEEK

NEIGHBOR SUPPORTING HILLARY (middle aged male)

I have been saying the same thing, but Joe Wilson states this much better than I. Barack Obama is an empty suit.

MY RESPONSE:

Both Senators Clinton and Obama have their virtues and faults. I saw Wilson's article last weekend. It is highly speculative. I still don't sympathize with Hillary being taken in by Bush with regard to Iraq. For many reason, I didn't believe Bush at the time with even the public information that was available. Having read Jane's Defence and General Zinni's biography (http://www.janes-defence-weekly.com/) in previous years, I just could not believe that Iraq was a serious immediate military threat. I supported Madeline Albright's plea published in the New York Times to let the UN inspectors finish their assignment. By the way Bush conducted his campaigns and his governance of Texas finances, Senator Clinton should have been suspicious of Bush's character.

If Hillary wins the nomination, I will hope that she will use her experience to reverse the disastrous policies of the current Republican administration in spite of the fact that she has accepted more from lobbyist that other candidates of both parties. Although there were problems with NAFTA, personal foolishness and the Stock Market bubble, on the whole the Clinton's legacy was a positive one, so I can understand the desire of older Americans to return to that era. But I am weary of establishing family dynasties.

Senator Obama is an extremely complex and intelligent person, but he himself has warned that he will not be a messiah.

NEIGHBOR SUPPORTING HILLARY

I recently heard what I think is the best description of the democratic candidates. "Hilary is applying for a job, but Barack is on a date." I have no desire to return to the good old days, I look at a candidate's qualifications. The more I look at Barack Obama the more I see an empty suit. Rhetoric is easy, getting something done is hard. Based on qualifications he is not someone I would hire.

In 2000 another candidate took in the American people with statements like I am reformer with results and I am a uniter and not a divider. More than once I heard people quoted as saying this is someone you would like to have a beer with. The MSM did not do due diligence and actually question his claims. We all know that was George W. Bush and look at the mess it got us. I tried to tell everyone I knew in 2000 that he was full of it. I lived in Texas and I knew his real record, but they did not listen then and they are not listening now.

By the way I was opposed to the war from the beginning and the Iraq resolution. I saw the resolution for what it was, a political maneuver for the 2002 election.

MY RESPONSE:

The idea that I would support an "empty suit" insults my intelligence. I have gotten upset at all the unjustified vitriol thrown at Hillary, mostly by men. I literally dashed out on a date who called Senator Clinton obscene names. Likewise, I don't like Obama being called an "empty suit". Not all Washington outsiders have been as bad as Bush. Obama's donor base is very different. Bush had large donations from a few. Obama is setting a record for small donations from the many. The Oligarchs in our country would prefer the former.

Obviously we observe different facets of these candidates and project them into the future based on very different experiences in our lives. Name calling will not reconcile our differences but if we can point to specific policies or past actions it might help. I have read many of Senator Obama's detailed policy statements and agree with many of them. I am now reading his first book "Dreams from my Father". I don't think Barack Obama and I would have been good friends, had we known each other as young adults because my temperament was so different from his. Yet I find his comparisons between South Chicago and Indonesia in his book about the nature of poverty food for thought. He does see differences. His ideas come from his years living in those locations. Having lived all over the planet myself, I like that aspect of Senator Obama.

I agree with you that gun violence is a serious and growing concern. Maybe we should look at Senators Clinton and Obama's experience and views on gun violence in this country. As of now, I don't know either of their stands or what they have done about it in the past.

I saw the Iraq war as an excuse to go into Iraq to control oil supply for Bush's campaign donors. Gore (intentionally or unintentionally???) has side swiped that agenda by claiming our use of oil will destroy the global climate. That's why Bush and supporter deny that science. I think the 2002 election was a secondary motive.

Isn't it curious that people refer to one candidate mostly by her first name and the other by his last name? I don't mean to imply that indicates anything positive or negative about either candidate. It is more about the MSM.