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April 2003 Newsletter

Contents

President's Report by Steve Lafferty

As I sit to write these comments, President Bush has directed a military attack on Iraq. Missiles and bombs have been unleashed. Initiating war without support from the United Nations and in a preemptive manner unknown in our foreign policy, sets a new course for our future. There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein is a horrific and brutal tyrant. Yet there have been others as brutal - Amin and Duvalier come to mind -- whom we did not attack. Yet why now?

I am a patriot and I love my country. I support the soldiers and am quite saddened that many have already died, including a young father/son/brother from Baltimore. My dislike for the war and total disgust for Bush's failure to pursue diplomacy does not diminish my deep concern and appreciation for the very brave people who have been sent to fight. They stand for our freedom. Our hearts are with them and their families.

While war creates a pall, the failure of the Governor to articulate a clear plan for tackling the state's deficit is also disturbing. A few of my Republican friends (actually I have many) said that the lack of a plan raises questions for them about Mr. Ehrlich's leadership ability. A new Governor can be expected to stumble some. Yet, in the rush to have slots, we have seen terrible policies and politics - changing the amount for education to benefit track owners, proposing the removal of local zoning authority, failing to help local governments and pulling back from proposed franchise fees so that there is a $230 million gap! And by proposing a property tax increase, he eliminates one of the few revenue tools of local government. Is this effective leadership?

While the focus is on revenue, little attention has been given to the proposed cuts in services and needs of families and communities. Many have been fighting the nomination of Lynn Buhl, to ensure that the Thornton education funding stays in place, that gun control legislation is strengthened and that health insurance for children is not taken away. Phone calls, e-mails and letters should still be sent to your legislators on the issues that concern you. These next days are crucial.

After the session, our planning and work needs to continue. What do you see as the future focus and agenda for the Democratic Party and our Club? How are you willing to help? Please come to our April 8 meeting and share your insights and ideas. I hope to see you there.

Steve

Club Environmental Project

Our Club will be having its first annual Creek Clean-Up along Jones Falls on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Sen. Jim Brochin will be joining us, as will many others, I'm sure.

We will meet at the Brooklandville Fire Station on Falls Road. We have permission to park in their extra-wide driveway. We can also park along Falls Road. The Brooklandville Fire Station is on the east side of Falls Road, just south of Old Court Road. We will have trash bags available.

So bring your rakes, stick-poles and gloves!

If you have questions call Noel Levy, 410-363-9040.

Quote:

"The purpose of all war is peace."
St. Augustine: De Civitate Dei, xv, (427)

March 11 Meeting - Lively Slots Debate

Over forty people showed up to the March General Meeting, which was devoted to the debate over slots in Maryland. About a dozen of the people present were not Club members, but attended as "concerned citizens" who wanted to learn about this important state issue.

The evening's debate was remarkable for several reasons: the quality of the arguments on both sides of the issue; the level of respect from all participants for the others' views; and the participation of the audience. The debate presented was not a "Crossfire" match, but a high-level, educated, issues forum. It was a great night.

The Club was lucky to get two well-informed and articulate speakers on both sides of the issue.

House Minority Leader Al Redmer presented the Pro-Slots arguments. He began by pointing out that this was not a partisan issue. There are Democrats and Republicans on both sides of the slots issue. Mr. Redmer said that he himself was not a fan of gambling, but he agreed with the arguments made by the Ehrlich Administration. These arguments can be reduced to two main points: First, slots are needed to save the racetrack industry and its related businesses in Maryland. Second, too much money flows out of Maryland to racetracks and gambling casinos in other states (specifically Delaware and West Virginia) and that money should remain in Maryland to provide needed services for Marylanders.

The Anti-Slots position was presented by Derrick A. Adams of NOCasiNO. He argued that bailing out an industry went against established policy of the state. No other important industry (he gave the example of the tobacco industry) has ever been bailed out by the state. He also questioned how slots were going to help the deficit when nearly all the money is allocated for new spending (e.g., the funds for the track owners and local communities).

Mr. Adams. main arguments centered around the damage that the slot industry will do to the communities surrounding the racetracks. He questioned whether the government should really be promoting an industry that would bring more harm than good to its citizens. He used many persuasive statistics and examples, referring to studies done on the effects of gambling on people and communities. He pointed out that the harms would not remain in those few nearby communities but will in the end affect all communities in the state in the same way that drugs are not confined to the inner city, but have spread to suburban areas as well. Mr. Adams provided a number of pamphlets and publications on the subject.

The Central Baltimore County Democratic Club is not used to inviting Republicans to address us. However, the issue of the slots gave us an opportunity to hear the Governor's position from one of his main supporters, Del. Al Redmer. We sent him a "thank you" letter and here is his response:

"I certainly enjoyed the meeting and the give-and-take. Also, as I mentioned to the group, you and your organization should be congratulated for putting on informational programs. Regardless of party affiliation, having informed, engaged citizens makes the process work the way that it should.

Thanks again.....Al"

Margie Brassil

April 8th Meeting: "Getting to Know You"

Our membership keeps growing! We broke 100 at the March meeting and every week we add more. We could, of course, speculate as to why the sudden surge in members (could a Republican President taking us to war or a Republican governor threatening education be reasons?). But, better than speculation is actually finding out!

The April meeting is designed for two purposes: First, to give old and new members a chance to get to know one another; and, second, for Club leaders to learn why you are here and what you hope to achieve by joining the Club.

Some members join because they want to take action to effect change. Other members may be less action-oriented and simply want to stay informed. My guess is there are probably 100+ different, and good, reasons why each of us has decided to be a Democratic Club member. But as the Club leadership makes plans for next year (a presidential election year, no less), we need your input. We need to know what you want YOUR Club to be doing.

The April meeting will be fun. First, refreshments will be served (and not just munchies). Second, we'll start you off talking to one other member by sharing past campaign experiences. Then, you'll meet three more members and share your experiences with them. Finally, in small groups, you'll be asked the following questions:

  1. What would you like to do in the Club over the next year?
  2. How can the Club help you accomplish this goal?
  3. What should be the Club's priorities over the next year?
  4. How can you help in realizing those priorities?

Please think about these questions and come prepared to discuss them at the April meeting. If you can make only one meeting a year, please make this the one. We will work more effectively as a Club by getting to know one another and by working towards known goals. If you are thinking about joining the Club, but have not yet decided, this may also be a good meeting to attend, to get to know other members and to find out exactly what the heck a Democratic Club is all about.

Margie Brassil

Membership Growing!!!

Wow, our membership has jumped to 106!

While part of this may be due to post-election anxiety it is largely due to the extra efforts of Board members Judy Katz and Margie Brassil. They took the time to write to many of you and encourage you to re-up. They are right - we need you to help us elect Democrats at all levels.

So, thanks to you who joined and many thanks to Judy and Margie.

Towsontown Festival

On Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4 we will be co-sponsoring a booth with the County Central Committee and we will need volunteers to staff the booth for an hour or two of your time, either day. Call Margie Brassil (410-377-6488).

Information Can Be Powerful

This truly is the information age. So here are a few links that may be of interest, depending on your issues:

Quote:

"No treaty of peace shall be esteemed valid in which is tacitly reserved matter for another war."
Immanuel Kant: Perpetual Peace. I (1795)

Some Political TidBits

  • Former Delegate and County Council candidate Jim Ports landed softly, getting a $112,000 a year job as an Assistant Secretary for MDOT, joining other good Republican politicos. Is there a state hiring freeze?

  • Both Sen. Jim Brochin and Sen. Kathy Klausmieir stood up for the environment and voted against Lynn Buhl as Secretary of the Environment.

  • Sen. Brian Frosh of Montgomery County has emerged as a respected and influential leader, taking on Buhl and shepherding tough legislation through the Judiciary Committee.

  • Old fashioned politics prevailed to help the Region's proposed Regional Rail Plan thanks to Reps. Ben Cardin, Cummings and Dutch Ruppersberger, moving the Governor's agenda to include this critical project.

  • Hey, the Republicans are possibly eating their own as conservative Sen. Colburn plans to take Congressman Gilchrist on the Shore.

  • Closer to home, Republican Central Committee member Corinne Becker wrote to the papers urging the Governor to tax corporations! Like to see Republicans recognize that, in these tough times, corporate taxes and increased fees make sense.

  • Former Del. Jim Campbell has apparently returned to his roots, taking a job working with families in the Hampden community. Best of luck to you Jim.

  • The Governor's strange budget has helped forge an alliance between teachers and counties. The Maryland State Teachers Association and Maryland Association of Counties joined together to point out that the Ehrlich budget will turn the education clock backwards and hamstring counties to tackle education problems, saying that "Making further cuts in aid to local count governments, or swiping tax revenues from local jurisdictions, would significantly affect our ability to provide funding for our local schools..."

  • Mayor Martin O'Malley recently told Southern Maryland Democrats that if the Party is to stay relevant, Democrats need to return to their traditional core values through hard work and unity.

  • The Gazette's Alan Lichtman calls the Ehrlich efforts a "meltdown". Failed "blackmail" on Lynn Buhl's nomination, the first cabinet appointment rejected in the modern era. Mistakes and confusion on the budget centerpiece - slots exacerbated by the use of language in his bill lifted from the Jockey Club's proposal - including stripping local zoning authority, and a flip flop on taxes. Is it too late "to turn around the dismal performance" we have seen?

A Member Speaks on Education

Dear Friends of Education: As many of you know, the time has come to contact County Executive Jim Smith and urge full funding of the education budget as submitted by the Board of Education.

The education budget is extraordinary in that it enjoys the full support of education advocates from many diverse positions, teachers/staff, parents, many community leaders and, of course, the Board. However, at a time of tight budgets it is an uphill battle to convince the County that an increase in the education budget is warranted and necessary. Make no mistake, however, it is. Given the increased requirements imposed by both the state and federal governments, this budget begins a five-year process to meet the challenges ahead while addressing the existing achievement gap, increasing needs for special education, enhanced technology requirements and more. Without this budget, the system and, more importantly, the children will suffer.

Thanks to those of you who have already written County Executive Smith. Those letters are critical to support Jim Smith if he is to take the bold and necessary step to bring this budget forward. And to those of you have yet to write, I urge you to take a moment to do so and encourage others to do the same.

Thank you,
Vicki Schultz-Unger

Why I am a Democrat

I am passionate about the Democratic Party because its core attributes are inclusion. Democrats embrace diversity, equality, and individualism, that all citizens are Americans before they are partisans and believe in empowering individuals. Democrats value all Americans equally and diligently works to meet the needs of the folks who helped build this country and fought its wars. I believe that without Democrats, we would have a nation of division and social unrest. Trent Lott, a Republican, recently reminded us of this.

I am a Democrat because I believe in the promise of Civil and Human Rights, in a clean environment, in the right of every woman to choose and be heard.

I am a Democrat because I believe in the fundamental right of all Americans to participate in our nation's prosperity. Most of all, I believe that every person in the United States has same inherent rights. The Democratic Party fights to protect these rights and I am proud to be part of that fight.

As a Mother and Grandmother, I have come to realize that the foundation of our country is the people who want the best for their families. I strongly believe that the Democratic Party is the political affiliation that best exemplifies these people.

During the 33rd anniversaries of the assassinations of civil rights leaders and public servants Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, I was reminded of the sacrifice we have made as a nation striving toward a better democracy. In my 20 years as a public administrator and 42 years as a Party member, I have witnessed many political cycles, trends, victories and pitfalls. In the words of Democratic Governor Adlai Stevenson at the 1952 Convention, "what counts now is not just what we are against, but what we are for. Who leads us is less important than what leads us - what faith, what courage, what convictions."

This is an extraordinary transition time for the Maryland Democratic Party. Voters are in a quagmire of skepticism and doubt concerning the gubernatorial election. My fellow Democrats, we have a serious work to do in the days ahead! Work that requires us to work together, not against each other! This is an opportunity for us to grow and to restore the faith in our Party. This is the goal toward which, the Democratic State Central Committee will aggressively pursue.

I'm extremely proud to be a Democrat. What does it mean to you to be a Democrat?

Doris J. Spencer, Chair
Calvert County Democratic State Central Committee

Homeland Security in Baltimore County

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith sent the police department a message regarding the county's emergency preparedness. The County Executive requested that we send a copy of this message to our community leaders. I ask that you take this letter to your meetings and share it with the community. If you have any questions about the County Executive's message, please contact me at the Towson Precinct, at 410-887-2361.

Captain Kate Meeks-Hall

The County Executive's message is as follows:

"This message is addressed to all members of community organizations and citizens on patrol groups in Baltimore County. Through your involvement in the community, you provide a vital service in maintaining public safety.

We all are concerned about the recent warning from the federal government about the heightened risk of terrorist activity-specifically, the "level orange" alert. The homeland security alerts are issued on a nationwide basis and are based on intelligence information received by the federal government. There have been no specific threats to Baltimore County.

The county's safety team - which includes law enforcement, emergency preparedness, and health officials - meets on a regular basis with state and federal agencies to discuss plans and actions we need to protect the people of Baltimore County. If there is a terrorist act anywhere in the country, and if hostilities break out with Iraq, the county will coordinate all of it's agencies and activities through the emergency operations center.

This coordinated response, and our close communication with other jurisdictions and government agencies, allow us to respond rapidly in an emergency. But we need your help in day-to-day security concerns. During your activities in your neighborhoods, be particularly alert to things that may strike you as suspicious, and contact the police right away if you see something that troubles you. Community residents bring a unique perspective to county neighborhoods and you are a tremendous resource.

If you are interested in learning more about emergency preparedness in the county, please check the county web site, www.baltimorecountyonline.info. The site includes the county's entire emergency operations plan, plus a link to the federal government's guide to citizens preparedness. The guide gives information about the federal government's color-coded homeland security advisory system."

Citizens' Declaration

If you disagree with Bush's pre-emptive attack doctrine and support multilateral treaties and organizations, you may be interested in signing this online petition titled a Citizens' Declaration to reaffirm our commitment to international cooperation. The outbreak of war is not the end of the fight for peace -- only the beginning. Around the globe, people are joining together in the declaration.

Here's the text of the Declaration:

A CITIZENS' DECLARATION

As a US-led invasion of Iraq begins, we, the undersigned citizens of many countries, reaffirm our commitment to addressing international conflicts through the rule of law and the United Nations. By joining together across countries and continents, we have emerged as a new force for peace. As we grieve for the victims of this war, we pledge to redouble our efforts to put an end to the Bush Administration's doctrine of pre-emptive attack and the reckless use of military power.

There was a press conference Friday, March 21 to announce the number of international signatories to the declaration. But, names will be continuously added. Signing up will only take a minute of your time, but it'll send a message that the momentum built through our opposition to war in Iraq will only keep growing. You can sign up at:

www.moveon.org/declaration

[Ed. Note: publication of this item does not imply that the Club endorses this effort.]

Roosevelt Tales

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor (the first woman to hold a cabinet office) over the heads of several men who had been suggested for the position by labor leaders. The unionists, at that time opposed to the idea of a woman's holding real power, had a stormy meeting with the president about the appointment. When Mrs. Roosevelt sympathized with her husband over the confrontation, "That's all right," he replied. "I'd rather have trouble with them for an hour than trouble with you for the rest of my life."

Eleanor was particularly fond of sweet breads. In one week they appeared on the menu six times! The president eventually complained, writing a note to her: "I am getting to the point where my stomach rebels, and this does not help my relations with foreign powers. I bit two of them today."

When the hotel in which Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was staying caught fire, he was ordered down to the lobby with the other guests. After some time, prevented from returning to his room, he protested: "But I'm the Vice-President!"

"Oh, that's different," said the hotel official. Then as Teddy started up the stairs, "What are you vice-president of?"

"Why, of the United States, of course!"

"Then get the hell back down there. I thought you were vice-president of this hotel."

From: The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes, Little, Brown and Company, Boston 1985

NOTE to "2001" Addressees

If your mailing label shows a dues status of 2001, we will only send you one more copy of the newsletter after this one.

Please send us your $20.00 dues so you don't miss out on this communication of Club affairs and news about Democrats.

Membership

Regular membership in the Club is open to any person who is registered as a Democratic voter in Maryland. The current annual dues are only $20.00 per person You may be receiving this newsletter even though not a member. This is one of our ways to reach out to concerned citizens and Democrats. We encourage you to be a part the Club in our effort to build a stronger base in the central part of the County.

The label shows your status, including the last year for which you are paid up if a member. If your dues are current, we thank you. If not, or if you want to join our club, please send the coupon and your $20.00 dues to: Herb Lodder, 120 W. Seminary Ave., Lutherville, MD 21093.

Join The Club

Quote:

"In times of peace, the people look to their representatives; but in war, to the executive solely."
Thomas Jefferson: Letter to C.A. Rodney (1810)

Upcoming Club Events

Regular Meetings begin at 7:30 PM and are open to all

April 7Board Meeting 8:00 AM
April 8Club Development Meeting - "Getting to know you"
April 26Club Environmental Project
May 3-4Towsontown Festival/Club exhibit
May 13Board Meeting, 6:30 PM
May 13Club Meeting, Review of Legislative Session with Elected Officials

Meetings are held at the East Towson Community Center, Lennox and Jefferson (left onto Jefferson from Towsontown Blvd East of York Rd.)

What Do You Think?

Members of the CBCDC are invited to send their own articles and letters of about 300 words or less. Send yours to the editor as the text of an e-mail message (not as attachment!).

We reserve the right to edit for grammar and space and to exclude anything we judge to be inappropriate for this publication. The opinions expressed are always those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Club.

CBCDC News
Editor
404 Kilree Rd. #301
Timonium, MD 21093

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