Here is a copy of the letter I sent to Ms. Eleanor Robinson of Charles City County to be read on my behalf at the Candidate Forum held at the Charles City County Government Complex on Friday, October 19, 2007.
I do not know for sure if my prepared comments were read. I also sent along 30 pamphlets.
Dear Ms. Robinson,
Thank you for the opportunity to have my comments read during the Charles City County 2007 Candidate Forum. Thank you also for helping to organize such an event. It is only the second forum of the campaign that I am aware of being held. Sadly, citizens don't get many opportunities to hear directly from candidates. That is why I deeply regret not being able to join you on Friday night. I have prepared an opening statement.
Thank you again for the invitation to speak and I hope we have the opportunity to meet under more favorable conditions.
Respectfully yours, Silver Persinger
* * * * * * * * * OPENING STATEMENT * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I regret that I am unable to join you tonight. However, Ms. Robinson has kindly offered to read written comments that I send to her.
I know very little about Charles City County, the first time I visited was about 6 weeks ago. I am impressed by its natural beauty. It seems like all I saw was farmland, plantations, and a few small houses. Oh yes, and I saw the landfill and the new school and the Government complex. I regret that I do not know more about Charles City. However, I am asking for your votes, people of Charles City County.
Let me tell you about myself. I am 35 years old. I work at the Library of Virginia preparing old newspapers for microfilming. I have worked as a carpenter, a cook, and in other service jobs. I have never earned more than $23,000 in a year. I am a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with an English degree.
Now I will talk about my politics. I call myself a Socialist. By that I mean, I think government should do more to help people. For example, the United States is the only western, industrialized nation that doesn't have universal health care. I believe everyone should have health care. Likewise, I believe that everyone should have opportunities for education and job training without having to go into debt for it.
I believe our economic system is fundamentally flawed. Our government creates the economic conditions we live under. If President Bush wants to cut taxes for the rich while simultaneously borrowing extravagantly to finance two wars, those are policy decisions that have a very real effect on the level of services provided by our government.
In a democracy, the people have the power to elect their officials. Therefore, it is the people who can effect the political changes necessary to change our economic system. Now might be a good time to say, for more information about my campaign in detail go to my website, www.votesilver.com. I have also sent along pamphlets that should be available.
Here are a few of the issues I am running on. I advocate Instant Run-off voting as a more democratic vote counting method. In Instant Run-off voting, for elections with more than 2 candidates, you vote your first, second, and third choice of candidate. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is dropped from the ballot and everyone who had that candidate for their first choice, their second choice is then counted and you end up with a majority candidate. I also favor introducing the use of the citizen initiated ballot initiative, the referendum, recall elections, and term limits. These are tools which promote democracy and involvement in the governmental process by our citizens.
I want to repeal the Dillon Rule. For those that are not familiar with the Dillon Rule, it is a concept of government which says that localities don't have the authority to do anything that isn't expressly granted to the locality through its charter. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, and only six states in the nation use the Dillon Rule. I favor giving localities more power to determine their laws and their form of government.
I support the election of judges at the local and state level. Why should the third branch of government be exempt from democracy? These positions are clearly not apolitical.
One item in my platform calls for a 5 year moratorium on the development of undeveloped land. Even if I were elected, it is highly unlikely the General Assembly would support such a proposal. I am interested in hearing from the people of Charles City on this particular issue since you are seeing encroaching development.
Charles City's inclusion in the district is relatively recent but you may be interested to learn that the last time there was more than one name on the ballot for this Senate seat was in 1967. There's so much I haven't had an opportunity to say. I am very active at Richmond City Council. If you ever watch, it's likely you've seen me speak.
Time is short, so I will say thank you for your time and consideration. I am eager to serve you.
I am more than happy to answer your questions by phone, letter, or email. My contact information is on the back of my pamphlet. But here it is also. My phone number is 804-683-7845. You can write me at PO Box 4299 Richmond, VA 23220. Or you can email me at silver@6hourday.org
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
One more week to go!
I don't think I'm power-hungry enough run an effective campaign for office. I have been a bare minimum candidate. The least any candidate had do to qualify and run for office is to file 250 signatures of registered voters on petitions by June 12, requesting your name to appear on the ballot. And I have made periodic filings of campaign finace reports which is basically once a month, in the middle of the month, except an additional report that was due at October 29. I filed that one yesterday with the State Board of Elections and the Richmond Registrar's Office.
Again, I got crummy service from the State Board of Elections. I want to write the Secretary of the Board of Elections to complain about the times when I have turned in my Finance Reports. Yesterday, I received a hard time for requesting a written receipt. Admittedly, when I filed my report in mid-October I didn't get harassed for requesting a written receipt and the person was kind and helpful.
Much has happened since my last blog entry. I joined the Socialist Party in mid-September. I attended their Presidential nominating convention in St. Louis, Oct. 19 -21. I was nominated for the party's National Committee and received 10 votes from 48 delegates.
I haven't done any door to door campaigning. I felt a little overburdened by the size of the district though it included areas of the the 5th and 6 districts that I am familar with -- the district has over 100,000 registered voters. My campaign has primarily consisted of updating my website/blogging, answering surveys sent by special interest groups, attending forums (there's only been one held at U of R, on Sept. 27), and questioning by the Crusade for Voters Candidate Research Committee. Other events included getting interviewed by local NPR radio newscaster, Wayne Farrar and Jennifer Massey for Comcast's "Candidates on Demand." I also attended the grand opening of the new visitor center in Charles City and sent a speech to be read at a cadidate forum held at the Charles City County Government Complex on the night of October 19.
There have been a few encouraging moments in the campaign. Maybe four or five. However, I have been greatly disappointed by the media coverage of the contest. The Times-Dispatch has written nothing of the race, despite the fact that it is the first time in 40 years (!) the seat has been contested. For the last 36 years the only names on the ballot were either Wilder's or Lambert's. The Free Press to their great shame has made no reference to me in its columns, aside from the statement it's June 14 article discussing McEachin's victory over Lambert in the June 12 Primary: "With the Democratic Party nomination in hand, the 46-year-old Delegate McEachin is a shoo-in to win the November general election and to take office in January. No republican candidate is vying for the seat, nor any well-funded independents."
That's me -- the non-well funded independent. And I see from McEachin's expenditures, he has paid out $7,690 to the Free Press for "Advertizing." [As of Oct. 15, 2007 report.] That made my blood boil when I first read it. How undemocratic, how capitalistic, and how tyrranical! All horrible qualities for a newspaper.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch is no better. They practice censorship by omission. Perhaps if they ignore me long enough, I will disappear. Maybe these paper don't write about me because I lack public support. Never mind, that their lacking coverage is the very thing suffocating the democratic process. Without debate, progress will never be made. It is infuriating that these agents of the "American Free Press" have been stripped any pretense of promoting democratice values, free speech, and political debate. It is a glaring example of the exceeding weakness of our democratic system. When the life blood of our political debate is so debased by economic consideration that alternative views are shut out in an effort maintain that exact economic situation.
One thing above, Socialism is a direct threat to the ruling class of the economic elite, the owners of newspapers, banks, and insurance companies. Legitimate Socialism can only come about through a mass movement by an educated electorate that believes in the justice of the program proposed by Socialists. And best of all, Socialism is peaceful and directed by democracy for the benefit of the majority of humankind.
Again, I got crummy service from the State Board of Elections. I want to write the Secretary of the Board of Elections to complain about the times when I have turned in my Finance Reports. Yesterday, I received a hard time for requesting a written receipt. Admittedly, when I filed my report in mid-October I didn't get harassed for requesting a written receipt and the person was kind and helpful.
Much has happened since my last blog entry. I joined the Socialist Party in mid-September. I attended their Presidential nominating convention in St. Louis, Oct. 19 -21. I was nominated for the party's National Committee and received 10 votes from 48 delegates.
I haven't done any door to door campaigning. I felt a little overburdened by the size of the district though it included areas of the the 5th and 6 districts that I am familar with -- the district has over 100,000 registered voters. My campaign has primarily consisted of updating my website/blogging, answering surveys sent by special interest groups, attending forums (there's only been one held at U of R, on Sept. 27), and questioning by the Crusade for Voters Candidate Research Committee. Other events included getting interviewed by local NPR radio newscaster, Wayne Farrar and Jennifer Massey for Comcast's "Candidates on Demand." I also attended the grand opening of the new visitor center in Charles City and sent a speech to be read at a cadidate forum held at the Charles City County Government Complex on the night of October 19.
There have been a few encouraging moments in the campaign. Maybe four or five. However, I have been greatly disappointed by the media coverage of the contest. The Times-Dispatch has written nothing of the race, despite the fact that it is the first time in 40 years (!) the seat has been contested. For the last 36 years the only names on the ballot were either Wilder's or Lambert's. The Free Press to their great shame has made no reference to me in its columns, aside from the statement it's June 14 article discussing McEachin's victory over Lambert in the June 12 Primary: "With the Democratic Party nomination in hand, the 46-year-old Delegate McEachin is a shoo-in to win the November general election and to take office in January. No republican candidate is vying for the seat, nor any well-funded independents."
That's me -- the non-well funded independent. And I see from McEachin's expenditures, he has paid out $7,690 to the Free Press for "Advertizing." [As of Oct. 15, 2007 report.] That made my blood boil when I first read it. How undemocratic, how capitalistic, and how tyrranical! All horrible qualities for a newspaper.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch is no better. They practice censorship by omission. Perhaps if they ignore me long enough, I will disappear. Maybe these paper don't write about me because I lack public support. Never mind, that their lacking coverage is the very thing suffocating the democratic process. Without debate, progress will never be made. It is infuriating that these agents of the "American Free Press" have been stripped any pretense of promoting democratice values, free speech, and political debate. It is a glaring example of the exceeding weakness of our democratic system. When the life blood of our political debate is so debased by economic consideration that alternative views are shut out in an effort maintain that exact economic situation.
One thing above, Socialism is a direct threat to the ruling class of the economic elite, the owners of newspapers, banks, and insurance companies. Legitimate Socialism can only come about through a mass movement by an educated electorate that believes in the justice of the program proposed by Socialists. And best of all, Socialism is peaceful and directed by democracy for the benefit of the majority of humankind.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Letter from a Student
Subject: Some questions concerning your campaign...
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:52:51 -0400
Hello,
My name is Stephanie, and I attend Appomattox Regional Governors School for the Arts and Technology (in Petersburg). I am working in a small group to represent you in a school debate on Oct. 31st. We are very excited about representing you and your campaign. We feel that your campaign most identifies with our student body (many of which will be voting in the upcoming election). I was curious about a few aspects of your campaign which I have been unable to ascertain thus far. I understand most of your views on abortion, drug control, capital punishment, and taxes. However, I was curious about your stance concerning environmental issues (and Virginia's role in the global environment), same sex marriage, the health care problems in Virginia, and finally the issue of crime in Virginia. If you could describe to me your thoughts and platform concerning these issues, it would be most appreciated.
On another note, we would be honored if you would find time in your schedule to visit our school, and possible see the debate on Oct. 31st. Our school would love to have you as a visitor, and speak if you wish. Please contact me at this email address, or my teacher at args.k12.va.us. Thank you so much for your time, and we support you!
Stephanie
My reply:
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you for writing. It sounds like a fun event to participate in a debate representing real candidate. I would love to come to the event. What time is it being held?
For more information, you may want to visit the "Previous Campaign" button on www.votesilver.com
However to answer the questions you put to me more directly, here goes.
Re: stance concerning environmental issues
I am environmental. I oppose the construction of any new coal fired or nuclear power plants in the Commonwealth. I support the construction of solar, wind, and geo-thermal energy generation.
Further, I support building a high speed rail system connecting the state, and light rail systems in our cities. Automobile driving should be discouraged as much as possible and the alternative should be a free, state run rail system in our cities and throughout the state.
I also support the cleaning up of Virginia's rivers and streams, and brown fields. I also propose a 5 year moratorium on the development of undeveloped land. Such a moratorium would place a temporary limit on sprawl and also force redevelopment of neglected and blighted property.
It's a good idea to think of Virginia's role from a global perspective. To put things in a global perspective, here are a few simple facts. 1. Half the world's 6 billion people live on less than $2 a day. 2. The U.S. is about 5% of the world's population and consumes about 25% of the world's resources. 3. 2/3's of our economy is driven by consumer spending, our lifestyle is not sustainable, nor is it fair to the rest of the people in the world. We have have to simply come up with a better way to live with more free time, more meaningful work, and more opportunities for self improvement (ie. jobs, education, training).
Re: same sex marriage
This is essentially a question of individual liberty, equal treatment under the law, and religious freedom. If any church performs a marriage of a same sex marriage, the First Amendment guarantees those individuals religious freedom. Further, a ban on gay marriage based on religious reasons constitutes an establishment of religion which is prohibited by the First Amendment. Additionally, a prohibition represents a violation of the 14th Amendment's guarantee of "equal protection."
Re: the health care problems in Virginia
As a socialist, I hold it as a core value that all humans should have access to health care in a civilized society. However, our government is likely to cling to the capitalist economic model until citizens demand change from our politicians.
If elected, I would have to work within the confines of our current system. I would make it a priority to expand health coverage to children of adults who currently fall in the "gap" of earning too much to qualify to health assistance but earn too little to actually afford health insurance. I think it is a good idea to start with coverage of children because they are the most vulnerable citizens, and good medical treatment early in life can contribute to the health and happiness as the individual grows into an adult.
Re: issue of crime in Virginia.
It is my belief that the best way to deter crime is by creating jobs that pay individuals a living wage, to offer opportunities for education and job training, as well as assisting individuals who need help with whatever challenges they are facing. Government assistance in finding affordable housing will also contribute to a more stable and crime-free society. I believe that crime is the result of poverty, and poverty the child of ignorance. Education is the key to ending most crimes.
Another important issue you should bring up, if the opportunity presents itself, is my strong support for democratic principles and citizen participation in our government. There is a sore lack of citizen participation and control of our government currently. I regularly attend Richmond City Council and its committee meetings and often I am the only citizen there. The Senate seat that I am running for has not be contested since 1967, forty years! For the last 36 years there has only been one name on the ballot and that had been L. Douglas Wilder or Benjamin Lambert. If I did not choose to run this year Mr. McEachin would have run unopposed, having won the June Democratic primary with only 6% of the total electorate's support. As stated in my campaign platform I support the use of Instant Runoff Voting, the use the citizen initiated referendum, ballot initiative, recall elections, term limits, and the election of judges at the local and state level.
Stephanie, thank you for writing to me and thank you for representing me in the debate. If you have further questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to write to me again.
Please let me know when the debate is being held, I would be honored to attend.
Respectfully yours, Silver Persinger
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:52:51 -0400
Hello,
My name is Stephanie, and I attend Appomattox Regional Governors School for the Arts and Technology (in Petersburg). I am working in a small group to represent you in a school debate on Oct. 31st. We are very excited about representing you and your campaign. We feel that your campaign most identifies with our student body (many of which will be voting in the upcoming election). I was curious about a few aspects of your campaign which I have been unable to ascertain thus far. I understand most of your views on abortion, drug control, capital punishment, and taxes. However, I was curious about your stance concerning environmental issues (and Virginia's role in the global environment), same sex marriage, the health care problems in Virginia, and finally the issue of crime in Virginia. If you could describe to me your thoughts and platform concerning these issues, it would be most appreciated.
On another note, we would be honored if you would find time in your schedule to visit our school, and possible see the debate on Oct. 31st. Our school would love to have you as a visitor, and speak if you wish. Please contact me at this email address, or my teacher at args.k12.va.us. Thank you so much for your time, and we support you!
Stephanie
My reply:
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you for writing. It sounds like a fun event to participate in a debate representing real candidate. I would love to come to the event. What time is it being held?
For more information, you may want to visit the "Previous Campaign" button on www.votesilver.com
However to answer the questions you put to me more directly, here goes.
Re: stance concerning environmental issues
I am environmental. I oppose the construction of any new coal fired or nuclear power plants in the Commonwealth. I support the construction of solar, wind, and geo-thermal energy generation.
Further, I support building a high speed rail system connecting the state, and light rail systems in our cities. Automobile driving should be discouraged as much as possible and the alternative should be a free, state run rail system in our cities and throughout the state.
I also support the cleaning up of Virginia's rivers and streams, and brown fields. I also propose a 5 year moratorium on the development of undeveloped land. Such a moratorium would place a temporary limit on sprawl and also force redevelopment of neglected and blighted property.
It's a good idea to think of Virginia's role from a global perspective. To put things in a global perspective, here are a few simple facts. 1. Half the world's 6 billion people live on less than $2 a day. 2. The U.S. is about 5% of the world's population and consumes about 25% of the world's resources. 3. 2/3's of our economy is driven by consumer spending, our lifestyle is not sustainable, nor is it fair to the rest of the people in the world. We have have to simply come up with a better way to live with more free time, more meaningful work, and more opportunities for self improvement (ie. jobs, education, training).
Re: same sex marriage
This is essentially a question of individual liberty, equal treatment under the law, and religious freedom. If any church performs a marriage of a same sex marriage, the First Amendment guarantees those individuals religious freedom. Further, a ban on gay marriage based on religious reasons constitutes an establishment of religion which is prohibited by the First Amendment. Additionally, a prohibition represents a violation of the 14th Amendment's guarantee of "equal protection."
Re: the health care problems in Virginia
As a socialist, I hold it as a core value that all humans should have access to health care in a civilized society. However, our government is likely to cling to the capitalist economic model until citizens demand change from our politicians.
If elected, I would have to work within the confines of our current system. I would make it a priority to expand health coverage to children of adults who currently fall in the "gap" of earning too much to qualify to health assistance but earn too little to actually afford health insurance. I think it is a good idea to start with coverage of children because they are the most vulnerable citizens, and good medical treatment early in life can contribute to the health and happiness as the individual grows into an adult.
Re: issue of crime in Virginia.
It is my belief that the best way to deter crime is by creating jobs that pay individuals a living wage, to offer opportunities for education and job training, as well as assisting individuals who need help with whatever challenges they are facing. Government assistance in finding affordable housing will also contribute to a more stable and crime-free society. I believe that crime is the result of poverty, and poverty the child of ignorance. Education is the key to ending most crimes.
Another important issue you should bring up, if the opportunity presents itself, is my strong support for democratic principles and citizen participation in our government. There is a sore lack of citizen participation and control of our government currently. I regularly attend Richmond City Council and its committee meetings and often I am the only citizen there. The Senate seat that I am running for has not be contested since 1967, forty years! For the last 36 years there has only been one name on the ballot and that had been L. Douglas Wilder or Benjamin Lambert. If I did not choose to run this year Mr. McEachin would have run unopposed, having won the June Democratic primary with only 6% of the total electorate's support. As stated in my campaign platform I support the use of Instant Runoff Voting, the use the citizen initiated referendum, ballot initiative, recall elections, term limits, and the election of judges at the local and state level.
Stephanie, thank you for writing to me and thank you for representing me in the debate. If you have further questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to write to me again.
Please let me know when the debate is being held, I would be honored to attend.
Respectfully yours, Silver Persinger
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Campaign Advertisements 2007
Click on image for larger view.
In July, I painted this advertisement onto the right rear fender of my scooter which I ride around town and park near Richmond's City Hall while I am at work.
The preceding advertisement is "Paid for and Authorized by Silver Persinger." However, in all honesty -- I used some old enamel paint I had sitting around and it took about 4 hours total to paint. So it didn't really cost anything besides my time. But I definitely authorize the message.
Below is an advertisement I designed for the backcover of an event program for the NAACP's upcoming annual Freedom Fund Gala. I did have to pay for this advertisement, $150. Thus far it is the largest campaign expenditure to date.
Letters from a Constituent
Last week I received an email from a constituent who lives in Sandston. For the benefit of voters, I am publishing my answers to his questions. Other voters may have the same questions as this gentleman. I hope my responses are informative.
"Dear Silver,
Hi, I am looking at the candidates for the upcoming election, and viewing your website. You'll have to explain a few things to me. First of all, it appears that you are interested in putting more power into the hands of civically educated citizens. I wonder how this is going to happen if the majority of us aren't that.
I'm also looking at your platform, and I see that you're against the death penalty, which is fine. That's a personal preference. But what exactly is your argument against the death penalty? Is it a moral argument? Is it a politcal one?
I'm also unclear as to why you would want to legalize marijuana. I personally find nothing worse about marijuana than any legal drug. At the same time, have you ever met a pothead before? Don't answer that, just think about it. Are you for encouraging the usage, or just having a more lassez faire attitude towards it? Don't you think it's possible to adopt a more lassez faire attitude within this system?
Maybe I'm asking questions which you hold very strong opinions towards already, but I am still curious as to your answers. We definitely need this type of dialogue occurring, and perhaps your answers will help me to understand better why you are running.
Thank you.
M.G.
Sandston"
The following is my reply:
"Hello Mr. G.,
Thank you for taking the time to write a candidate for office. You are the first independent citizen to contact me.
I will attempt to answer the questions you put to me.
More power to the people, why do that?
True, people are uninformed now. Naturally this is not the most desireable condition for an electorate. However, I am an ardent supporter of Democracy. I also believe in the basic goodness of mankind. I believe that humans when given choices will make the proper decisions. Also realizing that they don't ALWAYS make the proper decisions, I also believe that people are capable of correcting their mistakes. Why support a system that concentrates so much power into the hands of a few? Because they are experts or "informed." Additionally, it is my belief that local people know better how to arrange their affairs than an abstracted centralized government that isn't representative of its constituency.
A big part of my campaign is that I want citizens to become more informed and if I am elected I will do all that I can to inform citizens about what is going on in the General Assembly. Likewise, I look forward to being educated by the citizens on what is important to them. I advocate open government and public decision making. More power for the majority of the people and less for cronies, special interests, and small groups of career politicians. My campaign is about engaging citizens in our democracy -- if I can't even engage citizens enough to win their piddly vote -- I don't want to win because I won't be representing their views.
Why against death penalty? Moral or Political?
I am against it for both moral and political reasons. Politically, because it is not uniform in its execution, the majority of the people who are executed are black and poor. I also believe the death penalty is unConstitutional because it is "cruel and unusual punishment." What could be more cruel than death? There should be nothing "usual" about killing a fellow human being. I think life in prison is more of a deterent than the death penalty. Death is an easy out for a murderer. Additionally, innocent individuals are occasionly executed and that is not a mistake the state can afford to make. Morally, I am against it because I suscribe to the religious belief that it is wrong to kill. I also belief in forgiveness. I am a humanitarian, and believe prison is a more humane punishment to death.
On the other hand, I support a woman's right to legal abortion. If you'd like my rationale on that issue drop me another note.
Why legalize marijuana?
Well, like you said, there's "nothing worse about marijuana than any legal drug." I agree with that and actually believe it is less harmful. Why legalize it? A few reasons, it is a relatively harmless drug, could become an important cash crop for Virginia, and as Lincoln said, "Prohibition.. goes beyond the bound of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes.. A prohibition law strike a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded."
Additionally there is the infringement on the individuals liberty when they are thrown in jail. For committing a "crime" against themselves. I am also a firm believer in the God given rights of Liberty and Free Will. There is also the economic consideration that it costs $20,000 and more to maintain one prisioner for a year, then there are all the other costs associated with enforcement, courts, and torn apart families. In my opinion, the punishment exceeds the crime. Yes, I've known many "potheads" as you call them and they are a fine bunch of folks. I don't think anyone should go to jail for using any drug and I think the state ought to fund free voluntary addiction treatment programs.
You know, politics is all about having an opinion. How a person comes to their political beliefs is a mystery and different for everybody. I have had an easy and blessed life. I didn't have the advantage of great parents but I was raised in a good home by an older couple. I have come to my political views through a combination of my personal experiences and reading from the Bible to the history of the labor movement. My platform, particularly my national platform which can be viewed at http://www.freesocialism.org
"Dear Silver,
Hi, I am looking at the candidates for the upcoming election, and viewing your website. You'll have to explain a few things to me. First of all, it appears that you are interested in putting more power into the hands of civically educated citizens. I wonder how this is going to happen if the majority of us aren't that.
I'm also looking at your platform, and I see that you're against the death penalty, which is fine. That's a personal preference. But what exactly is your argument against the death penalty? Is it a moral argument? Is it a politcal one?
I'm also unclear as to why you would want to legalize marijuana. I personally find nothing worse about marijuana than any legal drug. At the same time, have you ever met a pothead before? Don't answer that, just think about it. Are you for encouraging the usage, or just having a more lassez faire attitude towards it? Don't you think it's possible to adopt a more lassez faire attitude within this system?
Maybe I'm asking questions which you hold very strong opinions towards already, but I am still curious as to your answers. We definitely need this type of dialogue occurring, and perhaps your answers will help me to understand better why you are running.
Thank you.
M.G.
Sandston"
The following is my reply:
"Hello Mr. G.,
Thank you for taking the time to write a candidate for office. You are the first independent citizen to contact me.
I will attempt to answer the questions you put to me.
More power to the people, why do that?
True, people are uninformed now. Naturally this is not the most desireable condition for an electorate. However, I am an ardent supporter of Democracy. I also believe in the basic goodness of mankind. I believe that humans when given choices will make the proper decisions. Also realizing that they don't ALWAYS make the proper decisions, I also believe that people are capable of correcting their mistakes. Why support a system that concentrates so much power into the hands of a few? Because they are experts or "informed." Additionally, it is my belief that local people know better how to arrange their affairs than an abstracted centralized government that isn't representative of its constituency.
A big part of my campaign is that I want citizens to become more informed and if I am elected I will do all that I can to inform citizens about what is going on in the General Assembly. Likewise, I look forward to being educated by the citizens on what is important to them. I advocate open government and public decision making. More power for the majority of the people and less for cronies, special interests, and small groups of career politicians. My campaign is about engaging citizens in our democracy -- if I can't even engage citizens enough to win their piddly vote -- I don't want to win because I won't be representing their views.
Why against death penalty? Moral or Political?
I am against it for both moral and political reasons. Politically, because it is not uniform in its execution, the majority of the people who are executed are black and poor. I also believe the death penalty is unConstitutional because it is "cruel and unusual punishment." What could be more cruel than death? There should be nothing "usual" about killing a fellow human being. I think life in prison is more of a deterent than the death penalty. Death is an easy out for a murderer. Additionally, innocent individuals are occasionly executed and that is not a mistake the state can afford to make. Morally, I am against it because I suscribe to the religious belief that it is wrong to kill. I also belief in forgiveness. I am a humanitarian, and believe prison is a more humane punishment to death.
On the other hand, I support a woman's right to legal abortion. If you'd like my rationale on that issue drop me another note.
Why legalize marijuana?
Well, like you said, there's "nothing worse about marijuana than any legal drug." I agree with that and actually believe it is less harmful. Why legalize it? A few reasons, it is a relatively harmless drug, could become an important cash crop for Virginia, and as Lincoln said, "Prohibition.. goes beyond the bound of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes.. A prohibition law strike a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded."
Additionally there is the infringement on the individuals liberty when they are thrown in jail. For committing a "crime" against themselves. I am also a firm believer in the God given rights of Liberty and Free Will. There is also the economic consideration that it costs $20,000 and more to maintain one prisioner for a year, then there are all the other costs associated with enforcement, courts, and torn apart families. In my opinion, the punishment exceeds the crime. Yes, I've known many "potheads" as you call them and they are a fine bunch of folks. I don't think anyone should go to jail for using any drug and I think the state ought to fund free voluntary addiction treatment programs.
You know, politics is all about having an opinion. How a person comes to their political beliefs is a mystery and different for everybody. I have had an easy and blessed life. I didn't have the advantage of great parents but I was raised in a good home by an older couple. I have come to my political views through a combination of my personal experiences and reading from the Bible to the history of the labor movement. My platform, particularly my national platform which can be viewed at http://www.freesocialism.org
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Richmond Times-Dispatch and Censorship
In the Friday, August 17, 2007 [page A10] issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the editorial page lamented about how "Elections pose dilemmas." By that they were talking about the "dilemma" of running op-ed and opinion pieces from candidates running for office because they "inevitably will serve the writer's electoral interests" and "columns become de facto ads." However, they found it in their hearts to open their columns to the local candidates this time around to "offer a twist." They invited candidates in contested races for the State Senate and House of Delegates to send them, "concise statements about the abusers' fees. A word count of 450 seems about right." The deadline was one week away, August 24. Surprisingly, no one I knew told me about the invitation to candidates to respond. It was kind of a fluke for me to read the op-ed page that day. I subscribe to the paper (except Sundays) but I mostly just read the Metro section and any front page local "stuff."
I submitted my response on the morning of August 24, a crisp 446 words. The following Sunday, I expected but did not see the candidates' responses to the abusers' fees. The following morning I emailed editor, Mr. Faulk to ask when the responses would be printed and told him that I'd expected to see them in Sunday's paper. He responded, "We are pretty much done accepting copy for a Sunday Commentary section by Tuesday of the week of publication. It virtually would be impossible to set a submission deadline of Friday at 5 p.m. and to print the piece in that Sunday's section. (By Friday at 5 p.m., the Commentary section is within hours of being printed. So by that point it must be vetted, laid out, art chosen, and edited, edited, and edited again.) Our plan is to run them this Sunday."
And run them they did, in the September 2 issue [E5]. And edit, edit, edit, they did. The Times-Dispatch is horrible about maintaining links, so here it is while it lasts.
A couple of editorials in this newspaper have cited a lack of courage on the part of the General Assembly to raise the state's gasoline tax. If elected, I will have the courage to support raising the tax on gasoline. How much of an increase I am uncertain; study is required to determine what is an appropriate increase for our needs. It makes sense to tax the users of the transportation system. Those who drive more or drive wasteful vehicles would pay more. Additionally, I propose a $3-per-package tax on cigarettes that would be dedicated to funding transportation -- the current tax is 30 cents.
Of course, the real solution to Virginia's transportation difficulties is to develop a statewide high-speed rail system and light-rail systems in our cities. We need to get out of our cars. Car culture is a unique benefit enjoyed by the majority of Americans. It is by no means a natural right, socially responsible, or sustainable in the long term. From a global perspective, what would a good, sustainable transportation system look like? Fast, efficient, convenient, and free I hope. America should take the lead and be an example."
That all sounds well and good; and accurately represents my view but here is what they CENSORED:
"What entitles America which constitutes less than 5% of the world population to consume 25% of the world’s resources? Is it our military supremacy? It is also helpful to keep in mind that half of the world’s six billion people live on less than $2 per day."
And my concluding paragraph:
"In order to fund rail improvements, I propose the Commonwealth regulate marijuana like tobacco. The release of non-violent drug offenders from jails and prisons will save the Commonwealth millions of dollars. Marijuana is a popular drug, no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco. I propose charging a $6 tax per box of 20 cigarettes. $5 from every box to go toward funding a state-wide high speed rail system and light rail systems in our cities. $1 from every box to fund free state-wide addiction treatment programs for all drugs including tobacco, alcohol, and gambling.
To learn more about my campaign, please visit: www.VoteSilver.com"
Now, my question is why did they edit that? Was it because I went beyond the discussion of the "Abuser Drive Fees" or I got off-topic? I would argue that neither is a just complaint. The topic is transportation and how to fund it. What was accomplished by their censorship of my response? They effectively limited my "Free Speech," that most essential of political rights. We no longer have a Free Press in this country, we mostly have a corporate press that dictates what we hear and see. What of the disservice done to citizen-readers, the spirit of Democracy, and open debate? To hide my positions from the citizens when in possession of such views is a disgrace. It stinks of Tyranny cutting out the tongue of Free Political Speech. It's an insult to the trade of journalism.
I am for Freedom, Justice, Liberty, Free Speech, and Socialism. I agree with Jefferson, "... truth is great and will prevail if left to herself; that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate; errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them." As the old saying goes, "Truth has nothing to fear but concealment."
Read the complete and unabridged version here.
I submitted my response on the morning of August 24, a crisp 446 words. The following Sunday, I expected but did not see the candidates' responses to the abusers' fees. The following morning I emailed editor, Mr. Faulk to ask when the responses would be printed and told him that I'd expected to see them in Sunday's paper. He responded, "We are pretty much done accepting copy for a Sunday Commentary section by Tuesday of the week of publication. It virtually would be impossible to set a submission deadline of Friday at 5 p.m. and to print the piece in that Sunday's section. (By Friday at 5 p.m., the Commentary section is within hours of being printed. So by that point it must be vetted, laid out, art chosen, and edited, edited, and edited again.) Our plan is to run them this Sunday."
And run them they did, in the September 2 issue [E5]. And edit, edit, edit, they did. The Times-Dispatch is horrible about maintaining links, so here it is while it lasts.
For the sake of simplicity, here is the text attributed to my name in their paper:
"I fully support repealing the abuser fees for traffic violators. The goal of the legislation is not really to reduce reckless driving, but to generate revenues to fund the transportation budget. The increase in fines also creates a real economic hardship for many citizens, and excludes non-Virginians. Enforcement of these fees will be impossible and sporadic at best.
A couple of editorials in this newspaper have cited a lack of courage on the part of the General Assembly to raise the state's gasoline tax. If elected, I will have the courage to support raising the tax on gasoline. How much of an increase I am uncertain; study is required to determine what is an appropriate increase for our needs. It makes sense to tax the users of the transportation system. Those who drive more or drive wasteful vehicles would pay more. Additionally, I propose a $3-per-package tax on cigarettes that would be dedicated to funding transportation -- the current tax is 30 cents.
Of course, the real solution to Virginia's transportation difficulties is to develop a statewide high-speed rail system and light-rail systems in our cities. We need to get out of our cars. Car culture is a unique benefit enjoyed by the majority of Americans. It is by no means a natural right, socially responsible, or sustainable in the long term. From a global perspective, what would a good, sustainable transportation system look like? Fast, efficient, convenient, and free I hope. America should take the lead and be an example."
That all sounds well and good; and accurately represents my view but here is what they CENSORED:
"What entitles America which constitutes less than 5% of the world population to consume 25% of the world’s resources? Is it our military supremacy? It is also helpful to keep in mind that half of the world’s six billion people live on less than $2 per day."
And my concluding paragraph:
"In order to fund rail improvements, I propose the Commonwealth regulate marijuana like tobacco. The release of non-violent drug offenders from jails and prisons will save the Commonwealth millions of dollars. Marijuana is a popular drug, no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco. I propose charging a $6 tax per box of 20 cigarettes. $5 from every box to go toward funding a state-wide high speed rail system and light rail systems in our cities. $1 from every box to fund free state-wide addiction treatment programs for all drugs including tobacco, alcohol, and gambling.
To learn more about my campaign, please visit: www.VoteSilver.com"
Now, my question is why did they edit that? Was it because I went beyond the discussion of the "Abuser Drive Fees" or I got off-topic? I would argue that neither is a just complaint. The topic is transportation and how to fund it. What was accomplished by their censorship of my response? They effectively limited my "Free Speech," that most essential of political rights. We no longer have a Free Press in this country, we mostly have a corporate press that dictates what we hear and see. What of the disservice done to citizen-readers, the spirit of Democracy, and open debate? To hide my positions from the citizens when in possession of such views is a disgrace. It stinks of Tyranny cutting out the tongue of Free Political Speech. It's an insult to the trade of journalism.
I am for Freedom, Justice, Liberty, Free Speech, and Socialism. I agree with Jefferson, "... truth is great and will prevail if left to herself; that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate; errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them." As the old saying goes, "Truth has nothing to fear but concealment."
Read the complete and unabridged version here.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Behind the Scenes Election Mechanizations
Over the last two weeks I have received about a dozen letters from special interests groups. To date, I have received letters from the Family Action Foundation, The Virginia Ag Initiative, the Virginia Catholic Conference, Virginia FREE, the Virginia Medical Political Action Committee, Project Vote Smart (out of Montana!), Equality Virginia, Virginia Society for Human Life, Virginia21, and the National Rifle Association. Many of these mailings include surveys, instructions, and dates for completion. This is a part of the electoral process that many citizens don't get to see. I will be posting these surveys to my website as I complete them -- yet another way, in which I, as a candidate, seek to educate the voter about the process and my views.
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