University of Maryland College Democrats

State of the Union - Tonight

2008-01-28T16:01:00.000-05:00

Find out the latest "accomplishments" of the Bush administration FOR THE LAST TIME.

President Bush will deliver his final State of the Union address, focusing on the economy and the War in Iraq.

Tonight, 9pm, coverage on all major networks and the 24 hour news channels.

Some cool things to keep you occupied

The Voter Initiative

2007-11-17T18:51:00.000-05:00

We are looking for dedicated people to help us lead a historic University of Maryland Voter Registration and Get Out The Vote Effort!

What is The Voter Initiative?

The Voter Initiative is a Get Out the Vote strategy designed by The University of Maryland College Democrats. The Voter Initiative is being overseen in partnership between the College Democrats, the Student Government Association, the College Republicans, and the Republican Women at Maryland.

The Voter Initiative seeks to establish voting as a tradition at the University of Maryland, by making the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) effort localized by residence hall. College students are said to be an apathetic population, voting will give our voices the strength it deserves!

We will do this by making voting localized and personal. Each residence hall will have a "Chairperson" whose job it is to register voters in their hall and get them to the polls at Stamp on the Presidential primary day, February 12, 2007.

What will be my responsibilities as a "Chairperson"?

We need your help in this effort! Become a Chairperson! Chairpersons will go around one day this semester (Fall 2007) with a group of Voter Initiative students, to reigster voters in their hall who have not yet registered in College Park. The Chair will get to know one "Point-person" on each floor of their Residence Hall who will assist in the Registration and Get Out the Vote effort.

Next semester, on Presidential election day (February 12, 2007), the Chairperson will go on to every hall with their "Point-person" and have students leave as a group to vote in the Student Union.

How do I sign up to be a "Chairperson" or a "Point-Person"?

Sign up using the form below, please indicate which position you would like to hold in the "comments" section of the form. Sign up quickly, spaces are limited and filling fast!

Click Here to Read the Diamondback op-ed

Click Here to Sign Up

Register to Vote

The College Democrats Welcome Helen Thomas to Our First Meeting

2007-08-28T11:20:00.000-04:00

Join The Party - The University of Maryland Democratic Party for our first meeting of a very exciting semester and year!

Please join us in welcoming esteemed White House journalist Helen Thomas. Ms. Thomas has covered nine US Presidents and is well known for closing press conferences with her signature line, "Thank you Mr. President".

As a pioneer in women's issues, Ms. Thomas has allowed women journalists in the White House to become the norm. Helen Thomas has served as the first woman officer of the National Press Club and the first woman officer of the White House Correspondence Association.

Ms. Thomas joins the University of Maryland College Democrats after releasing her latest book, "Watchdogs of Democracy? The Waning Washington Press Corps and How it Has Failed the Public".

Also, we will discuss events planned for this year, internship opportunities, and great ways to get involved with PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS!!!

Hope to see you there! For more information, please visit our Website at http://www.umddemocrats.com

For More information on Ms. Thomas Click here.

To join the facebook event, click here.

Bye Bye Karl Rove

2007-08-13T13:21:00.000-04:00

From electing Republicans to rapping, Bush adviser Karl Rove has resigned. Oddly enough, it was his choice. Rove, who avoided an indictment in the CIA leak case, has decided to leave politics to spend more time with his family.

Rove has been notorious for shamelessly playing politics in elections and in government to get his candidates elected or his policies achieved. Delay, Cheney, and Rove embody the new-guard neo-conservative ways of government, which are slowly exiting with the charges brought against Delay, the Rove resignation, and the Democratic Congress.

So, take care Karl Rove. Please, don't come back.

To read more about Karl Rove's resignation, click here.

Governor O'Malley: Democrats Should Be Party Of Security

2007-07-31T15:52:00.000-04:00

At a Democratic Leadership Conference (DLC) in Nashville, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley emphasized the need for Democrats to focus on issues of Homeland Security and Defense. O'Malley argued that, "the biggest strategic mistake was downplaying global security, domestic security."

Governor O'Malley visited our campus last October for a pre-football game tailgate when the Terps beat Florida State. O'Malley has been a strong advocate for issues concerning national security on the national scale, making it once again a passionate issue among Democrats.

"I think our party has been running away from security and national security for a couple of decades," O'Malley said. "We need to become again the party of security."

Click here to read more about Governor O'Malley at the DLC conference

Shuler Named One of 50 Most Beautiful People on Capitol Hill

2007-07-27T17:02:00.000-04:00

North Carolina Congressman Health Shuler was named one of Capitol Hill's most beautiful people in today's "The Hill" newspaper, which included Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a Washington Redskins Cheerleader.

The College Democrats visited Congressman Shuler on Capitol Hill in May. Congressman Shuler discussed pressing issues facing our country with the UMD Dems after voting on the second Iraq emergency spending bill.

Click here to read more about the 50 most beautiful people on Capitol Hill according to "The Hill".

Presidential Candidates to Speak at CDA Convention!

2007-07-14T14:31:00.000-04:00

The College Democrats of America convention is taking place from July 26-29 at the University of South Carolina. Among the speakers that will be at the convention are Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama, Former Senator Mike Gravel, Former Senator John Edwards, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, and House Majority Whip James Clyburn. This is a great opportunity to learn about the party and also skills that will be incredibly useful to growing the Democratic base in Maryland.

Anyone interested in attending should contact me at president@umddemocrats.com ASAP.

For more information on the CDA convention, click here.

McCain Top Aides Step Down - Is John Down and Out?

2007-07-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

John McCain's Presidential bit has been burning out almost since its start. Last week, we found out that the McCain camp had issues raising the big bucks to stay in the ring with the likes of Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. Today, Terry Nelson and John Weaver, McCain's campaign manager and top strategist resigned from the campaign.

McCain has continued to trek on the for the time being, but his longevity in this race is coming short making the list of viable Republican candidates even more vulnerable to Democratic Candidates already way ahead in the fundraising race and in favoritism with the growing sentiment against the Iraq War and the Bush administration.

To read about the resignations click here

To read an op-ed about McCain's chances click here

Hoyer Blasts GOP

2007-06-30T13:51:00.000-04:00

University of Maryland alumni and House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer was featured in a Washington Times interview, where he discussed the failures of the Republican party and criticized their rhetoric. In an interview with the Washington Times newspaper, Hoyer said "I think this administration is probably the most unpopular administration ... to rival [Richard M.] Nixon's."

Hoyer also dispelled Republican myths about Democrats increasing taxes, calling it "That is bogus. It is a tired, old — the only argument Republicans ever have any success with."

Click to read the article in today's Washington Times

Click to read the transcript of the interview with Steny Hoyer

Vigil Commemorating the Virginia Tech Massacre TONIGHT

2007-04-17T12:20:00.000-04:00

"Today, We Are All Hokies"

The College Democrats received the following invitation to a candle light vigil in commemoration of the Virginia Tech Massacre that took 32 lives on their campus yesterday. Please Read below:

I wanted to invite all of you to join Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Incorporated and Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Incorporated in a Candlelight Vigil at McKeldin Mall in remembrance of those lost at the VA Tech shootings. The vigil will occur today from 8-9pm, the same time as it will at VA Tech. We ask that you wear Hokie colors and if possible bring candles and matches. We will try our best to provide as many as we can.

This event is planned to occur weather permitting, so please join us in spreading the word and commemorating those lost in this massacre.

If you wish to see any more details, please visit the facebook invite:
http://umd.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2358926211

Please attend if you are available.

For a summary of yesterday's tragic events, click here

Sen. Clinton Outraises all GOP Candidates Combined

2007-04-16T13:25:00.000-04:00

The resurgence of Democratic Party enthusiasm has translated into an unforeseen and amazingly enormous campaign finance season for the Democratic candidates seeking the Presidential nomination.

Although Hillary Clinton currently holds the most money, Barack Obama has currently raised the most for his bid, as the two top competitors race to raise more money than the other. Still, almost a year out from the primary elections, it is incredible the money race that is going on currently.

To read more about the recent campaign fundraising reports, click here.

Elections Today

2007-04-11T13:58:00.000-04:00

Elections for the 2007-2008 Executive Board will be held today at 6:30pm in 1101 Tydings Hall. Come out to hear the candidates talk about the issues and be a part of selecting the club's leadership for next year.

Remember: To be eligible to vote, you must have attended at least three meetings/events over the course of this current school year.

EMBARRASSING: College Republican Chapter Folds

2007-04-09T13:22:00.000-04:00

The College Republicans chapter at the University of Vermont took at a $7,000 SGA loan two years ago to host Newt Gingrich speak on the UVM campus. After several SGA warnings and ultimatums the Republicans were officially disbanded as an SGA recognized organization. The party for fiscal responsibility? Not even at the College level apparently. This incident seems to be a microcosm of the party as a whole who has borrowed and borrowed driving our great country into possibly unsurmountable debt.

Click here to read more about the UVM College Republicans

Karl Rove Rapping

2007-03-29T12:46:00.000-04:00

Yep...Pretty Self Explanatory. Here is the notorious Karl Rove, chief advisor to Mr. Bush, rapping at the Radio-Television Correspondents dinner. There is a small intro to this video, which is also pretty funny. Enjoy!

Sheryl Crow Arrives at UMD for Global Warming Benefit Concert

2007-03-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

Set the date on your calendar: April 21 at Cole Field House for a free concern featuring Sheryl Crow, Larry David's wife, scenes from Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, and a comedy variety show. According to today's Diamondback, Crow will arrive in College Park as part of a College tour to bring awareness to Global Climate Change issues. It would be nice if we all attended as a group, more information on coordinating that will follow.

Click Here to read about the concert

Republicans Still Don't "Get" Global Warming

2007-03-29T11:44:00.000-04:00

Former Republican Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee believes that Global Warming is a partisan lie. In response to former Vice President and environmentalist Al Gore's request to hold a concert to promote Global Warming Awareness on the Steps of the United States Capitol. “There has never been a partisan political event at the Capitol, and this is a partisan political event,” said Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK).

It is incredible that the Republican Party still has not seen the writing on the wall with the drastic changes in our environment and repeatedly denies their existence. To sweep this issue under the rug as partisan is unfair. One thing that is so promising, and scary, about Global Warming is that it inherently involves world cooperation because air does not limit itself to recognized borders. Science has proven Global Warming's detrimental effect to our climate, and exchanging majority documented evidence for partisan bickering is only an excuse for the Republicans to appease their buddies in "big oil".

Even in bipartisan efforts, the Republicans are unwilling to compromise. All this issue is is a way to have partisan leverage over our Democratic party rather than do something that can help out county, and in my eyes, that is wrong.

To Read More about these recent events click here

Democratic Success: War Resolution Passes the Senate

2007-03-27T20:49:00.000-04:00

The Democratically controlled Senate has passed legislation detailing a fixed timetable for an American troop withdrawal from Iraq. Certainly, this measure will be vetoed by Mr. Bush, only to be his second veto ever as President. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) held a press conference today to applaud the Democratic efforts on the legislation.

The timetable moves U.S. troops out of Iraq by March 2008. The Democrats now are demanding that Bush listen to the American people and set up a viable plan for our troops withdrawal from Iraq.

The House of Representatives passed a similar message earlier this session, under Speaker Nancy Pelosi, establishing a timetable of a troop withdrawal by September 1, 2008.

The measure was summed up well by College Park's representative, the Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , "Frankly, I'd think we'd like to reach out to the president and say...'Mr. President, this is not a unilateral government. It is a separation of powers, and the Congress of the United States is assuming review."

Click here to read more about today's important vote

Op-Ed: Bush Welcoming Constitutional Crisis

2007-03-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

According to Washington Post columnist E.J Dionee Jr, the stalemate between President Bush and the Democratically controlled Congress could turn into something more than a power grab or fundamental argument. The Iraq war has caused so much unrest in the country, which President Bush has ignored, that it could do more than divide our government and break the fabric of our Constitution.

Dionee wrote, "Bush might still win this Senate vote and a reprieve for his war policy. But the president's refusal to acknowledge that the country has fundamentally changed its mind on the war makes it impossible for him to work with Congress on a sensible approach to a withdrawal that will happen some day -- with or without a constitutional showdown."

Dionee is spot on here. Mr. Bush has constantly and repeatedly been unwilling to compromise on any issue, especially the war, in which a vast majority of the country disagrees with him. Again the Bush administration proves that they are more about power than policy, more about the party than the people, and more about politics than about popular freedoms. It is a painful reality for our beloved country, but more and more becoming a sad reality that our President is ignoring the Constitution and turning members of his own party against his ideas.

To read the op-ed Click here

Edwards Interview With Katie Couric

2007-03-26T13:01:00.000-04:00

The Edwards' appeared in an interview for the first time since Elizabeth Edwards announced that her cancer had reappeared in a late stage. John Edwards announced that he would continue to run for President in 2008. Below is a link to an excerpt from the interview. Enjoy!

Click Here to view the excerpt on youtube

To read more about the interview click here

LAME PROTEST ALERT

2007-03-22T16:12:00.000-04:00

The Hill, the traditionally conservative newspaper on Capitol Hill, is reporting that CodePink will be staging a protest of the Iraq War in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's personal office in the Cannon building at 4:00pm.

There are two things so blatently stupid about this particular protest: 1) I believe that Speaker Pelosi supports their cause, so can this really be classified as a protest, or just an afternoon with a friend? 2) Wouldn't you want to maybe lobby someone rather than squat in their office? All this is to me is a black-eye to the anti-war community. Actions like these reflect negatively on these organizations in the eyes of Congress and the American people. Congress should be a place of compromise and intelligent discussion, rather than a sit in protest just asking to be arrested in a sympathetic office. Let's end this war better than the way King George started it. Let's do it with truth and fact rather than stupid pressure to friendly faces.

This organizations have some decent causes, but the way they express themselves borders on insanity. They frequently use people associated with their cause, like Cindy Sheehan, and turn them into martyrs for a cause to get attention for themselves. Isn't that just as bad as some of the games the Republicans play. Please...

Click here to read the developing story in The Hill newspaper

Republicans: Global Warming is a Farce Just Like that Hole in the Ozone Layer

2007-03-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

Al Gore testified on Capitol Hill yesterday about Global warming in front of a joint House committee meeting. Gore visited the hill for the first time since attending the Presidential inauguration in January of 2001. He testified that Global Warming was a "fever" and the world needed to listen to the doctor. House republicans faced off with Gore saying that Global Climate change was unproven and under a lot of disagreement.

"The planet has a fever," Gore said. "If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the Doctor says you need to intervene here, you don't say, 'Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it's not a problem.' If the crib's on fire, you don't speculate that the baby is flame retardant. You take action."

Well said. Gore should be testifying later on the Senate side.

To read more about Gore's visit click here

Top Bush Aids Issued Subpoenas

2007-03-22T15:41:00.000-04:00

Justice? Probably not. But on a high note of democracy after another week of monarchy from the King Bush regime, the Senate voted to realize their ability to issue subpoenas to Karl Rove and other top Bushies for their latest scandal on the US Attorney firings (just for argument sake, the other monarchical Bushism this week was how he can reach scandal after scandal, use the Congress as a rubber stamp for 6 years, and treat the present one as "micromanagers", Bush refuses to give anyone else power including the non-represented citizens of DC). The Senate Judiciary community will hold a hearing on the recent firings, I guess, when they get to it. They didn't actually subpoena any of the administration members, which would make sense. President Bush is staunchly against having them testify because basically, if you hadn't figured it out" the whole things makes him look terrible (which is so damn good at anyway). Isn't it time for the Democrats to stop trying to out-politic the Republicans? I don't think that will work. It is time to hold hearings for these guys and either get some answers or just to air Bush's dirty laundry in public. Let's get with the program already!

To read more about the senate "action" click here

Kind Wishes for Elizabeth Edwards

2007-03-22T13:07:00.000-04:00

This morning, the politico blog was reporting that John Edwards would be suspending his campaign to care for his wife, who recently found out that the cancer she suffered in 2004 had resurfaced. At noon today though, Edwards announced that his campaign is going strong and that he will continue to actively campaign to seek the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

It is important to take this opportunity to send our organizations best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards on a speedy recovery from her illness. I feel that support for a candidate aside, the Edwards family is going to be around for a while in our party and we hope that Elizabeth can be included in that.

So lesson for the wise: Edwards is still running, and the politico got it wrong.

Click Here to read how the politico screwed this one up

Click here to read more about the Edwards announcement

Go Away, Bob Ehrlich!

2007-03-18T14:16:00.000-04:00

It appears that Republican Bob Ehrlich's loss to Governor O'Malley in November hasn't deterred him from showing his face and making his voice heard in Maryland. Actually, quite literally that's what he is doing. Bob Ehrlich plans to host a radio show with his wife, Kendel, on a conservative local Maryland station. His show will be largely discussing family matters and presidential politics.

I don't think anybody is fooled by Ehrlich's attempt to remain in the spotlight for his own political gain and attention leading up to some key races in 2010, including those for the Governors office (Challenging Martin O'Malley) or the U.S. Senate (Challenging long-time legend in the Senate Barbara A. Mikulski). It is highly unusual for a so recently-trounced elected official to return to the spotlight so quickly, making us suspicious to Ehrlich's actions.

The radio show is on WBAL (1090 AM) on Saturday mornings. When Governor, Ehrlich usually felt comfortable fielding questions on the air from a largely conservative listenership. Feel free to call in to ask Ehrlich some questions of your own at 1-800-757-9225 when he is on the air (please be polite if you decide to call in, nothing is solved by rudeness).

Click Here to read a Washington Post article about Ehrlich's new show

Karl Rove in the Middle of More Dirty Business

2007-03-16T19:28:00.000-04:00

ABC news is reporting that Karl Rove is in the middle of yet another scandal in the Bush White House. Karl Rove got away relatively unscaved by the Valerie Plame leak scandal, but he may not get away from this one. Recent controversy over the firing of several US Attorneys and leading Democrats calling for the removal of the new US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Several US Attorneys were fired and they largely had one thing in common, differing party and issue affiliation from the Bush Administration. ABC news has recovered e-mails that reflect how the firings were discussed before the Gonzales appointment, with Karl Rove as the middle man in the decision.

As a precedent, is the Bush administration allowed to act in this manner, despite his current "lame duck status". This has just been the ongoing of a series of controversies and scandals involving to Bush administration aids and officials. How can accountability be held on these issues without wasting valuable congressional time? We look forward to reading your comments.

Click here to read more about the ABC News report

Same Story, New Chapter

2007-03-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

At a House Republican dinner party event last night, President Bush committed to a Republican resurgence in 2008, to take back both houses of Congress and insure recovery of the White House. Although a typical Republican fundraiser, where many things are said to energize the party, one thing really stood out. What was clear was the President's commitment to Iraq, adding that the Democrats in congress are trying to "micromanage" the war, and speaking about the importance of privatizing social security.

The President has shown not commitment, but stubbornness to any issues he disagrees with. Mr. Bush refuses time and again to acknowledge opposition or work with the Democrats in Congress. Bush ignores popular demand about the war and has not even "gotten over" his social security failure, which wasn't even backed by his own party. President Bush needs to understand that even if the Republicans take back all three branches and return to the totalitarianism associated with one party rule, the President has no option but to work with the Democrats in congress, or risk not accomplishing anything positive for our country.

Click here to read more about Bush's remarks

One Step Closer to DC Voting Rights

2007-03-16T19:04:00.000-04:00

An important milestone was reached yesterday, the passage of the DC Voting Rights bill in the House Judiciary Committee. The bill is expected to head to the House floor next week. The bill would grant voting rights to the District of Columbia on the House floor. The District currently has a vote in House committees but not on the floor of the House. This legislation would give DC, a highly populated area, full representation in the House of Representatives. The bill would also stipulate that a new district be created (to maintain a party balance) in Utah, making the total number of Representatives 437 rather than 435. The District will still be without a vote in the US Senate.

The bill is likely to pass the House floor next week, but is understood to reach a difficult time in the Senate. Support is questionable because current members of congress have voted for this bill largely along party lines. The Democrats in the Senate will not be able to call a vote for the bill without consent from the Republican members. Supporters of the bill are optimistic that the two Senators from Utah, Senators Hatch and Bennett, will rally Republican support for the bill because their state would too pick up a representative.

Still, yesterday's vote should not be overlooked as an important step. DC voting rights have become a priority in this Congress and has good chances of finally giving the residents of the District the rights they are entitled to by the Constitution.

Click to read an article about yesterday's milestone

Walter Reed Shame

2007-03-12T22:18:00.000-04:00

The scandal at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which was uncovered by the Washington Post, has sent ripples through the Department of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the White House. Today's latest is the Army Surgeon General submitting his resignation from his position. Lt. Col. Kevin C. Kiley resigned from his position today after intense media and public scrutiny of his actions.
After putting an abundance of political stress on the Democrats in Congress for allegedly being against funding our troops, the stress is now on the president who is feeling the heat from the public. After an emphasis on caring for our troops when in battle, the current administration never bothered to take care of soldiers after they return from battle in service to our country in a farce of a war. The Washington Post, over the course of the past several weeks, have uncovered the harsh conditions in which the soldiers live when they are revived from the pain of war.
Is this latest resignation another case of someone else taking the fall for members of the Bush administration? Who knows at this point how much this President knew about what was going on at Walter Reed. All we know is that our troops must be cared for, and the administration can no longer wiggle their way out of hypocrisy with political opposition games. It is time for them to be held accountable for their lies.

Click Here to Read the Washington Post Article

"Global Warming is not Coming; It Is Here"

2007-03-08T17:57:00.000-05:00

Despite opposing documentaries trying to raise counters to the existence of global warming, its affects are apparent, and instead of bickering we need to become more environmentally friendly as a country and a society. Global Climate Warming has the potential of displacing millions of people and making Earth almost uninhabitable. It is an issue that crosses boarders, is not solvable by military force, and demands a united effort. This issue isn't even limited to scientific and political action: it has also grabbed the attention of the sporting world.
Sports Illustrated, in their March 12, 2007 issue, has a cover story about the cots of global warming to the sporting world. The environmental crisis has made hot August days very difficult for football training camp, Hurricane Katrina leveled the home of the New Orleans Saints, and world class skiers are having their competitions cancelled due to a lack of snow. The sporting world has now taken its first "green" step. Sports Illustrated has suggested being pro-active, and building more environmentally friendly stadiums. They hired SmithGroup, and architectural firm, to design a carbon-neutral stadium, powered by wind. The article also highlighted actions already being taken by almost all professional sports to be more eco-friendly and responsible about fossil-fuel emissions.
Why on an issue that is so dire to this world is our government unable to be proactive, let alone respond to a crisis that is it has allowed to reach that point. The article highlights how "Global Warming is not coming; it is here" by explaining how Earth has the potential to rise in temperature by 5 degrees by 2010, a very dangerous level. It seems that the Bush administration can be proactive and preemptive with every issue that does not involved consensus, diplomacy, and most importantly, need. It is time to apply the Bush Doctrine to real crises that need preemption to avoid a life-threatening problem. Instead, the administration was even reluctant to recognize the threat, let alone act on it. We can drag our feel no longer on this issue. Please e-mail sga@umddemocrats.edu if you would like to get involved with the College Democrats "The Globe Starts Here" initiative to make the University of Maryland a pioneer in fighting global warming.

Click Here to read the Article in Sports Illustrated

Libby: The Fall Guy for Cheney

2007-03-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

As many of you already know, "Scooter" Libby was found guilty yesterday on four of the five charges against him including perjury and obstruction of justice in connecting with the Valerie Plame CIA leak. The case itself is obvious scandal for the administration in which connection to the case leads certainly to Cheney and speculated high enough to Bush. The case is an important indicator of the way the Republican business is run: Power at all costs. Not only is this idea wholeheartedly UnAmerican, where checks and balances help allow separation of power, but an indicator of priorities. The Bush administration made the war in Iraq such a priority to the success of the administration that they would go so far as out-ing a CIA agent to keep people in the dark on the Iraq war. The Bush administration's priority is power in the place of governance and has developed into a monarchical bureaucracy, more than our country has ever seen. This case has become all to clear in the past months that Libby, Cheney's former Chief of Staff, is taking the fall for his former boss, who had a strong hand in orchestrating this "leak". Cheney is one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in history, another Bush administration trend. Cheney was able to orchestrate the war and protecting it in the press quietly from the VP seat, while Bush stayed an innocent figure-head. The same can be said in the House of Reps. Dennis Hastert was a quiet congressman with a clear record, who could be in the spotlight as Speaker, while Tom Delay orchestrated Republican power grabs in redistricting, rules, etc, from the guise of the largely overlooked majority leader position. Our country needs to return to its principles of governance over power, and a new party must enter the executive branch to clean up the influenza of back door negotiation and willingness to go through all odds to never admit a mistake and secure a stranglehold on power.

To Read More about Cheney's Role, Click Here

SURVEY SAYS: Bush Bad for Israel

2007-03-05T21:35:00.000-05:00

Once again dispelling the myth that Bush's foreign policy is "better for Israel" is an obvious yet harshly upsetting task. Today, the BBC released a worldwide survey ranking Israel, Iran, and the United States as having the worst images worldwide. Israel had the highest negative response, followed by Iran and then the U.S. Maryland professor Steven Kull conducted the research along with the pollster GlobeScan and said of the survey, "It appears that people around the world tend to look negatively on countries whose profile is marked by the pursuit of power militarily."
Military pursuit of power is a strong characteristic of the Bush doctrine, which has lumped itself together with our strongest Ally Israel. Now, world perception has seen fit to include peaceful just countries, such as the U.S. and Israel together with a harsh dictatorial state in Iran. Bush's inability to seek diplomatic solutions and trump the world is going to come back to haunt our country when we rally support for a real threat in the world. Iraq, unfortunately, could be the final example of free-country faith and support for the United States when called upon due to a lack of trust. This survey reveals what democrats have been saying for the entire administrative history under George W. Bush; you cannot drive up support with polarization. And in this case it is not only hurting us, but our Israeli friends who indeed do seek diplomatic solutions as opposed to force in their conflicts.
Democrats, on the other hand, have come out again in support of Israel this week, making them the better favorite for U.S. leadership. At AIPAC's Chicago policy forum, Senator Barack Obama reiterated his strong support for the U.S.-Israel relationship. He said, "Our job is to never forget that the threat of violence is real. Our job is to renew the United States’ efforts to help Israel achieve peace with its neighbors while remaining vigilant against those who do not share this vision. Our job is to do more than lay out another road map; our job is to rebuild the road to real peace and lasting security throughout the region."
It is time to reform U.S. and also the United States' strongest allies images, and the first step is to utilize diplomacy.

This is not an endorsement of Barack Obama for President.

Click Here to read more about the survey

Does Anyone Like Anne Coulter?

2007-03-03T17:30:00.000-05:00

No. And her latest stupidity comes again when she avoids the issues and spews unrelated craziness rather than presenting viable ideas. At the Conservative Political Action Conference, Anne Coulter called Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards a "faggot". Yep, I am just as shocked as you are at the latest schlock that comes out of Coulter's dirty mouth. If you're still in disbelief, click to watch the video.

She said, "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I — so kind of an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards."
The College Democrats join DNC chairman Howard Dean in condemning Coulter's remarks as "hate-filled and bigoted". This is just another example of a largely hailed Neo-Conservative figure head avoiding the issues to resort to partisan name-calling and low-balling. This stretches throughout the entire Republican Party ranging from the top (George W. Bush and Dick Cheney), to the bottom (Anne Coulter). Let's tackle the issues, not glaze over them with ignorant rhetoric.

This is not an endorsement of John Edwards for President.

Democrats Better for Israel in '08

2007-03-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

An op-ed in the Jerusalem Post has told many Zionist supporters of Republican candidates to get real and support Democrats. The editorial speaks on falsely hailed Bush foreign policy in terms of keeping Israel secure, and says, "The centerpiece of Bush's foreign policy, his war on terror, has been a disastrous failure. America has not lessened the threat of international terrorism, which has grown."
Israel's biggest threat currently, Iran, has also been mismanaged by the Bush administration. Instead of quelling the Iranians with diplomacy, Bush has instead threatened the country and repeatedly labeled Iran as "evil", giving them a bigger voice on the world stage and gaining more and more attention, and getting closer to having nuclear capabilities.
Bush's botching of Iranian policy is also included in the article, "In addition to emboldening Hizbullah and Hamas, America has failed to dissuade Iran from pursuing an aggressive program of nuclear weapons development."
Alternatively, the two Democratic front runners, Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama, have been long time friends and supporters of Israel. Senator Clinton has visited Israel on a regular basis since she was first lady, supported Israel constantly in the Senate, and has spoken at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's (AIPAC) annual national meeting. Senator Obama has also been an outspoken supporter of Israel in public speeches and on the floor of the Senate, and visited Israel for the first time in 2006.
Other Democrats in the running have also stressed their support for Israel. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has a long record of Israel support dating back to his tenure as US ambassador to the United Nations.
The article concludes with a look for the future, and says, "The Bush era of cowboy diplomacy, which has been marked by instability and insecurity, will soon come to an end. A Democratic victory will reverse this trend and will result in increased stability and security for both the United States and Israel."

This post is not an endorsement of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, or Bill Richardson for President. The College Democrats support every Democratic Presidential candidate running for President at this time.

Click Here to Read the Op-Ed

Mark Your Calendars:
The College Democrats and the Pro-Israel Terrapin Alliance (PITA) will be co-hosting an event detailing Democratic support for Israel on March 28th. Details to follow on the College Democrats Website.

Republicans Begging For Money?

2007-03-01T18:40:00.000-05:00

Republican failed U.S. Senate candidate Michael Steele today sent out a letter to some of his closest campaign supporters asking for a dear favor. In Steele's loss to Democrat Ben Cardin in November, he appeared to have spent more money than he raised (sound like a microcosm of his party?).
In Steele's letter he writes, "You've always known me to call it as I see it, so I will get straight to the point," Steele writes. "Steele for Maryland Inc. has just over $205,000 in unpaid bills from my Senate campaign. As hard as it is to write this letter, you're one of the few I can count on to help me raise the dollars I need to pay all of my committee's bills."
"Anyone got $205,000 to help me pay my bills?" Maybe Steele should go to the RNC, instead of begging Marylanders for money, especially after talks of a second go-around at losing to Democrats by hinting at challenging Governor Martin O'Malley for governor in 2010. What I don't understand is, who would ever want to contribute to a candidate who has already lost the election? Wouldn't you just want to give your money to someone who might actually implement what you see as right? It will definitely be interesting to see if he can pay his debt, or if the RNC will pay his debt, or if he just accumulates debt and gets taken away. We shall see. Keep checking in.

To read more about Michael Steele's debt click here

Hoyer: A Model Marylander

2007-02-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

In this morning's Washington Post, there was a biographical article on House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Congressman Hoyer represents College Park's legislative district and is the highest official in Congress in Maryland's history. The article detailed a rough childhood and adolescence for Hoyer with hints of political aspiration. However, there was one turning point in his life that changed his grades and his interests around, and that was meeting then U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy. I know this sounds like a familiar story. Pretty much every politician from that era, including President Clinton, have a Kennedy story.
But this story was unique in the sense that Hoyer had gotten himself as far as college studies, but meeting Kennedy, gave him the push he needed to go on to higher things. Our organization should embrace this idea and help grow political aspirants and group members on campus by bringing speakers to UMD, and setting up internships for people to get involved politically. That is one thing this organization can do for young "Hoyers" around our campus. Keep in mind, he was here just like the rest of us, and it was a speaker on campus that changed his life for the better. The University of Maryland College Democrats can be a force for young activists around our campus and as a starting block for those who have broader aspirations of changing our county and fighting for the underprivileged, like Congressman Hoyer. I hope we can be inspired and make this semester inspirational for someone on our campus.

Click to Read the Washington Post Article on Steny H. Hoyer

Activism and Global Warming

2007-02-26T20:45:00.000-05:00

It is important for everyone to pay attention to an article in today's Diamondback on the front page entitled, "Groups grapple with global warming" explaining how student activism, especially having to do with global warming is at an all-time low. As an active group on campus, with young activists, we should contribute to a policy change in this area. Global Climate Change is an important issue for our campus and our party. Our organization should play a role in helping to change the current course of this issue. In the upcoming weeks, the College Democrats are already working on bringing in trained speakers on the issue to give our organization as much information as we can get. Once we have learned the most about this issue, we hope we can team up with the Campus Climate Challenge group mentioned in the article to make our campus greener and more eco-friendly. Just a friendly reminder to keep your eye on the website for details on "Global Climate Warming Policy Initiatives". We hope to see you there.

Click to Read the Diamondback Article

Hitting the Nail on the Head with Iran

2007-02-26T20:33:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone caught New Mexico Governor, and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson's op-ed on Iran in Saturday's Washington Post. Richardson, a former UN Ambassador under President Clinton and foreign policy expert, suggests that President Bush uses a diplomatic strategy in dealing with Iran. He cites North Korea as a perfect example of where diplomacy worked to end their nuclear weapon testing where endless threats and polarization did not.
He writes, "Rather than directly engaging the Iranians about their nuclear program, President Bush refuses to talk, except to make threats. He has moved ships to the Persian Gulf region and claims, with scant evidence, that Iran is helping Iraqi insurgents kill Americans. This is not a strategy for peace."
Governor Richardson is alluding to an important point. President Bush has, in the past, used excuses to carry out a forceful agenda rather than seeking a peaceful solution. It is time to call for peace and diplomacy to halt Iran's nuclear capabilities (whatever those may be). All President Bush's strategy with Iran is doing, is giving extra attention to the Iranian leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which is what he desires. In the upcoming weeks, many groups will be sponsoring an Iran awareness week. It is important that we, as College Democrats, participate by insisting on a peaceful and diplomatic solution to ending Iran's nuclear capabilities, rather than force.

This is not an endorsement of Bill Richardson for President.

Click to read Governor Richardson's Op-Ed

Racist Republican "Games"

2007-02-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

The Democratic National Committee sent out a press release today, condemning the College Republicans for encouraging racist events having to do with illegal immigration. According to the release, “This latest ‘game’ has become part of a disturbing trend of College Republicans’ events around the country, including events like ‘Catch/Find an Illegal Immigrant Day,’ which is being orchestrated by the NYU College Republicans.”
The UMD College Democrats, in disbelief, found the event listed on the NYU College Republican’s website (pictured). At the beginning of 2007, the NYU College Democrats offered to co-host a bipartisan panel with the College Republicans about immigration, a sensitive and urgent issue in our country. The College Republicans decided against it and instead engaged in “games” designed to further polarize College campuses on this issue.
For some people legal immigration is a long and costly process, when they are living in squalor, poverty, and under an unstable government. The US government has been formulating policy on illegal immigration primarily from Central and South America, for years, and passing this issue off as a "game" is insensitive and racist in motivation and in practice. We join the College Democrats of America in urging the National College Republicans to condemn these activities.

To view the press release click here

Orlan Johnson Event

2007-02-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's event, where we hosted Orlan Johnson, a member of the Maryland Board of Regents, was a great success! Thanks everyone for stopping by! It is important to open up the group to a discussion of what we can do to help implement the Board of Regents report findings to help people get on the college track. How do you think we can do this? And, what do you think of the report being "based on economics" rather than purely on education?

College Dems New Blog

2007-02-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for visiting our new blog. From time to time our executive board will be posting hot news, opinions, and information on this blog for members of our organization and prospective members. We hope you enjoy its content and visit often!

As Always, Please Remember to Come to Our Weekly Meetings

Wednesday, 6:30pm
1101 Tydings Hall