The Policy Geek: 2016

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Support The Bridge Act

"As we get closer to the day that Donald Trump actually becomes the President of the United States, the urgency of our movement grows exponentially. We will not be silent, we will not be silenced and we will unite to oppose any and all policies that hurt the American people. Our duty is to protect the heart of this nation, and be more prepared for the first day of his administration than he is."

~ Our friend Michael Skolnik

Under Democratic President Barack Obama, many undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children were given protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

DACA provides a path to legal work and deferred action on deportation. It's intelligently done and worth supporting. Now, with a Trump presidency looming, DACA is in danger, as are the Dreamers who have benefited from it.

In case you are not aware of who DACA protected, here's the basics,

If you arrived in the United States before age 16
and
If you were born on or after June 15, 1981
and
If you have lived in the United States since 2007

Then
if you can prove you are either in school
or
have a high school diploma or GED
or
have served in the US Military

Then you might be eligible to apply for a
work permit
student loans
a driver's license
a social security number

That's it. It doesn't make you a citizen, it just makes you legal to be here, it makes you a "documented" resident for a limited amount of time, 2 years, during which time you may try to apply for citizenship. No promises.

Trump has said he'll deport all undocumented immigrants, and his intended Attorney General has stated opposition to even legal immigration. If you want to know more about that you can read more here:

Project 1461

On Friday, December 9th, another smart move was made. The BRIDGE Act was introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), which provides a clean, legislative solution for 750,000 Dreamers who earned work permits and temporary relief from deportation.

Whether you are emotionally effected by the outcome of the election, or just a patriotic citizen surprised by the moves already made by the presumptive President-Elect, it would be totally worth your time to call your Senator and voice your support of this work.

So...

Please call your United States Senator. "Well, I don't even know who that is," you say. "And I don't know how to get a phone number of a person I don't even know," you say. Well, no worries, we got you:

You can find out who your representative is and how to contact them here:

http://www.whoismyrepresentative.com/

and tell them that you support the BRIDGE Act.

SHARE AND ACT! CALL TODAY, TOMORROW, AND THE NEXT!!

Go ahead, you can do it now, we'll wait...(make sure you call your Senator's local office and their office in D.C.)

So, now that that's done, it felt great, right? You weighed in, good for you. What's next?

You could also send a letter, a paper letter, showing your support. That's a bigger ask, but maybe you're so darn mad you'll be happy we even suggested it.

Until next time, the struggle continues....

The Policy Geek

Saturday, October 29, 2016

OPEN LETTER TO MR. COMEY

With all due respect, sir, where was the ticking clock? I mean I understand, on an episode of 24 or something - when the people need to friggin know or people will be killed, or shot, or something secret will be stolen - that you would have to weigh your options carefully and chose to act swiftly, sir.

I guess what I’m saying is, I'd understand IF there had been some sort of imminent threat against anyone or anything at all that you were aware of that you might have some standing for your actions. If that were the case, you could possibly feel compelled to send a last-minute memo to members of Congress just like the feckless one you sent today. I suppose there are things we the people don’t know, and somehow with that knowledge yourself, with you having been briefed on the situation by your people, you would theoretically feel the urgency of the situation would override the fact that your wording – and the timing – would perfectly tilt the playing field at the last minute of a Presidential election – in your party’s favor. I could see if it meant saving us, saving the world, I get it, sir.

However, we feel perhaps you may have missed some facts and figures in your observably partisan decision-making process, sir.

There has been no detailed damage done from any email EVER either 'sent to' or 'received from' Sec. Clinton - let alone during any of the years she was in office.
Sec. Clinton hasn’t been in office in years, therefore, whatever this mythical damage was, if WE THE PEOPLE don’t know about it by now, it must be Classified, or nonexistent right?
You obviously chose to send your email to Congress with your little “update” without sending the information using any CLASSIFIED protocol.

So, sir, without that ticking clock, without that imminent threat, what’s up with your timing? I repeat, why the questionable logic and timing of this memo to Congress today? Many people are saying these were coup tactics and your actions are unprecedented. It would seem anything important enough to break the law by dumping this into the public sphere so close to election day will indeed make history. Because, in absence of any ticking clock, your memo was kind of against the law, I think. It was designed to make you a Partisan hero, a mythical figure. But it was not an act done for the common good. If you really thought you needed to keep Congress up to date, you could have sent the memo as Classified, right? With all due respect, it really is starting to seem, sir, that you have been dangerously reckless with either our elections or Classified material. At the very least, I have to question your competency and, at the very worst, I have to question your intentions.

There are actual threats against our sacred domestic sovereignty. There is a very real threat of another country having committed several serious violations of cyber espionage against John Podesta and the DNC. Are you on that? Because I guarantee you, if they did a poll today, more people would want to see banner headlines telling us exactly what is going down with counter espionage in the cyber world. Tell us who the bad guys are. Tell us how you caught them. Did you catch them yet? I bet Putin would have taken care of anyone who hacked him like we’ve been hacked by now if it had happened to him, sir. Just sayin. Where are we on that? I bet if Hillary were in charge, they would be hunted down, like with Bin Laden. I can’t even imagine what hell would have been unleashed the minute it happened to Trump.

Nonetheless, we would all prefer that over hearing about you basically just combing over all of the Secretary’s correspondence repeatedly for no reason. Her Server still hasn’t been hacked. But Podesta’s emails were. Where’s your memo on that?

Your former First Lady and Secretary of State has been threatened repeatedly by her opponent with suggestions that others do her bodily harm. Where is that investigation? Where are we on that? Where are your updates to the public in the rise of “hate crimes” since Trump mounted the pulpit? That would seem like a real bonified justifiable threat. A rise in “hate crimes.” But you have been silent on the issue. People actually have been attacked and burned nationwide, and quite often in the name of Trump. Are you aware of that? Has your staff made you aware of any of those stories? Or just that they are still on the Weiner’s dick pics case? And then you agreed you could six degrees of separation this bitch and got to it.

Some people are saying that choosing to classify that memo as CLASSIFIED would have easily still soothed your conscience with Congress and preserved the integrity of our elections. Instead, you chose to sway the election, sir. There are those who have already said that isn’t worthy of your office and say you really should think about resigning, NOW. Perhaps you might want to start shredding now because once these investigations get going they have a way of spreading into everyone’s emails.

Perhaps you would like to plead innocent of the long-standing statutes and history of outlawing public statements by an official such as yourself of the kind you made before an election. Surely you must know those actions are going to be questioned and looked into? Well, apparently, yes you do because while you were sending that now historically incompetent email to Republican members of Congress, the Friday before an election, at the same time you messaged your entire staff at the FBI to let them know that you expected it to be misinterpreted.

You had the option of telling those members of Congress that you’d been briefed about something, sure, but you also had an obligation not to yell fire in a crowded theatre when there was no fire. That was more than reckless. That was dangerously reckless. Then your own staffed leaked your internal memo showing you were aware your Congressional memo would be fodder for one political Party, in essence, proving you were aware you were committing legal slander. Very clever legal slander.

You, sir, should be encouraged to step down as the Director of the FBI. The American Public can never trust you now. This is textbook. There was no smoking gun and no lives at risk. There was every reason to know this would be used as kindling to light some torches of feverish hate - just like your loose lips sideshow at the hearing. We know you are not an idiot, or you wouldn’t be leader of the F.B.I. We know you are not a boob. We know you weigh every single word you say, and when and how you say it. You could have easily sent your “update” in a way that did not create a political bombshell, in the very top secret/classified way we-the-people would expect noninformation like this to go out, but you didn’t, did you, sir?

Where was the ticking clock? Just askin’.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Ocassional Repost

Sometimes we like to repost blogs of friends.

So here's a post from a fellow American activist, our friend, Mike Page.
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The only way I, as one person, know how to voice my displeasure at what the GOP has been doing since election night 2008, is to VOTE AGAINST THE REPUBLICAN PARTY in every election until my dying breath.

I am a former Republican and a military veteran. My voting record, since I could first vote, went to Bush Sr (’88 and ’92), Dole (’96), Bush Jr (’00 and ’04) and Obama (’08 and ’12). Yet, over the past eight years, my eyes have been opened to the obstructionist, RACIST, presidential disrespectfulness, big business-over-people-supporting, 1%-pandering, corporate welfare-giving, social security-cutting, climate change-denying, war mongering, foreign policy-sabotaging (think Iran #47Traitors letter), military veteran-patronizing, national infrastructure non-funding, xenophobia-inciting, SCOTUS Appointee-blocking, Planned Parenthood-defunding, immigrant maligning, ARROGANCE, environmental catastrophe-inviting (think Keystone XL pipeline and EPA shuddering), union-busting, rich-getting-richer-while-poor-get-poorer-ensuring, refugee-bashing, presidential patriotism-questioning, NRA-ingratiating, income inequality-encouraging, human rights-preventing, ELITIST, war on women-perpetuating, HYPOCRITICAL, Jesus’ word-changing, sensible gun law-blocking, middle class-erasing, sacred land-selling, public land-drilling, PRIVATIZING, student loan lower interest rate-rejecting, Medicaid expansion-refusing, Equal Rights-dismissing, minimum wage hike-fighting, GREED-filled, equal pay-denying, path to citizenship-opposing, SCOTUS ruling-ignoring, gerrymandering, HATE-filled, vote suppressing, environmental deregulating, "Citizens United" supporting (think GOP-controlled SCOTUS), Koch-indebted, WHINING-because-you-didn’t-get-your-way, BIGOTRY, poor-and-less-fortunate-bashing, birther and fake scandal-creating (think also BENGHAZI, Hillary’s E-mails), presidential daughter-attacking, 60+time Obamacare-repealing (and failing), LYING, executive appointment-blocking, Peace Deal-threatening, jobs bill-ignoring, FAUX News-supporting, presidential suing at taxpayer expense, TRUMP-creating, TRUMP-supporting, TRUMP-endorsing, TRUMP-excusing, TRUMP-shackled, propagandizing, government closing and do-nothing positive GOP party that has been wreaking havoc since Obama took office.....and all this cloaked as the one true “religious,” “patriotic,” and "conservative" party and yet, contrary to the will of the American voter in two presidential elections!

While I don't agree with, nor support, all of Obama's policies, beliefs or actions, I give him credit for trying to do something to help everyday Americans struggling with day-to-day life issues which is more than I can say of the GOP party and leadership who made it their pledge, upon Obama's first election, to stop him from doing virtually anything during his presidency. Remember, it was Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who, instead of encouraging a bipartisan effort with the then-new president, is quoted as saying, "The single most important thing we [the GOP] want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president." Additionally, a Time magazine article outlined: “If he [Obama] was for it,” former [Republican] Ohio Senator George Voinovich explained, “we had to be against it."

McConnell and his henchmen failed in keeping Obama limited to one term but, even with this loss, he and his colleagues in the GOP have kept their second promise. They have done absolutely NOTHING to help the struggling American economy nor it's struggling people in well over seven and a half years and we pay them millions in salary and benefits for their inadequacy and lack of work product! The rest of us would have been fired long ago if we produced absolutely zero for those who pay our salaries!

It is just remarkable what this president has accomplished, what with the obsessive obstacles purposefully thrown in his path. Imagine what could have been accomplished if those elected, on the Right, actually worked with this president and not become the Party of HATE!

I'm no huge fan of Hillary, and yet, between these two candidates, she is light years ahead of what Trump offers in virtually every category. She will get my vote in November as voting for any other candidate is a vote for Trump. I could really care less is if you don't agree with me, so save your breath, and your hate. Trump is lying to everyone and he is going to do nothing but destroy America from within. ALL evidence, over three-plus decades of news reports, show that Trump is out for himself. He doesn't give a damn about the average citizen, despite anything he might say.

It’s past time to change the game plan and start benching the Republican party. They should not be rewarded with any vote for the incessant, intentional, obstruction of the last eight years. Please vote BLUE down the entire ballot on November 8th. Progress depends upon this. I am so done with these haters!

Don't just agree with me - Please VOTE every single time and encourage likeminded family and friends to do the same. NOTHING changes if we remain apathetic to voting!

------------

NOTE: Many on the Right, after seeing this essay have accused me of lying about my veteran status, or of ever having been a Republican in the first place. I welcome the challenge as to the first accusation. Please report me for "stolen valor." I am who I say I am. As for the second allegation, well, blind allegiances are just not my thing which is why, I believe, I was born with eyes, ears, and a brain. Plus, I'm not a white nationalist, so I likely wouldn't fit in with the Trump crowd. For those who quickly dismiss this essay with “TL;DR” (too long, didn’t read), maybe you should take some time to read this as it affects YOU also.

Ocassional Repost

Sometimes we like to repost blogs of friends.

So here's a post from a fellow activist American, our friend, Mike Page.
----------------------------------------------

Ocassional Repost

Sometimes we like to repost blogs of friends.

So here's a post from a fellow activist American, our friend, Mike Page.

Can You Still Register To Vote?

In case you think it is too late to register to vote this November, you might want to review the list below. And please tell your friends, share liberally, spread the word. There is no room for mistakes this time around. If you are not registered, get registered. If anyone you know is still not registered, get them registered.

In some states, these dates refer to the date your registration packet needs to be postmarked. You can get registration packets to vote at your local post office. In some states, these dates refer to the date your state needs to have received your registration packet. You'll have to check with your local post office for which is true in your area. The best news is that online registration is available in most states. Check the list below for the details of how they do it in your state. Whatever the option is, we have provided links for each state to make it easier.

Alabama by October 24th click here to register online
You'll need an Alabama driver’s license or non-driver's ID card to register online. You could also pick up a voter registration form at your local county board of registrars.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Alabama

Alaska by October 9th click here to register online
You'll need a valid Alaska driver’s license or state ID card to register online. You can also pick up the voter registration form at your regional elections office, an Alaska Division of Motor Vehicle office, and participating public libraries. If you chose to register in person you need return the form by Oct 9 to your regional elections office or other government office where you picked up the form.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Alaska

Arizona by October 10th click here to register online
You'll need an Arizona driver’s license or non-driver's ID card to register online. You can also pick up the voter registration form at your local county recorder and return it there as well.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Arizona

Arkansas by October 9th click here to get the right form to print and send in
Download and print the Arkansas voter registration form. You can also get a voter registration form in person at your local county clerk or at one of the following locations. Be sure to return your voter registration form by Oct 9th at your local county clerk or other government office where you picked up the voter registration form.

State Revenue Office or Driver Services Office
Public library or Arkansas State Library
Public assistance agency
Disability agency
Military recruitment office
Arkansas National Guard

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Arkansas

California by October 24th click here to register online
You'll need your CA driver’s license or CA ID card number, or last 4 digits of your Social Security number to register online. You can also pck up the form in person at your county elections office, any DMV, and many post offices, public libraries, and other government offices.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in California

Colorado by October 31 click here to register online
You'll need a Colorado state driver’s license or ID card issued by the Department of Revenue to register online. Voter registration forms are also available at your County Clerk and Recorder or at other locations such as the DMV, offices that provide public assistance, and Armed Forces recruitment offices. According to google, in-person voter registration is also available at voter service and polling centers from Oct 28 through Election Day, Nov 8.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Colorado

Connecticut by November 1 click here to register online
You'll need a current driver’s license, learner’s permit or non-driver photo ID card issued by the DMV, and a signature on file with DMV. You can also get the form from your local registrar's office, a public assistance office, public library, or any office that primarily provides services to persons with disabilities. If you chose to do this with paper, and not register online, your completed form must be postmarked or received by Nov 1 by your local registrar's office, a public assistance office, public library, or any office that primarily provides services to persons with disabilities.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Connecticut

Delaware by October 15th click here to register online
You'll need a Delaware driver’s license number or Delaware ID number. If you don't have one, you'll need your Social Security number to register online. You can also go in person and get the form at your local Department of Elections, DMV offices (when you apply for, renew, or update your Driver’s License or State ID), State Service Centers such as the Department of Health and Social Services, and many other government offices.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Delaware

DC by October 11th click here to register online
You'll need your DMV issued ID number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number to register online. You can also get the form in person at your DC Board of Elections or at other city agencies, like the DMV and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. You the need to return that form to any of the above agencies by Oct 11, or at your early voting location between Oct 29 and Nov 5. You can also return your registration form in person at the DC Board of Elections by Nov 7 or at your polling place on Nov 8. If you are doing this in person you'll have to provide one of the following documents with your name and address:

Government-issued photo ID
Current utility bill
Bank statement
Government check
Paycheck

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in DC

Florida by October 11th click here to download and print registration form
Florida doesn't have online registration. You need to download and print the voter registration form. Your completed application must be returned in person by Oct 11 to any County Supervisor of Elections, any Florida driver’s license office or tax collector’s office that issues driver’s licenses and/or Florida ID cards, any “voter registration agency” where you get services, any office that primarily serves persons with disabilities, any military recruitment office, or any public library.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Florida

Georgia by October 11th click here to register online
You'll need a Georgia driver’s license or state-issued ID card, with a signature on file with the GA Department of Driver Services (DDS) to register online. You can also get the voter registration form in person by going to your local county board of registrar's office or election office, or any state or governmental office such as a public library, public school, county or municipal clerk’s office, and government revenue office.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Georgia

Hawaii by October 10th click here to register online
You'll need a Hawaii Driver’s license (or State ID) and Social Security number to register online. You can also pick it up at the Hawaii Office of Elections, County Clerk's Offices, state libraries, US post offices, state agencies, or satellite city halls, but you must return it Your completed form must be returned in person by Oct 10 to your County Clerk's Office.
Call (808) 453-VOTE (8683) to see if you are already registered to vote in Hawaii

Idaho by October 14th click here to get downloadable form and print
Idaho doesn't have online registration. You need to download and print the Idaho state voter registration form. If you need to or decide to do this in person, you can get the voter registration form at your county clerk’s office. You then will have to make sure you submit your completed form by Oct 14 to your county clerk’s office. You can also register at your early vote location between Oct 24 and Nov 4, or to your polling place on Election Day, Nov 8. For all of these in person actions, you’ll need to provide one of the following IDs:

Idaho driver’s license
Idaho state ID card
Any document with your current address along with another ID that has your photo
Current, valid student photo ID card from a postsecondary school in Idaho and a current fee statement with your valid address

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Idaho

Illinois by October 11th click here to get downloadable form and print
You need to download and print the Illinois state voter registration form and mail it in. You can also pick up a voter registration form at your State Board of Elections’ office, County Clerk’s office, or Board of Election Commissioner’s office. Either way you must return the form by Oct 11 to the State Board of Elections, the County Clerk’s office, or the Board of Election Commissioner’s office. If you miss the deadline, contact your County Clerk or Board of Election Commissioners to see where you can register in person through Nov 8.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Illinois

Indiana by October 11th click to get downloadable form & print - it downloads automatically
You need to download and print the Indiana state voter registration form and mail it in. You can also pick up a voter registration form at the Indiana Election Division, your County Voter Registration office, Bureau of Motor Vehicle license branch, Public Assistance office, or local public library. Your completed form must be returned by Oct 11 to your county voter registration office.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Indiana

Iowa by October 24th c lick here to register online
You'll need your Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID and birthday to register online. You can also do it in person: Before Oct 29 · Pick up the form at your county auditor, a Motor Vehicle driver’s license station, or a County Treasurers’ office that issues driver’s licenses. From now through Nov 7 you can fill out the form the form at your early voting location. On election day you can fill out the form at your voting location. If you’re registering in person at your early vote location Sep 29–Nov 7, or at your voting location on Nov 8, you’ll need to bring one of the following:

Iowa driver’s license
Iowa non-operator’s ID card
Out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator’s ID card
US passport
US military ID card
ID card issued by an employer
Student ID card issued by an Iowa high school or an Iowa college

If the photo ID doesn’t have your current address in Iowa, you’ll also need another document that shows your name and current address:

Residential lease
Property tax statement
Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
Bank statement
Paycheck
Government check
Other government document

If you are not registering online, you will need to turn in your form by Oct 29 to your county auditor or the other government office where you picked up the form. You can also fill out and return the form at your early voting location Sep 29–Nov 7, or at your Election Day voting location on Nov 8.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Iowa

Kansas by October 18th click here to register online

You'll need your Kansas driver’s license or non-driver’s ID card number to register online. If you're registering for the first time in Kansas, you'll also need to submit one of the following documents to prove your US citizenship (either by uploading a PDF of the document or submitting a copy by mail, fax, or emailing to the contact information on the website):

Birth certificate
US passport
US naturalization documents
Other proof of US citizenship issued by the federal government
Bureau of Indian Affairs card number, tribal treaty card number, or tribal enrollment number
Consular report of birth abroad of a US citizen
Certificate of citizenship from the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
Certification of report of birth from the US Department of State
American Indian card, with KIC classification, from the US Department of Homeland Security
Final adoption decree showing your name and US birthplace
Military record of service showing your place of birth in the US
Extract from a hospital record of birth created at the time of your birth that shows your place of birth in the US
A driver's license or non-driver's identification card only if the agency indicates on your driver's license or non-driver's ID card that you provided satisfactory proof of US citizenship

If you don’t have proof of citizenship, you can still register to vote by using this alternate form.

You can also do this in person in Kansas. You'll need to get the voter registration form at your county elections office and your completed form must be returned to your County Elections office by Oct 18.

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Kansas

Kentucky by October 11th 4 p.m. click here to register online
You'll need your Kentucky driver’s license or personal ID card number, and your Social Security number to register online. You can also get the voter registration form in person at your county clerk’s office but you must submit your completed form by Oct 11 to your county clerk’s office.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Kentucky

Louisiana by October 11th click here to register online
You'll need your Louisiana driver's license or special ID card number, and a residential address in Louisiana to register online. You can also get the voter registration form in person at the following locations:

Any Registrar of Voters office
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
Any Louisiana public assistance agency that administers or provides services under the food stamp, Medicaid, WIC, FITAP programs
Offices serving persons with disabilities (e.g., Deaf Action Centers and Independent Living Offices)
Military recruitment offices

You need to return a completed registration form no later than October 11th.
Click here to see if you are already registered Louisiana

Maine by October 18th click here to get downloadable form and print
You need to download and print the Maine state voter registration form and mail it in. You can also pick up and return a form in person, but you will need to show proof of identity and residency when registering in person. To prove identity you can provide a:

Government-issued photo ID
Current US passport
Military ID
Driver’s license
State ID
Certified birth certificate
Signed Social Security card
Document confirming eligibility for public benefits
Utility bill
Bank statement
Government check
Paycheck
Other government document that shows name and address

To prove residency, provide a document providing proof of your residential address. Examples include but not limited to:

Maine Driver’s license or state ID card showing your current residential address
A current income tax return showing your current residential address
A piece of mail showing your current residential address
A current resident hunting or fishing license showing your current residential address
Proof of the receipt of any public benefit conditioned upon residency
Other items that are up to the discretion of individual registrars, including a residency oath that you can take...seriously.

Call (207) 624-7650 or your registrar to check if you are already registered in Maine

Maryland by October 18th click here to register online
You'll need your valid Maryland-issued state ID or driver’s license number to register online. You could also download and print the Maryland state voter registration form and mail it in, or call the State Board of Elections (410-269-2840) to get a form, or contact your local board of election to request an application. We recommend registering online. If you decide to do it by mail or in person, you will need to return the form by Oct 18. You can also register in person at an early voting center in your county from Oct 27-Nov 3. You'll need your your Maryland state driver’s license or an ID card, change of address card, paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with your name and new address.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Maryland

Massachusetts by October 19th click here to register online
You'll need your Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID card and a signature on file with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you want to do it by mail, you need to download and print the Massachusetts state voter registration form and mail your completed form by Oct 19 to your local election official. Here's the link to the downloadable and printable form. You can also get the voter registration form in person at the following locations:

Any city or town clerk’s office
Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Election Division office
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Military recruitment offices
All state agencies that provide public assistance

You must return that completed form to those locations by Oct 19th but since your state does have online registration, you might want to take that easier route.

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Massachusetts

Michigan by October 11th click here to get downloadable form and print
You need to download and print the Michigan state voter registration form and mail it in. You could also pick up and deliver a completed form in person at the following locations:

Your local Secretary of State branch office
Your local county, city, or township clerk’s office
Offices of several state agencies like the Department of Human Services, Department of Community Health, and Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Military recruitment centers

If you pick it up in person you still need to return the completed form by Oct 11 to your city or township clerk.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Michigan

Minnesota October 18th click here to register online
You will need your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number to register online. If you don't have one of these, you may use the last four numbers of your Social Security number. You can also pick up the registration form at your county election office. If you pick up a form in person, bear in mind you need to return your completed form in person by Oct 18 to your county election office or the following address:

Secretary of State
60 Empire Drive
Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55103

You can also return the form on Election Day, Nov 8 at your voting location. If you register at your voting location you need to prove your residence using one of these options:

Option 1: Bring one of the following that is not expired and has your current address:

Minnesota driver’s license
Minnesota learner’s permit
Minnesota state ID card
Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature

Option 2: Bring a photo ID (expired or unexpired) plus a second document that has your current address. Accepted photo IDs include:

Driver’s license, or ID issued by any state
Passport
Military or veteran ID
Minnesota university, college, or high school ID

Accepted documents with your current address include:

Utility bill
Banking or credit card bill
Rent or mortgage bill
Residential lease
Current student fee statement

Option 3: If you're on your college’s housing list, show the election official your student ID
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Minnesota

Mississippi by October 8th click here for link to registration form
You have to mail in or drop off a registration form in Mississippi. If you don't have access to a printer, you can get a form in person at your county election offic e. Your completed form must be submitted in person by Oct 8 at 12 PM to your county election office.

Call your county election office to check if you are already registered in Mississippi

Missouri by October 12th click here to register online
You'll need your Missouri driver’s license number, Social Security number, and birthday to register online. To register online you'll also need to check the box that indicates you're registering from a tablet, mobile device, or touchscreen device. You can also visit your county clerk’s office to pick up an application in person, but you must return the completed from to your county clerk’s office by Oct 12th.

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Missouri

Montana by October 11th click here to get downloadable form and print it
If you are going to mail it in send your completed form by Oct 11th so it's received by Oct 14th at your county election office. You mail in date is soon approaching, but if you miss it, you can drop off a completed form at your county election office by Nov 7 (before noon). In Montana, you can also register at your polling place before voting on Election Day, Nov 8th.
Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Montana

Nebraska by October 21 click here to register online
You'll need your Nebraska driver’s license or state ID card to register online. You can also pick up the form from your county election office but be sure to return it there in person by Oct 28th. If you want to do it by mail, you can download the form here, and then you have to mail it in by Oct 21 to your county election office. Since you have the option of registering online, we recommend you do it now.

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Nebraska

Nevada by October 18th click here to register online

You'll need a Nevada driver’s license or ID card to register online. You can also pick up the form from your county election office, but you must return it completed by Oct 18th to your county election office. If you were going to mail it in, you had to do it by October 8th.

Click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Nevada

New Hampshire by November 8th

In New Hampshire you have to register in person but you can do it up to and including election day. You may only register by mail if you'll be temporarily absent or have a physical disability that prevents you from registering in person. If you fit that category, voter registration forms are available at your city or town clerk, at your local Supervisors of the Checklist during specified meeting times, and at the polls on Election Day, Nov 8.

Click Here To See If You Are Registered Already in New Hampshire

New Jersey by October 18th Click here to find and print your voter registration form

In New Jersey you can only register by mail or in person. You will need to fill out and print a voter registration application form for your county or contact your County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections to request one by mail. You then need to mail the form to your County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections no later than Oct 18th. You can also get a form IN PERSON at your County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections but must deliver the form in person to your County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections by Oct 18.
Click Here To See If You Are Registered Already in New Jersey

New Mexico by October 11th click here to register online
You'll need your New Mexico driver’s license or state ID card number, Social Security number, and birthday. To register online, the address where you’re registering to vote needs to match the address on file with the state Motor Vehicle Division. You could also pick up the registration form at your county clerk’s office or local Motor Vehicle Division office, but your completed form must be filled out, signed, and dated by Oct 11 and returned in person by Oct 14 to your county clerk’s office.
Click Here To See If You Are Registered Already in New Mexico

North Carolina by October 14th click here to download and print voter registration form

You can not register online in North Carolina. You need to download, print, and either mail, fax or drop off in person. You can also pick up voter registration forms in person at your county board of elections, Department of Motor Vehicles, Departments of Social Services, Departments of Public Health, or other offices that offer public assistance. However you get your form, you need to mail your completed form to your county board of elections postmarked no later than Oct 14th. If you fax you need to do so by 5 PM on Oct 14th. If you deliver the original to your county board of elections in person you need to do so by Oct 19th.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in North Carolina

North Dakota has no deadline
You don't need to register to vote in North Dakota. Instead, make sure you meet all the voting requirements, and provide ID to vote on Election Day, Nov 8. Voting requirements in North Dakota:

Be a US citizen
Be at least 18 years old on Election Day, Nov 8
Live at a North Dakota address by Oct 9
Not be in jail or prison for a felony conviction
Not be currently judged mentally incompetent by a court

Ohio by October 11th click here for downloadable form and print

You can not register online in Ohio, so print the form we have provided the link to. You can also pick up a form in person at your county board of elections, any BMV office, any county treasurer’s office, or any public library. Your completed form must be mailed and postmarked by Oct 11th and sent to this address:

Secretary of State of Ohio
Elections Division
180 E. Broad Street – 15th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

For faster processing, mail it to your county board of elections. Click that link to get the address for you specific county.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Ohio

Oklahoma by October 14th click here to get downloadable form and print

You can not register online in Oklahoma. Your completed form must be postmarked by Oct 14th and mailed to this address:

Oklahoma State Election Board
P.O. Box 528800
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-8800

If you like, you could pick up the registration form at your county board of elections in person at your local DMV office, any public library, or any post office, but if you are not mailing it you still need to return it in person by Oct 14 to your county board of elections.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Oklahoma

Oregon by October 18th click here to register online
You'll need an Oregon driver's license or ID card to register online. You could also download and print the Oregon state voter registration form or call (503) 986-1518 to have one mailed to you. Your completed form must be postmarked by Oct 18th and mailed to your county election office at the address listed on page 2 of the form. You could also pick up the registration form at your county elections official, any public library, or any post office and if you want to turn it in in person you have to do so by Oct 18 to your county elections official.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in Oregon

Pennsylvania by October 11th click here to register online
If you have one, have your Pennsylvania’s driver’s license or PennDOT ID available to reference as you complete the application online. You could also d ow nload and print the Pennsylvania state voter registration form. Your completed form must be postmarked by Oct 11th and mailed to your county voter registration office at the address listed on the form or delivered in person to that same address. You can also pick up the registration form in person at your county elections office.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Pennsylvania

Rhode Island by October 9th click here to register online
You'll need your Rhode Island driver's license or state ID number to register online. You can also pick up the registration form at your local board of canvassers but must return the form to one of those offices by October 9th, so we recommend your online option.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in Rhode Island

South Carolina by October 8th click here to register online
You’ll need your South Carolina driver’s license number or state ID card number to register online. If you’ve moved, you’ll need to update your address with the DMV before you can register to vote online. You can also pick up the registration form at your county voter registration office but must return it completed by October 8th.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in South Carol ina

South Dakota by October 24th click here to download and print registration form

You can not register online in South Dakota. You can pick up the form at your county auditor’s office or municipal finance office and must drop off your completed form by Oct 24 at the county auditor or other government office where you picked up the form. If you chose to mail it in, your completed form must still be received at your county auditor’s office by Oct 24.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in South Dakota

Tennessee by October 11th click here to download and print registration from
You can not register online in Tennessee. You need to mail your completed form by Oct 11th to your county election office or drop it off in person by the same date.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Tennessee

Texas by October 11th click here to download and print registration from

Surprise! You can not register to vote online in Texas. If you can't print the one we provided a link to, voter registration forms are available at your county voter registrar’s office or at other locations such as libraries, government offices, or high schools. You need to mail the form,or drop it off in person, by Oct 11th to your county voter registrar’s office.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Texas

Utah by October 9th click here to register online
You'll need your Utah driver’s license number or state ID card number to register online. The street address you list on the voter registration form must be the same as the address on your driver’s license or ID to register online. You could also download the form, print, and mail it or drop it off in person. If you chose to mail it in, your completed form must be mailed by Oct 9th to your county clerk’s office. You can also pick up the registration form at your county clerk’s office in person. If you miss the mailing deadline, you can deliver your completed form in person by Nov 1 to your county clerk’s office.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in Utah

Vermont by November 2nd click here to register online
You'll need either a Vermont driver’s license, permit or DMV-issued personal ID number; or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number to register online. The registration deadline is Nov 2nd at 5:00 PM. You could also download and print the form if you would like to mail it in or drop it off in person. If mailing, your completed form must be postmarked by Nov 2nd and you must mail the form to your Town or City Clerk’s Office. If you would simply like to pick up your registration form in person, you can get the form at your Town or City Clerk’s Office but must also return the form to your Town or City Clerk’s Office by Nov 2nd.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Vermont

Virginia by October 17th click here to register online
You'll need a Virginia driver’s license or special ID card, and a Social Security number to register online. You could also download and print your voter registration from here. Your completed form must be postmarked by Oct 17th to this address:

Department of Elections
1100 Bank Street, First Floor
Richmond, VA 23219

For faster processing, mail your form to your local Voter Registration Office. If you want to do this all in person, you can pick one up at your local Voter Registration Office or at other locations such as the DMV and Armed Forces recruitment offices and turn in the form by the close of business on Oct 17th. Your local Voter Registration Office can tell you the exact closing time in each county.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in Virginia.

Washington by October 10th click here to register online
You'll need a current Washington State driver’s license or current Washington State ID card to register online. You do have a little more time if you want to also do this in person and the online date has passed if you register by the close of business on Oct 31. You can find out the exact closing time for doing this in person from your County Election Office. To do so, you can either download the form first or pick up the form in person at your County Election Office or locations such as the DMV and other state agencies.

Click Here to see if you are already registered in Washington

West Virginia by October 18th click here to register online
You'll need a West Virginia driver’s license or ID card number, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number to register online. You could also download and print the form here. If you do that, you will need to mail it in by Oct 18th to your County Clerk’s Office or drop it off in person by the same date to that same address. You could also pick up your form in person at your County Clerk’s Office or at other locations such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and Armed Services recruitment offices.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in West Virginia

Wisconsin by October 19th click here to download and print voter registration form

You can not register online in Wisconsin. You can download the one we provided a link for, and print that or pick one up in person from your municipal clerk’s office or at other locations such as Armed Forces recruitment offices. Whether you mail in your voter registration form or do it in person, you must include or show a copy of ID that proves where you live. The following IDs are accepted:

A Wisconsin driver’s license or ID card
Any other ID card or license issued by a Wisconsin government agency or unit
An employee ID card with a photograph (but not a business card)
A real property tax bill or receipt for 2015 or 2016
A residential lease (doesn’t count if you submit the form by mail)
A photo ID from a university, college or technical college with a fee receipt
A photo ID from a university, college or technical college with an on-campus housing listing provided by the university, college or technical college to the municipality
A utility bill dated within 90 days of when you register
(Homeless voters only) A letter from an organization that provides services to the homeless that identifies you and describes the location designated as your residence for voting purposes
A bank statement, a paycheck, a check or other government-issued document

By mail your completed form must be postmarked by Oct 19th and mailed to your municipal clerk’s office. In person you need to return the form by Nov 4th to your municipal clerk’s office.
Click Here to see if you are already registered in Wisconsin

Wyoming by October 24th click here to download and print voter registration form
You can not register online in Wyoming. If you want to do the whole process in person, you can do so by downloading, printing, and submitting the completed form by Oct 25th to your county clerk’s office. You can also pick up a form at those same offices.

Registering by mail is a complicated process in Wyoming. To register by mail, you must download and print the Wyoming Voter Registration Form or call (307) 777-5860 to have one sent to you by mail. Then you must fill out the form in front of a notary or a person authorized to administer oaths. At that time you will be asked to present ID to the notary or other person authorized to administer oaths. Acceptable forms of ID are:

1 of the following:

Valid Wyoming driver’s license
Other state driver’s license
A local, state or federal ID
US passport
School ID
Military ID

Or, 2 of the following:

Certificate of US citizenship or naturalization
Draft record
Voter registration card from another state or county
Certified copy of birth certificate with an official seal
Certificate of birth abroad issued by US State Department
Other form of ID issued by an official agency

The notary or person authorized to administer oaths must also sign and date the form. Your completed form must be received by Oct 25th and sent along with a photocopy of the same ID or IDs you showed to the notary your county clerk’s office at the address listed on the form.

Interestingly enough, you can also register on Election Day, Nov 8 at your polling place, and between Oct 26 and Nov 7th when you request and vote by in-person absentee at your county clerk’s office.

To see if you are already registered in Wyoming, Call your local county clerk’s office.

So that's it folks. Pass it on. Share the info. Time is of the essence.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Things Trump Said He Never Said

Did You Watch the Debate?
On Monday, September 26, 2016 two American candidates met on stage to debate their worthiness to be President of the United States. It was the first of three head to head match ups scheduled for the contenders this election cycle. News outlets are reporting about 84 million people watched it on television and countless more watched online, so it was big deal.

For those paying close attention to this particular season of all things POTUS, we can tell you blood pressures were raised on both sides of the aisle, stress levels went up nationally, and certainly - for many of those watching - an enormous amount of alcohol was consumed throughout the evening around debate watching campfires worldwide.

Once the dust had settled, the fact-checkers started reporting their findings. Trump had interrupted Hillary Clinton a total of 51 times - mostly interjecting with one word statements like, "wrong" and "not," but sometimes he splurged on extra words giving us a full sentence of interruption, like when he said, "I never said that."

Here's a list of the things Trump said he never said:

1. Global Warming is a Hoax Invented by the Chinese

During the debate Trump said, "I did not - I do not say that."
Actually, Trump first tweeted it in 2012, and since then has repeated it on se
veral occasions, including on Dec. 30, 2015 to a crowd at a rally in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

2. Trump Would Negotiate Down the National Debt of the United States

During the debate Donald blurted out, "Wrong."
In May of 2016, Trump suggested he would try to persuade creditors to accept something less than full payment. Apparently, this is a special skill that Trump has mastered throughout his decades as a prominent businessman - paying less than he actually owes. For most people, that means a credit downgrade, which is probably why no U.S. bank is willing to loan him money anymore.

3. Donald Trump Supported the Invasion of Iraq

While Hillary was speaking Donald bellowed, "Wrong."
On multiple occasions Donald J. Trump said he was for invading Iraq before the war began. Donald expressed support in an interview with Howard Stern. The transcript of the Stern interview shows Stern asking Trump if he favored invading Iraq. Trump replied, “Yeah, I guess so. You know, I wish the first time it was done correctly.” Two years after the war started Trump gave an interview saying he thought we should make sure we grab all the oil while we are there.

4. Donald Trump Would Start a War with Iran

During the debate Donald interjected, "That would not start a war."
At a September campaign event in Florida just before the debate, Trump said, “When they circle our beautiful destroyers with their little boats and they make gestures at our people that they shouldn’t be allowed to make, they will be shot out of the water, OK?”

5. Trump Said Pregnancy is an Inconvenience to Employers

Trump once again interrupted Clinton to say, "I never said that."
In an October 2004 interview with NBC's Dateline, Trump said pregnancy is "a wonderful thing for the woman, it's a wonderful thing for the husband, it's certainly an inconvenience for a business. And whether people want to say that or not, the fact is it is an inconvenience for a person that is running a business."

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Is Trump Really Wealthy?

We all know that Trump was born rich. But did you know when his father died, he inherited so much money that he was superrich? Ok, so you probably knew that too.

Born Rich and Incompetent

Yes, in 1978 Trump was worth $100 million. So he should have been able to bankroll any projects he was involved in all by himself, right? Of course that isn't the point, is it? Trump reminds his crowds regularly that using 'other people's money' is the way to go. So even though he had the money to start any kind of business he could ever dream of, or back up any loan he ever took to do just that, so far six of his hotels and casinos have filed for bankruptcy.

Trump started a mortgage company once and that crashed 18 months later. It was called Trump Mortgage. He started an airline called Trump Airlines that defaulted on a $245 million loan forcing him to surrender ownership. Like ALL of Trump’s investment opportunities, people walk away burnt, while he gets money for putting his name on it. No seriously, every time you investigate, or ask, you hear the same thing. He even invented a board game called ‘Trump: The Game’ that is so stupid that it’s delivered 60% less sales than projected. He couldn’t even figure out how to market a kids’ game.

His Trump Steaks so underperformed that Newsweek reports the steaks were pulled 2 months after being put up for sale in Sharper Image catalogues. Donald started Trump Vodka, but production was stopped on Trump's vodka because they both lied about their kosher status and also failed to meet distribution requirements.

Trump Magazine was an actual thing and it FAILED in its 2^nd year. Trump even had a Travel Website called gotrump.com and it was shut down in a year. How do you fail at a Travel Website??? He tried to go up against 'The Tour de France' with a little something he called 'The Tour de Trump' and he failed. After two years that event took his name off of all marketing materials completely.

Whatever He Touches Fails

He tried to go up against the NFL with the USFL. He made so many blunders in that area, overpaying players, and insisting the league move their games from fall to spring, that he single-handedly destroyed that league and now they too are nonexistent.

He created something called The Trump Network, it was a multi-level marketing scheme that he so mismanaged the project closed down after two years. He tried to go up against Pepsi and created Trump Ice (water in a bottle). The only place you can find his water is on his properties but he brags about it like it is somehow a real brand.

$100 Million x 40 Years Equals

So what did he turn his $100 million into? I mean he started with a bundle, where exactly is he now? Well, we don’t know that yet because he is playing the dance of the seven veils with his tax returns. And depending on how things play out, we may never know. What we do know is this. He isn’t worth billions. We also know that if he had just left his money in mutual funds, and not lifted a finger his whole life, he would be worth billions. So instead, he seems to have spent a lifetime starting companies that have failed, offering investment opportunities where investors lost money, and starting huge projects that have repeatedly gone bankrupt…leaving the employees and subcontractors screwed. There is nothing about this one man’s credentials that bears merit. Not one thing.

He is Comprised Financially

And worse, much worse, he is indebted to so many foreign based individuals, and hundreds of foreign based businesses, at this point in his businessman career that there is literally not ONE decision he could make in the White House that would not directly affect the amount of money in his pocket or in the pockets of his children. He has been blackballed by United States banks because of his incompetence and so for some time now has had to depend on the kindness of foreign nationals to pay for his lifestyle. And despite that very obvious fact, Donald J. Trump the GOP candidate has made no effort to diversify himself from this predicament at all.

So, wow, GOP. Great job. We count on you to come up with worthy adversaries. We count on you to elevate the conversation and help run the country. But once again you disappoint. And this time you have let this man - who is financially incapable of leading a scout troop - be in charge of our national conversations of leadership. You let a convicted bigot and hate monger get to the microphone. Shame on you. You can't even use the excuse he is really good at business to justify it either.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Trump The Builder

Well, it's that time again. Talking heads talking about who is going to be President of the Free World 24/7. And it goes on for more than a year every four years. It's really unheard of and it's turned the business of running for office into a business in and of itself.

The length must have something to do with the continued celebration of independenting Americans practice once a year on July 4th. It must be in a continued effort to separate Church from State, to separate us from our British past, that we take so damn long to pick a President because the UK process typically lasts no longer than four weeks. Can you imagine?

In the United States, much the way Christmas has jellyfished over into neighboring months, the election of an American President siphons cash from the electorate through "campaign donations" more than 25% of their adult lives. Just sayin'.

This time around we have two frontrunners worth speaking of. Jill Stein thinks cell phones are killing our children, and Gary Johnson doesn't know what LPO is (Aleppo), so it's down to Hillary Rodham Clinton and Donald J. Trump. We don't have time to concentrate on fully vetting them both between now and November, and the world has had a microscope up Hillary's a** for over 25 years, so we figure that side's been well documented.

In an effort to help any friends out within the reach of this keyboard, we have, however, started to "extremely vet" the GOP candidate. And we've started with his only claim to the thrown, his business practices.

Bon appetite.

Donald Trump The Builder

Patriotically yours,

The Policy Geek

What's Up With Hillary Clinton?

What's Up With Hillary Clinton?

I have been paying attention to Hillary Clinton my whole adult life. No politician I have ever watched has ever gone through what I see her going through and yet she is still standing.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Friday, October 7, 2016

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Friday, September 9, 2016