Heh You get me... :D

CW, I'm sure you are familiar with this, but if you've ever written about it, it was before my time. I'd love to hear your current thoughts.

An interview with author of Refinery Town Steve Early

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:19273:A-Small-City%27s-Big-Lessons-About-Progressive-Organizing

A small city's big lessons about progressive organizing.

Don, your One Demand effort could benefit from the holistic approach that was taken in Richmond CA.
They've basically enacted your policy within a larger framework that creates continuity, but it's also a left wing approach whereas you are hoping for a nonpartisan approach.
Given that the reality in Richmond is similar to other cities and states, and that Big Money and "conservatism" (in both major parties) go hand in hand and are rather happy with their system to maintain power, I've considered that a flaw in your approach, despite it being the more inclusive and noble path.
So, just an FYI... something to consider perhaps.
I'm sure you'll tell me if you disagree.

A

Here's a four part interview with American University professor Peter Kuznick on American Exceptionalism

Part 1
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=10863

Good interview with the co-writer of The Untold History of the United States.

So much of our policy hinges on the ideas discussed here... usually based on ignorance.
At one point in the interview, they mention that only 12% of Americans graduate high school proficient in American history, and even that is wishful thinking.

Each segment is about 15 minutes... I strongly encourage everyone to at least sample it for a better grasp of our "benevolent imperialism"... or as we like to believe, doing bad things for good reasons.

A

Be excellent to each other

:D

http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/virginia.asp

as tends to happen with older articles, the mencken link is dead. here's a link to 'The Declaration of Independence in American' that's still active:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~drbr/decind.html

JL

:-)

Hope everyone had a happy Fourth!

-CW