Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Haring for 2nd Vice Chair - On Targeting
As part of my lead up to the election of Salt Lake County 2nd Vice Chair, I have decided to start a series of posts on specific platform positions that I am running on - hopefully I can get your support.
Targeting of Races
For far too long, the Salt Lake County Democrats have been playing defense - focusing on maintaining the local, state, and federal races rather than expanding out and attempting to win more races. This is understandable, as reaching out to virgin territory is risky and takes resources away from the races we have won in the past. It is risky because it means that we may lose races from time to time in what we all believed to be Democratic strong holds. It is risky because we, as Democrats, feel that we are surrounded on all sides and that this would be a waste of resources.
I say to you now that these ideas are false.
For the first time in over forty years, Salt Lake County supported the Democratic presidential candidate over the Republican. Furthermore, the shifting demographics of the county are bringing more liberally minded youth into voting age. Finally, as Salt Lake becomes more and more urban, we take on the statistical advantage that Democrats are favored in big cities. This trifecta means that now is the time to strike at the hart of the Republicans, now is the time that we need to build alliances, now is the time that we must act. Failure to do so will doom us to another forty years of failure.
One problem with the old way of thinking is that it focuses too much on one election - whereas my ideas focus on the next 10. We may not see more victories in any given election, but I guarantee that we will see more victories over all.
When the party plays defense, they require a charismatic candidate to win in non-traditional areas; when the party plays offense, they require that candidates stick to the Democratic ideals we all pride ourselves in. The offensive version avoids us being angry at DINO's (Democrats in name only) and allows our message to less easily get distorted by Republicans.
We can win and we will win. Vote Curtis Haring for 2nd Vice Chair this April 18th at Cottonwood High. Details can be found here.
I say to you now that these ideas are false.
For the first time in over forty years, Salt Lake County supported the Democratic presidential candidate over the Republican. Furthermore, the shifting demographics of the county are bringing more liberally minded youth into voting age. Finally, as Salt Lake becomes more and more urban, we take on the statistical advantage that Democrats are favored in big cities. This trifecta means that now is the time to strike at the hart of the Republicans, now is the time that we need to build alliances, now is the time that we must act. Failure to do so will doom us to another forty years of failure.
One problem with the old way of thinking is that it focuses too much on one election - whereas my ideas focus on the next 10. We may not see more victories in any given election, but I guarantee that we will see more victories over all.
When the party plays defense, they require a charismatic candidate to win in non-traditional areas; when the party plays offense, they require that candidates stick to the Democratic ideals we all pride ourselves in. The offensive version avoids us being angry at DINO's (Democrats in name only) and allows our message to less easily get distorted by Republicans.
We can win and we will win. Vote Curtis Haring for 2nd Vice Chair this April 18th at Cottonwood High. Details can be found here.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
YDA: WTF?!
Many of you know that I am involved with the Young Democrats of Utah - an origination near and dear to my heart. That being said, our parent organization, the Young Democrats of America, are very good at being Democrats - that is loosing everything when there is no plausible way for them to do so.
You see, at last nights weekly YDU meeting it was announced that YDA was insolvent - no money, no staff, no idea how they got into this situation. Now there is no excuse for a national Democratic group to go belly up, especially one that focuses on youth, and especially one that claimed so much success in getting President Obama elected. You see, the Young Democrats of America is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee, specifically designed to reach out to youth and get them involved in politics.
But, here we are, a national democratic organization goes belly up. Now as a board member for the Young Democrats of Utah (again we are under YDA) we were told of YDA's financial trouble...oh, about three weeks ago. After a desperate, and apparently unsuccessful, fundraising drive, the status of our national organization is less than certain. Now YDA may be shaking its head, wondering what happened - but I think I have it figured out:
Leadership, or rather a lack there of. From the first time I ever attended a YDA conference, I was amazed to see the utter lack of desire for candidates to actually run an organization, rather they wanted to have something to put on their resume. Now I have to wonder if, under their job description, they will actually put "drove organization into the ground."
But who is really harmed in all of this? Statewide organizations, such as YDU, who now have to pick up the financial burden YDA once agreed to cover. In Utah, for example, our Executive Director's (who has catapulted YDU to the forefront of Utah Democratic politics) job has been put into mild jeopardy, all because YDA was not smart enough to know how to balance a budget. Now, don't cry for our ED, our board made a commitment to shift everything around in order to keep him - but what of other states who have tighter budgets than ours? They will have to make some tough decisions.
Good job, Young Democrats of America - not only have you screwed your own personal careers over, but you have made things even more difficult for states such as Utah (where we have finally started to see some Democratic progress in elections) to make a change.
To this day, the YDA web site makes no mention of the mistake they made or how they intend to fix it. My fellow board members tell me that leaders have magically forgotten to turn on their phones over the last week - strong leadership indeed.
So, in closing, please let me make a plea for you to contribute to the Young Democrats of Utah. We are open and honest about how we intend to spend your money, and our track record speaks for itself.
You see, at last nights weekly YDU meeting it was announced that YDA was insolvent - no money, no staff, no idea how they got into this situation. Now there is no excuse for a national Democratic group to go belly up, especially one that focuses on youth, and especially one that claimed so much success in getting President Obama elected. You see, the Young Democrats of America is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee, specifically designed to reach out to youth and get them involved in politics.
But, here we are, a national democratic organization goes belly up. Now as a board member for the Young Democrats of Utah (again we are under YDA) we were told of YDA's financial trouble...oh, about three weeks ago. After a desperate, and apparently unsuccessful, fundraising drive, the status of our national organization is less than certain. Now YDA may be shaking its head, wondering what happened - but I think I have it figured out:
Leadership, or rather a lack there of. From the first time I ever attended a YDA conference, I was amazed to see the utter lack of desire for candidates to actually run an organization, rather they wanted to have something to put on their resume. Now I have to wonder if, under their job description, they will actually put "drove organization into the ground."
But who is really harmed in all of this? Statewide organizations, such as YDU, who now have to pick up the financial burden YDA once agreed to cover. In Utah, for example, our Executive Director's (who has catapulted YDU to the forefront of Utah Democratic politics) job has been put into mild jeopardy, all because YDA was not smart enough to know how to balance a budget. Now, don't cry for our ED, our board made a commitment to shift everything around in order to keep him - but what of other states who have tighter budgets than ours? They will have to make some tough decisions.
Good job, Young Democrats of America - not only have you screwed your own personal careers over, but you have made things even more difficult for states such as Utah (where we have finally started to see some Democratic progress in elections) to make a change.
To this day, the YDA web site makes no mention of the mistake they made or how they intend to fix it. My fellow board members tell me that leaders have magically forgotten to turn on their phones over the last week - strong leadership indeed.
So, in closing, please let me make a plea for you to contribute to the Young Democrats of Utah. We are open and honest about how we intend to spend your money, and our track record speaks for itself.
Click here to participate in our 9 in 09' program wherein we intend to set up 9 new countywide chapters in 2009. Though we ask for $20.09, any contribution would be appreciated.
I caved...
I am so ashamed - everyone else on the interwebs may be thrilled, but I feel like I need a shower.
http://twitter.com/c_haring
http://twitter.com/c_haring
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Utah State Legislature - We do What we Must Because We Can
Yes, yes, I know it has been two weeks sense the Utah State Legislature wrapped up its 58th session, but that does not mean that it is too late to actually chime in on some of the stuff that went on on Capitol Hill. Here is my analysis of a few of the major issues discussed this year.
Voting Rights
This year your right to vote was severely under attack by Republicans. Everything from early voting to the procedure at the polls were questioned by Republicans, often creating problems where none existed before. Bills were written to require proof of citizenship at the polls despite the fact that you have to be a citizen in the first place to be eligible, and one bill (which passed into law) could potentially make it more difficult for people in Salt Lake County, and only Salt Lake County, to vote early. On the flip side, Democrats proposed various bills that would make voting easier and more fair - some focused on same day voter registration while others advocated for a non-partisan commission to create fair legislative boundaries that are not gerrymandered. Not surprisingly, these bills died a terrible terrible death.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 1
Abortion
As sensitive of a topic as I know this is, I still must say that the citizens of the state of Utah lost big in regards to abortion. If you are anti-abortion, you may think you scored big with the passage of Ray's bill calling for the criminal prosecution of those who perform abortions, but in reality you, and indeed all of us, are loosing quite a bit. You see, this law will be challenged, and it will go all the way to the Supreme Court where it will inevitably be found unconstitutional - so what do you get out of it pro-life crusader? Well a giant bill for the cost of all them big city lawyers and no progress on taking down Roe v. Wade. I, as a pro-choicer, will have to foot the bill as well - but my only reward is going to be able to say "I told you so" as I drive past a dilapidated school that could have been repaired with the same funds.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 2
Ethics Reform
Bwa, ha ha ha ha! Yeah right - next.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 3
Equality
Despite the citizens stating that they supported equal footing for the GLBT community when it comes to employment, health care, and the like, the far right legislature resoundingly shot down all six of the Common Ground Initiatives - fearful that they are going to catch teh gey if they move so much as an inch towards treating people like people. So, to all you homophobes (and you are, don't try to convince me otherwise) out there that were pleased as punch to see that those ookie gay people still have no rights, just know that it is not a matter of "if" but "when" Utah will pass a law that treats all of its citizens equally.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 4
Civil Rights
Most notable this year in regards to civil rights was the passage of a bill that would prohibit gang activity. Not a bad idea on the surface, but dig a little more and you will discover that the law fundamentally harms our First Amendment right to peaceably assemble. By forcing people to disperse on public land, Senator Grieners SB 16 severely limits our rights in the name of protection. A law similar to this has already been passed and has already been shot down by the Supreme Court, yet we all stick our heads in the sand because we hate those brown people talking on the street corner.
Citizens - 0, Special Interest - 5
Environment
This year we really had a mixed bag when it came to environmental protection laws. On the one hand we saw a revolutionary bill designed to help municipalities draft environmentally sustainable codes, on the other we had head-in-the sanders continue to deny that climate change exists and that we are harming not only the earth, but our economy, if we continue down a dirty road. Also we saw the passage of the "Tim DeChristopher" law that would arrest anyone in peaceful protest by jacking up the price of land during a bid - a law so narrow, and so out of the jurisdiction of the state of Utah that it is almost laughable.
Citizens - 1/2, Special Interests - 6
Alcohol
This year, largely with the help of the progressive Huntsman (yeah, I said it), Utah was able to make some real progress in updating our liquor laws. Now the state is still the most conservative when it comes to getting a drink, but things have gotten a little bit better. Most notable of the changes is the removal of the private clubs - adults will actually be able to walk into a bar and order a drink with little resistance at the door (aside from getting their license scanned - another new provision). Now many teetotalers may think that this endangers the children by having more drunks wander the street, but the simple fact of the matter is that everyone who drinks in Utah already knows how to get around the laws, and tourists who don't drive will spend more money while in our state.
Citizens 1 1/2 - Special Interests 6
Well, that is a good summary as always. I neglected to talk about the budget because cuts had to be made all around and everyone felt the pain. Aside from the Buttars fiasco, this was actually quite a boring session. I attribute this to the fact that we did have a budget crisis where we knew no one was going to get that much special treatment and that we had new leadership in both the House and the Senate. We will see what next year will bring, but in the mean time, go walk into a bar on June 1st!
Voting Rights
This year your right to vote was severely under attack by Republicans. Everything from early voting to the procedure at the polls were questioned by Republicans, often creating problems where none existed before. Bills were written to require proof of citizenship at the polls despite the fact that you have to be a citizen in the first place to be eligible, and one bill (which passed into law) could potentially make it more difficult for people in Salt Lake County, and only Salt Lake County, to vote early. On the flip side, Democrats proposed various bills that would make voting easier and more fair - some focused on same day voter registration while others advocated for a non-partisan commission to create fair legislative boundaries that are not gerrymandered. Not surprisingly, these bills died a terrible terrible death.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 1
Abortion
As sensitive of a topic as I know this is, I still must say that the citizens of the state of Utah lost big in regards to abortion. If you are anti-abortion, you may think you scored big with the passage of Ray's bill calling for the criminal prosecution of those who perform abortions, but in reality you, and indeed all of us, are loosing quite a bit. You see, this law will be challenged, and it will go all the way to the Supreme Court where it will inevitably be found unconstitutional - so what do you get out of it pro-life crusader? Well a giant bill for the cost of all them big city lawyers and no progress on taking down Roe v. Wade. I, as a pro-choicer, will have to foot the bill as well - but my only reward is going to be able to say "I told you so" as I drive past a dilapidated school that could have been repaired with the same funds.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 2
Ethics Reform
Bwa, ha ha ha ha! Yeah right - next.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 3
Equality
Despite the citizens stating that they supported equal footing for the GLBT community when it comes to employment, health care, and the like, the far right legislature resoundingly shot down all six of the Common Ground Initiatives - fearful that they are going to catch teh gey if they move so much as an inch towards treating people like people. So, to all you homophobes (and you are, don't try to convince me otherwise) out there that were pleased as punch to see that those ookie gay people still have no rights, just know that it is not a matter of "if" but "when" Utah will pass a law that treats all of its citizens equally.
Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 4
Civil Rights
Most notable this year in regards to civil rights was the passage of a bill that would prohibit gang activity. Not a bad idea on the surface, but dig a little more and you will discover that the law fundamentally harms our First Amendment right to peaceably assemble. By forcing people to disperse on public land, Senator Grieners SB 16 severely limits our rights in the name of protection. A law similar to this has already been passed and has already been shot down by the Supreme Court, yet we all stick our heads in the sand because we hate those brown people talking on the street corner.
Citizens - 0, Special Interest - 5
Environment
This year we really had a mixed bag when it came to environmental protection laws. On the one hand we saw a revolutionary bill designed to help municipalities draft environmentally sustainable codes, on the other we had head-in-the sanders continue to deny that climate change exists and that we are harming not only the earth, but our economy, if we continue down a dirty road. Also we saw the passage of the "Tim DeChristopher" law that would arrest anyone in peaceful protest by jacking up the price of land during a bid - a law so narrow, and so out of the jurisdiction of the state of Utah that it is almost laughable.
Citizens - 1/2, Special Interests - 6
Alcohol
This year, largely with the help of the progressive Huntsman (yeah, I said it), Utah was able to make some real progress in updating our liquor laws. Now the state is still the most conservative when it comes to getting a drink, but things have gotten a little bit better. Most notable of the changes is the removal of the private clubs - adults will actually be able to walk into a bar and order a drink with little resistance at the door (aside from getting their license scanned - another new provision). Now many teetotalers may think that this endangers the children by having more drunks wander the street, but the simple fact of the matter is that everyone who drinks in Utah already knows how to get around the laws, and tourists who don't drive will spend more money while in our state.
Citizens 1 1/2 - Special Interests 6
Well, that is a good summary as always. I neglected to talk about the budget because cuts had to be made all around and everyone felt the pain. Aside from the Buttars fiasco, this was actually quite a boring session. I attribute this to the fact that we did have a budget crisis where we knew no one was going to get that much special treatment and that we had new leadership in both the House and the Senate. We will see what next year will bring, but in the mean time, go walk into a bar on June 1st!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Vote Haring April 18th!
Today I am officially announcing my candidacy for second vice chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. I would appreciate any support you can give, and I would appreciate your vote on April 18th.
Second Vice Chair is the most hotly contested race, with no less than five candidates running. I know quite a few personally, and, needless to say, it is a lot of great talent out there.
Why vote for me?
- As a five year board member of the Young Democrats of Utah, I have literally committed my entire adult life to advancing the goals of the Democratic Party.
- I have worked on numerous campaigns - My first official position outside of volunteer was as Campaign Manager for the Beth Holbrook for District 20 race; Beth would be the best performing Democrat in Davis County. Next I worked on the Ralph Becker for Salt Lake City Mayor campaign as Volunteer Coordinator, I personally worked with at least 50 dedicated volunteers and 100 individuals over the course of the campaign. As many of you know, we knocked on every house in Salt Lake City at least once and, in many cases, two or three times, before election day. This past election I was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Jean Welch Hill for Attorney General Campaign. With a campaign focused on holding Mark Shurtleff's feet to the fire in regards to pay-day lenders, we made sure that people became aware of this terrible problem.
- I have worked for both the Democratic National Committee and the Utah State Senate Democrats - Thanks to the Hinckley Institute of Politics, I have had the opportunity to work in both our state and nations capitol. During my time in D.C. I worked in the research department during the Roberts and Alito confirmation hearings, Hurricane Katrina, and, at the devastating effects of the war in Iraq. Locally, I was on Utah's Capitol Hill during the voucher debate and eventual passage, and assisted my legislators, Senator Ed Mayne and Mike Demitrich, in their attempts to block legislation. I am also proud to say that I assisted in reducing house fires and in the creation of the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission.
- Passion - Any reader of this blog knows that I do what I do because I love it. I know that I will bring that same passion to the office of second vice chair.
- Work on party building - we must find new volunteers, candidates, and donors by working from the ground up. For far to long we have assumed that people will either choose to become a party member or they won't. We must throw this assumption away and actually reach out to like minded individuals.
- Start playing offense when it comes to elections - for far to long it has been assumed that the Salt Lake County Party focuses only on Salt Lake City, and in politics perception is reality. We must have a greater presence in areas where it seems we don't show up. The victories of Laura Black and Jay Seegmiller show that we can win in southern Salt Lake County.
- Update the feel of the Platform and Steering Committees meetings to be more adaptable to the realities on the ground - in our political world, things are constantly changing, but often the decision makers don't. Please do not mistake this as an insult towards current members, rather, with my chairmanship to the Platform Committee, I will be providing fresh new ideas for taking on (and taking down) Republicans.
- Digital domination is key- We are lucky that the Republicans have not caught up with the Salt Lake County Democrats in regards to the use of technology in elections. This, however, will not last. Though we may have had the digital advantage last election, much work still needs to be done to improve the system. I will work to ensure that every volunteer on every campaign will have the best tools available to them to ensure victory.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I can be found at curtis.haring@gmail.com. Also, and financial contributions would be much appreciated, and can be mailed to 1171 Oakley St. Salt Lake City, Utah 84116.
The convention will be held at Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 E. (map) and starts at 10:00 AM - Hope to see you there!
The convention will be held at Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 E. (map) and starts at 10:00 AM - Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Young Democrats of Utah Legislative Hangover!
Feeling Down? Tired? Headache? Not feeling too good?
Sounds like a Legislative Hangover to me.
But no need to worry as the session is over and YDU is going to celebrate our successes and commiserate our failures.Join YDU this Friday for our annual Legislative Hangover & End-of-Session Party!
Where: Squatters 147 West Broadway SLC
When: Friday March 20th 7:00 PM
Space is limited so arrive early.
Want to help YDU make a difference? Join our CHANGE FOR CHANGE program by becoming a monthly donor.
Friday, March 13, 2009
IT'S OVER! Final Status of Bills to Watch - 3/13
Somehow we managed to survive another legislative session without the state falling into utter chaos (honestly, I don't know how we did it, but I will take what I can get). Here is the final blog post discussing the status of bills - no more "legislative limbo," no more "bills still in play," no, bills are either alive or dead.
The Governor, of course, can still veto, but barring any of that stuff, the bills that still live will become law.
So, without further adieu, here is the final "bills to watch" for the 2009 legislative session. If you were wondering, there were approximately 600 bills this session, and my 53 "bills to watch" made up about 10% of all the action going on on the hill.
The Governor, of course, can still veto, but barring any of that stuff, the bills that still live will become law.
So, without further adieu, here is the final "bills to watch" for the 2009 legislative session. If you were wondering, there were approximately 600 bills this session, and my 53 "bills to watch" made up about 10% of all the action going on on the hill.
IT'S ALIVE!
H.B. 14 - Material Harmful to Minors Amendments
H.B. 17 - Expedited Partner Therapy Treatment
H.B. 90 - Criminal Homicide Abortion
H.B. 114 - Abortion Litigation Trust Amendments
H.B. 116 - Uniform Fees on Canoes
H.B. 118 - Archives and GRAMA Revisions
H.B. 144 - Medical Language Interpreter Act
H.B. 222 - Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act
H.B. 437 - Obstruction of Natural Resource or Agricultural Production
H.J.R. 8 - Joint Resolution Regarding Secret Ballot
S.B. 16 - Prohibited Gang Activity
S.B. 24 - Early Voting Amendments
S.B. 25 - Online Voter Registration
S.B. 112 - Obstruction of Justice Amendment
S.B. 187 - Alcohol Amendments
S.J.R. 1 - Joint Resolution - Renewable Energy System
H.B. 17 - Expedited Partner Therapy Treatment
H.B. 90 - Criminal Homicide Abortion
H.B. 114 - Abortion Litigation Trust Amendments
H.B. 116 - Uniform Fees on Canoes
H.B. 118 - Archives and GRAMA Revisions
H.B. 144 - Medical Language Interpreter Act
H.B. 222 - Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act
H.B. 437 - Obstruction of Natural Resource or Agricultural Production
H.J.R. 8 - Joint Resolution Regarding Secret Ballot
S.B. 16 - Prohibited Gang Activity
S.B. 24 - Early Voting Amendments
S.B. 25 - Online Voter Registration
S.B. 112 - Obstruction of Justice Amendment
S.B. 187 - Alcohol Amendments
S.J.R. 1 - Joint Resolution - Renewable Energy System
Deader than a doornail:
H.B. 82 - Teacher Mortgage Loan Program
H.B. 84 - Campaign Financing and Gift Regulation
H.B. 93 - Establishment of State Ethics Commission
H.B. 95 - Restrictions on Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles
H.B. 103 - Revolving Door Limitations for Public Officials to Become Lobbyists
H.B. 109 - Modifications to Campaign Finance Provisions
H.B. 115 - County Conservation and Preservation Fund
H.B. 159 - Ethics Provisions
H.B. 187 - Recreational use of Public Waters on Private Property
H.B. 191 - Air Quality Board Amendments
H.B. 196 - Provisional Ballot Amendments for Unregistered Voters
H.B. 204 - Concealed Firearms Instructors Amendments
H.B. 208 - Modification of Exemption from Nonresident Tuition
H.B. 219 - Tobacco Tax Increase
H.B. 225 - Driver License Amendments
H.B. 248 - Regulating the Use of a Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle
H.B. 260 - School Employee Termination Amendments
H.B. 267 - Antidiscrimination Amendments
H.B. 268 - Legislator Reporting Gifts and Other Items
H.B. 288 - Adoption Amendments
H.B. 325 - Opting Out of the REAL ID Act
H.B. 406 - Compact Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote
H.J.R. 2 - Joint Resolution to Amend the Marriage Provision of the Utah Constitution
H.J.R. 17 - joint Resolution urging Congressional and Presidential Opposition to Federal Bailout and Promotion of Fiscal Responsibility
S.B. 32 - Wrongful Death Amendments
S.B. 42 - Nuclear Power Distribution and Generation
S.B. 69 - Proof of Citizenship Required to Vote
S.B. 106 - Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Restrictions
S.B. 113 - Delayed Effective Date for Illegal Immigration Legislation
S.B. 114 - Tobacco Tax Amendments
S.B. 119 - Hospital Emergency Room Task force
S.B. 128 - Rainwater Harvesting
S.B. 132 - Individual Income Tax Contribution for Methamphetamine Housing Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Fund
S.B. 144 - Pete Suazo Memorial Highway
S.B. 164 - In Person Voter Registration
S.B. 174 - Redistricting Commission
Analysis coming soon!
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