Dave Obey (D. WI) rocks

I went to our Congressional District Convention today where Dave Obey was honored for his 35 years of service in Congress. He is #3 in Seniority in the House of Representatives. I was fortunate enough to sneak outside and talk to him on his way out and THANKED him for co-signing that letter with Senator Byrd. Dave is a hell of a fighter and speaks the same language as we, on DU, speak. He's one of the good guys.

Our delegation gave Dave a pair of red, white and blue boxing gloves in honor of his 35 years of service and asked him to keep fighting for us.

Got to meet up with three other DUers there today so it was a great day...except I forgot my camera.

He had Jim Hightower there. They discussed a variety of political issues that are hot today and fielded some questions from the audience on BBV, Iraq, the draft, on Kerry and more.

Since the Dem primary, I've had a hard time being motivated to be ABB. Not that I'd vote for anyone else besides Kerry. I've just had no interest in actively campaigning for him. But listening to Jim Hightower and Dave Obey talk about the crap that's happening in DC and in state governments around the country has renewed my Democratic spirit and I'm feeling ready to do what it takes to not only get Kerry into office but also as many Dems in this state as possible.

The winds of change are blowing, people, and that makes this a good year to put progressives in office.

He stated that the draft is alread here, but it is limited to those that enlisted on their own. When they are ready to come home they get yanked back, and Dave said that is just like being drafted.
I'm sick about it, I have two sons that are diffinately not cut out for military duty. I'm afraid they would be friendly fire victims.

But if the draft is inevitable I'd rather have Kerry at the helm then the nutcase that's there now. * will just continue the killing and torture that is going on now, I believe Kerry would work toward peace.

It was nice meeting you ewagner, It is good to put a face with a name. Will you be at the Caucus in Medford today?

Couldn't go to the Caucus because I have to go to Appleton Airport to pick up my son. I wish you success at the caucus.

btw: It was great to meet you. We've got to do a DU meetup some time real soon.

I think Dave sort of tiptoed around the draft issue because it looks like Rangel is trying to smoke the Repubs out on the issue. When Dave speaks, you always have to be aware that he's caught up in some strategies in Washington that would make my head spin.

Like you, I have nearly draft age children too. I don't think the solution to the stop-loss draft is to force everyone else into a draft. How is that different from the pukes' solution to high prescriptions drug prices in this country being to make everyone else in other countries pay more?

Seemed contradictory to me and quite worrisome.