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If Only: The Substance of Chris Dodd
In the law, there's a thing called prima facie, on it's face. If a candidate's case is weak on it's face, i.e. their stated positions, there's no point in seeing if they can back those positions up. That's my premise, so let's take a look at Chris Dodd in his own words. I wish I'd had this idea earlier than this, but that's life, ain't it? Hopefully I'll get to do a bunch more of these. Once more, here's where my support of Senator Dodd began. The quotes are taken from Dodd's website and abridged. My analysis is based on the linked material from the site. I encourage you to review the material yourself if my brief comments interest you.
Ending Iraq War and Restoring America's World Leadership
"Dodd understands America must lead to protect our security not only on Iraq, but also on the rise of state-less terrorist organizations around the world, Iran and North Korea's emerging nuclear capabilities, a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, the HIV/AIDS crisis that is decimating whole continents and creating failed states, and the growing threat of global warming. "
Dodd supports the Feingold-Reid Proposal that has no chance of ever being enacted, but if he were president, that would be moot. With the exception of a limited training and counter-terrorism force, Dodd wants the U.S. out of Iraq. Period. I agree. Without starting a lengthy treatise on Iraq, I believe not only that the current downturn in violence is meaningless without political progress, and that the level of violence, while reduced, is still wholly unacceptable, but that it is a temporary situation. Without a political solution, the violence will increase.
Key to our exit in Iraq is the rest of Dodd's foreign policy, which involves rebuilding our alliances around the world, and pressing allies like Saudi Arabia for democratic reform.
Restoring the Constitution
"Chris Dodd is appalled by the current administration's assault on our Constitutional Rights. That is why Senator Dodd introduced the Restoring the Constitution Act, which would restore habeas corpus and require the US to live up to the Geneva Conventions. It would remedy much of the harm done to our nation's commitment to due process rights by the misguided Military Commissions Act."
This is the issue that first drew my attention to Chris Dodd. A lot of Democrats try to ape Republican hawkishness to try to seem tough. To me, being tough isn't tying a guy up and torturing him. Tough is chasing the bad guy down and bringing him to justice, showing him and the world that we are not barbarians, that the words we live by are more than words, they are the ironwork that holds our democracy up. A tough guy doesn't pee his pants and give up all of his rights and deeply held principles when he gets scared. He does the right thing.
Energy
"With a Corporate Carbon Tax that makes polluters pay to his call for historic fuel efficiency standards that break America's dependence on Middle East oil by 2015, Chris Dodd is the only candidate in the field with a plan to make America the world leader on climate change and bring energy costs down for families and businesses. "
The Dodd Energy Plan is pretty ambitious, with tough efficiency and renewable fuel standards. He emphasizes biofuel, a sure winner in agricultural states. I'm not so sure about that part, although I know that a lot of the noise against biofuel and other alternative energy sources is propped up by energy companies' figures that don't take economies of scale into consideration. Still, I think, along with his approach, we need an Apollo-style effort to end oil.
National Service
"Chris Dodd is calling for a new American Community Initiative - a comprehensive national service plan that will draw upon the very best of our character to call Americans to service. "
I think National Service is a great idea that could solve a lot of our problems. Dodd's plan is wide-ranging, but I don't think it goes far enough. Having said that, his initiatives are all achievable. I just think that, in limiting their scope, we also limit the benefit to the country. A National Service plan that offered a fully paid college education in exchange for several years of residency-type service in the individual's chosen field could revolutionize everything from education to law enforcement.
Education
"With proven, experienced leadership in the White House, Chris Dodd believes every child – regardless of economic circumstances – can receive a high-quality education from pre-k to college. "
Well, his longer school day assures that no 11 year-old will vote for him. His ideas are well-targeted, but any education plan, especially one that involves schools construction, has got to address waste and corruption.
Health Care
"The problems are known and so are the solutions – what we need is the kind of bold leadership Chris Dodd will bring to the White House to meet the health care challenge. He'll get the job done. "
Universal Insurance. Basically, everyone will have the chance to enroll in the equivalent of the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program. It's better than what we have now, but as long as we use a for-profit healthcare model, we will never be able to control costs, because healthcare costs aren't really costs. They're healthcare prices.
Veterans
"Understanding that America owes a debt of gratitude to those who have bravely served, Chris Dodd will ensure that the current system is overhauled so that the needs of every American veteran are addressed. "
This is as uncontroversial as a position gets, but note the stark contrast with the hawkish Bush Administration.
Labor and Economic Opportunity
"Chris Dodd believes it's time we had a President who can break the deadlock between workers and employers in this country – who can bring people together to create an environment and an economy that respects work and builds wealth."
Wait, Democrats support unions? Dodd also has fought, and will fight, the expansion of the definition of the word "supervisor" in order to deny organizing rights and overtime pay. He'll also move to protect pensions, a huge, looming problem for America.
After reading all of Dodd's positions, (I omitted several for "brevity"), I get a picture of a veteran progressive who wants to build with the bricks we have now. While his policy ambitions are significant, his plans for executing them are pretty traditional.
Based solely on the substance, I'd say Chris Dodd is a very good candidate. Based on his actions on FISA, which indicate that when he brings it, it gets brung, Chris Dodd gets my vote. Enough votes for Dodd might teach the rest of the Democrats the value of Courage.
Tommy's Mom's Blog, The Lady of Light
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Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 1)Dustin11:33PMDec 31st 2007
He wants to push Biodeisel on us...
I presume you have researched it.
Please contact Hoon Ge of MEG Corporation. He is consultant for the National Biodiesel Board and a leading world expert on biodiesel.
You need to understand this sucks for those of us in cold climates. Go ahead, ask him or any other expert. Bio products suck in the cold. They gel up, even with additives.
I will never vote for someone that forces us to use a fuel they actually know nothing about.
1-4-Romney11:51PMDec 31st 2007
Tommy do you know what his position is about nuclear and coal?
I wonder why more Dems are not supporting Dodd. His stances seem a lot more reasonable than Obama and Edwards.
I found it great that Dodd was key to getting families medical leave from their employers!!!!!!
Mr. Clark11:04AMJan 1st 2008
Tommy Christopher,
When David Knowles did his Christmas article, "The Best in Them", he challenged the reader to say a couple nice things about each candidate. Here is what I wrote about Sen. Dodd:
"Sen. Chris Dodd
Sincere, patient and almost Kennedy-like in his belief in community service."
I like him. I don't know why he isn't considered a major player. I do favor Sen. Clinton, but I've always liked her and am much more well versed on her views. Possibly because of all the scrutiny throughout all of the years.
When I researched him, his strong belief in community service was what really stood out for me. What a difference that could make! I know it is easier for people to donate money, but showing an interest in your community or even at a national level would do so much more. If he gets the nomination, I would vote for him in a second.
Still, my dream ticket would be Clinton/Dodd. I wish he was higher in the polls. At this point, I would have a hard time getting behind Sen. Obama or John Edwards. I now know that I can't get behind a Republican. (Too long of an explanation for right here, right now.)
Sen. Dodd would be a great choice. Anytime a candidate leaves room for people to be part of the solution it removes them from just being part of the problem...apathy.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Mr. Clark
Denise Williams11:38AMJan 1st 2008
Tommy,
I've admired Dodd for his leadership. He didn't stop taking stands and "doing what he does" just because he's running for president.
Tommy Christopher11:50AMJan 1st 2008
I didn't see anything on nuclear, but on coal, he would strictly regulate new plants, here's what his plan says:
# Impose tough standards for construction of new coal plants. The Dodd Plan requires all new plants capture and sequester CO2. No exceptions.
* The Dodd Administration would not invest in "coal to liquid" technologies and programs -- turning coal into liquid fuel does not support the overall goal of turning the clock back on global climate change and is not consistent with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Tommy Christopher11:57AMJan 1st 2008
Dustin,
As for "forcing Biodiesel on us", that's just not the case. It's my understanding that Ethanol would be the focus, but in either case, for the foreseeable future, these would be to augment the current fuel supply. Concurrently, we can develop whatever technology is needed to address your concerns. The technology exists now, actually, but it involves having 2 fuel tanks. In the future, I'm sure some kind of hybrid technology could improve it.
Weigh this choice, Dustin. On the one hand, the future of our ecology and our nation's security, vs. whatever objection you might have to a new technology.
Lady of Light3:33PMJan 1st 2008
Tommy - good work, I did a little on Sen. Dodd after reading your post - Lasy of Light
Dustin2:23PMJan 2nd 2008
"...Ethanol would be the focus..."
Hoon would gladly point out how Ethanol takes just as much coal to make as it can generate. This means, if I burn 1 BTU of coal to make x volume of Ethanol, that x volume of Ethanol can only produce 1 BTU. Plus there is the pollution from making the Ethanol.
So in conclusion, Ethanol=worst than just using coal.
Let just say, I have no objection to new technologies. The issue is politicians forcing poor policies on us for political gain. Biofuels just are not the sole answer. I strongly encourage you to not take my word for it. Some good places to start your research are
http://www.gpisd.net/
http://www1.umn.edu/iree/
http://www.transport.govt.nz/general-biofuels-questions-and-answers-1/
What is the answer? Different solutions for different climates. There can be no one enforced fuel that will answer everyone's problems. Manufacturers hate this reality because they cannot easily mass market their products this way.
Stephanie3:41PMJan 2nd 2008
If Dodd can get his "ticket out of Iowa" tomorrow night at the caucuses, he can continue to "make his case," as he says. If people have the chance to get to know him, they will recognize his leadership qualities. They will see that he even has charisma! Let's hope he can go to New Hampshire.
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Dustin11:32PMDec 31st 2007
He wants to push Biodeisel on us...
I presume you have researched it.
Please contact Hoon Ge of MEG Corporation. He is consultant for the National Biodiesel Board and a leading world expert on biodiesel.
You need to understand this sucks for those of us in cold climates. Go ahead, ask him or any other expert. Bio products suck in the cold. They gel up, even with additives.
I will never vote for someone that forces us to use a fuel they actually know nothing about.