Thursday, January 18, 2007

McCain Must Be Worried

John McCain's signature issue is campaign-finance and lobbyist reform, an issue he picked up after getting embroiled in the "Keating 5" scandal. It's his main legislative achievement, his main appeal to independent voters, and the pillar of his "Straight Talk" public persona.

So you might think it would be the one issue on which he would not flip-flop. You'd be wrong.

According to Roll Call, McCain has agreed to vote to remove a key piece of lobbying-reform legislation that he had until now strongly supported. That measure would require certain "grassroots" organizations to register as lobbyists and disclose their fundraising activities.

I put "grassroots" in quotes because the reform is aimed at what government-watchdog groups call "astroturf" organizations: those that are in fact huge entities, often funded by big businesses that want their involvement kept hidden. There are astroturf groups on the left and right, advocating on any number of issues.

Whether or not you approve of the reform, the point is that John McCain has strongly supported it -- putting him at odds with conservative groups that vehemently oppose it.

McCain's sudden reversal on this comes amid reports of his troubles solidifying support in his run for the GOP Presidential nomination. This is a sure sign that he's worried -- and that he feels the need to beg at the feet of hard-right conservatives for support. Mitt Romney, who's been kissing those feet for quite a while now, must be smiling.

1/18/2007 5:46:20 PM by David S. Bernstein | Comments [1] |

Friday, January 19, 2007 4:06:34 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

To the State of New Hampshire
Governor John Lynch
State House
25 Capitol St
Concord NH 03301

Sir

I a citizen of the United States and of New Hampshire have the greatest of all pride. I served my country as a United States Marine 70-74. I came back from my 31 month overseas tour during the Vietnam Conflict 100% disabled. I have three injuries received at separate times. Two of these injuries are from combat support missions. I will make this clear, I do not believe in violence. I killed as a Marine for my country. I watched good men die. Violence should and can not be necessary in a civilized society.
My next statement is to illustrate the conditions not an act that I believe or would ever do. I understand why Carle Drega did what he did. I volunteer my time to help thousands of people since I returned in 74. I am selfish. I volunteer because it eases my guilt for coming back alive. Many men better than me died for our country. The NH government, courts, state police and newspapers have intentionally inflicted harm on my family and me to stop my exposing criminal acts (that by the way the Madbury selectmen do not deny under oath) committed by the Madbury NH selectmen to satisfy their need to seek personal revenge on individual residents of Madbury NH. I am not from Madbury. I am from Lee NH. I had never met this family before they asked me for help. Here is a summary of facts which I submitted to the Dover Police when I filed harassment charges against you. Dover Police file N0.#7000930.
Our NH constitution gives us the right to take up arms. This is what Carle Drega did when all other means of redress failed. This summary documents with facts and court records of my complaint. There is no question what I am saying is true. You all in government do not want to expose a flaw. Through all the turmoil and harm you have put my family and me through I still believe my country comes first. If killing judges, government officials and newspaper personal is the only solution I will not be a part of it. I will continue to my death no matter what you do to me my present course of action. You may label it as annoying and harassment but remember I am doing it for a Madbury NH family whom NH has decided to destroy to satisfy a few government officials need for revenge. The People are what the United States is about. Read the attached documents. You are the leader of New Hampshire. I tell you to have some pride and represent the people.
Peter Macdonald Sgt USMC Semper Fi
465 Packersfalls rd
Lee NH 03824
603-659-6217

Peter Macdonald

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