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Stay updated about the Liberal family!
May 2007 - Posts
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The
Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI) praised former Presidential
Chief of Staff Michael “Mike” Defensor for his decision to concede
given the results of the canvassing for the midterm senatorial elections. Sec.
Defensor is a former Chairman of KALIPI. Defensor
conceded last May 30 in order to ease the tension on the ground and
dismiss any notion that there may be illegal acts committed to attain
my victory as well as in recognition of the fact that it would take
much for him to get into the so-called Magic 12. Defensor was No. 15 in
the standings when he conceded.  “KALIPI
lauds the decision of Secretary Mike to concede,” Coun. Lex Tupas,
KALIPI National Vice President for Students, said. “It only shows that
he places the integrity of the elections and the trust of the people
over personal ambition.”
Defensor
was widely regarded as one of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s favorite
Cabinet officials, acting as one of her spokespersons and issue
managers. Defensor, along with Ambassador to Greece Bobi Tiglao, were
the two Liberal leaders in the Cabinet who remained loyal to the
constitutionally mandated President after the 8 July 2005 debacle.  “Sec.
Mike shows us that even in defeat there can be grace and honor. By
conceding, he has done the noble and gallant thing and reduces the
tension that comes after every electoral exercise where people who lost
almost always claim that they were cheated rather than accept their
loss,” Jan-Argy Tolentino, KALIPI National Secretary General, said.
“We
hope that other candidates will follow Sec. Mike’s example. By
accepting their defeat when it’s clear, candidates can prevent an
escalation of tensions post-elections that could reduce of even hinder
the economic gains of the country in the last few years,” Tolentino
added.
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The Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI) will participate in the symposium on AIDS prevention on
5-6 June 2007 at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), organized by
the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP). The activity hopes to gather young leaders and HIV & AIDS advocates from selected areas in the country to discuss the views of young people about the recommendations of the Philippines HIV and AIDS report card. The
report card provides a summary of the current status (both positive and
negative) in HIV prevention strategies and services for girls and young
women in the Philippines, focuses in particular on the five
cross-cutting prevention components: oral provision, policy context, availability of services, accessibility of services, and participation rights.  Councilor
Rhoda Dilidili, KALIPI National Treasurer and coordinator of KALIPI
Council of Ladies (KALIPI-COLA) representing KALIPI, expects the
activity “to formulate views and recommendations, which can play a significant role in changing the state of reproductive health in the Philippines.
Towards
the end of the activity there will be a firming up of the youth’s
recommendation, which will include election of Youth Representative to
the National Stakeholders forum.
This symposium is
being done in coordination with the International Planned Parenthood
Federation (IPPF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and in
partnership with Foundation for Adolescents Development, Remedios AIDS
Foundation, Womenlead, Inc., Lunduyan Foundation and National Youth
Commission, linked with Health Action Information Network, Achieve and
Babae Plus will hold a youth symposium in the conduct of “Country Level
Action for the Report Card: Champions against AIDS Neglect (CLARC CAN)”.
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’Sure Cons have money, but we’ve got creativity and Facebook’ developer says Read More...
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Juventudes Liberales valora muy positivamente los resultados de Ciutadans-Partido de la Ciudadanía en las elecciones municipales, al contrario que los grandes medios de comunicación y algunos afiliados de C's. Son muchos, muchísimos, los municipios en Read More...
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Following another outbreak of violence and violation of human rights during Moscows gay pride last Sunday, European Liberal Youth - LYMEC keeps on condemning the worsening state of democracy and protection of human rights in Russia. Many people involved Read More...
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The YLC is asking all interested parties to submit applications to attend the IFLRY Executive Committee and General Assembly in Dallas, Texas! Read More...
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Well, I didn't do a good job at all of updating you guys during the Omaha Conference. Hopefully all the photos and video we got while out there will help make up for my blogging deficiency. We just posted a 2007 Spring National Meeting Recap page, Read More...
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Tanto el Partido Popular como el PSOE han demostrado su incapacidad para defender la libertad y combatir el nacionalismo, a pesar de la buena voluntad y el sacrificio de muchos de sus militantes, que llegan a arriesgar y perder la vida en el País Vasco. Read More...
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On May 19th, the congress of the Youth Assembly of Estonian Centre Party convened in Tallinn to elect a new leadership of the organization. The event was attended by several key note speakers, among them Mayor of Tallinn Edgar Savisaar. Also present at the congress, Anna Ranki, International Officer of Finnish Centre Youth, delivered a speech at the official opening.
The political agenda of the congress was focused on the recent developments in the Estonian political life. The congress adopted a resolution to turn attention to a donsy integration policy in Estonia and asking government to respect the minorities living in Estonia.
Congress also adopted collaboration paper with Finnish Centre Youth and Students of Finnish Centre Youth for protection of Gulf of Finland by asking governments and parliaments of both countries to start having a co-operation between Baltic Sea Countries.
On the organizational side the congress elected new chairman and 8 members of board. Congress with almost 300 delegates elected Siret Kotka (133 votes) as a new chairman of YEACP. 8 board members were elected as following: Olga Ivanova- Vice-president, Mikk Pikkmets- Vice-president, Robert Raudsaar, Liisi Poomann, Vladimir Volkov, Dmitri Rudnev, Anna Matvejeva, Tanel Kiik.
Members of secretariat will be appointed by the board in few weeks.
Karmen Kähr
Secretary General
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Fredrick Federley MP stepped down this weekend as president of the Center Youth of Sweden (CUF) in Kalmar, Sweden. President of LYMEC Roger Albinyana gave an emotional farewell speech to president Federley after his more than 5 years in office. Magnus Read More...
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Under the focus of several French speaking media stations, LYMEC president Roger Albinyana attended the Congress of Jeunes-MR in Brussels three weeks before the federal elections in Belgium scheduled by June 10th. In his speech Albinyana expressed LYMECs Read More...
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Ecos en la red/ The Libel Por Mauricio López - Costa Rica América Latina vive hoy, nuevamente, bajo la amenaza del socialismo. ... Read More...
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A Protocol of Collaboration was signed on the 9th of May, in Arad Romania, between the branches of two IFLRY Member Organizations: TNL Arad (Romania) and Uj Generacio Szeged (New Generation; Hungary). The neighbouring cities acknowledged the importance of strong cooperation and collaboration within the frame of ALDE, the value of tolerance and openness, the importance of close cooperation and collaboration between the cities of Arad and Szeged, seen in the frame of the E.U. regional policies, and therefore proposed to develop a long term collaboration with the following aims:
• Strenghten the collaboration relationship through common activities
• Promote liberal values
• Promote tolerance between Romanian and Hungarian Youth
• Exchange of best practices in the field of youth activities
• Study and compare E.U. policies’ effects on life in Arad and Szeged Fore more information: Anca Pop (anca_fx@yahoo.com)
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Since coming into power in January 2006, the Harper Government has cut millions of dollars to programs that directly affect students and young professionals in Canada. Such cuts will undeniably have a negative impact on Canada’s ability to be a Read More...
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I mentioned in a previous post that we would soon announce a new national staff position here in the YDA headquarters. As promised, yesterday we did! Here are the vitals on the newly announced Director of State and Local Programs position which we are Read More...
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Right now I'm sitting in the Milwaukee Airport waiting for my connection to Omaha. A quick look at facebook revealed to me that many of you are either enroute, packing, or otherwise prepping for this weekend's meeting as well. If you are still Read More...
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Our Executive Director, Alexandra Acker, was on Fox News this week taking on the spokesman for the Young America Foundation. Check out the video below. Read More...
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On May the 12th the Executive Committee of RU passed a resolution on the possible entry of Belarus, a long time oppressor of human rights, to the Commission of Human Rights of the UN. The resolution was part of IFLRY’s initiative on Belarus (http://iflry.org/issues/news_info.aspx?id=80) Read More...
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Our next National Meeting is just around the corner and I'll admit it - people keep making fun of the fact that this meeting is in "OMAHA". I asked our our Midwest Region Director, John Owens-Ream to say a few words about his fine town and Read More...
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Campus Progress is offering an organizing boot camp, of sorts, to learn how to organize your campus and make your voice heard on ending the war in Iraq. You can learn more and apply at www.iraqactioncamp.org . Read More...
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El respeto por los derechos individuales, la democracia y la separación entre la religión y el Estado no son simples rasgos culturales de los países occidentales, ni opciones políticas tan discutibles como otras. Representan valores universales que deben Read More...
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On May 8-10, LYMEC organized an international conference entitled Life is too short to wait for a visa, in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The event was organized in cooperation with the National Liberal Youth, Romania, the Youth Organization of Alianta Read More...
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To our international partners, During the last week the Danish political system has changed dramatically. A new social liberal and social conservative party came into existence on Monday the 7th. Two of its three founders were from the Det Radikale Venstre Read More...
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Reseña de prensa/ El País Comprobado: la España plural está llena de fascistas. Basta con abrir el periódico para encontrártelos, con sus caras rabiosas, sus gritos, sus gestos amenazantes. Daré nombres. Ahí tenemos a José Antonio Pastor, candidato de Read More...
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Liberalism of Liberalism, a point of view for the next seminar in Dallas
Remember at the end of the XXI century and the beginning of last century, the Industrial Revolution (IR). Remember which changes occurred, good and Bad ones. But what made it change was the people who were living day to day the Revolution. Millions died, millions became wealthy, millions starved, millions… What is for sure is that the IR made people change, and the faster you were changing the more predictable future was assured, of course, with some luck as well. Imagine what could happen if 3 big balloons each one at least as big as the IR where pressing us, which changes could be made by people? Imagine 3 big forces, all together, all at the same time, entering in each one’s life. 3 Mixed Revolutions. Well, that is what exactly we are living nowadays.
As an entrance: Technology and Information Revolution (TIR), Average age, TV, Biochemical’s, Internet…
As a main course: The Woman Revolution (WR), increase of production, family disintegration, new gender problems…
As the great desert: The Globalization Revolution (GR), Massive migrations, Communications, McDonalds, Prostitution, Integration, Disintegration…
This fast speed of our history is making us look confused. We are there, but many times we don’t understand it. How are we going to manage this lack of speed? Forcing to change our society is slow and we need speed. The perfect example: even though we would like to revert at 100% the world heating, we would not be able, as US Democrat Al Gore says.
Is Liberalism Enough to Reach that Speed?
Liberalism enables much better than other ideologies to move at faster tracks. It gives to the individual the liberty to progress and this is very good for individuals who can and want to progress. With Liberalism the possibility of progress is given directly to the individual. But the permanent question that we as Liberals have to answer in any situation is: Are the individuals able or want to use this potential released by Liberalism? In this question I always wonder: Is the situation in a civilized position? Is the relation of forces fair? If it is the case, Liberalism is the perfect way to act because it gives the maximum power to the ones that are interested to progress, and consequently the faster speed to progress. But what happens when it is not fair ?...
In the political spectrum, there is a huge gap between Neo-Liberalism and Neo-Interventionism. For me, being Liberal means to know exactly where I have to position my decision in this spectrum in any given situation. That means basically to be enough Liberal to stop Liberalism when it has to be stopped. In other words, the more the situation is civilized, the more Liberal I can be, but in order to civilize the situation I have to intervene. What a paradox!!!
In order to solve that liberal paradox we, the Young Liberals of Andorra, have created our own definition of Liberalism:
“Maximize the individual liberty as much as possible in order to progress; meaning that each individual or association of individuals has the exact rights but also the exact obligations for the common wealth in every given situation.”
Being a Liberal means being able to stop Liberalism in the appropriate situation when it has to be stopped. This is the Liberalism of Liberalism; we have to feel free to stop Liberalism whenever we have to. In this fast world we are living, feel free to change the rules, otherwise even Liberals are going to be stocked as other ideologies are being stocked right now.
Let’s put it into a practical situation:
I am happy to think that Tafsir was not refused in the last GA... this means that more than half of the world representatives have given another chance to Africa (Liberals)… Perhaps the key to Africa is Senegal ? If Senegal is a democracy and Liberals that are ruling that country have good-will I suppose that having one of the next events after Dallas in Dakar will be a good decision. We as Liberals of the World have to think how we can solve this huge problem called Africa and the Senegalese have a good word to say.
I understand why many of you have not admitted many mistakes that were done in the past. Most of you because your belief in justice does not tolerate the change of rules, which is understandable to a certain extent. Some because of political interest. But the fact is that we, as Liberals, have to get into Africa anyway and for that if we have to change rules, we do change them. By changing rules, IFLRY will be stronger in Africa.
By Alex Armengol, Joventut Liberal d'Andorra
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Michael Connery from Future Majority (if you don't read his blog, start) recently posted a case study on the Connecticut Young Democrats' flip-flop video which I posted here earlier this week. Here is the conclusion to Michael's story on what Read More...
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Young liberals from Europe attended the very first international conference held in Pristina which called for the immediate independence of Kosovo. The conference in Pristina was organised with joint efforts of ISEEL (Initiative of South East European Read More...
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LYMEC delegation of six delegates, lead by Slaven Klobucar and Jeroen Benning, visited capitals of Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo. The reason for this trip was the fact finding mission which aimed to meet with the liberal forces in these countries and Read More...
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I have had a fantastic time traveling around the country these past few months to attend regional conventions and the California Young Democrats convention. One thing I've noticed though, is a handful of our local members just don't know how big Read More...
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As every year, LYMEC joins the celebrations of May 9th and congratulates to all fellow Europeans - Europe Day 2007. Europe Day represents a symbolic opportunity for us as citizens of European countries to remember and cherish our common binds and reflect Read More...
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Reseña de prensa: EL MUNDO/Ibiza y Formentera "El alcalde de Ibiza sostiene que en “Eivissa Centre” hay poco negocio. Genera tan poco dinero que sólo Bruesa se presentó al concurso. Pretende hacernos creer que esa gran constructora es una ONG dedicada Read More...
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La izquierda y los liberales tuvieron que dar la batalla juntos contra una derecha vaticanista que prohibía hasta el divorcio. Ojo, que la posterior evolución de los populares (derecha católica) ha sido más forzada que real. Anótese que todavía mantienen Read More...
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LADRILLEROS SIN FRONTERAS "El alcalde de Ibiza sostiene que en “Eivissa Centre” hay poco negocio. Genera tan poco dinero que sólo Bruesa se presentó al concurso. Pretende hacernos creer que esa gran constructora es una ONG dedicada a edificar casas cuartel Read More...
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From Connecticut Young Democrats Co-President Lon Seidman: "This amendment is an important piece of legislation designed to allow seventeen year olds who will be eligible to vote in a general election the right to choose candidates for that election. Read More...
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Mother’s Day has long been celebrated as a day to honor your mother. It is important to celebrate all your mom has done for you. Originally, way back in 1870, Mother’s Day was put together by mothers (who at the time had no political clout) Read More...
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Resolution, 02 of 2007
The Colombian Union of Young Democrats (UCJD), its Council of Delegates, Considering:
1. We recognize the legitimacy of the Venezuelan Government as well as its judicial institutions in the way that a big part of the population continues giving big support to Hugo Chavez Frias and the institutions that he presides.
2. Taking that into consideration, we can’t ignore that currently there is a situation of deep political confrontation in Venezuela.
3. That the opposition to the Venezuelan government is not only expressed by movements linked to the traditional right and businessmen but also by movements of the political centre, the center left and the far left.
4. That the student Nixon Moreno is recognized as one of the main leaders of the Venezuelan students’ movement and so one of the main speakers of the opposition in Venezuela.
5. That after some students’ demonstrations at Los Andes University in Merida Venezuela, in may 2006, the student Nixon Moreno was criminally prosecuted as being the author in some ordinary crimes and in that way the state has promoted order of apprehension.
6. That Nixon Moreno has asked for a political asylum at the Vatican Embassy in Caracas.
Calls upon,
1. The Venezuelan Government and all political and social forces that are in the opposition to reach civilized means that allow the construction, development and effective practice of democracy, in which the juridical, political and social institutions must be a guarantee in the Republic of Venezuela.
2. The Venezuelan government to recognize the student’s movement as a legitimate actor which has made a radical defense of freedom of speech, political participation and the rest of civil liberties and human rights with a brave attitude. And so we express our very democratic support.
3. The recognition of Nixon Moreno as one of the main leaders of the students’ movement in Venezuela and of the political opposition, therefore we ask and urge the international community for his protection.
4. In any case, and recognizing the legitimacy and sovereignty of the Venezuelan institutions among a big part of the population, we urge the juridical power to guarantee due process and right to defense in the case Nixon Moreno is prosecuted. Therefore and taking the deep political confrontation in Venezuela into account, we call upon the international community represented in multilateral organizations such as the American States’ Organization, to make a follow-up of the Nixon Moreno’s criminal process.
5. The Venezuelan government as well as the political forces in the opposition to guarantee and safeguard Nixon Moreno’s right of living.
6. The Vatican State to make a deep and detailed revision of the case which involves the student Nixon Moreno and in relation with his request for asylum.
Colombian Union of Young Democrats (UCJD)
Council of Delegates
March 28th 2007
Resolución O2 de 2007
El consejo de delegatarios de la Unión Colombiana de Jóvenes Demócratas,
Considerando:
1. Que reconocemos como legitimo al gobierno venezolano y con ello a todas sus instituciones jurídico - legales. Toda vez que continúa teniendo el apoyo irrestricto de un vasto sector de la sociedad venezolana para con el Gobierno de Hugo Chávez Frías y de las instituciones que preside.
2. Que en atención a lo anterior no se puede desconocer y es que se presenta una situación de profunda polarización política en Venezuela.
3. Que la oposición al gobierno Venezolano no sólo lo ejercen movimientos identificados con la derecha tradicional y empresarial sino también movimientos de centro, centro izquierda e izquierda radical.
4. Que el joven estudiante Nixon Moreno es reconocido como uno de los principales líderes de un sector del movimiento estudiantil venezolano y que ha sido a su vez uno de los principales portavoces de la oposición política en Venezuela.
5. Que después de ocurridas unas manifestaciones estudiantiles en la Universidad de los andes en el estado de Zulia – Venezuela a mediados de mayo de 2006, el joven estudiante Nixon Moreno, fue procesado penalmente por su presunta autoría en la comisión de unos delitos comunes, y para lo cual se ha librado orden de captura en su contra.
6. Que Nixon Moreno ha solicitado asilo político en la embajada del Vaticano en Caracas.
Por todo lo anterior y en uso de sus facultades estatutarias, el Consejo de Delegatarios de la Unión Colombiana de Jóvenes Demócratas,
Resuelve,
1. Instamos al gobierno venezolano y a todas las fuerzas políticas y sociales que ejercen la oposición a encontrar formulas civilizadas que permitan la construcción, desarrollo y ejercicio efectivo de la democracia, para lo cual deben ser garantía todas y cada una de las instituciones jurídicas, políticas y sociales existentes en la hermana republica de Venezuela.
2. Instamos al gobierno venezolano a reconocer como legitimo el movimiento estudiantil venezolano que ha emprendido con valerosa actitud la defensa vehemente de la libertad de expresión, la participación política y el resto de libertades civiles y derechos humanos, y al cual expresamos nuestro más democrático apoyo.
3. Reconocer en Nixon Moreno uno de los principales líderes del movimiento estudiantil en Venezuela y en consecuencia de la oposición política, y por esta razón reclamar su protección por parte de la comunidad internacional.
4. En todo caso y reconociendo la legitimidad y la soberanía de las instituciones venezolanas en un vasto sector de la población, instamos a los organismos judiciales a que se le garantice al joven estudiante Nixon Moreno, el debido proceso y en relación con el delito que se imputa, así como el efectivo derecho a la defensa. Por lo tanto y en atención a la profunda polarización política que se vive en Venezuela, instamos a la comunidad internacional representada en instancias tales como la Organización de Estados Americanos OEA, ha realizar acompañamiento al proceso penal que se le sigue.
5. Instamos tanto al gobierno, como a todas las fuerzas políticas y sociales que ejercen la oposición política, a garantizar y salvaguardar el derecho a la vida del joven estudiante Nixon Moreno.
6. Solicitamos del Estado Vaticano, realizar profunda y detallada revisión del caso acontecido con el joven estudiante Nixon Moreno y en relación con su solicitud de asilo político.
Unión Colombiana de Jóvenes Demócratas
Consejo de Delegatarios
Marzo 28 de 2007
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Two minutes in and they're fumbling and bumbling....And already have mentioned Reagan, 9/11, and McCain has already managed to distance himself from Bush. Read More...
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La importancia de llamarse Iñaki (y apellidarse De Juana Chaos) Mucho se está hablando de un psicópata llamado Iñaki de Juana Chaos desde que éste, a la sazón terrorista etarra con más de veinte crímenes a su espalda, se declarara en huelga de hambre Read More...
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The Campaign for America's Future has a great GOP debate watching feature over on their webpage - CONSERVATIVE FAILURE BUZZWORD BINGO ! By clicking HERE you can get a randomzed Bingo card for use during your debate watching. Click on a buzzword when Read More...
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Tonight, on MSNBC, the Republican candidates for President (yes, there actually are Republicans running) will face off in their first debate of the campaign. The DNC has set up a GREAT Republican Presidential Candidate Online Research Center to help facilitate Read More...
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