PAN HELLENISM:

Lots of good ideas for Dems to run on if they only will (HELEN THOMAS, 6/24/06, Houston Chronicle)

When are the Democrats going to get their act together? [...]

In addition to an endless war for no known American objective, there are a host of other issues that Democrats should embrace to hit home to every American

They could shout from the rooftops against the chipping away at the Bill of Rights and expansion of presidential power.

President Bush has asserted the right to wiretap and eavesdrop on any American without a warrant in the name of fighting terrorism. He has asserted presidential power beyond stated constitutional rights and there is no Republican gutsy enough to call his hand.

The Bush administration also has detained hundreds of suspected terrorists in limbo without charges or trials.

And then there are the shameful alleged secret prisons abroad where prisoners may be subjected to torture under interrogation.

The fact that millions of Americans lack health insurance is a theme that Democrats should campaign on. The Democrats should support universal health care. When the Bush administration lays down the law in the prescription drug program that drug prices are not negotiable, who is it working for?

Another rich target for Democrats: Bush and the Republican Congress cut taxes for the richest people in the country while fighting to keep the 10-year-old minimum wage at $5.15.

There's your 40% agenda: retreat from the WoT, better treatment for terrorists, opposition to the popular drug plan, and higher taxes.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 24, 2006 10:29 AM