by lindasutton [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

OPEN LETTER CONCERNING OUR CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:  

Joe Baca (CD-43), Brian Bilbray (CD-50), Jane Harman (CD-36), Devin Nunes (CD-21), Dana Rohrabacher (CD-46), Loretta Sanchez (CD-47), Henry Waxman (CD-30), John Campbell (CD-48), Jim Costa (CD-20), David Dreier (CD-26), Darrell Issa (CD-49), Gary Miller (CD-42), George Radanovich (CD-19), Edward Royce (CA-40), Adam Schiff (CD-29), Brad Sherman (CD-27), Mike Thompson (CD-1)

It was with great disappointment that we learned that these California Congressional Representatives have chosen to co-sponsor the bill that could take our country into yet another war-- H.Con. Res. 362 increasing sanctions against Iran (complete text below).

by Lucas O'Connor [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Many things, both positive and negative, have been said about Loretta Sanchez. She's always a lightning rod for controversy. But, this is just a good move, no argument necessary: (Picture and text from Bolsavik.com)

U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez on Sunday demonstrated one reason she's been, and most likely will continue to be, the most popular politician in Little Saigon.

Facing only token opposition in this November elections, Sanchez still went out walking precincts on this, the first week-end after the primary. Not many twelfth-year Congress members still walk precincts any more.

And not just that, she even chose to begin her campaign in west Santa Ana, where most residents are Vietnamese. That's her in the photo with a Viet voter; they're checking the voter registration list.

Freshman (again) Congressman Brian Bilbray won't even fly back to the district to debate Democratic nominee Nick Leibham in CA-50. It's refreshing to see a 6-term incumbent still walking precincts.

Good on you, Rep. Sanchez.

by Lucas O'Connor [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Disclosure: I work for the Courage Campaign

In a little noticed vote yesterday, the Merida Initiative passed easily through the House of Representatives 311-106. It provides $1.6 billion with an emphasis on training and equipment to fight drug cartels in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, because as Rep. Brian Bilbray explained:

"Either we can go after these cartels in Ensenada, or we can fight them in Escondido," said Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad), who voted for the plan. "I'd prefer that we move now and take care of this problem south of the border. The drug wars in Mexico and in other regions have grown horrendously violent, and their destructive ways must be quashed."

It's tough to directly take issue with any of that, but where does it lead? Potentially to some unpleasant places. In September, the Defense Department opened up five year contracts in support of counter-narcoterrorism efforts to five private companies, including Blackwater USA. "The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract could be worth up to $15 billion for the awardees." The Army Times analyzed the content of the contracts, describing:

by Lucas O'Connor [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Lucas O'Connor [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]