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What It’s All About
This holiday week, you might consider reading the Declaration of Independence with your family. Find it here. On that page you can also click on the names of the signers and find very interesting biographical information about each of them, such as this gem about John Hancock:
Hancock’s signature on the Declaration is the largest and most flamboyant. A decree had been delivered from England in early 1776 offering a large reward for the capture of several leading figures. Hancock was one of them. On signing the Declaration he commented, “The British ministry can read that name without spectacles; let them double their reward.”
Housekeeping
On Monday Utah Policy Daily had some serious computer server problems. Our sending software crashed and the newsletter was delivered very late. We also had to start the send a few times, which meant some of you received multiple copies. We apologize for the late delivery and for filling your in-box. We’re taking July 4 off and will resume publishing on Thursday.
Time to File
Want to become a politician? Now’s your chance to run for city office. The candidate filing period for municipal elections is now underway. Prospective candidates have until July 15 to formally file papers to run. In most cases, candidates file with the city clerk or recorder.
Buhler’s Day Off
Political fundraising is getting more creative. Thursday, July 12, is “Dave Buhler’s Day Off,” and also his 50th birthday. Buhler, a SLC mayoral candidate, is celebrating his half century of life by hosting a fundraising screening of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at the Broadway Centre Cinemas, 111 East 300 South. Reception starts at 6 p.m. and cost is $50 a couple. Doug Wright will emcee. The invitation says, “Only one guy in town has the charisma to get you to pay $50 to see a 20-year-old movie.” See the invitation here.
Today in Political History
July 3, 1775: George Washington takes command of the Continental Army of the American colonies at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
July 3, 1863: The Civil War Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania ends after three days in a major victory for the North as Confederate troops retreat. (New York Times)
July 3, 1988: The U.S. Vincennes, responding to what it thought was an attack by an Iranian F-14 fighter, fires a missile that shoots down what is actually an Iranian passenger jet. (Source: perspicuity)
Wise Words
“Posterity – you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”
-- John Quincy Adams (Patriot Post)
Communications Tip
How to Speak Radio
Remember in radio, “speak for the ear.” The listener will not have any pictures to support what you’re saying, only your words. In a live interview or talk show, treat the reporter like a friendly associate. Explain things to the reporter in a manner that shows interest and respect. Make your speech as conversational and animated as possible, avoiding complicated answers and use of technical jargon. Be aware of noises. Don’t tap pens and or jingle your change. (Source: The Exoro Group Media Relations Handbook)
National Politics
Best Stories From …
-- The Politico: "Sen. John McCain, once assumed to be the front-runner for the Republican nomination for president, announced disappointing second quarter fund-raising figures on Monday and will be cutting staff in an effort to stay afloat. The camp had figured it would be able to raise $100 million this year, campaign manager Terry Nelson told reporters, but now realizes that assumption was 'incorrect.'"
-- Kiplinger: Columnist Mark Willen: "Expect Fred Thompson to vault to the top of the polls as soon as he enters the Republican race for president later this month. The former Tennessee senator and actor has hired his production staff, orchestrated the advance publicity and carefully worked his audience, which is desperate for a star to lead the GOP out of its funk. Many of the conservatives who make up the core of the party ... think Thompson is just what they need."
-- Roll Call: Columnist Mort Kondracke: "In evident pain and remorse, a Republican Senator confessed to a Hispanic group from Maryland that his vote to kill immigration reform was 'a profile in political cowardice.' It was exactly that and not only for him, but for many Senators who were terrorized by the political firestorm set loose by mainly right-wing radio and television talk-show loudmouths" (see also related Tampa Tribune story).
-- Washington Post: Pres. Bush "is looking for answers. One at a time or in small groups, he summons leading authors, historians, philosophers and theologians to the White House to join him in the search. Over sodas and sparkling water, he asks his questions: What is the nature of good and evil in the post-Sept. 11 world? What lessons does history have for a president facing the turmoil I'm facing? How will history judge what we've done? Why does the rest of the world seem to hate America? Or is it just me they hate?"
Blog Watch
-- Rep. Steve Urquhart says: "[In the wake of the immigration reform bill's defeat,] the people must do two things. First, the people should lift the Senate, help it dust itself off, and send it on the right path, by embracing Senators who engage directly with the people. ... Second, a productive, result-oriented dialogue on immigration must be fostered. In politics, it is very easy to say 'no' to any and all ideas. Every proposal can be not good enough. And every person can avoid responsibility by claiming a high ground of philosophical purity. The real work in government, though, comes in crafting solutions. Immigration needs a solution. And, if a solution is to be found, it is the people that will find it. Congratulations, folks. Now get to work."
-- Reach Upward responds to LaVarr Webb's call for a federalist solution to congressional gridlock.
Lighter Side
Jibjab produces a July 4 tribute featuring lots of U.S. presidents and the words to the Star Spangled Banner. |
Tuesday