Dean turns down public money

[warch]

Dean is averaging $70 some dollars per donation, as opposed to Bush's $2000. I think its a gutsy move and I applaud it. Its all on his ability to continue to generate donations, to see if he can play with the big money. Move-on is helping out by raising $ for national ads that will offer a critique to Bush. I'm sure the conservative media is ponying up as well. Should be interesting. A good time to consider Tivo.

Regarding the recruiting calls that your 17 year old male is receiving: I remember hearing from a principal about a provision that was added to the misnamed unfunded mandate "No Child Left Behind" that requires schools receiving federal funds to allow military recruiting offices complete access to student records of unregistered male students, without seeking the previously required parental permission. This information is not available to any other public or private agency without parental permission. On second thought, maybe the mandate's name is not so incorrect.

I was watching one of the dem debates, Planned Parenthood NH I think, and the question was asked of the candidates if they supported requiring all 18 yr old females to register for the draft. Interesting responses. Dean said yes, if males have to, females should have to and extended it to include not only military but other civic service models. I agreed, Its only fair. But the thought of registering any kid makes me queezy. I wish we didnt have to require it of anyone's child. Kerry and Clark said yes. Kucinich said no, stop the military machine. And Mosely-Braun also said no, adding not until women are treated equally in the service (the topic of soldier's lack of access to legal medical procedures, abortion came up.) It was an interesting question.