Blue America Welcomes David Segal (D-RI)
Rhode Island's first congressional district, the eastern and northern parts of the state, including most of Providence, is an open seat this year because of the retirement of Patrick Kennedy. It's one of the safest Democratic districts in the country and McCain barely managed to scrape together a third of the vote. In 2008 Kennedy was re-elected with almost 70%. It's safe to say that whichever Democrat wins the September 14 primary will be the next Rhode Island congressman. There are 4 Democrats running: today's guest and the newest Blue America endorsee, state Rep. David Segal, Providence mayor David Cicilline, conservative businessman Anthony Gemma, and Bill Lynch, the Establishment candidate, a former Democratic Party state chairman and the brother of the state's Attorney General.
There are no actual John Barrows or Bobby Brights or Parker Griffiths among the Democrats. And although David Segal stands head and shoulders above the rest on every single policy issue without exception, the reason Blue America has decided to endorse in this race has more to do with his leadership potential. Everyone is always telling John and Digby and I that we need more Members like Alan Grayson in Congress. They don't grow on trees-- but we found one.
David Segal is one of us. He was elected to the Providence City Council in 2002 as a Green, and is now a lefty Democratic state Rep for Providence and East Providence. He has a very clear path to victory and he can win-- and if he does, he'll be among the strongest voices for progressives in the halls of the Capitol.
David's worked on the meat-and-potato issues: Jobs, the environment, housing, progressive taxes, all with success. He's successfully pushed for expanded renewable energy, more affordable housing, against predatory lending, and for foreclosure prevention measures.
But he's never shied away from the really controversial issues: He's been a vocal leader on criminal justice reform, standing up for the rights of immigrants and for gay rights, and has pushed as hard as one can from the state level against war spending. He's an ardent supporter of gay marriage, and was the sponsor of the last year's bill, which was passed over the Governor's veto, to allow gay partners to plan each other's funerals.
He's a co-sponsor of marijuana decriminalization, and just convinced the Governor-- after two years of vetoes-- to allow a bill to become law that ensures due process for people on probation.
He's sponsored the "Bring the Guard Home" legislation, and his first act on the City Council was to pass a resolution against the war in Iraq.
But, most importantly, he's an organizer at heart, who is committed to joining the Progressive Caucus-- and making it function better. Here's an excerpt from an interview with David Swanson:
"[I]n Rhode Island I've tried to develop alternative structures for legislators to lean on when the leadership makes such threats. I am the lead organizer for our progressive caucus. I founded a political action committee to support members of our progressive caucus so that if funding from sources dries up at leadership's request because something was done to offend them, that we would have at least some, some degree of money to fall back on to help fund our campaigns nonetheless. We funded ten, twelve races relatively modestly in the last cycle and hopefully we'll be able to do something in the forthcoming cycle."
Last week, many of us were disappointed as 148 Democrats, including Patrick Kennedy, joined Boehner, Cantor and 158 other Republicans to vote for more unjustifiable billions of dollars to throw down the Afghan sewer. The disgraceful supplemental demanded by the Military Industrial Complex passed 308-114, more Republicans voting for Obama's proposal than Democrats! Among the candidates running in RI-1, only David Segal came out publicly to say he would have voted NO.
I've been against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning. My first act on the Providence City Council in Providence was to sponsor an antiwar resolution in 2003, which of course was not going to end the war in its own right, but it was an opportunity for Providence to assert the negative impact of the war on the city’s ability to function-- to fund municipal services and education.
I don’t think there’s any indication that we’re preventing future terrorism by keeping our presence in Afghanistan right now. The CIA’s made it clear that the drone attacks there present a real risk of destabilizing the Pakistani government, which possesses nuclear armament and should be a grave concern to all of us.
I think that it’s unfortunate but it’s the case that our involvement in Afghanistan is effectively a quagmire right now; there is no neat and tidy way to get out and tie it all up in a bow wrap everything up and leave it neat and pristine and I think it’s time to recognize that and bring the troops home.
I am the only candidate in the Democratic primary for CD 1 in Rhode Island who has pledged that the only Afghanistan war funding I will approve is the funding necessary to safely and expeditiously bring our troops home.
That's the kind of straight forward answer we always look for from our candidates and it's part of the reason we endorsed Segal today, why we've asked him to join us below in the comments section for a chat and why we're asking you to dig deep and help him run his grassroots campaign, a campaign that accepts no corporate contributions. And it's also why Segal has also been endorsed by the PCCC, PDA, DFA, the
Rhode Island American Federation of Teachers & Healthcare Professionals and why we'll be hearing some interesting endorsements this week from other organizations that will comes as a bit of a shock to the Democratic Establishment.
David, welcome to Blue America. We were the first group outside Florida to have endorsed Alan Grayson and, frankly, we see the kinds of similarities in you that have made us so happy about his first term in office. And like him I know you support the Fair Elections Now Act, and that you don't accept corporate donations. Can you explain why you don't think there's a place for corporate money in our political system?
Thanks for having me, Howie. We're really excited about the endorsement.
Americans should be able to trust that their elected officials are representing the people who elect them, not the big corporations and extraordinarily wealthy people who fund their campaigns. In just the last few months, we've seen several cases of the obscene power that corporations wield in Congress. In both the health care and financial legislation, corporations were able to block important parts of reform and water down the final versions of the bills that passed. Both reform bills were important and steps in the right direction, but neither went far enough. We also don't have a robust renewable energy economy in the U.S. because of the influence of the energy industry, whose power has guaranteed that our energy policy is written to ensure their corporate profits. Now the banks are trying to prevent Elizabeth Warren's appointment as head of the CFPB.
Structural issues have always been important to me, as they define what we can and can't achieve on an issue-by-issue basis. I've worked for the nonprofit FairVote, and have been working closely with Larry Lessig and Change Congress as we try to construe a response to Citizens United -- which must happen swiftly, before the new structures get entrenched, elected officials start winning via them, and they become EVEN HARDER to change.
Thanks for that thoughtful answer. I want to swerve off in an entirely different direction for a minute. You seem to be getting a lot of support from the LGBT community in Rhode Island. This wouldn't normally be that remarkable for a progressive Democrat but it is in this case since one of your opponents, David Cicciline, is openly gay. Can you help us understand why so many gays and lesbians are gravitating to your campaign?
I’ve always been a strong supporter of equality and LGBT issues, and have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Marriage Equality Rhode Island, as I have with other grassroots organizations throughout the state. I've always been a good vote, but have also been in the strategy meetings, helped count and whip votes, and to organize in support of LGBT causes.
I’ve been a cosponsor of Rhode Island’s marriage equality legislation every single year I've been at the State House. And last year, I was the lead sponsor of legislation to allow domestic partners to plan the funerals of their loved ones, which was borne of a tragic situation here. When the Governor vetoed that bill -- which created a local firestorm, and gained some national attention -- I helped organize the push-back and we overrode the veto. (I've also been a sponsor of our "gay divorce" bill, which follows from a ridiculous RI Supreme Court decision that says that we recognize out-of-state gay marriages, but that parties to them can't get divorced here.)
I also think I'm getting significant support from the LGBT community -- countless individuals, but I want to be clear that I'm not claiming organizational support -- because many supporters of LGBT rights are not single-issue voters, but are also concerned about larger issues of social and economic justice. I'm running on a broad agenda of equality, civil rights, and economic justice that includes fighting corporate power in our democracy, and I have a strong record on all of these.
It's the Military-Industrial-CONGRESSIONAL complex -- that's Ike's initial designation. Look it up. Honor it.
Yes, I think that's an accurate assesment. My state rep district houses Textron, which makes cluster bombs and bribed Saddam Hussein circa 2002 right in front of the war. And barely a person, aside from some local anti-war organizers (myselfy included), made a peep.
And the best way to dismantle the MICC is by taking back Congress.
Power To The People!
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I think voters want to see the economy turning around and they want to see a more robust jobs market-- over and above every other important issue. And they're looking to candidates to provide them with some answers, even though there isn't much an individual congressman can do in that area. Or is there? What do you tell Rhode Islanders who ask you about how you're going to help bring jobs back to the state?
We need a new jobs bill. It needs to be focused on capacity-building, infrastructural and public transit projects, and green tech. It'd put people to work today, while laying the framework for future economic development.
We're spending next week doing a series of jobs related events, kicking it off at a run-down old train station in Pawtucket, which is ripe for rehab and re-use. There's a lot of new energy in support of public transit in RI, and I'd love to help facilitate that work from Congress.
US once had a superb passenger rail system.
We need to build/rebuild it.
There's lots of jobs just waiting to happen.
Electric rail, please, this time.
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Train travel was faster 50-70 years ago.
Not that it's the answer, but one thing worth watching, which would create new competition for the buses and Amtrak: We're getting close to having a complete commuter rail connection from north of Boston down to Virginia. MBTA is going south of Providence to our Warwick airport. Connecticut might come up to meet. The only remaining gap would be a 25-mile stretch between Philly and Baltimore.
They will expect a pound of flesh (social security cuts, privatization) and then even after they've got it, they will still turn around and vote against public transportation. Maybe if you tacked on a federal version of Arizona's immigration law - then they'd vote yes. But not unless some form of evil were committed against the public to balance out any good to be done.
You, David Segal, come across as articulate, outspoken, dedicated.
More power to you!
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I've been at this for a long time now, and appreciate your kind words.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is much bigger than the Blue Dog Caucus and has more powerful members in terms of committee chairs, etc. Pelosi herself is a former member. Yet, it seems like the Progressive Caucus doesn't have nearly the clout or the impact on the media that the Blue Dogs do. I know you've thought about how to leverage progressive power to push through an agenda that serves the interests of working families. How do you do that inside the Congressional Progressive Caucus and how are you going to make that group more effective? (Yes, we're counting on you.)
I've been the lead organizer for our Prog Caucus for the last several years -- and we've gained a lot of power over that time. For instance, last year, we successfully blocked the passage of the budget until $25 million (a lot in RI terms) in funding for cities and towns was restored.
We engaged in lots of solidarity-building, which frequently just boils down to spending more time together. Started holding semi-regular meetings, bringing in progressive speakers. I co-foudned a PAC so that we'd have a modest sum of money to fall back on if we ever got too rambunctious and leadership pulled away funding for our re-elections.
Glad you brought it up. One of the things that drives me crazy is how the Blue Dogs funnel money into conservative potential Blue Dogs-- like Lori Edwards in Florida-- while progressive incumbents don't give a dime to progressive challengers. Then the DCCC jumps in and supports the Blue Dog claiming the Blue Dog is raising money and the progressive isn't. And they muscle the progressive out of the race. In RI are progressives in the legislature spending money to help elect more progressives. Will you help us do that when you're in Congress? We haven't found a single member to help do that so far.
We don't take on incumbents, but we play hard for open seats, and have helped elect a few great new progs last cycle -- from seats that traditionally elect mods and conservatives. (And we beat leadership-backed candidates in primaries at least twice.)
The CPC has started a PAC, which I think is a bold move that I hope the movement supports.
I think that more broadly, it'll only strengthen the CPC if it builds stronger ties with the grassroots and netroots. Our Prog Caucus views itself as the elected wing of the RI enviro/social justice/civil rights organizing world, and that makes us stronger.
David,
It was such a pleasure meeting you last week in Las Vegas. Thanks so much for making the trek.
Wondering what your thoughts are on deficit fever that suddenly seems to be gripping the nation?
Creating jobs needs to be our priority, and that means spending -- in a way that lays a framework for economic growth. A real, successful, well-targeted stimulus will pay for much of itself, as it puts people back to work, grows the economy, and tax revenues with it.
Why is there so much resistance to this approach-- even inside the Democratic Caucus?
Much of the deficit is, of course, a function of the irresponsible war spending and Bush tax cuts, both of which need to be reigned in ASAP.
It's that simple .. but it has to be done!
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I'd just like to say it's a joy to read of someone such as yourself. I'm in total agreement with all that I've read. If it were possible, you would certainly have my vote.
Good luck.
But, I am a worrier -
How will you distinguish yourself from the other Dems running in the September 14 primary, and...
Will the independent run by Lincoln Chaffee for governor have any impact on your congressional race one way or the other?
Your right to earn billions of dollars does not trump my right to drink pure water and breathe clean air.
Given who my opponents are, I get to run as an outsider, even though I have 8 years of experience as an elected official. I've consistently pushed back against powerful interests -- with some real successes. That's meant taking on the Governor and Assembly leadership; pushing back against utility companies to foster renewables development; against the banks on predatory lending and foreclosures.
As Howie's noted, I organized a lawsuit, and was a named plaintiff, against one of my opponents -- the Mayor of Providence -- because he wasn't enforcing a law that required developers who got tax breaks to hire local residents to do the work of their projects.
So I get to run as the progressive populist that I am, while tapping into the righteous anti-corporate resentment that pervades the politics of our time.
Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions.
I agree that jobs and the economy are the highest priority.
Which brings me to this question.
What is your position on the current situation regarding immigration,or the current situation regarding people who enter the country illegally?
How do you feel about Senator Grahams suggestion about possibly changing the 14th Amendment?
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
I think that America's historical acceptance of immigrants is one of the greates things about our country -- one that sets us apart from most other countries in the world. Most immigrants come here for the same reason my grandparents' generation did: To escape war and/or poverty.
We need a path to citizenship -- along the lines of the Obama/AFL-CIO plans -- and I oppose Graham's suggestion. Over the course of the last 80 years, it's gotten harder and harder to come to this country (with a couple of exceptions).
Immigration reform will help us stop the exploitation of immigrants, which surpresses wages and work standards for all of us -- and sullies the American Dream, which still drives most immigrants to come to our country.
I'm in agreement with you on this part.
The second part is a bit more difficult.
What is your suggestion on what to do about deterring people from coming to this country illegally?
And do you think the borders security is an issue?
Thanks again.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
it's also true that the deficit projections are largely based on the assumption that population growth is going to slow dramatically. It would seem to me to be a good idea to allow more hard working people who want to be Americans to get on the grid. It could solve a lot of problems.
responding to David Segal, not mudshark ...
I'm offended. I thawght I wuz smert like youz guyz.
I'm shattered.
;)
What is your conceptual, continuity?
just didn't want to be confusing ..
Impressive CV at WikiPedia.
Democracy is too important to be entrusted to politicians.
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I'll never live that one down.
... but the grandmothers all like him because he reminds them of their grandsons.
To this old hippie activist it is certainly a compliment.
I was also impressed with your math degree, your work against police abuse, your Green Party afiliation, and your media gigs.
You're obviously a powerful spokesman for the same issues I've fought for all my life.
Democracy is too important to be entrusted to politicians.
Rise Up!
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The first 3 donors today at our Blue America page for David will get an autographed copy of Cliff Schecter's political classic, The Real McCain.
Why are so many Democrats going over to the Dark Side on Net Neutrailty. Can you explain your position on that?
Gave a great closing speech at Netroots, which focused on Net Neutrality. I suggest everybody check it out.
Net neutrality is so incredibly important, especially in the context of increasing corporatism, and corporate mergers in the media/telecom sector. And given many Democrats' allegiance to corporate interests, it's not shocking that some of them are weak-kneed.
From TheUptake.Org by way of YouTube:
Franken: "Net neutrality: The First Amendment Issue of our Time"
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Hi David. This shows how digital media such as blogs go boyond their counterparts at CNN, MSNBC, Fox Terror Channel, etc. We are honored to have you post here.
My question is about the media and Net Neutrality rules. I've watched American media become more shallow and less honest year by year. Over at CNN this week they have deleted thousands of comments on the stories covering the WikiLeaks release of documents about the Afghanistan war. Fox Terror Channel is doing everything in its power to destroy this country's political system. And then there's Citizens United Vs. FEC.
What is your take on the news media we have today? How do progressives and Democrats fight the big, lying, Republican-biased corporate news? And on Net Neutrality, how are Democrats going to protect free speech from corporate Republicanism? How can we stop them from forcing slow load times for blogs and alternative media while they intentionally speed up their own?
We need electoral reform immediately, and it looks like Fair Elections Now has enough support to pass the House, which gives me a bit of hope. Citizens United is such a disaster, and will only get worse as people start to gain power via the new rules -- the DISCLOSE Act was pathetic, and missed the forest for the trees.
I see nothing we can do apart from fighting to build progressive power, and alternative funding structures through the Netroots. (Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which has been helping me out, has done a great job of this in addition to Blue America and others.) It's been wonderful to watch those structures grow more robust every year, and of course make Net Neutrality ever more imperative.
the good guys on this issue. You've got the support of the progressive blogosphere! I agree with Al Franken's speech at Netroots. Progressives have built a force of power that corporate media fears, copies and tries to marginalize all at once. The expression on Ann Coulter's face after Fox came back from covering Al Franken's speech was priceless. That lady is MEAN and he got under her skin. Was good to see! I want more of it. More outspoken people in Congress. Everyone seems to be afraid of becoming the next Shirley Sherrod.
David, are there any distinctly local issues unique to Rhode Island on which the primary hinges? And what do the voters you talk to when you're out campaigning ask you about most frequently?
There's a reason that phrase is now cliched. Just amazing that it's compelled so little action. Green jobs resonate especially well here, as there's so much water and wind per area. Seniors are worried because there was no Social Security COLA this year, and are getting nervous about the deficit hawks' rhetoric.
More broadly, voters just want somebody they can really trust to stand up to the interests that run the show in DC.
If Republicans take control of Congress they will raid the Social Security trust fund. That's the last bit of federal money they've been unable to tap into. Being rewarded in November for their failures from 2000-2008 will enbolden them enough to try it.
Is there anything progressives outside of Rhode Island can do to help? Is there a phone banking operation for example? Can you use volunteers from outside the district?
Thanks for asking! We're running a grassroots, door- and phone-intensive effort. Potential volunteers can sign up to phone bank from anywhere, over here:
http://votesegal.com/volunteering/
How would you rate the Presidents job performance so far?
What is your conceptual, continuity?
I have no idea what numerical grade to give him, and I don't know that assigning a number means all that much. I think his record is clearly mixed, and I generally wish he were willing to push harder, rather than starting from the center and letting Congress run the show.
The wars are obviously a horror. Health care and banking reform were important wins, but should have been much stronger -- though word has it that he was a strong advocate for the CFPB. (The Elizabeth Warren appointment will be a great test of his mettle, and his actual degree of support for progressive values.)
The stimulus was far too weak, and could have been marketed much more effectively. And we desperately need a new jobs initiative.
David, thanks for coming by today and thanks for the frank answers. I hope you;ll come by again on September 15 after you win the primary, if not before. I promised your campaign manager we wouldn't keep you more than an hour and I see we already have.
Any time. But I'm happy to stick around for another 15 min or so if there are more questions.
I can't wait to see your numerical grade for Obama (Mudshark's question above). And tell us why too
Are you for a more robust Single payer form of healthcare?
Or are you for Universal healthcare?
Do you think the healthcare issue went far enough?
What is your conceptual, continuity?
Didn't go nearly far enough. I obviously would have liked to have seen a public option.
And as far as universal coverage, Single Payer/Medicare For All are the best options that I'm aware of, but I'm open to other suggestions for systems that ensure equitable, universal coverage.
Is it safe for me to assume, that if elected, you may revisit this issue once in office?
What is your conceptual, continuity?
I think there's still enough esteem behind a public option that we can resurrect that fight in the not-too-distant future.
On the news reports saying Pakistan has been double dealing?
I know your feeling on the wars.
But do you think Pakistan needs shoring up with regards to nuclear security there?
What is your conceptual, continuity?
I'm very happy to have had the chance to chat with all of you. I need to run off to a half-dozen different appointments. (And call-time. Would love to have more time, but you've got to raise all this damn money to run for Congress nowadays...)
I'll try to check back later and answer some of the dangling comments.
Thanks so much!
thanks!
Democracy is too important to be entrusted to politicians.
Rise Up!
Protest!
All the best to you,
Just do the very best job you can,
because absolutely no one can ask any more from you.
Good luck in your future.
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