27 June 2008

Backyard Picnic for Rep. O'Brien Sunday, June 29th:

Candidate led efforts for new Citizen Election Program

The campaign of State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) will hold a backyard picnic on Sunday, June 29th from 1 to 4 p.m. at the home of Ned Statchen and Liz Fitzsimmons, 196 South Mountain Drive, New Britain. Rep. O'Brien, a champion of Connecticut Citizen Elections campaign finance program when he served in the Legislature's GAE committee, is participating in the "clean elections" system that bars lobbyists and state contractors from making contributions to state candidates.

"This important new campaign reform makes it so that modest contributions from regular people like you to the candidates you believe in allow those candidates to successfully run for state office, without having to receive large contributions from wealthy individuals, corporations and other special interests," said O'Brien. Donations from $5 up to $100 will be accepted at the picnic. For more information visit O'Brien's website at http://www.timobrien.org/ for more details on his participation in the Citizen Election Program.

Lots of Life After Presidential Bid: Edwards To Take Anti-Poverty Campaign Into Connecticut

Senator John Edwards, who garnered early support for President from a fair number of New Britain Democrats this year, is coming to Connecticut on July 10 to talk with leaders, advocates, and residents about strategies to reduce poverty. Senator Edwards is the National Chair of Half in Ten: From Poverty to Prosperity, a new campaign to cut poverty by 50% over the next ten years. Here is the link to the Half in Ten campaign: www.halfinten.org/

Local organizers say Senator Edwards’ visit to Connecticut is particularly important because Connecticut was the first state in the nation to pass legislation that mandates child poverty be cut by 50% by 2014. His visit provides an opportunity to call attention to growing inequality in the state and a child poverty rate that has not budged despite the existence of this legislation since 2004. New Britain Democrats are expected to join Senator Edwards as a local partner as part of his new campaign. Events are planned in Hartford and Bridgeport on July 10th

Legislature Overturns Rell's Veto Of Minimum Wage Increase

New Britain Lawmakers Unanimously Back Higher Minimum

With strong and unanimous support from New Britain's legislative delegation, the General Assembly overrode Gov. Rell's veto of an increase in the minimum wage on June 23rd.

Connecticut will now increase the wage from the current $7.65 an hour to $8 on Jan. 1, 2009, and to $8.25 in 2010. The vote marked only the second time that a Rell veto has been set aside. The Republican caucus even lost some of its own with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle acknowledging that it was time to raise the floor on the minimum wage that is especially important for the working poor.

Gov. Rell, aligning herself with the CBIA and business lobbyists as she did on the Health Care Partnership Act, called the decision "seriously short-sighted" and that it will "have long-lasting negative consequences for employers and employees alike all over Connecticut.” Proponents discounted Rell's argument that a higher minimum would hurt economic growth. Analyses that the minimum wage can cost jobs and hurt business have been found to be false by most economists whenever state or federal minimums have been raised. In reality the minimum wage remains far from adequate given the cost of living in Connecticut. A living wage in Connecticut would exceed $17 an hour for many households with families by most estimates. In statements to the New Britain Herald, State Representatives Tim O'Brien, John Geragosian and Peter Tercyak and State Senator Don DeFronzo explained their votes to override.

Said Tercyak (D-26) “Now that the federal minimum wage is finally going up, this is the best time to increase Connecticut’s minimum wage. The difference between the federal minimum wage and Connecticut’s new minimum wage will be the smallest difference in years. Even with our increase, Connecticut will be more competitive now. It’s nice when the right thing to do works so well for all sides involved. The Connecticut families whose income includes a minimum wage job or two deserve this, and need it now more than ever."

Said DeFronzo, (D-6) “The most compelling reason for the increase in the minimum wage is that during the past eight years the gap between the poor and the wealthy is growing faster in Connecticut than in any other state in the country. This legislation will benefit working poor families who are attempting to remain financially independent.”

More coverage on the issue may be found at CT News Junkie

http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/state_capitol/both_chambers_override_minimum.php

Support Connecticut Citizen Action Group Saturday (6/14) in New Britain

Cong. Murphy, State Leaders Join New Britain Dems For Fundraiser

For Grassroots Advocacy Organization

The Connecticut Citizen Action Group (www.ccag.net) will host a fundraising event on Saturday June 14th at the home of Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy and Elena Trueworthy , 383 Monroe Street, New Britain.

The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Joining New Britain legislators and city Democratic elected officials will be Cong. Chris Murphy (D-5), House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, Secretary of the State Susan Byciewicz and Comptroller Nancy Wyman at what has become an annual backyard event that benefits CCAG's advocacy on key consumer issues such as universal health care and tax fairness and clean elections.

The suggested donation is $30. Donations or gifts to CCAG are not tax deductible.

Voter Registration Hits Disappointing Lull In May

A Presidential Primary surge in Democratic and overall voter registrations in the first quarter of the year ebbed considerably in May and the number of registered voters in the city again fell below 30,000 to 29,947.

The May 30th numbers show 16,064 Democrats compared to 16,232 on April 30th, a drop of 168 voters. Registered Republicans total 3,547 and Unaffiliated voters 10,163, also declining from April totals.

New Britain is a community that faces a chronic problem of low voter registration compared to the number of persons who are eligible to vote. The Democratic Town Committee will be organizing special party registration activities in the summer, including canvasses and tables at shopping locations and events in the run up to the November 4 Presidential Election.

Democratic Town Chair John McNamara said he will also be making requests of the Registrar of Voters to beef up the registration drive and support the Town Committee in its efforts. The Town Committee will propose that Deputy Registrars set up voter sign up tables on the first floor of City Hall to promote increased registration starting in July.

The tables in the vicinity of high traffic Assessor, Tax Collector and Clerk offices will encourage voter enrollment among visitors to the seat of local government, according to McNamara.

End Quote

"We’ll see whether Senator Obama gets elected president. But whether he does or not, this is a moment of which Americans can be proud, a moment the society can build upon. So a victory lap is in order. Not for Senator Obama (he still has a way to go), but for all those in every station in life who ever refused to submit quietly to hatred and oppression. They led us to a better place."

from commentary by Bob Herbert New York Times, June 7

16 May 2008

The Week Ahead: Conventions and Endorsements

DeFronzo Re-Nomination Set For State Senate Convention Monday (5/19)

The 6th State Senate convention for the district represented by Sen. Don DeFronzo will be held at Trinity on Main, 69 Main Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. reception. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Reps. Boukus (22), O'Brien (24) Conventions Tuesday (5/20)

The 22nd Assembly District represented by State Rep. Betty Boukus of Plainville will hold its multi-town convention at Pagliacci's Restaurant, East Street, in Plainville. (2 New Britain Delegates). Rep. Boukus represents Plainville, a portion of Bristol and Voting District 15 in New Britain.

The 24th Assembly District convention (portions of New Britain and Newington) will be held at East Side Pizza, 619 East Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. State Rep. Timothy O'Brien is seeking re-nomination for a new term. (10 New Britain Delegates)

Town Committee To Endorse For Registrar, Justices of the Peace Thursday (5/22)
25th and 26th General Assembly Districts Also On Agenda

The Democratic Town Committee will hold an endorsement meeting at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504. The nomination of state representative candidates in the 25th and 26th Districts will be made by members in those districts. State Rep. John Geragosian (25) and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (26) are seeking re-election. The entire Town Committee will endorse a candidate for Registrar of Voters for a four-year term. Incumbent Edward Dzwonkowski is seeking re-election. Ward 3 Ald. Silvia Cruz is also seeking the endorsement. A slate of Justices of the Peace will also be nominated for the four-year term beginning in January.

Justice of the Peace Nominations

Democrats interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace should attend the Mary 22nd meeting or should contact the Town Chair at newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. Town Chair John McNamara asks that Democrats interested in a Justice of the Peace nomination share that they are donating a minimum of two hours a month of community service/volunteering. All Democrats are invited to a 6 p.m. reception preceding the meeting.

Cartoonist Englehart At LWV Annual Meeting Monday May 19th

The annual meeting of the New Britain League of Women Voters on Monday, May 19th, will feature Bob Englehart, political cartoonist for The Hartford Courant. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Central Connecticut State University's Memorial Hall. The cost of the event is $30 for League members and $35 for non-members. For information call 224-1858 or 828-1015

House PAC Fundraiser Monday 5/19 Features Speaker-In-Waiting Donovan

The House Democratic Caucus Political Action Committee will hold a fund-raising reception with Major Leader and House Speaker-In-Waiting Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) on Monday, May 19th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cosa del Sol Restaurant, 901 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford. For more information, please call 203 394–3301. Donation of choice, A House Democrats Caucus Committee Event.

Boukus Re-Election Fundraiser June 6

A pasta dinner fundraiser for the re-election campaign of Elizabeth "Betty" Boukus will be held Friday, June 6 at the Dance Hall, 161 Woodford Ave., Plainville, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. To volunteer on the committee or for any other information, call Rosemary at (860) 747-9621 or Claire at (860) 747-5168.

Milestones

Best wishes to Emma Pierce, DTC member, State Central Committee and State Party Treasurer, on the occasion of her 80th birthday this month.

Congratulations to Michael McNamara, Justice of the Peace and a member of the New Britain for Obama Committee, on his graduation from Providence College on May 18th. He is receiving a Bachelor of Arts in music education.

End Quote

“If George Bush and John McCain want to have a debate about protecting the United States of America that is a debate I am happy to have any time, any place.”

Democratic Presidential Candidate and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Friday, May 16th

8 May 2008

"The status quo does not give up without a fight." - Presidential Candidate Barack Obama at the North Carolina Jefferson Jackson Dinner, May 2

Here Come The State and Legislative Conventions and Town Committee Endorsement Meeting:

Saturday - May 10 The Democratic State Convention will be held at 9 a.m. at Central Connecticut State University's Kaiser Hall, 1615 Stanley Street (Enter at Ella Grasso Boulevard). The agenda includes nominations of three CT seats on the Democratic National Committee and the nomination of seven Presidential electors who will vote following the election in the Electoral College. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Monday - May 12 The 5th Congressional District Convention will be held at Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Road in Waterbury at 6:30 p.m. when U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy will be nominated for a second term. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Monday - May 19 The 6th State Senate convention for the district represented by Sen. Don DeFronzo will be held at Trinity on Main, 69 Main Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. reception. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Tuesday - May 20 The 22nd Assembly District represented by State Rep. Betty Boukus of Plainville will hold its multi-town convention at Pagliacci's Restaurant, East Street, in Plainville. (2 New Britain Delegates)

Rep. Boukus also invites friends and supporters to her fund raiser: Friday June 6th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dance Hall, 61 Woodford Avenue, Plainville. Minimum donation $5 up to $100 for individuals. Children under 12 free.

Tuesday - May 20 The 24th Assembly District convention that includes portions of New Britain and Newington will be held at East Side Pizza, 619 East Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. State Rep. Timothy O'Brien is seeking re-nomination for a new term. (10 New Britain Delegates)
New Britain delegates are asked to find a proxy if they will not be able to attend or contact the Town Chair at newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Thursday - May 22 The Democratic Town Committee will hold an endorsement meeting at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504. The nomination of state representative candidates in the 25th and 26th Districts will be made by members in those districts. State Rep. John Geragosian (25) and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (26) are seeking re-election. The entire Town Committee will endorse a candidate for Registrar of Voters for a four-year term. Incumbent Edward Dwzonkowski is seeking re-election. Ward 3 Ald. Silvia Cruz is also seeking the endorsement. A slate of Justices of the Peace will also be nominated for the four-year term beginning in January. All Democrats are invited to a 6 p.m. reception preceding the meeting.

Obama Forces Mobilize For Voter Registration: Kick Off Saturday, May 10th in Hartford

All across America on May 10th, Obama volunteers will host a nationwide Voter Registration Kick-Off and Mobilization. Connecticut's Kick-Off will be held at the Pope Park Recreation Center at 30 Pope Park Drive, Hartford CT, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. There will be a brief program followed by voter registration training -- no prior experience necessary! Speakers include Ned Lamont, the 2006 nominee for US Senate. Members of the following groups will be participating: Greater Hartford Progressive Democratic Women Club, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, and the New Britain and Greater Hartford NAACP chapters

When: Saturday May 10th
Time: 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Pope Park Recreation Center, 30 Pope Park Drive, Hartford CT
Guest speaker: Ned Lamont

For more information visit http://www.ctobama.org/

Mynamar Cyclone Disaster Relief: What Are The Main Priorities?

Press reports indicate the authoritarian government in Mynamar (Burma) are holding up internation relief efforts following a devastating cyclone and fears of 100,000 lives lost. According to Doctors Without Borders "Food, shelter and access to clean water are critical. The population affected by this cyclone was already vulnerable. They now live in extremely precarious conditions, without food or clean water, often sleeping outside. In addition, malaria and dengue fever are prevalent in this area. We’re planning a mosquito net distribution in the coming days."

More information and donation information may be found at the web sites of the the following organizations:

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Red Cross
www.redcross.org

27 April 2008

New Britain Council Urges Bush, Congress To Get Out Of Iraq

In a party-line vote of 13 to 2 on April 23rd, the New Britain Common Council adopted a resolution that urges the President and Congress to end the war in Iraq and re-direct federal spending to domestic needs. The only two Republicans on the Council heeded the wishes of Mayor Timothy Stewart and voted against the measure that had unanimous Democratic support.

The resolution, proposed by first-term Alderwoman At Large Eva Magnuszewski (photo), "expresses its deep opposition to the Bush Administration's continuation of the war in Iraq after its mendacious and deceptive methods of garnering initial support." The statement, similar to those adopted by the New Haven and Hartford city councils, honors the service of U.S. military men and women who continue to be in harm's way five years after Pres. Bush declared the mission was "accomplished." As local officials seek to balance a tight municipal budget and mitigate the impact of property revaluation, the resolution cited the billions in costs for the war and the difference that some of those dollars would make domestically. The daily financial burden of Iraq of more than $330 million ($2 billion per week) far exceeds the $220 million city budget of New Britain for a year. Magnuszewski said New Britain was the 285th local government in the country to oppose the Bush Iraq policy.

City Dems Prepare For May Conventions, Endorsement Meeting

New Britain Democrats will participate in May conventions to nominate state legislators and the 5th District Congressman. The Democratic Town Committee will also meet to endorse state representative candidates with districts that are within city boundaries. Endorsements for Justices of the Peace ans the party's Registrar of Voters will round out party the endorsement process at the local level.

The schedule:

May 10: The Democratic State Convention will be held to endorse Democratic National Committee members and to consider changes to party rules. The convention will be held at Central Connecticut State University

May 12: The 5th Congressional Convention will be held (U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy) at Crosby High School in Waterbury.

May 19: The 6th State Senate Convention will be held (State Senator Don DeFronzo) for delegates from Berlin, Farmington and New Britain.

May 20: State Representative conventions from multi-town districts will be held. For New Britain this includes the 22nd District (Voting District 15 only—State Rep. Betty Boukus) and the 24th District (Newington and New Britain – State Rep. Tim O’Brien)

May 20-27: The Democratic Town Committee will meet between May 20th and May 27th for endorsement of single town State Representative (the 25th district represented by State Rep. John Geragosian and the 26th represented by State Rep. Peter Tercyak); Registrar of Voters and Justice of the Peace.

Delegate slates for New Britain may be found at http://www.newbritaindemocrat.net/

From NB Politicus:

Bush Visit At Taxpayer Expense Raises Big Bucks For Murphy Challenger

President Bush's visit to Connecticut and the 5th Congressional District on Friday raised as much as $700K, according to press reports . Much of the money is supposed to benefit the presumptive opponent of first-term U.S. Rep Chris Murphy, State Senator David Cappiello.

Bush used a Hartford speech on malaria-fighting efforts to underwrite an obviously partisan journey to the Kent home of Nixon administration Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. Invitees came at $1,000 per person and got a photo with the President for $10,000.In a bizarre twist to the trip shared with a group of 5th CD Democrats this weekend, the White House called Cong. Murphy's office last Tuesday to invite him to accompany the President on Air Force One on his way to the Northwest Hills to shake the GOP money tree for Murphy's opponent. No word yet on whether Murphy's office staff has stopped laughing yet. New England's only GOP member of Congress, Chris Shays, took the free ride.

While Cappiello needed the kind of cash that a sitting President could bring him, many Democrats and unaffiliated voters will be asking just what part of Bush's policies does Cappiello plan to run on. There was no evidence that Cappiello engaged in any photo ops with Bush. Nary a word on the Cappiello website.

Chances are the Republican challenger will do his best to ignore George Bush completely the rest of the way. It appears his strategy is to run a stealth campaign of quietly backing the Bush agenda and painting himself a Nancy Johnson moderate. To know the real David Cappiello, however, all voters will have to do his follow the money trail back to the White House.

The largess given to Cappiello is the best tip off yet of what he stands for and how he will vote: for wasteful war without security, for deficits, for the continuing economic slide of working and middle income people as the rich guys with the long driveways who live next to Henry Kissinger get a tax break.

20 April 2008

Town Committee Meets Thursday 4/24: Mobilizing for Chris Murphy On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee’s April meeting will be held on Thursday, April 24th, beginning a 7:30 p.m.at New Britain City Hall.

To mark the appearance of Pres. Bush in the 5th Congressional District this week, New Britain Democrats will turn their attention to mobilizing for the re-election of U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) in the 41-town Congressional District. Rep. Murphy’s district campaign coordinator, Eamon Walsh, has been invited to speak at the meeting. Democrats will also discuss the party’s neighborhood leader program – an effort to register new voters as Democrats in 2008.


Celebrate a Belated Earth Day: Clear The Land For Planting at Urban Oaks
Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

New Britain’s Urban Oaks Organic Farm invites friends to volunteer at the Oak Street farm on Saturday, April 26th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “There are seeds to plant, weeds to be Its that time of year again. We need to get the farm cleaned up and ready for Spring planting,” reports Urban Oaks staff members. To volunteer call: (860) 223-6200 or email: urbanoaks@earthlink.net. Interested persons are asked to wear clothes that you don’t mind dirtying and gloves if you have them. Visit the farm's website and blog at www.urbanoaks.org

Health Care Partnership Advances; $900,000 Savings For New Britain Seen in 2009

Major legislation that would reduce the city of New Britain’s health insurance costs by an estimated $900,000 per year has won the approval of several key committees in the General Assembly giving proponents hope that it will be approved prior to the May 6th adjournment.
The Health Care Partnership Act – touted by House Majority leader Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) and New Britain lawmakers – “allows municipalities, certain municipal service contractors, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses to join the state employee health insurance plan for their employees and retirees.” The bill – No. 5536 – has won the go ahead from the labor, appropriations, and insurance committees on its ways to the House floor and the state Senate for floor votes.
According to an analysis of the bill, it requires that premiums the municipal and other employers pay be the same as those the state pays for the same insurance plans. The measure, if adopted, would take effect in 2009.
Mayor Timothy Stewart (R-New Britain) has been critical of the legislation, arguing that it interferes with local collective bargaining agreements. Municipal union leaders, however, are strongly backing the partnership act that exists in Massachusetts and other states and has brought substantial savings in health premium costs to municipalities in other states. Mayor Stewart was also critical of Rep. Donovan for claiming that it would produce the $900,000 in annual savings to the city as a result of the city joining the state employee health care pool. Under the plan, benefits would likely increase for employees at a reduced cost to local taxpayers.

More information on the bill may be found at http://www.housedems.ct.gov/CHP/index.asp

City Council Action Expected On Building Commission, Cost Of War Resolution

The New Britain City Council is expected to take up the re-establishment of a city Building Commission and a resolution opposing the U.S. Iraq war policy at its meeting on Wednesday, April 23rd. Both items are expected to gain Council approval. A new Building Commission has drawn bi-partisan support in the City Council and New Britain is poised to join other communities in New England in a resolution of concern about the cost of the Iraq war.

The public may speak at the Wednesday Council meeting during public participation which will begin at approximately 7 p.m.

Related stories:

The Courant covered the New Britain Council Iraq Resolution earlier this month

The Herald covered the Building Commission vote expected this week.

13 April 2008

Bysiewicz, Tercyak To Host Polish Day at Capitol April 30th

"Polish Day at the Capitol", an annual event that celebrates the anniversary of the Polish Constitution and honors Polish Americans in Connecticut, will be held on April 30th at 11 a.m. in the Hall of the Flags at the State Capitol in Hartford. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26) will host "Polish Day" with this year's honors going to Eleanor "Lottie" Pozniak, Stanley Pac and the memories of John Jeski and Ray Henry.

The event was started by New Britain State Rep. Stanley Krawiec of the 26th Assembly District more than 20 years ago -- a tradition continued by his successors. In conjunction with the event Bysiewicz has announced that she will serve as state Honorary Chair for a national Get Out The Vote effort in the Polish community called "Polonia Votes 2008'. It has a goal of encouraging one million new Polish Americans across the country to vote on November 4th.

State Central Committee Election Thursday, April 17th

Delegates to the Democratic State Convention from Berlin, Farmington and New Britain will meet Thursday evening, April 17th, at the Italian Political Club, 16 Harding Street, in Berlin for the purpose of electing a state central committeeman and woman representing the 6th Senatorial District. The delegate caucus will also elect representatives to the credentials, rules and resolutions and other state convention posts at the meeting.

A follow up notice clarifying the time of the meeting on April 17th is expected to be sent to delegates prior to the meeting by the State Central Committee

State Central Committeeman Ned Statchen and Party Treasurer and State Central Committeewoman Emma Pierce are seeking new terms on the 72-member state party committee.Because the State Central Committee has sent out conflicting notices,

For a list of delegates to all conventions and the convention schedule go to http://www.newbritaindemocrat.net/


Municipal Budget On the Table:

Revaluation Makes Tax Increase Inevitable According to the Mayor

A $219.5 million municipal budget was submitted to the City Council last week that will bring a tax increase to residential owners because of state-mandated revaluation. According to published reports a tax rate of 34.98 ($34.98 per $1,000 valuation) will take effect July 1 if the budget is adopted. While the tax rate is dropping, new property assessments from a recently completed revaluation will mean higher bills for homeowners and owners of multi-family units.

As with all property revaluations, burdens on small property owners and tenants increase because of the regressive nature of the property tax and Connecticut's over reliance on it to pay for essential services and schools. Residential owners in New Britain bear the brunt of higher tax bills while industrial properties will decrease under the current system. Stewart, who rode to victory over incumbent Lucian Pawlak five years ago because of 40% re-assessment hikes, says now there is little that can be done to avert an increase in property bills because of revaluation.

Between now and June the municipal budget will get more scrutiny from the City Council whose members will be seeking ways to extract more savings without cutting services. A key point of the debate will be whether the $118 million allocated for the school district will remain the same or be increased to deal with serious resource shortfalls cited in recent outside reports about the high school's accreditation, student achievement and morale in the school district. Also to be determined is whether a local property tax credit will be extended to seniors and individuals on fixed incomes -- a form of relief adopted by the Council and agreed to by the Mayor last fall.

April Birthday Wishes

New Britain Democrats extend April birthday wishes to Carlo Carlozzi, Frank Gerratana, Butch Dzwonkowski, Gil Martinez and Ned Statchen

End Quote

"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes."

Dwight D. Eisenhower, January 17, 1961