local candidates interviewed: manuel & barnwell

Check out Whosplayin.com's interview with Amy Manuel, candidate for Denton County Commissioner, Precinct 2.

I have been a Democrat all of my life. My father was a precinct captain for President Johnson and my mother still refers to herself as a “yellow dog”. I am also distantly related to former DNC Chair Robert Strauss.

My religion plays a major role in political beliefs as well. I was raised a Reformed Jew in Southeast Texas. Reformed Jews tend to be liberal. We are encouraged from a very young age use logic and reason to understand what we believe and not just accept on faith. Jews also have an obligation to tikkun olam, which means to mend, heal and repair the world. This obligation implies an obligation to the environment, as well as, an obligation to care for and help those who are less fortunate. My religion is also grounded in science and education. I have always felt that the Democratic Party has a greater dedication to the environment, science, education and to helping the less fortunate than other political parties.

Also, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the 26th District, Tim Barnwell, was recently interviewed for Burnt Orange Report by John McClelland.

....We have a Congress that has abandoned the will of the American people, and has not faithfully discharged the duties assigned to them under the Constitution of the United States. Lobbyists now write legislation. Too much money changes hands. People come out of Congress much richer than they went in.

The incumbent Congressman in our district, is a perfect example of this: He owns stock in a petroleum company, took over $60,000 in their campaign contributions, and then voted for an enormous corporate welfare package to the industry even as they made record profits, charging us all $3 per gallon at the pump. A recent check shows my opponent owns stock in 4 major pharmaceutical companies, and voted for the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan that forbids the government from negotiating prices with the drug companies. He should have recused himself.

Finally, I remember visiting the monuments and memorials when my son Josh and I went to Washington D.C. a couple of years ago. In a quiet, unassuming spot lay a simple well-worn stone laid in honor to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Upon this stone are written these words from the final paragraph: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." This really stuck with me……and I’ve decided to pledge my life, fortune and honor in serving the people of the 26th District.

To help these great North Texas candidates, visit their websites, contribute what you can, and contact their volunteer coordinators for more information on how to get involved with the campaign. Tim Barnwell and Amy Manuel would appreciate your support.