If you are an incumbent DNC member, what have you done as a DNC member to promote the progressive agenda on the following issues?
a) Ending the US occupation of Iraq
b) Eliminating Poverty
C) Promoting Universal Single-Payer Healthcare
D) Ensuring Election Integrity (protecting each vote to ensure it is counted as cast)
E) Preventing a US attack on Iran
F) Preserving a free and open Internet
G) Impeaching or indicting Bush and Cheney
H) Redirecting California's resources to support education, not incarceration
I) Protecting LGBT Rights and Promoting Marriage Equality
J) Promoting public financing of elections
K) Abolishing the death penalty
L) Promoting alternative energy/energy independence
If you are not a DNC incumbent, what have you done to address the issues enumerated above?
Since becoming socially conscious I have engaged in numerous actions that were designed to bring a change in the social condition that affects a vast majority of our populous. As the chair the progressive student coalition we fought for these issues that we called peace dividends. Secondly, I was one of many activists who were involved in forming the January 27th coalition that sponsored an anti-war demonstration in Los Angeles. Moreover, me, Brad Parker, and Jo Olson worked with members of the labor caucus to craft the net neutrality resolution which is now part of the CDP platform. Thirdly, I worked in a collaborative effort with other Progressive Caucus executive board members where we sponsored a forum on health care Furthermore, I worked with Susie Shannon in direct actions designed to minimize the harsh effects of resource deprivation for those who are homeless and disenfranchised. For additional information regarding my involvement in social and political change email me at amakalan2002@yahoo.com
a) Ending the US occupation of Iraq
b) Eliminating Poverty
C) Promoting Universal Single-Payer Healthcare
D) Ensuring Election Integrity (protecting each vote to ensure it is counted as cast)
E) Preventing a US attack on Iran
F) Preserving a free and open Internet
J) Promoting public financing of elections
If you had been in Congress, how would you have voted for the most recent 178-billion dollar war package?
First, as a member of Congress I would have never voted for the illegal act of aggression against Iraq. Furthermore, to vote for an additional billion dollars to maintain the occupation is immoral and reprehensible. I would vote for $178 billion dollars to be allocating for social needs and infrastructure improvement.
How have you used your activism or Party involvement to challenge the leadership's support for war funding?
I have been outspoken about current Democratic Party’s leadership support of the occupation of Iraq. Secondly, I have written collaboratively with other like minded progressives in raising the contradiction of the Leadership’s domestic and foreign policy.
Have you ever supported an insurgent primary candidate or someone who is challenging an incumbent on the issues?
Since insurgent means to revolt against establish authority I have supported and work for Marcy Winograd in her efforts to unseat Jane Harman. I also, worked on Cynthia Matthews Campaign to unseat Republican David Drier.
What qualifies you, in terms of your organizing work, to represent progressive values on the E-Board?
First, I work well with others when trying to move a project or an objective forward. I have served during my involvement in social struggle in a decision making capacity.
Why should progressives on the CDP E-Board vote for you as a DNC delegate?
Because I have commitment in trying to push our progressive agenda secondly, I will do the necessary work in making our voice heard while building consensus with those who may disagree.
Do you think we should have super delegates? Why or why not?
I assert that super delegates should be done away with all decisions and must be democratic both nature and action.
Are you running on a slate with other candidates? If so, who are the other candidates running on your slate and what was the process for choosing these candidates to run with you?
I am on two slates one with the Progressive Caucus Executive Board Officers and another Brad Parker, Dr Jo Olson and Christine Pelosi, my reasoning is that they are members of the progressive swarm furthermore; Christine Pelosi was instrumental helping to get progressive language and positions in the CDP platform which has become the most progressive platform in the nation.
What experience has prepared you to run as a DNC member?
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20 or so years in social political activism beginning with my membership in the Black Student Union, Pan African Student Union, Progressive Student Alliance, Sacramento Black Area Caucus
My experience in a leadership capacity with the following organizations:
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Upland Progressive Democrat Club, Vice Chair
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San Bernardino County Central Committee, 1st Vice Chair
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Progressive Caucus, Vice Chair
On which committee(s) would you like to serve and what are your personal goals for each committee?
If elected I would like to serve on the platform committee where my goal would be to assist in crafting resolutions that would be progressive in nature and intent and to work in a liberal progressive body: see CDP Progressive Caucus Progressive Plan.
