Mike DeNunzio's Blog

Our Daunting Task

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:05:00 +0000

In December of 1776 George Washington faced a daunting task. The British had routed his Continental army in the battles of New York and New Jersey, forcing it to retreat to Pennsylvania, bloodied, demoralized and ready to quit.

On December 25th Washington assembled his tattered troops, many still in their teens. They stood in the snow with rags on their feet as their officers read from Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, ”The Crisis.”:

“These are the times that try men's souls…The sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink, yet… the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.“ (Abridged)

That Christmas Day, in a fierce hailstorm, General Washington led his men across the icy Delaware to attack the Hessians at Trenton. The battle cry was “Victory or Death.” Four years later the British quit.

Today, our Party faces the most daunting task in GOP history. The results of the 2006 and 2008 elections will try our Republican soul. We have a river to cross; our battle cry must be: “I am only wounded-I am not slain.” Our election defeats may be somewhat deserved, but they are not permanent; our Party has faced daunting tasks before:

In 1964 Barry Goldwater received 38% of the vote and lost 44 states; four years later Richard Nixon was president. In 1976, Watergate elected Jimmy Carter, four years later Ronald Reagan was president. “The Party of Reagan” won five of the next seven presidential elections through 2004; led the defeat of communism and launched 25 years of prosperity.

Let us cross the river and take on the daunting task. This is not a time for “sunshine Republicans.” Our Party was created for a daunting task; we ended slavery! We know when a business loses market-share it does not blame its customers or competition. It takes a candid look at its product and corrects the defect. We did not lose because we were “too conservative,” We lost because we forgot who we are, and why we were elected: We are not Democrat lite! We were elected to spend tax revenues with prudence, and advance the common good- not special interests.

This month our CRP Chair, Vice Chair, elected, appointed and volunteer leaders start their work for 2009. They are the fountainhead of Republican values and issues that drives the GOP message to the media, business and community leaders. Let’s start our renaissance with a proud, bold "21st Century Republican Agenda” for our state, cities and the nation: Taxes, spending, immigration, energy, health care, education, the environment, defense and national security.

Let’s show America and the world “the Republican difference.” We will oppose policies, but never demean the Commander in Chief, or demoralize our military and embolden the enemy. We are not Democrats –We are Republicans –Let’s roll.

My response to liberal moral superiority

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:17:00 +0000

I recently received an Email from a liberal neighbor who enclosed an article by liberal author and NPR commentator Garrison Keillor. Mr. Keillor joyously celebrates the election of a “46 year old Prince” and the defeat of “pompous yahoos" and “sour right-wingers.” Keillor added: We no longer need to look Canadian abroad." (Because of our shame of being American)

My liberal friend asked me: “Mike I hoped you can read this article with an open mind.” (Apparently she does not believe Republicans have open minds)
(See Keillor article below)

We should ALWAYS respond promptly and with competence and confidence to attacks on the party. The following is my "open minded"20response:
_______________________________________________________________
Dear (name withheld)
I’m gratified you have some hope that a "sour right-winger" who votes for "Yahoos" (according to Garrison Keillor) can read his article with an “open mind.” Therefore I put aside "my bible and my gun" and I read it--here's my "open-minded" response:

Garrison Keillor personifies the Pharisee who went to the temple and prayed loudly for everyone to hear: “Oh God, I thank thee that I am not like others; I care for the widow and the poor etc.” (Luke 18: 9-14) That Pharisee was the first liberal to advertise his moral superiority- but definitely not the last.

Today Keillor and righteous liberals like him advertise their moral superiority at dinner parties on Pacific Heights and in Noe Valley, etc. Liberal elites usually don't attend temple or church services -its declass. They advertise their concern for the poor etc best while while sipping $175 La Sirena Napa Cabernet and nibbling on Arugula.

You can be certain Democrat Mayors Brow n and Newsom and Governor Schwarzenegger know that Republicans have "open minds." That's why they have appointed Mike Antononi, Donald Casper, Timothy Simon and Mike DeNunzio from the Central Committee and other Republicans to city and state commissions and other positions.

You can also be certain Republican "open minded' competence is respected by Democrats in Sacramento and San Francisco. (Except for some liberals who cannot forgive us for opposing child molesters from working in pre schools, and other crazy right wing views-like parental notification, and public power..

But even our vast right wing open mind has limitations. We Republicans DONT disguise ourself as “Canadian” like Keillor' s self loathing liberal friends do when in Europe. We don't give a damn what the Euros think-Remember the French and Germans did business with Saddam Hussain while he was=2 0butchering children. These are the French that collaborated with Nazis to kill 6 million Jews, now they want us to close Gitmo.

Our Republican "open mind" has disagreed strongly with, but has NEVER PUBLICLY DENIGRATED American presidents - Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter for mishandling Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and Iran, or even the predator Bill Clinton who was impeached for lying about his 20 year old liberal moron whore.

We Republicans will support President Obama (not "Prince' Obama) as Keillor calls him. Unlike liberals, we want our president and our country to succeed. You can be certain we will never give Obama the same level of support liberals gave President Bush- whose policies of so called "torture and wiretapping" have kept them safe to denigrate him and their country -while a 100,000 troops were in harms way.

The next time Keillor visits France he should visit the ELEVEN American cemeteries and see the 100,000 GRAVES of the GIs who gave their lives to liberate that disgusting country liberals love so much.
Mike DeNunzio
______________________________________________________________________________
Mike
I hope you can read this with an open mind
Subject: Reflection on Obama Victory
A BIG SOMETHING TO BE GRATEFUL FOR
By Garrison Keiler

Be happy, dear hearts,20and allow yourselves a few more weeks of quiet exultation. It isn't gloating, it's satisfaction at a job well done. He was a superb candidate, serious, professorial but with a flashing grin and a buoyancy that comes from working out in the gym every morning. He spoke in a genuine voice, not senatorial at all. He relished campaigning. He accepted adulation gracefully. He brandished his sword against his opponents without mocking or belittling them. He was elegant, unaffected, utterly American, and now (Wow) sudde nly America is cool. Chicago is cool. Chicago !!!
We threw the dice and we won the jackpot and elected a black guy with a Harvard degree, the middle name Hussein and a sense of humor-he said, "I've got relatives who look like Bernie Mac, and I've got relatives who look like Margaret Thatcher." The French junior minister for human rights said, "On this morning, we all want to be American so we can take a bite of this dream unfolding before our eyes." When was the last time you heard someone from France say they wanted to be American and take a bite of something of ours? Ponder that for a moment.
The world expects us to elect pompous yahoos, and instead we have us a 47-year-old prince from the prairie who cheerfully ran the race, and when his opponents threw sand at him, he just smiled back. He'll be the first president in history to look really good making a jump shot. He loves his classy wife and his sweet little daughters. At the same time, he knows pop music , American lit and constitutional law. I just can't imagine anybody cooler.
It feels good to be cool, and all of us can share in that, even sour old right-wingers and embittered blottoheads. Next time you=2 0fly to Heathrow and hand your passport to the man with the badge, he's going to see " United States of America" and look up and grin. Even if you worship in the church of Fox , everyone you meet overseas is going to ask you about Obama, and you may as well say you voted for him because, my friends, he is your line of credit over there. No need anymore to try to look Canadian.

Thank you for your support

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:27:00 +0000

FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, ASSOCIATES,
THANK YOU!

I thank all friends, neighbors and associates for their good wishes and financial support of my campaign for supervisor in District 3 and also the homeowner and tenant associations, and other groups that sought my views.

All eight candidates knew the crowded field would impact chances. Yet everyone conducted their campaign with respect and professional competence.

I have spoken with Supervisor-elect David Chiu. He welcomes my views and we will meet to discuss some issues. I’m especially concerned about public safety, planning and development, and the funding of services. (The 2009-10 budget deficit is estimated at $225 million, and it will increase)

Many voters also expressed concern about three election procedures. They said:
1-District Elections “balkanize” city issues. (They do.)
2-Ranked Choice Voting is “confusing.” (It is)
3- Public Financing “takes from the needy.” (It does)

NOTE: In this election the City gave 19 candidates $1.2 million to fund their campaigns, but cut $4.8 million in health and social services.(This is WRONG!)

The local political parties cannot tackle these issues effectively. I encourage all friends, neighbors and associates to join and support the various neighborhood associations. It will require a non-partisan coalition to achieve objectives.

I will to continue to work with individuals and groups for fiscal reforms and policies to protect public safety, the neighborhoods, and city services for everyone.

I thank you again for your support and always welcome your views on issues.
Mike DeNunzio
391-9667 or 317-0155.
http://www.competencematters.org

"Wounded - Not Slain"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:19:00 +0000

I’m only wounded, I am not slain. Just lie me down to bleed a while, and I will rise to fight again.” (St. Barton’s Ode)

In 1964 Senator Barry Goldwater received only 38% of the vote and lost 44 states to president Lyndon Johnson. Yet 48 months later Richard Nixon was in the Oval Office. The Republican renaissance can start today with a "21st Century" agenda for national security, energy independence, immigration, taxes, spending, health care, and the environment.

It was evident 2008 would be a Democrat year. Only once in 60 years has a party received a third term, as in ’88 when Bush Senior was elected to succeed Ronaldus Maximus." The Republicans mistakenly abandoned their successful “Reagan product” that won five of the last seven presidential elections and adopted “Democrat Lite.” In return , the voters abandoned the GOP and In 2006 bought the “real thing, " and why not; the Democrats are the experts at wasting tax dollars.

The GOP sealed its fate in 2008 when moderates, laden with country club guilt, nominated John McCain, the GOP’s worst candidate to face a Democrat demagogue. Meanwhile the Democrats, overwhelmed by innate liberal guilt, abandoned their best product- “Clinton Mendacity” and America’s party of tax, spend and surrender nominated the least qualified candidate in U.S. history for President and Commander in Chief.

McCain, the perennial “officer and gentleman” proved the axiom: “You can always tell an academy man, but you can’t tell him much.” He refused to expose Obama for what he truly is, and with prodding of the biased media, the voters elected an inexperienced leftist, with a feckless European worldview. Today, Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Islamic Jihad are delighted.

Senator McCain did one thing right - as amply evidenced by the vitriol heaped on Governor Sarah Palin by the media and guilt -ridden liberal women. Sarah Palin was a threat who “connected” with voters and gave McCain a 3 point lead until the September 15 economic meltdown ended the election. (A meltdown precipitated by Democrats, that pushed bad loans, etc.) Yet McCain blamed “greedy Wall Street" and SEC Chair Chris Cox "--not Democrats.

The GOP renaissance must start with county and state leaders, as well as national leaders like Sarah Palin, Bobby Jendal, Michael Steele, etc. who believe in “American exceptionalism.” It has created the most tolerant, generous and successful society in human history.

Meanwhile, Republicans should give President Obama the same respect and support the Democrats gave to President Bush.

SF District 3 Supervisors Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Howey) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:21:00 +0000

San Francisco District 3 supervisor candidates took part in a forum at ABC7 on September 10, moderated by Carolyn Tyler. You can watch it by clicking District 3 debate.

Mike's #2 Flyer

noreply@blogger.com (Barb Howey) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Mike Flyer.pdf

Mayor's economic stimulus plan

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Submitted to SF Chronicle Friday, 10/17/08

Editor,

The first step in the mayor’s proposed economic stimulus plan for the City should be to remove the $5 million in the budget that is designated to fund campaigns of political candidates. These tax dollars should be used to protect vital human services that face cuts because of the expected losses in tax revenues and state funds. Candidates that take public funds are taking from vulnerable seniors, the disabled and the needy. San Francisco does not need public financing to keep candidates honest, we simply need honest candidates, and they are all honest.

Mike DeNunzio

San Francisco

New "Videos" page on my website

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:41:00 +0000

My videos are now in one place on my website. Click Videos to see recent ones:

Comcast Newsmakers interview September 2008

Mike on SFVotes2008 September 15, 2008

D3 Supervisor Debate June 16, 2008

My new flyer

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:53:00 +0000

Mike DeNunzio Flyer.pdf

Tommy Lasorda as grand marshal

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:50:00 +0000

San Francisco Examiner Oct 1,2008
Editor
Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier's criticism of former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda as grand marshal of the Italian Heritage Day Parade does not reflect San Francisco values. She said: “Its crazy and ridiculous...We need a well respected Italian, not one loathed by every San Franciscan,” (Examiner 9-28)

Surely, Mr. Lasorda is not “loathed by every San Franciscan” and the distinguished Italian Heritage Day committee did not make a “crazy and ridiculous selection” as she has charged. A supervisor elected with the good name of a great San Francisco mayor has a special obligation to speak with respect.

In 1991, Mr. Lasorda’s son Tommy Jr. died of Aides. In 1997, Lasorda who had been estranged from his son, donated a youth center in memory of Tommy Jr. Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier should cancel her resolution, and welcome Tommy Lasorda to San Francisco.
Mike DeNunzio

Adults needed in City Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:48:00 +0000

To SF Chronicle Editor:

San Francisco is facing cuts in services because of wasteful spending. Meanwhile, instead of calling for cuts in wasteful spending, supervisor Michela Alioto Pier wants to cut former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda from the Italian Heritage Day Parade. (City Insider Sept 27) San Francisco does not need more supervisors with provincial priorities like Michela Alioto Pier. We need responsible adults in City Hall who can balance a budget and protect city services.

Mike DeNunzio

Public financing of campaigns is a waste of taxpayers' money

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:14:00 +0000

The Examiner, Opinion From Readers, published Thursday, 9/11/08.

Candidates who take public financing to fund their campaigns are taking from the needy.

The mayor and supervisors overspent the $6.5 billion city budget by $338 million. To balance it, supervisors have cut $2.5 million in services for seniors, teens, emergency services and home nursing. But they did not touch $5 million in the budget to fund political campaigns, and the mayor approved the cuts. San Francisco does not need public financing to keep candidates honest, we simply need honest candidates.

Mike DeNunzio
Candidate for supervisor, District 3

DeNunzio wins endorsement of Police Officers' Association

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:19:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE August 1, 2008

DeNunzio wins endorsement of Police Officers’ AssociationCops on the beat want a friend on the Board

One of city’s most prestigious political endorsements was awarded to Mike DeNunzio, Supervisorial candidate in District 3. The 3,000 member San Francisco Police Officers’ Association (POA) announced its support for the candidate making public safety and police morale a centerpiece of his campaign.

DeNunzio was one of three of 12 in the district to win the backing of the Association. “This is a vote of confidence in me from the men and women who protect our city,” said DeNunzio, and along with the endo rsement of former Police Chief, Tony Ribera, it is evident I am law enforcement’s candidate.”

A financial management consultant, DeNunzio said his consistent support for public safety, and help on the recent Deferred Retirement Option ballot measure, and also the merger of airport police pensions with city police pension helped win the POA’s backing. “Our police want deeds not words; I have a track record, and they know they can count on me, said DeNunzio. “Police recruitment and morale is low in this city, and I intend to change it, I’m not a cheerleader, as supervisor I will quarterback real improvements to help our police stay with the city. We need them.”

DeNunzio brings to his candidacy one of the most extensive public service resumes of any candidate for office in San Francisco. California’s Governor and two San Francisco mayors have appointed the popular independent business leader to high-profile posts, such as; the San Francisco Commission on Aging, where he oversaw Adult Protective Services, and also the Mayor’s Council to End Chronic Homelessness, where he worked with former Supervisor Angela Alioto, writing the city’s plan for supportive housing. His appointments have been commended by the City’s elected representatives in Sacramento.

DeNunzio also serves on the boards of directors of 20North Beach Neighbors, The Handicapables, The Columbus Day Committee, The USF Hospitality Management Program, and the American Institute of Ethics with former San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan, Congresswomen Jackie Speier, and civic leader Alessandro Baccari.

DeNunzio is the former CEO of Community Counseling Service, western division. He has guided community leaders on major capital projects including, Save the Cable Cars, On-Lok Senior Services, BRIDGE-Affordable Housing , and the Archbishop’s Scholarship Fund. A graduate of St John’s University, N.Y. he served six years as a personnel specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves and taught law and economics at McClancy College Preparatory in New York. (END)

Paid for by DeNunzio for Supervisor, 550 Davis St CA 94111, FPPC# 1303336

DeNunzio Statement to Port Commission

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:19:00 +0000

July 8, 2008

Good afternoon Commissioners, my name is Mike DeNunzio. My wife Annette and I are residents of Golden Gateway Commons.

For purposes of identification: I’m a State Commissioner on Aging appointed by the Governor. I also served as a City Commissioner appointed by Mayor Brown where I was assigned to review Adult Protective Services. Mayor Newsom appointed me to his Council to End Chronic Homelessness; I helped write the city’s plan for Supportive Housing.

I want to talk about our seniors. This area has the highest percentage of seniors in the City, it also has densest per capita population, the most auto congestion, and the least open space.

The members of the Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club do not qualify for Wimbledon or the Beijing Olympics. Most are seniors, or will soon be, and they will be here a long time; today 60 is 40.

These facilities are vital for the health, recreational and therapeutic needs of seniors in this district, and the entire city. Frankly, they should be expanded, not reduced.

In this 21st century seniors will rely on community based home care services, not distant sanitariums. They will live active lives at home, near friends and family, in walk able neighborhoods with open space, safe from auto traffic and auto pollution.

Commissioners, this facility is open to everyone in the city; it deserves your protection. The first responsibility of government is to protect the health and safety o f citizens. This is about health and safety.

The Coming Geriatric Tsunami & The Ultimate Elder Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Mike DeNunzio) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:24:00 +0000

The Golden State is turning gray. California has the largest senior population in the nation. Almost four million residents are 65 or older and those over 85 are increasing the most. In 2010 the first baby boomers will turn 65 and the state’s senior population will approach six million. Forty percent of the Baby Boomers are Latino and Asian and half are women. California is facing a diverse geriatric tsunami that will hit the state budget, taxes, charities, housing, health care, and more.

Today “60 is 40.” Californians are living longer, healthier, active lives. Many will outlive their resources and also encounter forms of dementia and other age related disabilities. To prepare California for a senior society the State Health and Human Services Agency is developing a “Comprehensive Strategic Plan on Aging.” Two major components of the plan are Elder Abuse and End of Life Care. The plan is monitored by the California Commission on Aging, which is the principle advisory body to the Governor and the Legislature on senior issues.

Elder Abuse is epidemic. Adult Protective Service agencies throughout the state report marked increases and for every case, five are unreported. Elder abuse can be physical or mental but most abuse is financial and committed by a family member. APS agencies are understaffed, they need larger budgets to handle growing caseloads to protect vulnerable seniors.

End of Life Care involves the personal autonomy of dying patients. It now faces demands to legalize physician-assisted suicide which many call “the ultimate elder abuse.” On June 10th, AB 374, “The Compassionate Choices Act” was defeated in the Assembly for the second time. It would permit physicians to prescribe a self-administered lethal drug to mentally competent consenting adults diagnosed to be terminally ill. The American Civil Liberties Union and National Organization for Women support assisted suicide as the “ultimate civil right.” HMOs also support it. They will try again next year. Californians need to know more about assisted suicide and why this bill has failed.

Physician assisted suicide is opposed by over fifty organizations. They include the American Medical Association, hospice and disability rights groups and ethnic and religious organizations. They maintain physician assisted suicide is immoral, unethical and unnecessary. The State Probate Code permits adults to determine their own medical treatment with an Advanced Directive for “provision or withholding of all forms of health care.” This directive can include palliative sedation to relieve pain and hasten a peaceful death. Polls that show 70% support for assisted suicide are misleading because they do not inform respondents of an Advanced Directive. Opponents of AB argued that subtle coercion by family and health professionals can result in chronically ill or disabled seniors to feel they have a "duty to die." They also noted that although the Bill required assisted suicides to be reported, it had no penalty for Doctors who do not report.

The slippery slope argument by opponents is a deadly reality in Holland where physician assisted suicide has “slipped” from assisting the terminally ill, to assisting the chronically ill, to assisting the disabled to assisting the depressed. It gets worse; the Dutch Government’s own studies report doctors “terminate without request” approximately 1,000 patients a year. In Holland a peaceful death for those thought not to have a "livable life" has also “slipped” into the pediatric wards. A study published in the British medical journal The Lancet reports 8 percent of all Dutch infant deaths are from lethal injections and 45 percent of neonatologists and 31 percent of pediatricians who responded to Lancet survey have committed eugenic infanticide.

The proponents of assisted suicide will undoubtedly bring it back next year. If so, it should be decided by ‘we the people” via an initiative, not by a gerrymandered legislature that is unaccountable to voters. (Not one seat in the legislature has changed parties in the last two elections.) Twenty-one 21 states have defeated proposals for assisted suicide. California is the seventh largest economy on the planet. How we decide this life or death issue will resound across the entire nation and the world.

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