Published at CarlSheeler.com
http://www.carlsheeler.com/speech_english.htm (http://www.carlsheeler.com/speech_english.htm)
Carl Sheeler
592 Hopkins Hill Road
West Greenwich RI 02817
Tel: 401-397-4618 Fax: 401-397-1894
www.carlsheeler.com (http://www.carlsheeler.com)
Announcement Speech
Good evening. I’d like to thank the principals of Hope High School for the use of their facility, for the many family members, faculty, parents, students, supporters, staff and volunteers who have helped and come tonight. Thanks go to Joe Trippi and Bill Hillsman for their sage advice. Thanks go the members of Providence’s Fire Department band and for their efforts in and around New Orleans. These folks are among our everyday heroes and I hope Mayor Cicilline considers their contribution to our community and ends their 1,500-day plus period without a contract soon. Perhaps, RISD, Johnson & Wales, Brown and PC will provide a more equitable share of property taxes towards the Providence community to end this dead-lock. Thanks, guys.
This campaign is about you and giving underrepresented, everyday people a voice. My name is Carl Sheeler and I want to be your voice as your next working U.S. Senator. I’m running to be the tip of the sword to be certain our government starts to listen to us. We’re tired of our failed energy policies, our foreign policies, our domestic policies and our economic policies and I’m ready to rumble for you! I’m against the Bush-Cheney Monarchy and their blood for Saudi oil, war in Iraq. Their spin betrayed our trust. Their war is based on lies and greed. Iraq, like most countries in the Middle East, has been a feudal system for many years. The duration of our occupation won’t change this fact. History tells us self-rule, failed or not, are these nations’ preferred course. I do honor our American patriots who have died serving our country. I honor their families who grieve, waiting for this war to end. I ask “Just how much is a quart of oil or a gallon of gas worth in American lives?†I say, “Not one life!â€
I am ready to rumble! Are you? We can’t just sit up and take notice. Patriots are ones who are standing up for the American Dream. They’re using their voice to condemn the cowards who deceive us. I’m not prepared to wait until there are 2,000 body bags of American troops. Even the media and this administration are too ashamed to broadcast the fallen. I am ready to rumble. I did in the Anti-War March in DC a month ago. Osama bin Laden. Remember him? Remember Afghanistan? He was Saudi. So were most of the 9/11 terrorists. Tell Bush to invite his Saudi Prince oil buddies to his white castle. There he can tell them to defend their own oil with their money and mercenaries. Bring our troops home now.
Instead of this wasteful war where we are borrowing $20 billion a month from China, we need to invest our hard earned tax dollars in our own domestic security and prosperity. Good education, good jobs, good healthcare and equal opportunity should be our priority. Only when we have a domestic policy that restores the peoples' voice and uses reason and compassion so all residents of our country are treated fairly can we truly develop a solid foreign policy that provides the same. Folks, I am ready to rumble. Are you? This rally and announcement are being held at Hope High School with many of our communities’ underrepresented because what we learned about New Orleans and Katrina exists right here.
What do we say to our grandkids and kids who we want to see educated and prosper; that there’s no money for books and after school programs much less for higher education? What do we say to the numerous families this winter when there’s no money to pay for heating? We’ve been gouged again by the Bush’s Republican mob of 40 plus campaign contributors who now are political appointees overseeing our energy policy. Same as FEMA. Same as Katrina. Where’s the vision, the leadership, the competency? This is a product of poor planning and bad budgets costing us dearly. I am fed up and I'm ready to rumble! Are you?
Our system has been corrupted. The late Democratic icon, U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, made it his mission to rebuild it. I do, too. It seems only in election years do politicians seem to show any interest in small business and property owners. Otherwise, they’re inaccessible. They insulate themselves from our middle class that bears the brunt of the administration policies. They gutted our American Dream. Don’t waste your vote on politicians who have will put as much money in their campaigns as possible to win this election. Elected office is one of public service, not personal gain! Elected office is not for sale to the highest bidder! It is an office that gives a voice to everyday Americans, not wealthy campaign contributors, large corporations and special interests! Your voice cannot be heard from the comfort of a sitting position. It’s heard when you stand up and act. Act responsibly, but act with passion, act with resolve and act now. Nothing is achieved without some effort. I am ready to rumble. Are you? We can do it together. From this day forward a vote for me is a vote against Bush!
If you want to learn more about me you can visit the website that bears my name. What I can tell you is that I’m not nearly as wealthy as the other candidates. We’ve seen how comfortable most wealthy politicians have become after being elected into office. Where’s the opposition?! This is why I am a supporter of campaign finance reform. When did “Leave no Child Behindâ€, become “leave no contributor behindâ€? Look at the large dollar amounts and sources of most contributions received by the candidates. Who are politicians targeting with requests for $500 or greater contributions? Folks, that is a weeks’ take home pay for a lot of us.
Greed is corrupting our politics with fraud, waste and abuse. There are 40 lobbyists for every member of Congress. This corruption erodes our national security and our citizen’s sense of fairness and justice. This is not what I believe the founders of our constitution had in mind. Leadership begins with the guts to restore integrity to the political process. This means we can’t have a one party system masquerading as a two party system.
Currently, our policies don’t reflect the values and beliefs of everyday Americans. Large corporations are not citizens! They give money to politicians because they want something in return. “The only thing that can overcome organized money is organized people!†I think authenticity is important, too. Political careerists must show the fortitude to put an end to the pay-to-play political system. Fundraising muscle should not be the measure of a candidate for office, but rather ideas, character and leadership skills. We must end the addiction to large contributions in exchange for political favors. I agree with Mayor Laffey and Senator Chafee. These favors come in the form of annual tax breaks mostly favoring the wealthy and large companies. I’d rather receive $10.00 contributions from 55,000 supporters than 550 $1,000 contributions. Either way, contributions large or small, voters most come first!
I think Lincoln Chafee needs to be more than being a nice guy. His Republican administration has left us behind. He’s a Republican; one of 55 in the U.S. Senate of 100. If they gain five more seats, the Bush administration effectively becomes a monarchy where most of us will be left behind in his empire. James Madison wrote, “The accumulation of all powers, executive, legislative, and judicial, in the same hands, whether of one, a few or many, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.†We deserve a candidate who is of, by and for the people. In the Marines we have a saying â€" Leave no one behind. Ever. My pledge is as a working U.S. Senator, “I will not leave anyone behind!†Are you ready? I am.
Let’s start by not leaving our troops behind. Bring our troops home now. Let’s use our tax dollars to reinvest in the American Dream by funding our communities with quality education and schools, K through College. Let’s replace the funds cut by Bush’s administration to ensure adequate first response and domestic security by hiring and training more police, fire and emergency rescue personnel. This investment increases our property values and the quality of life in our communities. We need a viable alternative energy policy that is achieved in three years, not 30. Nothing happened to change this energy crisis in the 1970’s and we can’t afford to let that happen again. This administration, through the Patriot Act, could reinstate the draft and, if necessary, go to war for oil… again; maybe, next time with China.
Let’s respond to the majority of businesses and people who know universal healthcare is viable. Let’s start with ensuring all of our children and elderly are covered. I know what it’s like to let some ailment go unattended only to have it become life-threatening. How can we do this to 45 million Americans who are uncovered? I’m ready to change this? Are you ready?
When did we decide the Democratic Party was not all-inclusive? I adhere to the beliefs of the 70’s era Democrats. Rights are equal and constitutionally protected for all people on American soil. I believe religious freedom and traditions should be respected, but should remain separate from our government as is constitutionally required. My past endorsements by ACORN, NOW, OUTPAC, Education, Health, Social and Labor organizations as well as the overwhelming turnout of the Latino community tonight reflects what we learned in Katrina. A working U.S. Senator that is a people person can make a difference. We’re ready to rumble? Are you?
Folks, I’m a 45 year old, middle class, business owner, educator and family man from fairly humble beginnings. I’m a former Marine. Your problems are my problems. There were weeks I chose between rent, food, gas and books for college. I’d take the bus, sometimes. I’d skip a meal, just to keep ahead of the bills on minimum wage. I have been one of the 60% of Americans who have been below the poverty line for a year. These experiences make me a firm supporter of elderly fixed income, single parent and middle class households.
Funny story. I went into the Marine Corps like a lot of other kids do who want to get ahead and be part of something bigger than themselves. During boot camp, I was reamed out by a drill instructor for having a 21-year-old, stupid grin on my face in the chow hall. He was screaming about why I had that stupid grin. My reply was honest and he didn’t know what to say to my answer. “Sergeant, I have a warm bed and don’t have to worry about paying the rent. I get three meals a day. Why wouldn’t I be happy?†Many of our troops are minorities or come from poor families who struggle from paycheck to paycheck while willingly defending our nation. This is why I support a strong national defense. That begins by making sure our veterans, reservists, national guard and active duty are fairly treated and cared for in both times of war and peace. Sending troops without adequate armor or an exit strategy is unacceptable. Not on my watch, ever!
I want to represent you, not by default because the Republican Party is self-destructing, but because I have the most to offer. I’ve spent half my life in school â€" most of that time working and trying to raise a family. Life has brought many personal and professional successes and failures in the military, business and in marriage. I have spent my fair share of time in the trenches, too. I have bucked status quo with a bold vision and can do attitude that’s unafraid.
As a business owner, I have worked with over 700 businesses, given expert testimony over a hundred times and been court appointed as a financial expert on dozens of occasions. I have gone up against the likes of the IRS and companies like Bank of America with better than a 98% win rate. My work forces one to learn what it’s like to put your life into a business â€" to fight for it and to keep it going. Small business and the dream of fiscal independence is the lifeblood of our economy. It’s why I was invited to China to guest lecture. This is one of the reasons I am an enormous advocate for small business owners. I think this is why Bryant University awarded me Entrepreneur Educator of the Year in ’05.
Folks, I’m running for U.S. Senate to counter a radical, right wing administration that has plainly stated, “You’re with us or you’re against us.†Well, I, a former Reagan era Republican, and now, as a 70’s style Democrat, am against “themâ€. Like presidential candidate and DNC Chair Dean, I’m ready to restore the balance of power to our government. Let’s pave the way for a Democratic President, whether, (s)he be a man or a woman.
A U.S. Senator needs to show measured action, not simply declare opposition. A U.S. Senator’s positions should be based upon more than the sum total of polls and focus groups. A U.S. Senator should display humility, but not be too timid to make unpopular decisions. A U.S. Senator should believe to win the war of terror we need allies, not more enemies. A U.S. Senator should do more than display power, but rather wisdom. A U.S. Senator must represent people for the common good - not be compromised by corporate and special interests’ access and influence. Entering public service is an honor and a privilege â€" not a step towards personal gain or a legacy. I’m ready. Are you?
I believe we need to balance our budget and this means restoring the level taxes for the wealthiest to 2001 levels, as a good start. There is no free lunch when the federal government cuts taxes. State and local governments in turn either increase taxes or cut services. It has caused an increase in our local property tax burdens. It has gutted the education for our young and care for our elderly.
Most Fortune 500 corporations pay no income tax and the average tax paid is less than 2% of their annual revenues. This is despite most reporting a 75% increase in profits during the past decade. Many large corporations tell their shareholders one thing and report something different to the IRS. Their profits have increased by shipping jobs overseas. Yet, they pay less than 7% towards our national tax revenues. This is down from over 28% just a few decades ago. If the IRS was properly staffed, they could pursue big company tax evasion schemes and the wealthy instead of everyday people.
I am ready to rumble. Are you? I invite Rhode Island’s town council and school committee members, state reps, religious and business leaders and everyday folks to join in our battle for our communities. Folks, our system has forgotten its social contract with every day people, both young and old. Our contract states we agree to make certain sacrifices and pay taxes for which we have every right to basic services and protection. Yet, the super-wealthy have seen an unprecedented reduction of their tax liability. Tax cuts for the wealthy have come at the price of reduced programs benefiting children. It has actually retarded economic growth and new job creation. It’s a matter of priorities. We need to shift the tax burden away from work and back to wealth. We are the larger number, as middle class voters, and can succeed.
When we achieve this fairness, I see future growth from the bottom up. I see a healthy economy where small and medium size business owners can invest, expand and support a skilled and educated workforce. I see a social security system that is means tested. I see millions of Americans who no longer have to fear that their economic lifeline is being placed at risk. I see a reduced tax burden on our middle class. I see a country where all people can send their kids to school and be certain of their safety and that they will learn.
Good government equals fairness. I refuse to participate in a corrupted political system that remains out of touch with its citizens. It’s about how we want our tax dollars collected and spent. Our tax dollars should be applied to rebuilding our country’s infrastructure and security. We need a responsive energy plan that is not crafted by and for the benefit of the oil industry. We want universal healthcare. While not least, we want equal rights for women, minorities and for those who are in same gender relationships.
It’s time to roll up our sleeves and rumble. We can start right here in Rhode Island. Folks, I don’t have all the answers, but I know together we can find them. This is a shared responsibility. We’ll have to make sacrifices and compromises. I know we can do better. I know we deserve better. Hubert Humphrey, the architect of our current Medicare system said “The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the unemployed.â€
I’m a candidate who volunteered in the service of my country during times of peace and war. I am a candidate who can admit my mistakes and correct them. I am a candidate who understands fairness begins with access - essential for public welfare and trust. I am a candidate who’ll lead as well as listen. I’m a candidate who looks ahead and plans in order to reduce our risk of hardship. I am a candidate who understands our human need for rights and dignity, both domestically and abroad. I am ready to serve the needs, rather than just the fears, of our citizens. I am ready to rumble.
I have dedicated myself in many great causes over the years, like preparing to run the Marine Corps Marathon in DC this weekend to help end childhood cancer. I put everything into what I do and in this campaign I have my passion, your interests and over $180,000 to get my honest message to you. It’ll take more money and more volunteers to defeat special interests’ and politicians’ 30-second commercials. You can help by volunteering, sharing my message, a letter to the editor or a much needed contribution.
Folks, this is an agenda we’re all capable of carrying out, when we work together. We don’t need another 9/11 or a Katrina to unite us. All we need is a common purpose for every day people. Our military is made up of a diverse group of men and women with a singular common mission. Ours is to restore how our government is run and for whom. With your help and prayers, it’d be a privilege to represent you, as your working U.S. Senator. A wee bit of help from the media would be nice, too. Let’s get ready to rumble!