The Democratic National Committee hosted a conference call to discuss Senator John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) position on the Community Choice Act. The Community Choice act is a top priority of the disability community that would allow people with disabilities the chance to choose home-based or community care with in-home services over being forced into nursing homes or institutions. The act would increase the percentage of Medicaid that goes toward in-home care.
Marca Bristo, former Chair of the National Council on Disability, said that McCain has opposed this legislation over many years. According to Bristo, McCain has refused to listen to the disabled community and has ‘robbed them’ of the dignity of living in homes of their choosing as opposed to nursing home. Bristo continued to say that the disabled community could not afford another eight years of status quo and of failed policies. Bristo urged that the disabled community ‘can wait no more’ for change and that is ‘deserves better’ treatment.
Bob Kafka, President of the American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT), said that the Community Choice Act is a bill that almost every national disability group and aging groups has supported. Despite repeated requests to support or co-sponsor the bill, McCain has refused continuously. Kafka said that the disabled community needs health care reforms that should include reforms of long term care. Kafka emphasized the considerable force that the disabled community has in the up-coming election. According to Kafka, the disability vote could be very instrumental. Bristo agreed and said that disabled people form a tight community which pays close attention to issues that directly affect their lives. (17:28)
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Ralph Nader interview on the need for election reform
Former presidential candidate and long time consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader talked with Michael Ruhl to discuss the status of his lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This was immediately following the circuit court argument for Nader vs. DNC. Nader claims that he was harassed and burdened in 2004 presidential election by the DNC, in what he calls "an abuse of the legal process" and malicious prosecution. In this interview, Nader explained background of the case, and the case's current status. He said, "there is no other western democracy that comes close to obstructing voters and obstructing candidates as is the case in our country."
Nader also spoke about the two-party system, and the effect that his case has on future third party candidates in the presidential process. He said that his case is designed to draw boundaries, to make sure that third party candidates can exercise their First Amendment rights. Nader also referred to the issue as one of democracy, because he said in limiting ballot access, one is truly limiting the right of the people to decide who they want to represent them. Nader called for national ballot standards, instead of ballot standards which vary state by state. He also advocated instant runoff voting and public funding of public campaigns.
Nader said that the two-party system is not allowing third parties access to the higher tiers of federal government, and this two-party system is moving gradually to a one-party system, where gerrymandered districts make reelection almost certain for many members of Congress. He called this a system that can be rented by the rich. In spite of the stronghold that the two parties have on the system, Nader said that he has talked with several members of Congress who may be interested in helping to move legislation on election reform. He mentioned by name: John Conyers (D-Mich.), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), and Jessie Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.). He anticipates this reform effort to be difficult, because as he said, "the foxes are guarding the chicken coop." Nader seems ready for a fight.
(08:50)
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