Glenn Nye’s Half-Truths on Offshore Wind
An email from Glenn Nye (find it here at Blue Virginia) discussing all the amazing positives of Virginia’s offshore wind development is circulating around. He certainly does a good job of building excitement for what will be a very lucrative and clean energy pursuit if we’re smart and play our cards right.
But seeing how I was actually in attendance at last Friday’s Virginia Beach press conference where he spoke, I feel I need to tell the other side of the story regarding Glenn’s remarks. For some gosh-darn reason, Rep. Glenn “Speak out of both sides of his mouth” Nye has neglected to add it to his email.
Yes, he said, offshore wind was great, but he also added how it would work well in combination with our “traditional” energy resources, specifically mentioning coal, nuclear and offshore oil and gas.
For me, the only difference between Glenn Nye and Bob McDonnell is that Glenn at least gets a little more excited about offshore wind. Why he felt the need to insert the “coal, nuclear and offshore oil and gas” in, is beyond me. Nobody else mentioned it at the press conference. And did he really think that I wouldn’t call him out on this? Glenn, Glenn, Glenn… dude… you’re not making life very easy for this Democrat!
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January 22nd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Eileen, it’s time for you to come clean about whatever grudge it is that you have against Glenn Nye. You attack him at every possible opportunity. It’s ridiculous. Oh no! He wants to use wind energy in combination with traditional sources? You mean he is not going to singlehandedly end fossil fuel usage?!! IMPEACH HIM!!!
Seriously, lighten up. Glenn is a Democrat, and considering the district he’s in, a surprisngly good one. VA-02 was never going to elect a Dennis Kucinich. You know that, which is why I believe your grudge against him is personal. So what is it? He didn’t want to do a guest post on your blog? He wouldn’t come to some function you were sponsoring? Your readers have a right to know if you’re trashing him for personal reasons.
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Virginia needs a Congressman (especially one representing ever coastal touch to the Atlantic Ocean) to be sensitive to the environmental risks posed by offshore drilling instead of giving in to the Bush era rush to drill. Nye has done nothing to support former Governor Kaine’s request to postpone Lease Sale 220. Strike 1.
Glenn not only voted against the American Clean Energy and Security Act, but he remained totally inaccessible during Congress’ consideration of the bill. We were left to only guess at what his concerns may be and repeatedly meet with his staff in hopes that at least some of our information was getting through to him. Strike 2 and 3.
Glenn’s explanation on the day after the vote at his town hall meeting in Hampton was totally outrageous. He knew this climate bill was coming for almost a year ahead of time. We explained that passing this historic legislation was the rationale behind the endorsements we made and why we worked so hard on his campaign against Thelma Drake. As Nye contends, the bill suddenly fell out of the sky. BS! Cap-and-trade is not a new concept. Sen. John Warner introduced such bills previously. Strike 4.
Finally there are his two different email responses to David Campbell whereby 1: he writes glowingly about ACES, neglecting to mention that he voted against it, then 2: in an email sent on the same day, he writes “you’ll be happy to know I voted against this energy tax” – exactly the words used by tea baggers against this bill. Strike 5.
Nothing personal. I’m probably doing Glenn Nye good. I’m helping to aid and abed his campaign to run as “Republican Lite”.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:45 pm
I see nothing wrong with a healthy, open debate of the issues. I hope that Congressman Nye addresses the concerns of the Sierra Club and I hope that even where there may be disagreement, that the SC and Nye will keep the channels of communication open.
I am in favor of having some pilot wells drilled to demonstrate if the wells can be properly managed and to better assess the actual volume of gas and oil we can expect from ocean drilling off of our Virginia coast. We need to go full speed ahead on the development of our nuclear power, coal and uranium resources, being sure to develop those resources in a way that will minimize environmental impact.
We owe it to our children to provide them with an America that is energy independent, but is also respectful of our natural environment. We needn’t make everything with regard to energy, an all or nothing proposition. We can move forward in stages in some areas, while going faster in others; the important thing is to get moving forward right now.
On a second item:
Eileen Filler minus Corn is the Democratic nominee for the 41st House of Delegates special election. A fellow member of our Jewish community, and a lobbyist/former political staffer, Eileen Filler minus Corn, should make a solid candidate.
One odd point that comes up with her candidacy is why some women insist on writing a minus sign in the middle of two last names. Such a practice is, quite literally, un-American. We Americans are not like our Latin American counterparts who sometimes carry several family names into future generations.
The chief problem with the practice that has recently cropped-up among a few women in America who seem determined to dishonor their husband’s family name by adding a minus sign in front of their maiden names, is that there is no rational basis for such an act, nor any societal convention for managing what shall become a geometric progression of last names for future generations.
For example, if the child of Filler minus Corn should marry Ballance minus Clark, the kid now has FOUR last names. The next generation would have eight last names then sixteen for the next.
There is no convention or societal standard on which name to discard, so we now run the risk of becoming like Mexico, where citizens somewhat arbitrarily, use one or several of their last names depending on the occasion. The Mexican practice is generally to use the name that is from the most wealthy or famous family name, but there is no consistent procedure. Their records for property and marriage are a mess as a result of arbitrary use of different names at different times.
The American practice of retaining just the father’s name makes tracking our genealogy and inheritance/property rights organized and consistent throughout the generations. One work-around for those who just can’t let go of their maiden name is to use the former family name or a version of it as a middle name, but the best practice is just to continue with our current tradition of having a single last name. Everyone who has to make name tags or enter names into databases will thank you for sticking to a single last name.
So, good luck to Eileen Filler minus Corn in the special election. If anyone would like to pitch-in with the campaign, her website is:
http://www.EileenforDelegate.com
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:33 am
Who do you think you’re trying to fool with this “I’m a Democrat” lie you insist on spreading? What makes you think you’re acting anymore like a Democrat than Glenn Nye is? If one SINGLE piece of legislation or issue was the ONLY reason why you supported Glenn Nye, then how can you honestly call yourself a Democrat? If you go to ANY Democratic candidate’s website(including Glenn Nye) do you see them supporting one singular issue?
Nothing personal? You seriously think you’re doing Glenn Nye some good? Exactly what is your idea of doing Glenn Nye some bad?
No, seriously?
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:02 am
I may be single issue, but this blog and many of its readers are not. I’ll leave it to them to comment on that other big issue… health care reform.
Democrats do not walk lock step with a candidate just because they have a “D” next to their name. You’re thinking of that other party, Q.
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Both Eileen and I have deep roots in the environmental movement, yet, although we have some different views on the types of energy programs and their urgency, we keep an open dialog on the subject. So, it should also be, between our Representatives and their supporters.
Congressman Nye is representing a rather conservative district. He is doing a good job of holding a political coalition together that is made of citizens from many different backgrounds. He is assured that whenever he takes any stand on any issue, he will likely have one or more factions in his coalition somewhat disappointed.
Hopefully the citizens will keep the big picture in mind and not lose the Second District to the xenophobic, fascist Republicans due to in-fighting among the Democratic factions.
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
1. I am a lifelong Democrat. Glenn Nye is not.
2. Glenn Nye voted against health care reform, the single most important issue to Democrats this year and every year. He broke his word. Strikes 6 and 7. (With the same suicidal political instinct, he also voted against the Stupak amendment, ticking off pro-lifers as well.)
3. J. Ty: Un-American? By your method, wouldn’t that be Un minus American, which would be …. American? Sexist much?
4. As I pointed out before, it is clear that Question is either Glenn Nye or someone from Glenn Nye’s office. Seriously, Glenn, do you think that you can get around the fact that you broke your word and made numerous numbskull decisions by casting aspersions on whether your critics are “real Democrats?” Exactly whom do you expect to vote for you? Republicans are going to vote for the Republican candidate. Democrats are going to stay home. So-called independents will not come close to outnumbering the Republicans. So you might as well cash it in now, buddy, or start making good on your campaign promises. The attention span of Democrats is simply not that short — we’re the smart ones.
5. A better use of Question’s time might be to conduct an informal poll of the top four or five Nye campaign volunteers from the 2008 election. Ask these committed Democrats who spent numerous unpaid hours to get Glenn Nye elected whether they have any intention whatsoever of voting for Glenn Nye next time around. Hold the phone away from your ear, and stand ready for some serious expletives. Please be sure to let us know the results, Question.
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Spotter, I think you are right about Question. Thanks for your comments.
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Here’s a post on DailyKos made following Glenn’s event at Farm Fresh today:
The Future of HCR – Rep Glenn Nye Answers My Question
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/1/23/829420/-The-Future-of-HCRRep-Glenn-Nye-Answers-My-Question
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I’m sure Question is Glenn Nye, because it’s well-known that freshmen in competitive districts have all sorts of time in their first term to spend surfing the internet and responding to the criticisms of anonymous commenters on blogs. That’s some excellent deductive work you have done there. Congratulations.
The simple fact that none of you seem to grasp is that the 2nd District will *never* elect a liberal Democrat. There are too many Republicans, not enough Democrats, and many of the indies lean conservative. So you can put your dream candidate on the ballot and watch him/her lose, or you can put up with a Democrat who, like Nye, votes with Dems around 80% of the time. Something tells me, claims about Nye being a “Republican lite” aside, you won’t get that kind of loyalty to the Democratic Party from a Republican.
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:51 pm
What do you suggest I do? Just sit there and not challenge him when he makes such remarks?
January 24th, 2010 at 12:29 am
I think Glenn Nye is walking a fine line. Voting for health care reform would have sealed his fate. Why should Nye sacrifice all the other issues he cares about for just a handful? Furthermore, the Dems did not need Mr. Nye’s vote. Think about this one Dems– who would you rather have represent you Scott Rigell or Glenn Nye? I think Glenn Nye is doing a great job in Congress. I don’t agree with him on some issues, but I think Nye is representing his district’s views on healthcare and energy. Take a look at McDonnell’s strength and the sweep of all VB dems in the last election. As a democrat, I was frustrated inthe last election by Deed’s lack of specifics and the fact that it seemed like the electeds had no sense of independence or principle. That is why me, like many other Democrats, voted for Jeff McWaters and Bob McDonnell. We need bold leaders. I consider myself to be a Democrat, but I like to see someone who stand on principle and Nye will get my vote in 2010.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:36 am
If Dems were smart then they would steal a play from McWaters and McDonnell and talk more about break and butter issues rather than those that just increase spending. I don’t think cap and trade legislation was the best use of time, we should have been trying to get the economy working. Just another reason why a democrat like Bouchard lost… wrong focus on the issues.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:56 am
What would I suggest? Why not stand up, grow a pair and speak to the man directly yourself? Is that too much to ask? Why cowardly come over to your little sewing circle and talk shit about a guy who, because of which, probably takes you less seriously now? What are you scared of? Or have you convinced yourself in your mind that I am him? Which makes me wonder why have you ignored my earlier inquiries? Who do you really think you’re fooling saying you’re a Democrat? Do you honestly believe your acting any better of a Democrat than Glenn Nye? And if you really claim being a Democrat means you don’t follow lock-step with a singular ideology, what the hell are you getting mad at Glenn Nye for? And if you think you’re actually helping Glenn Nye by this, what would you consider hurting Glenn Nye? Then I got to wonder, why haven’t you done it already?
Oh, can I ask another question? If you really campaigned as hard as you said you did for Glenn Nye(which is clearly bullshit), how in the hell did you get the impression you were campaigning for Dennis Kucinich? How does that work? Did you pay any attention, at all to the guy that you (alledgedly) “worked so hard on his campaign for”? What the hell were you doing in 2008 anyway?
January 24th, 2010 at 6:23 am
For months I, as part of several coalitions, tried to communicate with Nye on the climate bill. We only got as far as his staff who couldn’t give us any answers to our questions. The only time Nye ever communicated with us on the bill was after the vote. Even folks who are close to Glenn, who I went to for advise and counsel knowing they had his ear, didn’t know what was going on with him. So don’t even think that I didn’t try to talk with my congressman.
I worked hard on a campaign for an individual who I believed, would weigh all the options, consider both sides of a debate, be open and transparent in their decision making process, and be consistent in their responses, staying true once arrived to their convictions. This is what good Democrats do. I would not have a problem with Glenn Nye, his conservative leanings and/or his “no” vote on the climate bill had he not blown us off before the vote and then feed us bullshit afterward.
With that one remark at the press conference, Nye has finally made it very clear that he is not interested in hearing both sides of the energy debate. However, what infuriated me the most about his remarks was he made them in front of a very impressionable Mayor Sessoms. This was a press conference about offshore wind. Like I said, nobody except for Nye mentioned any other energy sources. It was completely unnecessary for him to do so. But seeing as it was a room full of businessmen in suits, he chose to do so. Sessoms at least allowed for the consideration of the opposition points to offshore drilling. But with Nye, my confidence that he is even remotely considering them is now completely shot to hell.
Senator Jim Webb is not shy with sharing his concerns related to energy. With his roots in coal country, he has a huge sensitivity for those workers. In our fight against coal, we too need to be sensitive to that issue and can therefore respect Webb’s concern. We can together work on a solution because Webb at least comes to the table. He may vote contrary to our position, but at least he’ll have earned our respect.
He’ll probably have a tough re-election battle on his hands in 2012. But could you ever imagine Webb placating on his positions, voting strictly to satisfy conservative voters so as to eek out an election win?
January 24th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I’m not interested in helping Glenn Nye. I’m interested in Glenn Nye living up to his campaign promises, keeping his word, acting as if he were a person of integrity. Still waiting.
January 24th, 2010 at 10:33 am
While we’re at it, you ask a good question. How did I get the impression that Glenn Nye supported health care reform? Simple. Glenn Nye said so, just a few short months ago. Before the election.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Trust me, I think Nye won’t lose an hour sleep over all this. If you analyze it, its likely that he is in the best possible position going into the election. And next cycle, health care reform and energy bills won’t make it to the floor as they won’t have the votes. The thing about health care reform is that it is a very complex issue. Nye said he supported health care reform but he did not see the atrocious bill that came out of the House at that point. Nye was not the only Dem to vote against it.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Whatever. Again, I don’t care if Glenn Nye loses sleep, or if he’s in the best possible position going into the election, or who else voted for what else.
I care if Glenn Nye breaks his word and votes against something that Glenn Nye promised to vote for, based on some phony excuse about costs, because he ineptly believes that will maximize his political position. And then sends people over to this blog to launch profane attacks against concerned voters as “liars” and “not real Democrats.”
It won’t work. And he won’t get my vote, ever.
January 24th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
So Eileen, why do you think you couldn’t get what Glenn Nye was thinking on a climate bill? Do you honestly think he didn’t know where you stand anyway? Do you at all even try to think these things through? Or do you just react with the first twinge that comes to mind? Seriously?
And what do you know about being a good Democrat? Have you even read your blog post? Which other Democrats have you attacked? Why can’t you answer my questions? If this is your idea of helping Glenn Nye, describe what exactly is [i]hurting[/i] Glenn Nye? And who in the world did you think you were “campaigning” for?(Who considers complaining over a internet connnection campaigning anyway?) Did you read his website? Campaign literature? Did you even talk to him then? Or were you still hiding within “several coalitions”?
And if you think he blew you off, what do you think he did with the other side? Or have you convinced that he plays favorites or something? Psh, if he did, Gee, I wonder why?
And AGAIN, what makes you actually THINK you’re any better of a Democrat than Glenn Nye? The way you’re acting, you really think Glenn Nye needs a Republican to run against him? Do they need to put you on payroll or just make sure you have the necessary bandwith?
January 24th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
And Spotter, what are you bothering me for? You guys might get a hard on for attacking Glenn Nye, but have you seen me defend him? Why can’t I be a “concerned voter” as well who has questions for people who clearly don’t know how to HELP Democrats? Seriously? Can you believe that? How can she say she’s “helping” Glenn Nye? How is this “helping” any Democrat?
What sensible Democrat would even want her brand of “help”?
January 24th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Well actually, I don’t personally know Nye. I have commented before on other blogs on topics other than Glenn Nye. My apologies if I did insult anyone (if I did then it was unknowingly), that wasn’t my intention.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
I wasn’t referring to you, Scott. You disagreed, you didn’t insult. Question only comments on Glenn Nye, and only to defend him. There are 23 comments on this post, proof that Glenn Nye cares what Eileen and other Democrats think.
The people who voted for Glenn Nye want him to keep his campaign promises. It’s really that simple. If he does not do so, they will not vote for him.
Whether or not Glenn Nye loses sleep over that is his problem. A lot of voters are losing sleep trying to keep their health insurance, while he diddles around with health insurance lobbyists.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
@spotter: and there are 50 comments on the latest blog post about the Apple Tablet at Gizmodo.com – proof that Glenn Nye and his office are deeply interested in the forthcoming Apple device.
Oh wait – the number of comments on a random blog actually AREN’T indicative of a Congressman’s interest in that topic? My bad.
Are you really so infatuated with yourself that you think Nye or his office believe you’re worth sitting around all weekend (when they’re presumably off from work, by the way) and engaging in this ridiculous back-and-forth with you? To believe that would require a ridiculous level of narcissism – or just a lack of ability to think things through to their logical conclusion, which seems more fitting for someone who doesn’t understand that a Democrat in VA-02 can’t be Dennis Kucinich.
“A lot of voters are losing sleep trying to keep their health insurance…” and you think that by not voting for Nye and thereby helping to ensure a Republican takes his seat, that you will somehow be improving chances that people will eventually get health insurance? It must be nice to be a mental twelve year-old, but those of us who have grown up and experienced life have learned that sometimes, you have to take the best you can get. If you think you can elect someone significantly more progressive than Nye, I wish you the best of luck. But I don’t think you can.
January 24th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I don’t think that if a Republican takes that seat, it will make one bit of difference on health insurance since, hello, Glenn Nye voted AGAINST the health care reform bill he promised to support.
I’m not infatuated at all. I don’t care what Glenn Nye does, or what he pays attention to. I don’t care what insults you, or he, or any of your sock puppets, fling at the good Democrats who expected Glenn Nye to live up to his word. I really don’t care what his latest lame excuse is, either.
I pay attention to whether people I voted for have integrity and keep their campaign promises.
Glenn Nye doesn’t keep his campaign promises. He has no integrity. He will not ever receive my vote again.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Glenn Nye promised he’d vote for the House Healthcare bill? And if you care as little about Glenn Nye as you say you do Spotter, why do you insist on posting in this thread?
Oh and has Barack Obama kept his campaign promises on healthcare? Are you not ever going to vote for him either?
Am I Barack Obama now too?
Oh and what did I do to offend you again? Ask someone to “grow a pair”? Asking this person what makes her a “good Democrat” trash talking another Democrat? All of this insults YOU?
January 27th, 2010 at 10:06 am
I think Eileen should challenge Nye in a primary since she’s so passionate about the environment and healthcare. There will be plenty of contrast there. Let the issues come out and the debate begin.