“I’d like to plant a few more seeds before they plant me.” Those are the last words Granny D speaks in the film and as you watch her walk along the road, she just makes you want to be a better person.  More engaged.  More enthusiastic.  More idealistic.  Just more.  And even though I knew the outcome of her senate race, some part of me just kept trying to will her victory true.  And her campaign manager is dead-on when he explains that she proved that ordinary people can make serious runs for office.  Now, the next person needs to prove that ordinary people can win.  Any takers out there?  I will recommend this film to everybody and anybody.  Uplifting, tender, and moving.  A great movie for teachers, too.  When talking about democracy or the founding fathers, some time spent with Granny D. might be some time well spent.

Chris Bowen
Author of, “Our Kids: Building Relationships in the Classroom”

Unfortunately for Granny D and most if not all of the politicians who voted for the BCFRA (also known as McCain-Feingold) none of them actually read the bill they voted for.  Not only did I read the bill, but I ran for US Congress from NH 2nd district specifically to draw attention to and hopefully overturn this bill.  As is the case with most bills in Washington, the title of the bill has virtually nothing to do with the bill.  The bill has specific restrictions on political speech in direct contradiction to the first amendment.  Only the BCFRA doesn’t call it political speech.  It is called “electioneering communication” in the bill text.  Then it goes on to say you may not say anything (good or bad) about a clearly identified candidate for federal office within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election.  What was supposed to be the most protected speech of all?  Political speech!  If you doubt any of this, feel free to go to the Library of Congress’ own website at http://thomas.loc.gov and search for “Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act.” There will be a couple versions.  You probably want H.R.2356.ENR which is the enrolled version sent to the President.

Unfortunately for Granny D and most if not all of the politicians who voted for the BCFRA (also known as McCain-Feingold) none of them actually read the bill they voted for.  Not only did I read the bill, but I ran for US Congress from NH 2nd district specifically to draw attention to and hopefully overturn this bill.  As is the case with most bills in Washington, the title of the bill has virtually nothing to do with the bill.  The bill has specific restrictions on political speech in direct contradiction to the first amendment.  Only the BCFRA doesn’t call it political speech.  It is called “electioneering communication” in the bill text.  Then it goes on to say you may not say anything (good or bad) about a clearly identified candidate for federal office within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election.  What was supposed to be the most protected speech of all?  Political speech!  If you doubt any of this, feel free to go to the Library of Congress’ own website at http://thomas.loc.gov and search for “Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act.” There will be a couple versions.  You probably want H.R.2356.ENR which is the enrolled version sent to the President.