PDA endorses Harry Taylor for US House NC 9

Photo: Harry Taylor, 61, criticized Bush on many issues and said he hopes Bush "would have the grace and the humility to be ashamed of yourself." Bush responded only on the issue of warrantless spying, saying: "I'm not going to apologize." (By Gerald Herbert -- Associated Press)

Harry Taylor first came to my attention when he stood up to bush in April 2006. Taylor said many things to bush that I agreed with – however, he did it with much more courtesy than I would be able to muster. This is part of what he said:

“In my lifetime, I have never felt more ashamed of my leadership in Washington,” Taylor told the president. “And I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and grace to be ashamed of yourself.” April 6, 2006

The entire exchange is posted at Thank You Harry Taylor website. There are also comments from many folks thanking him for speaking up to bush. There are over 18,000 messages for Harry Taylor on that website.

Since then, Harry Taylor has decided to run for the US House of Representative seat from North Carolina Congressional District #9.

Last week, the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) endorsed Harry Taylor for the US House of Representatives. This is the first endorsement by PDA for a North Carolina candidate. They said this on their website endorsement page:

At its April 23 meeting, PDA endorsed Harry Taylor in North Carolina's 9th Congressional race. “Progressive Democrats of America,” Taylor said, “is bold and proactive. Their principles are far-reaching, pragmatic and compassionate-thus easy to adopt as my own. I am honored by this endorsement.”

The local chapter endorsed Taylor in March. Gray Newman, Chairman of the North Carolina 9th District Progressive Democrats of America, said, “We are very pleased to announce our endorsement of Harry Taylor for Congress. Mr. Taylor has shown us that he will work for our issues and will use his seat in Congress to restore integrity and respect to our national government.”

Throughout his life, Harry Taylor has given generously of his time and energy to such organizations as Big Brothers, Habitat for Humanity, Outward Bound, the Sierra Club and the Charlotte Folk Society, associations in which he has served as both leader and participant. Helping to develop hope, self-esteem and courage in disadvantaged youth has been a lifetime pursuit, as has his advocacy for a clean, safe planet for our youth to inherit. Harry has also been a tireless political activist, working through grassroots organizations to protect and defend the principles he holds sacred.

On his questionnaire for PDA endorsement, Harry Taylor said this about the war:

I will vote against war, against violence and the use of force until every single other alternative has been completely exhausted. I’ll vote for conservative balanced budgets that can be properly managed. I’ll vote for fair trade, for good health, for superb education, for anything and everything that addresses climate change and pragmatic plans to achieve energy independence.

There is much, much more on the PDA questionnaire at the link above. And Harry Taylor has signed on to “A Responsible Plan for Ending the War in Iraq” – a plan developed by Democrat Darcy Burner.

There is more information on Harry Taylor at his website, where you can also contribute to his campaign.

I am currently appointed as state coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America, but I had little to do with this endorsement. Most of the credit goes to Gray Newman, who is chairperson of the Progressive Democrats of Mecklenburg County and NC 9^th Congressional District. I am really looking forward to the day when I can shake Harry Taylor’s hand and say “Thank You and Congratulations on wining the NC 9^th Representative seat”. Well done, Gray!