A message from a four-legged friend.

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Jan 20, 2009 7:28 PM EST

Linked to groups: Change For Kentucky Lexington, Elmbrook Progressive Coalition, DEMOCRACY for Baltimore, Democracy for America--Wichita, Boise D.F.A.

Mitzy is a two year old Brittany Spaniel/Chocolate Lab mix.  She is a wonderful dog who loves to play, especially fetch, and loves to go for rides in the car.  She knows how to sit, shake and heel. 

Mitzy's family loved her very much.  They had her spayed, as all responsible pet-owners should, and took her to the Vet for the least little problem.  Mitzy was a member of the family, and when a member of your family is sick, you take them to the doctor.

However, about six months ago, the father of Mitzy's family lost his job.  The result was so financially devastating that they could no longer afford to care for Mitzy and were forced to surrender her to the Missaukee Humane Society.

Given the exponential descent of our economy, Mitzy's story has become all too common.  But, there is something you can do to help.  Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy.  They are one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan, and are currently running on a deficit, at full capacity.  Many mornings, the staff arrives to find abandoned pets, left overnight by owners who can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

Right now, MHS is attempting to win a $10,000 prize from Adopt-a-Pet.com.  Please, can you spare 30 seconds of your time to vote for MHS, by clicking on...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

$10,000 could save literally hundreds of abandoned pets - Pets that give us nothing but unconditional love in exchange for an occasional pat on the head, a squeaky toy to play with, and a couple of bowls filled with food and fresh water.

Because MHS is in a rural, sparsely populated area, they need as many votes as possible from all across the state, and all across the country.  Please vote now at...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

Time is running out, so please don't wait.  The contest ends January 31, 2009, at 11:59pm.  After you vote, you will have an opportunity to forward information about the contest to as many people as possible so that they can join you in this worthy cause.  Vote, spread the word, be a voice for the voiceless...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

I thank you, and Mitzy thanks you.

The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog…

 - George Graham Vest, American lawyer and politician, 1830-1904

Can you spare 30 seconds of your time to help save abandoned pets?

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Jan 4, 2009 10:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: Central Florida for Democracy, Lane Democracy For America, Georgia Business Professionals DFA, Democracy for the 14th District, Empathy Cafe

As our economic crisis continues to worsen, some of the most vulnerable among us can not speak for themselves - Unwanted and abandoned pets.  Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural Northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy.  MHS is one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan.  They are currently running on a deficit, and at full capacity.  Many mornings, the staff arrives to find abandoned pets, left overnight by owners who can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

Right now, MHS is attempting to win a $10,000 prize from Adopt-a-Pet.com.  Please, can you spare 30 seconds of your time to vote for MHS, by clicking on...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

$10,000 could save literally hundreds of abandoned pets - Pets that give us nothing but unconditional love in exchange for an occasional pat on the head, game of fetch, and a couple of bowls filled with food and fresh water.

Because MHS is in a rural, sparsely populated area, they need as many votes as possible from all across the state, and all across the country.  Please vote now at...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog…a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that had no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

 - George Graham Vest, American lawyer and politician, 1830-1904

Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Nov 26, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: Local Politics Matter, Boulder DFC / DFA, Des Moines DFA, Montco DFA, Essex County, NJ, DFA

To all my friends at Democracy for America,

May your Thanksgiving be filled with Love, Faith and Laughter.

Best wishes,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

Membership Chair, Missaukee County Democratic Party

“Strange is our situation here upon earth.  Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose.  From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know:  That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.  Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”

 - Albert Einstein

"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices..." - Democrats.com

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Nov 17, 2008 9:41 PM EST

Linked to groups: The Saint Paul Democracy for America Group, DFA Santa Monica, Democracy for Oregon Leaders, Broward County Democracy for America, Emerald City DFA

"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices...Local and state offices have an enormous impact on our lives, and also produce our future national leaders..." - Democrats.com

CHALLENGE: ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT to raise $380! Help the only Democratic County Commissioner in Missaukee County (Michigan).

On Tuesday, November 4th, history was made in Missaukee County. I was fortunate enough to defeat a Republican incumbent for County Commissioner in the second most Republican county in the state of Michigan. However, as with many campaigns, I have debt to pay off, and several final expenses to pay. I need to raise $380 in 3 days. Can I count on you? Making a contribution is easier than ever. Just click on the link below, and make a secure, online contribution using PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=rrenner%40core%2ecom&item_name=Friends%20of%20Richard%20Renner&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

OFFICIALLY ENDORSED BY MID-MICHIGAN DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA (MMDfA)!

“Richard REALLY knows his stuff and has specific plans for improving his county.”

As I was quoted in our local daily, the Cadillac News, following my victory...

"The voters...have made a determination that the status quo is no longer acceptable, that we expect more accountability, greater openness, and transparency in county government."

Please, help me pay off my debt by raising $380 in 3 days. Just click on the link below, and make a secure, online contribution using PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=rrenner%40core%2ecom&item_name=Friends%20of%20Richard%20Renner&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

Victory '10,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

"...public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people...with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration."

- Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Senator from Maine, 1949-1973

GIDGET COMES TO WASHNGTON

Written by: Hy Dubowsky on Aug 29, 2008 11:09 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA: Greene County, DFA: Columbia County, Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region, Democracy For Westchester, Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The game is on and with idealogical lines as clear as the one's drawn by the Palin pick we have a job to do, We must keep looking ahead. We must continue to identify our vote. We must continue to educate our vote. We must GET OUT OUR VOTE.

The stakes have never been higher in our lifetimes. For our children and grandchildren we must get this Country back on track.

 

Barack/Biden!!!!

Let's go team.

 

Oil Crisis: Oil Industry's method of raising prices and cutting their own taxes

Written by: James Dunn on Jul 8, 2008 11:15 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Oak Park DFA Meeting, Flagstaff DFA, San Fernando Valley Grassroots for Democracy, Upper Valley DFA, Democracy For Memphis

Regarding opening environmentally protected areas for mining and pumping oil:

There is over 200 years of oil in the 48 contiguous States that are capped up by oil companies to monopolize world energy. There is no need to violate our environmentally protected areas, just to allow oil companies to further monopolize their strangle hold over our lives.

They are creating a media frenzy just to increase the price of oil; very successfully I might add. However, there is no immediate threat for an oil shortage !!! The oil companies have ONLY created the perception that there is a shortage !!!!

I personally believe that ALL mineral rights belong to the American People, NOT souless corporations!!!

I applaud Venezuela for nationalizing the oil assets in their country!!!!

We should be doing the same thing here in the United States !!!!

Ethically Eliminate ALL Political Corruption

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/jamesbdunn?p=57

Letter to Hillary

Written by: Krista Kammerer on Oct 25, 2007 4:13 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

After all of the inhumane things you do such as voting for a war that kills women, children, and innocents, not to mention countless American Citizens, kicking numbers of working Americans off of welfare that are using it as a step up and out of the system, but now thanks to your support they are simply trapped in the endless cycle of poverty and despair, now you take it a step further as we, the public, find out that your ditched a loyal cat. Living significantly below the poverty line I myself am more than capable of providing adequate care for one cat that stands by me even when you and other right wing democrats and republicans like you don't. You keep on supporting big businesses and leaving the working class out to struggle in poverty you will end up no better than our most beloved president George W. Bush. Sincerely, Krista K.

Tricounty DFA Update: Washington County Holiday Party, Rally Pics, Election Hacking and more

Written by: Larry Dudley on Nov 22, 2006 12:46 AM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

Hello Everyone;
First:  Happy Thanksgiving!   This year we finally have something great to be thankful for.
In This Update:
1. Washington County Democratic Committee Holiday Party 2. Pics of Rally and Victory Celebration 3. Evidence Grows Election Was Hacked-- But Not Enough 4. Troublesome Reports 5. Thin Margins Create Dangers 6. Voting Technology & Agenda For New Year 7. DNC Rallies Behind Gov. Dean 9. Blue Tiger Democrats 10. Friday Film Fest

Read more

Written by: Larry Dudley on Nov 9, 2006 5:56 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

Hello Everyone;

 

This is a very different message than the one I sent the day after

the 2004 election.  Then I wrote the following to you all:

"Bruce Springsteen said a couple of nights ago that 'the country we carry in

our hearts is waiting.'   It will have to wait a bit longer."   

 

It is waiting in our hearts no more, the America we once knew, and

dreamed of for 14 long years, and really, since 1968,  is returning,

alive and well.   Tuesday we completed the first great step we began

in DFA and the Democratic Party to, as Governor Dean said almost three

years ago,  "Take Back America."   

 

We took back the House of Representatives, the Senate (pending any

recounts), six governor mansions, including ours in Albany, 275

legislative seats and ten state legislative chambers.    And most of all, for everyone here locally, we took our congressional seat away from Miami Mob Boss John Sweeney and placed it into the care of Kirsten Gillibrand.    She is going to Congress, and he is no doubt  going back to DiCarlo's Gentleman's  Club for lap dances and cheap liquor.   We all seek our level, I guess.  

 

This whole turn around began when Governor Dean stood up at the

annual Winter DNC meeting in February 2003 and threw down the famous

challenge that electrified all of us, "What I want to know..."    And

picked up Paul Wellstone's  mantle, the Democratic Wing of the

Democratic Party.  Everyone and everything in DFA began at that

moment.  It was one of the great turning points in American History.

 

And as I also wrote two years ago, "To all of you, my highest

regards for everything you have done:  traveling, canvassing, phoning,

writing, giving and giving and so  much more.     Your enthusiasm,

intelligence and hard work has been a humbling and deeply rewarding,

even transforming experience.  Many thanks to all of you."   

 

In This Update:

Read more

Tricounty DFA Update: Meetup Next Week! Time To Pitch In!

Written by: Larry Dudley on Oct 27, 2006 11:23 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For The Greater Glens Falls Area

Hello Everyone;

Only Ten Days To The Election!

In This Update:


1. Meetup Next Wednesday
2. Crunch Time: Canvassing, Phone Banking
3. Tabling At Farmer's Market-- Come And Pick Up Sheets
4. Poll Watching: What is it? Why It Matters, Why We All Need To Pitch In
5. Visibility Events
6. Scary Voting Machine Stories
7. Thanks On Letters


1. Meetup Next Wednesday

Our November Glens Falls DFA Meetup will be next Wednesday, November 1st-- exactly six days before Election Day.

This posting reaches an awful lot of people. We need everyone possible to come to this meeting-- we need every volunteer possible over the next ten days to go out and work for all our candidates.

Can you take a day or two off over the next ten days? Do you really have to clean those gutters on the Saturday before the Election? Sure it can't wait until the 11th?

Here's what's it's all about-- would you rather have leaves out of your gutters, or Republicans out of office in Washington and Albany! It's up to you-- as Governor Dean says, You Have The Power!

If so, join us at the Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe at 7pm next Wednesday. Or, if you can't make that meeting, let us know you want to volunteer-- just hit reply to this message or email me at ldudley@larrydudley.com

The cafe is located on the corners of Exchange and Elm Streets and Hudson Avenue in downtown Glens Falls. For details and a map link go to: www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=167...

2. Crunch Time: Canvassing, Phone Banking

What will we be doing? First, Canvassing and Phone Banking.

Canvassing is going door to door greeting voters-- it's really just neighbors talking to neighbors-- what'd you'd do talking to a neighbor across the driveway or over the fence. Actually having someone care enough to actually visit them has the greatest impact on voters. We will be organizing teams of canvassers Wednesday for those want to do that.

Phone banking is the same principle as canvassing-- neighbors talking to neighbors, only instead of knocking on their door, you call them on the phone, the same way you'd call a friend or relative, and talk about why you are supporting the candidate you support.

We have received a special request from the Merrick For State Senate campaign for phone bankers. I believe Tim has a real future and it is through campaigns like his that we really build local organization and local parties. That's the way we really make change that lasts. We Take Back America by Taking Back Local Communities.

Here's the best part-- you don't have to wait until Wednesday! You can start canvassing and phone banking right away. Again, just just hit reply to this message or email me at ldudley@larrydudley.com

3. Tabling At Farmer's Market-- Come And Pick Up Sheets

We will be tabling at the Farmer's Market in downtown Glens Falls tomorrow from about 9am until noonish. We are really doing this more as a visibility event now (we've talked to a lot of people) and to connect with and serve as a rallying point for area Democrats. Come on down, join us, get up to speed and get active. For more info go to: www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=122...

4. Poll Watching: What is it? Why It Matters, Why We All Need To Pitch In

There is another additional area where we need volunteers: Poll Watching. We are still using our old reliable lever action voting machines in most of our area. So election fraud, unlike some areas of the country, isn't that big a concern. However, we still need Poll Watchers.

What is a Poll Watcher? Basically, a Poll Watcher is responsible for a ward, election district or town (depending on the size). The poll watchers checks the register at the polling station to see who has or hasn't shown up to vote. Then the watcher goes home and calls people to remind them to come out and vote. (Obviously, we don't call Republicans, unless we already know they are supporters, and quite a few are.) Ideally, we would have one poll watcher for every election district, and maybe two.

This will all be coordinated, so there will be no duplication of effort! We will talk about this Wednesday, too.

5. Visibility Events

I've also been contacted by people who want to do visibility events. That's where you stand on street corners and wave signs to get people to honk their support. Obviously, direct voter contact has to take precedence. But this is a fun thing, and it is particularly good for high school students who are too young to canvass, or out of towners. That will also be on the agenda.

6. Scary Voting Machine Stories

Since elections are on everyone's mind, we should pause for a second to consider voting integrity. NYS is going to decide this year and next on new voting machines. We are making progress on this issue.

However, Freida sends along this scary story as food for thought: www.truthout.org/docs_2006/10260...
and this:

"Those concerns crystallised last month, when a Princeton professor of computer science, Edward Felton, and two colleagues managed to hack into a new electronic voting machine without detection and install a virus that could alter vote counts - and go on to infect a wider network of machines." www.truthout.org/docs_2006/10270...

7. Thanks On Letters

Finally, I want to thank everyone who did a letter to the editor. I am certain there are far more letters going into local papers than during the Presidential Election two years ago. I suspect the email links and forms I sent helped in this process! I know I recognize many names.

See you all soon,

Larry Dudley