No Iran war meeting at US Reps office

Written by: Holly J on Dec 13, 2007 11:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

Sometimes the most spontaneous events become the most inspiring.

 

2 days ago a national Moveon organizer called and asked if I would be willing to help get people together to give our local congressman, Don Manzullo, petitions asking to sponsor HR 64 bill to remove Bush’s authority to wage a war against Iran.  The first thing I thought, oh dear, one more thing to do. I was running a DFA candidate forum on Wed. and participating in a county Democratic meeting on Thursday.  HOKay, just one more thing.  I have to admit; it really is hard to pass up an opportunity to let our Republican US representative know how I feel.

 

I sent out over 400 email notifications and printed out the petition.  To my surprise, there were over 260 signatures from all around the 16th district and most of them were not the “usual” peace activists that I knew.  They included some incredible and thoughtful comments like, “We can not allow this administration to compound errors and mistakes.  Disaster awaits those who do not head their mistakes and make changes to prevent their re-occurrence.”

 more:

Read more

Lots of progressive activities in Rockford IL

Written by: Holly J on Nov 30, 2007 12:50 AM EST

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

It is a pain that the early primaries are pushing up politics into the holidays. We are having an important RPM meeting on Dec. 12th with a candidate forum. Please, please come to meet the candidates who are giving us their time during this busy month. See below for details 

The Green Communities Coalition is moving forward with working with the city. Their next meeting is the end of Dec. http://www.GreenCommunitiesCoalition.org/

Rockford Peace and Justice is having a special speaker on Mon. Dec 3rd and their annual peace program on Fri. Dec.7th Details below.

Also some of us are going to Dubuque IL on 12/8 to work for Obama. There are opportunities to help even if you can’t do door-to-door. Contact me if you are interested. Hillary has a local campaign coordinator in our area if you want to help her out. He is Victory Bell and can be reached at 815-963-1075. Please let me know if you have contacts for other presidential candidates campaigns in our area.

If you are interested in participating in Robert Abboud’s campaign for 16th District US Rep, he is having an special campaign meeting in Rockford Sun. Dec. 16th. Again, see below.

Hastert’s district, next to ours, will be a free for all. If you want to help out the progressive candidate, John Laesch, check out his website. http://www.john08.com/special-election

Phew—no rest for progressives. Hope you can find time for some of these events.

Read more

Support Progressive Democrat to replace Hastert

Written by: Holly J on Nov 29, 2007 2:32 PM EST

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

This is what I got in the email today. I sure hope DFA could support him. He needs help now to get a Democrat in a Republican seat by March.

______________

Dear Holly,

It finally happened! On Monday, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert retired. There will be a special election here and that means the Illinois ' 14th will be the first competitive contested election of 2008. You don't have to wait until next November for change, with your support this district has an immediate and historic opportunity to:

send a progressive Democrat to Congress now

We don't know exactly when the special election will be, although we know the governor must make that decision within days. We anticipate a February special primary and a March special election. These elections are in addition to the regular primary in February and the regular election in November.

Because we are running in a special election, the maximum contribution that one person can make is $4,600. Any level of support will allow us to compete with a Repulican candidate like Jim Oberweis.

Three elections by March will take a lot of resources and we need your help. Your contribution of $250, $100 or anything you can afford would mean so much. You can contribute securely and easily online by following the link below.

 Send a progressive Democrat to Congress now

 With your help by March 2008 you will have a congressman who has promised to fight for you on the floor of the House of Representatives.

You know who I am, you know I will use my voice, my vote, to defund the war in Iraq , to bring our soldiers home and to oppose a reckless preemptive war in Iran . You know I will fight for single payer national health care, for fair trade, for workers rights here at home and for a fair and living wage. I will speak for the people who work hard every day to make a better life for their families.

The special election is less than 120 days away. There is no next month or next quarter. Now is the time to support a candidate who speaks for you. I ask you to seriously consider how much you can afford to invest in the future, because at its core this first election of the 2008 cycle is a battle of ideas, a battle of competing visions for the future of our country. If you believe that things are on the wrong track, if you believe that things must change, then please give my campaign the resources we need to create that change, to create a better future for you.

Send a progressive Democrat to Congress now

Thank you for acting now!

 Sincerely,

John Laesch

 

John Laesch for Congress HQ

46 W. Downer Place

Aurora, IL 60506

630.801.8900

www.john08.com

 

RPM meeting Wed. Oct 10th

Written by: Holly J on Oct 4, 2007 8:45 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

We are in the full swing of things this fall.  I want to remind you about our Rockford Progressive Meetup next week and an upcoming peace rally in IL. Hope you can attend these events.

 

1. Rockford Progressive Meetup meeting Details

What: a video and discussion “Quiet Revolution” by Alliance for Justice.  It covers the topical issue of the recent appointment of ultra-conservative judges and its impact on our lives. 

When: Wed. Oct 10th at 7 PM

Where: Just Goods Store, 201 7th St. Rockford. 

 

2. Nation wide peace rally on Oct 27th

sponsored by the national United For Peace and Justice Group our local group RPJ is going to be a part of it.  It has been decided it would be more effective to have several very large rallies rather than on big on in DC and it looks like Chicago is going to be one of the biggest.  Consider joining us for the event.

Details

What: United for Peace & Justice has called for regional antiwar demonstrations

When:  October 27 with kick of at !:30-6PM

Where: Union Park on the west side of downtown Chicago, followed by a march to the Federal Plaza

 

Meet 16th District US Rep Candidate

Written by: Holly J on Sep 6, 2007 2:13 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

Democratic Candidate for U.S. Rep. Speaks

Local Group sponsors event

Rockford IL – On Wed., Sept. 12th, Rockford Progressive Meetup (DFA/PDA) will host Robert Abboud, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress of the 16th district.  He will discuss his candidacy and his stance on current issues.  There will be time allotted for questions and a chance to meet the candidate.  The event will take place at the Just Goods Store at 201 7th St, Rockford on Wednesday, Aug 12th at 7 PM.  Interested citizens are encouraged to attend

Peace Vigil Held in Rockford IL

Written by: Holly J on Aug 30, 2007 12:45 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

Local Grousp sponsors event

Over 50 peace activists from the surrounding 4 counties participated in the Aug. 27th  MoveOn.org call to "send Congress a message" rally. It was organized by the Rockford Peace and Justice and the Rockford Progressive Meetup groups.

 The event consisted of prayers for the soldiers who gave their lives in the war, display of peace signs by the roadside, and inspirational music.  A petition was signed to present to Rep. Manzullo to “End the Occupation of Iraq.”

 David Stocker lent his wonderful voice in song, and talked about Blackwater North. The Rev. Ken Storck (Gloria Dei Lutheran) led the prayer, and brought a large display of the American war dead

 

  

Rockford IL holds Peace Vigil

Written by: Holly J on Aug 26, 2007 11:02 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA and Rockford Peace and Justice will  sponsor a peace vigil.  The group will be join others peace organizations across the country to meet in front of congressional offices, to ask Congress to bring the troops home safely & quickly

When:  Tuesday, August 28, 
from 7pm-8pm


Where:  
Gather in front of Rep. Manzullo’s office,
415 South Mulford,

Who: 
Constituents in Representative Donald Manzullo’s 16th Congressional district 



Register and invite people to sign up for the event at the moveon.org site 
http://political.moveon.org/event/septembervigil/40589



 

Read more

Rockford IL DFA Aug. activites

Written by: Holly J on Aug 9, 2007 12:20 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

The summer is heating up and so are politics and activism in our area. 

We enjoyed hearing Dem. US Rep candidate Robert Abboud announce his candidacy in July. Check out his website. http://robertabboud.com/  

We hope to get him to our Sept. meeting, so keep your eyes open for information about that in the future. 

There are a few great things for you to attend this weekend and the near future.  These include demonstrating at a nearby Blackwater location, attending a renewable energy fair and participating in a fundraiser for Green Community Coalition.

 

Read more

Wednesday Oct 25th! DFA call with Durbin, Schakowsky & Duckworth

Written by: Charles Chamberlain on Oct 23, 2006 1:47 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

We are just days away from an historic election. And what happens in Illinois could make all the difference. I want to bring you the latest on the races -- and we've lined up three of the best to share the news: Senator Richard Durbin, Representative Jan Schakowsky and Democratic nominee for the 6th Congressional District Tammy Duckworth.

Join us all on a special Democracy for America conference call on Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. Central:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=148...

In the next two weeks the Republicans are going to throw everything -- including the kitchen sink -- at our candidates. But we've never been more prepared for their negative campaigning. And we've never been more ready to lead America in a new, more hopeful direction.

That we're in a position to recapture the United States House of Representatives and Senate is in no small part because of Illinois activists like you. Your passion, your time, your money have put Democrats in a position to win. But the last two weeks are absolutely critical. Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Schakowsky will tell us how to be strategic and effective in the final days. Join the call and find out how:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=148...

Thanks for everything you do,

Jim Dean
Chair

P.S. One of the most exciting opportunities we have in Illinois is the opportunity to claim Republican Henry Hyde's seat for Democrat Tammy Duckworth. She's cut a new on-line announcement with Senator Barack Obama. We'll be talking about this ad and more on Wednesday. Check it out the new ad here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QHwa0o7...

Oct 10th candidate forum

Written by: Holly J on Oct 6, 2006 12:54 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockford Progressive Meetup DFA/PDA

Please attend- we have the top Democratic candidates coming now and it looks like media will be there too. Now we need an audience. So please come!

On Tuesday, Oct.10th, Rockford Progressive Meetup (RPM) will be hosting a forum for Democratic candidates for the State and National elections. Candidates will include U.S. Rep. candidate Richard Auman, State Representative candidate Greg Tuite and State Senate Candidate Dan Lewandowski. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions, obtain literature, and pick up yard signs.

The event will take place at the Loves Park, North
Suburban Library on North 2nd St. from 6:30 to 8 PM. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend.