A message from a four-legged friend.

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

Linked to groups: San Diego DFA, Netroots Activism!, Olympia/Thurston DFA, The Original Broward County DFA- DFAB, DFA Cleveland County

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: Progressive Democracy South Jersey, Democracy for Wisconsin - Madison, Billy Reed's Democracy for America, Chittenden South DFA, Boulder DFC / DFA

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: San Antonio Area Progressive Action Coalition (SAAPAC), California for Democracy, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Progressive Democrats of Somerville, Fairfax Democracy for America

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: DFA Las Vegas, Democracy for Palm Beach County, dfaROCHESTER, Roosevelt Democratic Club, Upper Bucks for Democracy

"...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

Gaye Symington is my candidate of choice for Vermont Governor

Written by: Wendy Patterson on Aug 7, 2008 12:22 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-Link Organizers, Democracy For Vermont, Rutland DFA, Central Vermont DFA Link Up, Jericho/Underhill Linkup

Linked to campaigns: Symington for Governor, Symington For Governor

After listening carefully to both candidates for Vermont Governor, I am decidely in favor of Gaye Symington to be our next Governor of Vermont.

I have been following her campaign and last night had the opportunity to hear her speak in Hinesburg.

I was excited to see a candidate whose values were more in line with mine and to hear someone who clearly has guiding principals toward the Common Good. Gaye has a long history of direct involvement and leadership in business, education, and sustainable environmental endeavors in line with our progressive agenda. In her 12 years in the Vermont State Legislature and then as Leader of the House, she has had to forge alliances with unlikely partners, made hard choices, in the interest of moving our agenda forward, one step at a time, in a climate of resistance to these efforts, and lack of creative leadership in the Administration. Gaye is pragmatic and realistic. She does not overpromise yet holds a bold vision for a positive future. She presents the plan for how we can attain that vision. Specifically, her recently announced Energy Plan accounts for our current need for energy saving, growth of good jobs, and environmentally sustainable sources of energy to support our residential and business needs.

I will be supporting Gaye Symington to help move Vermont forward to effectively keep Vermont vital, with a strong ecomony, positive energy future, to serve our own needs and those of our children.

Wendy Patterson

Chittenden South DFA

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: East Carolina University/Democracy for Greenville, Baltimore for Barack, Georgia Arabic DFA, Cheyenne DFA, Democracy for Clarksville

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

Labor Forum: Turn Around America - Health Care

Written by: Traven Leyshon on Apr 22, 2008 1:15 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Central Vermont DFA Link Up

Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:30
at Montpelier's Kellog-Hubbard Library, downstairs in the East Montpelier Room
hosted by the Washington-Orange-Lamoille Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Our labor council is joining hundreds of others around the country in featuring the fight for health care.
This is one meeting you can't afford to miss - and bring friends and co-workers with you.

Health Care: Turn Around America in 2008
Speakers:
Traven - Organizing to Make Health Care a Human right for All
Dr. Marvin Malek

“Turn Around America: Health Care” Video
Our Approach: Organize!
Health Care and Labor 2008

Free and open to the public.

Come to Environmental Action 2007 on Nov. 17

Written by: Andrea Stander on Nov 8, 2007 10:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: Central Vermont DFA Link Up

This is a great opportunity to get some training and network with likeminded folks from around the state. I will be co-leading a workshop on grassroots fundraising with Ginny Callan from New England Grassroots Environment Fund.

Follow the links below for all the information and feel free to call or email me with any questions. The fee for this day-long conference (which includes lunch) is only $20 in advance, $25 at the door and there are discounts for 3 or more folks who are part of the same organization or group. So we could turn this into a CVTDFA outing and save money too!

Hope to see you there

Andrea
802-522-3284

VPIRG and friends would like to invite you to:

ENVRIRONMENTAL ACTION 2007
Saturday November 17th 2007
8:30am - 5:30pm
At the Vermont Technical College
in Randolph, Vermont

This day of workshops, lectures and information is aimed at you! The everyday activist seeking to hone skills, strengthen community and fight for the environmental values Vermonters hold so dear.

Workshops include: Running for Office, Life After Vermont Yankee, Media Savvy Messaging, Environmental Pollutants in Your Home, Protecting Vermont's Drinking Water, and many many others.

Our keynote speaker will be Judy Wicks, co-founder and co-chair of the nationwide Business Alliance for Local Living Economies. Judy has won numerous awards, including the Business Enterprise Trust Award, Business Ethics Magazine's first "Living Economy Award," the James Beard Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year in 2005, and Oprah Magazine's "5 Amazingly Gifted and Giving Food Professionals." Judy co-authored The White Dog Cafe Cookbook and is currently working on a book about her business and the local living economy movement to be published by Chelsea Green.

So join us on Saturday November 17th at the Vermont Technical College to hone your skills, learn about the issues, and get inspired! Registration is $20 and inculdes breakfast, child care, and the full day of events.

You can register online at http://www.vtenvironmenalaction.org, by sending an e-mail to vtenvironmentalaction@toxicsaction.org, or calling 802 223-4099.

We hope to see you there!

 

Attend Iraq for Sale screening on October 12!

Written by: Randy Bright on Aug 28, 2006 9:19 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Central Vermont DFA Link Up

Dear Member,

Please attend Iraq for Sale screening on Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 7:00 PM. You can RSVP at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=119...

What: Iraq for Sale screening
When: Thursday, October 12, 2006, 7:00 PM
Where: Ran3dy and Sam's house
37 St. Paul St. Apartment 2
Montpelier VT 05602

VPIRG Energy Forum - Wed. 8/23 in Barre

Written by: Andrea Stander on Aug 21, 2006 11:08 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Central Vermont DFA Link Up

Hi Folks:

This is just a quick heads up about an event that I think might be of interest to anyone who uses energy.

VPIRG is sponsoring a Forum focusing on Vermont's energy challenges. The Forum will feature many of the local legislative candidates from our area.

The Forum will be this Wed. 8/23, 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Old Socialist Labor Hall on Granite Street in Barre (just a few blocks from N. Main Street just before Dunkin Donuts).

The participants will be asked questions by VPIRG's Clean Energy staffer James Moore and a member of the League of Conservation Voters. Members of the audience will also have the opportunity to pose questions.

This is a great chance to hear where local legislative candidates stand on this crucial issue. I hope you will consider attending.

If you have questions feel free to contact Drew Hudson at VPIRG: dhudson@vpirg.org (802) 223-8421 ext. 4787

Hope you are well and enjoying these glorious days of late summer.


Andrea