Democracy Fest in Burlington

Written by: Mayme Trumble on May 6, 2009 9:39 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For The Southern Adirondack/Tricounty Area, Democracy for Franklin County, NY, Rockingham/Strafford DFA, Watertown DFA, Democracy for New York

DemocracyFest is a political festival for liberal/progressive activists which features trainings, speakers and entertainment; teaching people how to make a difference and have fun doing it! Prior DemocracyFests have been held in Massachusetts, Texas, California, New Hampshire and Virginia. Over 4,000 activists have been trained to help on campaigns and make a difference in their communities.

The 6th Annual DemocracyFest will be held this summer, July 17th-19th, at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, VT!  

http://www.DemocracyFest.net <http://www.democracyfest.net/> 
Tickets
Tickets are limited! Reserve yours today at http://www.DemocracyFest.net <http://www.democracyfest.net/>

Full weekend tickets are only $55 and include:

- All trainings, entertainment, and speakers on Saturday and Sunday.
- Dinner on Saturday.
- Breakfast on Sunday.
- Semi-Guided Tour of Burlington and Welcome Party on Friday.
- Children under 14 free with adult ticket purchase.
- Free parking, or transportation to and from Burlington Airport.
- Priceless interaction with activists from across the region and nation.

Single day tickets are also available.
Speakers, Trainers and Entertainers
Gov. Howard Dean will be the Keynote Speaker. Other presenters include SOS. Deb Markowitz, Rep. David Zuckerman, Dr. Deb Richter, Dan DeWalt, Alan Dechert, Sheryl Rapee-Adams, Charlie Grapski, Teri Mills, Subway Serenade, Rebecca Padula, Bobby Kendes, Axiomatic, and more!

Check our website regularly as our schedule is updated. http://www.DemocracyFest.net <http://www.democracyfest.net/> 

 

Lodging

On site lodging is available at the Sheraton Hotel for the reduced rate of only $99 per night, for rooms up to 3 days before or 3 days after the event (based on availability)! Reserve your lodging by calling 1-802-865-6600 to make your reservation. You must say you are with the DemocracyFest group to get the reduced rate. Lodging at the reduced rate is limited, so make your reservation today!
Sponsorships
Sponsors so far include the VT Democratic Party, VT Progressive Party, Democracy For Vermont, VPIRG, Latinos for America, National Women's Political Caucus, East Bay For Democracy, VT Freedom to Marry, Green Mountain Mailer, Montgomery County DFA, Liane Allen Web Development, Sheraton Hotel, Green Mountain Daily, and VT Gay Guide.

Participation in DemocracyFest gives organizations and businesses the opportunity to network with the most committed activists from around the country and the region. In addition to helping cover event costs, sponsorships help fund our scholarship program, as well as keep our regular ticket prices at about 1/4 the cost of attending similar political conventions. If you have a business or organization that would like to sponsor DemocracyFest, please visit our website at http://www.DemocracyFest.net <http://www.democracyfest.net/>

 

Questions Or Comments

Please email us at info@democracyfest.net <mailto:info@democracyfest.net> . Thanks!

A message from a four-legged friend.

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

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey, DFA Boston, Upper Michigan DFA, Eastside DFA, Upper Green Side

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: Jersey Shore DFA, Democracy for Maryland, Las Vegas Democracy For America, Minneapolis Dulono's Meetup, Monmouth County DFA/PDA

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: Democracy for Howard County, Monmouth County DFA/PDA, NWNJ for Democracy, Democracy for America- Tacoma, Democracy for Spokane

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: California for Democracy, Democracy for Gloucester County , Democracy for North Dakota, Pax Christi Summit, Georgia Business Professionals 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

Exit Polling Volunteers are Needed in Southern New Hampshire

Written by: Gay G on Oct 17, 2008 7:37 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Boston, Babson College, Essex County DFA, Citizens Action For Southern New Hampshire, Pioneer Valley DFA

Written by: Monica Smith on Jul 23, 2008 10:26 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Rockingham/Strafford DFA

McBush says he is using ex-cons to staff his campaign... and that we are winning the war

Written by: Timothy Horrigan on Jul 22, 2008 10:26 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockingham/Strafford DFA

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

John McCain said today (Tuesday July 22, 2008) that most of his paid campaign workers were ex-cons on work release. 

This is not true: he was just joking (in response to a statement by a local supporter who was disappointed that the paid staffers weren't doing much for the campaign.)  His staffers are the usual mixture of college kids and older true believers.

That was not the only thing he said which was totally untrue.  He also said that we are winning the war in Iraq, that the “surge” had been a success, and that Iraqis in Basra and Kirkuk were already leading normal lives.

Read more

Peace through intimidation

Written by: Monica Smith on Jul 19, 2008 12:23 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Rockingham/Strafford DFA, Blog For America

Is there anyone in the American government who recognizes the moral hazzard of trying to impose peace through intimidation?

While the Strategic Air Command, the custodians of American atom bombs, were persuaded that "Peace is out Profession," the fact of the matter is that, despite their best efforts, there has been no peace on earth while the United States supposedly reigned supreme.

Nevertheless, the delusion continues.

Read more

Farm Team

Written by: Monica Smith on Jul 19, 2008 9:31 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Rockingham/Strafford DFA

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The National Journal is on the web, but access is by subscription only, although it's possible to sign up for a trial subscription.  I did, a couple of years ago, and then decided to indulge myself and pay the rather hefty sum to subscribe (if you're not a corporation or group, you can get an individual rate).  I think it's worth it.  Although, to get full value, I find that the weekly issue needs to be read when it arrives, since the information doesn't age very well.  The political arena and all those who are active in it seem to change on a daily basis.

The July 12, 2008 issue featured Barack Obama on the cover and a cover story about the Democrats' ability to govern If He Wins--a title that accurately reflects the speculative ambivalence of the contents.  But what caught my attention was a "report" by Jerry Hagstrom about the import of his visit to North Dakota, which prompted me to pen the following response.

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