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Democracy for America group blog for DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew

I'm still getting this campaign up and running...

Written by: Jim Nichols on Aug 5, 2009 8:06 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Blog For America, Democracy for GA's 3rd, Blogs United, Jim Nichols for GA State House

I'm looking for a volunteer to head up my DFA campaign group to keep people informed on the site about our efforts to get a DFA activist elected to the Gold Dome.

For now you can follow my personal blog:  www.JimNichols4.com

We are working to get the website up soon:  www.JimN2010.com

Any questions, comments, contributions...  JimN2010@gmail.com or 770 312 6736

Please tell your networks we have a progressive blogger running for GA State House!

 

Thanks!

Jim

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Jim in 2010? Not without your help!

Written by: Jim Nichols on Jul 25, 2009 3:13 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Democracy for America - Georgia Chapter, College Park DFA, Henry County for Democracy, Morrow DFA

Every day I go in to my job at UPS where I load trucks.  I watch my co-workers show up to work at 3:45am and work hard for the next 4 hours.  From there they go on to second jobs, schools, or home to try and raise their kids the best they can.  They are doing their best to play by the rules, yet they continue to fall farther behind and they know it.  

 
They have no faith that politicians will ever represent their interest over those with the money to "buy" campaigns. 
 
From work, I head up to GA State where i'm working on a degree in Philosophy.  On campus I see young people struggling to pay for school, get good grades, and start a career--while they work part time and take on student loans that swallow the next decade of their income.  I see returning students like myself who are trying to get a degree after the fact--playing catch up in an economy that can quickly leave you behind--with jobs, family, and obligations that stretch them thin.  But they stay up that extra hour studying because they want to provide a better life for their families.
 
For the past year as Chairman of the Henry County Democrats I met hard working citizens all over Henry County who keep asking for better transportation, better education for their kids, and a better economy that lifts all boats.
 
Working as a legislative aide the past two years I've seen up close and personal the gridlock at the Gold Dome that has allowed our state to fall behind.  And I'm fed up...
 
That why I decided that despite the odds I had to run for State House. 
 
As a member of Democracy for America I'm passionately committed to grassroots activism, I've been trained on how to win campaigns on the ground, and having run a State Senate Campaign last year I know what it takes.
 
But I can't win alone.  I can't change the fact that 9 out of 10 races are won by the candidate that raises the most money. 
 
I can only ask for your support.  Together we can bring Georgia one step closer to a more equitable economy that protects and empowers its citizens.  Together we can start to rebuild trust in our government, that it can represent working families and strengthen our middle class.
 
Why am I asking for your support?

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Jim Nichols for State House... social media... and what people want to see on a website

Written by: Jim Nichols on Jun 27, 2009 4:04 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Blogs United, Blog For America, Democracy for GA's 3rd, Democracy for America - Georgia Chapter

A commentor stated that I'm not going to bring anything other than platitudes to the Gold Dome when I'm elected

 

So I responded @JimN2010 What I have to offer? and gave both a broad answer, with a few concrete examples to boot.

 

In response I get a "thats all he's going to offer" response--must have missed the "a few concrete examples" part?

 

But going with my question about what a new media politican will look like and what challenges must be overcome I wanted to "think outloud" about what my campaign website should highlight?

 

What issues and hot topics need to be addressed?  I think most people don't know enought about State Government.  Shoot, most people don't know the name of their State Rep!  Part of my campaign is about bringing people back into the process and helping to empower them to be more informed and articulate public citizens.  I see the job of State Rep to be both a representative of the citizens of their district and also someone who helps empower the citizens so that they can better understand and articulate the issues they face and how they as active citizens can resolve them. 

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Ask your Rep to Support American Clean Energy and Security Act Today

Written by: publius on Jun 25, 2009 1:29 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Macon - Bibb County DFA, Georgians for Clean Renewable Energy DFA

 

Write your representative:
 
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
 
 
I did:
 
To The Honorable Jim Marshall:
 
H.R.2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is about to be brought to the floor for debate and a roll call vote.
 
It is very important that this bill pass. I ask for your vote to support its passage.  The United States industrial sector has been in decline for decades.  In October 2008, the reckless and unsustainable practices of the financial industry came home to roost and accelerated the nation's economic decline.
 
In these dire straits, how does America reclaim its economic well being and hold on to its precarious position at the top of the global economy?
 
Reordering how we produce, consume, and manage our energy resources is the best available route to national security and economic prosperity.
Avoiding US action on climate protection because China and India might not
do likewise misses the point that the economies that convert to clean, renewable, and sustainable policies will be the most prosperous and secure
in this 21st Century.
 
Members of southern Congressional delegations that oppose this legislation in support of the Southern Company's outdated, monopolistic and environmentally degrading business practices will take their place in history on the wrong side of a vital and historic choice - not unlike their political predecessors who refused to join the rest of the civilized world when it was past time to end slavery and accept equal civil rights for all citizens.
 
There are ample solar and other native renewable resources in Georgia to meet ambitious goals in the ACES act.  A national investment in a smarter and robust electrical grid and an electric auto fleet will solve logistical challenges of moving renewable energy from supply to demand and storing it for when it is needed.
 
Conversely, we have no coal or uranium mines in Georgia and limited water resources that can be put to much better use than cooling outdated coal and expensive nuclear mega-plants.  Georgia's Statewide Energy Plan found that approximately $ 20 billion per year (about the size of GA's state budget) exits our state into other states and foreign nations to pay for our imported fuels.
 
It is past time for the deployment of clean and sustainable energy infrastrucure.  Please vote in support of HR-2454.
 
Thank you.

Ronald Cloud

 

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Thank you DFA....

Written by: Jim Nichols on May 29, 2009 10:50 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Blogs United, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Blog For America, Stockbridge Progressives, Henry County for Democracy

I've had many different phases as a blogger and as I've passed through different phases of my life so has my blogging.  My home now sits and www.JimNichols4.com but I can't help but reflect on the beginnings.

 

Tuesday March 26, 2002.  1:16 in the A.M.  A 21 year old sit at his computer and writes:

 

I don't know what i'm doing here. Intentional obfusication of observation, pedantic self-servering diatribes. Or just something to kill time extending to the outside the internal rumblings of the inside, something to scream out loud and clear across the land that I can't spell and have no trouble thinking all at the same time (its a tough job). And maybe i'm here cause i'm too lazy to write in my journal, too infuriating (to others) to email friends on those random things that hit me at 1:13 in the morning, and too self-obsessed to sing sonic youth songs over and over to myself and not share with the group. This may turn into an utterly embarassing failure to create something interesting (once again) but as Woody Allen said "If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative."

It was my first blog post.  I called the blog Blame the extended Gestation after I had read some science article saying that the gestation period for humans was longer than other primates and therefore allowed us to have more highly developed cognitive capacities.  The title quote reads:

 



 "If I start describing what I want to do, i'll end up not seeing the point in doing it." Blogging on Politics, Music, and culture...



 

At the time I had no clue that blogging would become just as much a part of my day as eating, sleeping, and reading the newspaper.  Back then I was "left-er than thou" and never would have imagined that I would be knee deep in Democratic Party politics, or running for public office.  You can pretty much blame Democracy for America for my political involvement.  Before I attended their Campaign Academy I had the frustration--dare I say anger?--and energy to be a political activist, I just didn't have the tools and skills I needed to make it happen.

 

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Recent from the Health Care Front...

Written by: Jim Nichols on May 5, 2009 9:22 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Henry County for Democracy, Blog For America, Democracy for GA's 3rd, Blogs United

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Health Care Reform...


Why would a government plan bring about single payer unless conservatives are acknowledging that government run health care is better, more efficient, and more popular than private plans?

Here we go: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/health/policy/05health.html?_r=1&hp
 
The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana, asked Mr. Schumer to seek a solution. In his response, Mr. Schumer set forth these principles:
¶The public plan must be self-sustaining. It should pay claims with money raised from premiums and co-payments. It should not receive tax revenue or appropriations from the government.
What does that mean?
¶The public plan should pay doctors and hospitals more than what Medicare pays. Medicare rates, set by law and regulation, are often lower than what private insurers pay.
isn't that called purchasing power? THe gov. isn't expected to bring in "profits."  Isn't this whole deal about the rising costs of health care that are going to break the budget over the long run?  I know--and am on board with--the goal of many who want coverage for those who lack it.  But the bigger picture is if we don't fix health care inflation we are sunk as a nation.
¶The government should not compel doctors and hospitals to participate in a public plan just because they participate in Medicare.

Again purchasing power?
¶To prevent the government from serving as both “player and umpire,” the officials who manage a public plan should be different from those who regulate the insurance market.
I'm not sure of an angle on this one.  Or honestly what it means more than as a vague concept.
In addition, Mr. Schumer said, the public plan should be required to establish a reserve fund, just as private insurers must maintain reserves for the payment of anticipated claims. And he said the public plan should be required to provide the same minimum benefits as private insurers.
Once again I "get" but don't know what that means to have a response for.
 
There should be more resources for talking points on universal systems that have private insurance "add-on" options that allow individuals to purchase more insurance if they choose to.
--------------
Also help a blogger out... get me to netroots nation!!!!  http://democracyforamerica.com/netroots_nation_scholarships/379-jim-nichols

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GA Senate Candidate Jim Martin's concession a class act

Written by: publius on Dec 5, 2008 10:33 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Macon - Bibb County DFA, Georgians for Clean Renewable Energy DFA

Remarks to Supporters
December 2, 2008

Tonight, the voters of Georgia have spoken. I accept the decision that has been made. I called Senator Chambliss and congratulated Saxby and Julianne on his re-election to the United States Senate.

I want to thank my wife Joan for her constant love and support. I want to thank my family and campaign team, and all you volunteers who came in from all over the country - thank you so much. I want to thank all the Georgians who have helped me in this campaign and all the Georgians who voted for me. I am proud of each of you and of the campaign we ran.

For me and my family and campaign team, and all of you, this is a sad moment.

In a similar situation over 50 years ago, Adlai Stevenson reminded us that, "It is traditionally American to fight hard before an election. It is equally traditional to close ranks as soon as the people have spoken."

But it hurts.

Adlai Stevenson quoted Abraham Lincoln's remark after an election defeat in which he said he "felt like a little boy who stubbed his toe in the dark. He said he was too old to cry, but it hurt too much to laugh."

I know our campaign has been successful even though we did not win. But that success does not belong to me.

It belongs to my family, who worked so hard on my behalf.

It belongs to my campaign staff, who worked so hard and so well.

It belongs to my brothers and my sisters-in-law, who have been so great for all of these years.

It belongs to all my supporters who so generously contributed their money and time to make this campaign possible.

After he lost his primary campaign to President Jimmy Carter, Senator Edward Kennedy addressed the Democratic Convention. He concluded his remarks with a statement that still inspires me. And I hope it will inspire you. "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

So it is in our defeat tonight we celebrate a victory beyond our campaign. We celebrate a campaign that stood up for Georgians and for the important issues: ending top-down economics that is destroying our middle class, ending the war in Iraq and regaining our moral leadership in the world, protecting our environment, celebrating our wonderful diversity, creating a health care system that is available to all, and helping those in our society whom Hubert Humphrey described as in the sunrise of life, in the sunset of life, and in the shadows of life.

I have a special word for Democrats and Republicans.

To Georgia Democrats: although we did not win this campaign, we won the Presidency, and that is more important. Barack Obama will be a great President, and with his leadership, this country has a bright future.

And in Georgia, in this process, as Democrats, we found our soul. We are the party of opportunity for all Georgians, with a base as broad as our vision.

To Georgia Republicans: for generations the hope for the South has been the development of a viable two-party system, so that public policy is formed by a free debate of all ideas. You have some good ideas. We do, too. Others have other ideas that are just as good. Let us engage in a discourse of mutual respect about how we can move Georgia and our country ahead together. In these difficult times, we need each other.

God bless each of you, and God bless America.

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GA Dem Jim Martin launches runoff campaign for US Senate against Saxby Chambliss

Written by: publius on Nov 5, 2008 5:43 PM EST

Linked to groups: Georgians for Clean Renewable Energy DFA, DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Macon - Bibb County DFA

Dear Publius,

We now know that there will be a runoff on December 2nd between Saxby Chambliss and me. With your continued support, I am confident that we will prevail.

America has elected Barack Obama President, and now is the time for all of us to help him succeed. In the Senate, I'll do what's best for Georgia, what's best for our country, and what's best for the middle class folks who've been ignored the past eight years. 

I think that starts with helping Barack Obama succeed, not undercutting him for partisan advantage or to protect special interests. And that's the difference in this runoff election. I will do everything I can to help Barack Obama change Washington and get our economy moving again. Saxby Chambliss will do just the opposite.

This runoff will be over in the blink of an eye. We can return this Senate seat to someone who will follow in the traditions of Russell, Nunn, and Cleland, rather than someone who, for the past six years, has been a rubber stamp for George Bush and Dick Cheney. But we will only be able to do so with the support of friends like you.

Please click here to make a contribution to our runoff campaign today.

Your contribution of $500, $250, $100, $50, or whatever you can give, will make a real difference.

Last night, America spoke. And last night, Georgia spoke as well - a majority voted against sending Saxby Chambliss back to Washington. In 27 days, we can make that a reality. Together, we can make a real difference. Yes we can.

Sincerely,

Jim

P.S. Speed is critical - we are hiring additional organizers and launching our field campaign as we speak. Please click here to make your contribution today!

Support our campaign

 

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VP Al Gore lays out plan for unified, RE powered, smart grid for all to plug into

Written by: publius on Oct 29, 2008 10:19 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Macon - Bibb County DFA, DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Georgians for Clean Renewable Energy DFA

 

http://www.wecansolveit.org/

In  a  20 minute  web cast  this evening, Al Gore cited the oft quoted solar electric postulate that existing solar electric photo voltaic and concentrating thermal technologies could power the entire US with 100 sq miles of collectors in the desert southwest.

Citing efficiency and waste reduction as the highest priority, Mr. Gore then indicated renewable (RE) energy could meet demand.

He indicated this southwestern solar resource and the wind resources of the mountain regions and Dakotas  would be enough -

IF:
 
Automobile fleet was converted to electric to serve as a giant distributed battery connected (when parked) to -
a nationwide, unified smart grid  buried underground to move western RE generation (and any other RE generation) throughout the nation.

Said unified smart grid could be implemented for $ 400 billion.  Indicated that business losses from unreliable power on existing grids add up to $120 billion per year.  Therefore, reliability improvements from unified smart grid pay off the 400 b in less than 4 years.

State rate payers ought to consider these compelling options before being on the hook for "bailing out" those planned utility company nuclear and coal plants which are headed toward the "ash can of history."

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Its Going to Pass - Time to Move from Recklessness to Responsibility

Written by: publius on Sep 29, 2008 10:30 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Atlanta Alumni Crew, Macon - Bibb County DFA, Georgians for Clean Renewable Energy DFA

Obviously, Congressional leadership and much of the rank and file have been convinced that there is a real collapse and panic in waiting.   One might say that  the biggest faith based program of all time  has been an investment policy that moved individuals and institutions to hand over their money and financial security for Wall Street to dump into its nebulous global finance creations.

Now that the miracle work promised by the laying on of hands by the full faith and credit of The United States of America is about to commence, let there by light on a new investment policy in America.  Keep capital at home for reality based enterprise that puts Americans to work on rebuilding decaying infrastructure and building the foundations of a sustainable economy.  Time to plant the seed corn that Wall Street and its global capitalists have been glutinously feasting on with the blessings provided by the disastrous Reagan Bush tax policies.  

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/29/AR2008092900623.html?hpid=topnews

"If we do this and it works right, it's most likely that people will never appreciate how close we came to the brink. So there's not much political upside to this," said Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), the lead negotiator for Senate Republicans. But lawmakers are ready to support the bill, Gregg said, because they know "we are facing a crisis of proportions that are almost incomprehensible."

Meanwhile, Democrats meeting nearby in the basement of the Capitol also heard a rallying cry from their leaders, who won support from some surprising corners. Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.), who represents a conservative-leaning district and is a frequent GOP target, told his colleagues that passing the legislation is more important than winning reelection.

"I am willing to give up my seat over this," Marshall said, according to one attendee.

Congressman Marshall, with your voting record, I was not aware that any such issue could exist. 

Given the nation's reckless tax, budgetary, energy, trade, and imperial military policies that have made the daily functioning of government and business dependent on foreign creditors, it isn't really a stretch  to  concede  that Paulson and Bernanke were not crying wolf even as they were asking for the blank check.

It should be acknowledged that this bill isn't a blank check.  There are several layers of oversight in the legislation.  Paulson has been reported as planning to spend about $ 50 billion per month in this rescue.  That could add up to $ 200 billion by January 20.  This bill and the financial malpractice that birthed it have made a change of the party in power at White House even more imperative.  November 4, 2008 looms.  

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