A message from a four-legged friend.

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

Linked to groups: Netroots Activism!, Texas Bloggers, Democracy for Riverside, Democracy for Oregon Leaders, Democracy For America - Metro West of Boston

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

Nectars+DFA+ VDB= AWESOME Inaugural Watch Party

Written by: Kate Lesniak on Jan 14, 2009 5:23 PM EST

Linked to groups: Burlington DFA

Join us at Nectars for the Inaugural Event!

January 20^th marks the thankful end of eight years of Bush, and while you could celebrate this national victory in the comfort of your home, why not join Democracy for America and rejoice in style?

Join us at Nectar’s for our Inauguration Party where we’ll spend our day eating great food and regale each other with our favorite Bushisms while we watch and wait for Barack Obama to finally take on the office of the presidency on a nice, big projector screen.

If our fine company isn’t enough to float your boat, then how about the company of the award-winning blogger Philip Baruth? A writer and the brilliant noggin behind the VPR commentary series “Notes from the New Vermont,” and the popular website “The Vermont Daily Briefing,” Baruth will be joining us for the evening to share in the evening and adding his own commentary to the mix.

If that isn’t enough for you, DFA Chairmen Jim Dean will also be stopping by for a bite and a word.

The main event begins at 10am, so feel free to show up anytime after that. We’re looking forward to welcoming the new administration and we hope you’ll be there to join us in saying good bye to Bush and hello to a better tomorrow.

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: Johnson County Democracy for America (JCDFA), DFA Northeast Wisconsin, Framing Committee, Lake County Democracy for America, The Saint Paul Democracy for America Group

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: DFA Film Club, Western PA-DFA, Prince George's - Democracy for America, Change For Kentucky Lexington, Democracy For Vermont

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: Oakland DFA Meetup, Change for Kentucky Organizers, South Mountain Peace Action, DFA County Committee Project, Pax Christi Summit

"...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: Burlington DFA, Pioneer Valley DFA, Progressive Democrats of Cambridge - DFA, Rockingham/Strafford DFA, Keene Meet-up

Who Will Show this Thursday?

Written by: Michael Langenmayr on Aug 20, 2008 9:57 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Burlington DFA

Who will show this Thursday at Burlington DFA's "Meet the Candidates" event?

Symington? Confirmed.

Pollina? Maybe. Douglas? Probably not.

You? We sure hope so.

RSVP online now!

Burlington DFA invites you to join us this Thursday, August 21, at our "Meet the Candidates" community forum. More than a dozen candidates from around the Burlington area are confirmed to attend, including gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington. The event is free and open to the public (suggested donation $5 - $20), a great opportunity for Burlingtonians to meet the people who are running to represent them in county, legislative, and statewide office.

The event will be a casual mix-and-mingle where local candidates for office will get the chance to meet their prospective constituents face-to-face and talk about the issues important to them. If you have a question you want answered or a candidate you'd like to meet, this is the event for you!

Read more

Unity in the Park with Democrats

Written by: Tegan R on Jun 23, 2008 4:41 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Burlington DFA

On a beautiful Saturday in Burlington, I joined several Democrats in an effort to unify the party.

We were all witnesses to the historic primary between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and now that we have our nominee, we must work to bring together the supporters of all the fantastic candidates in the Democratic Primary. So on that Saturday, I drove down to join the Unity for America event and write postcards to my fellow Democrats.

To put it quite simply, the event was fantastic! It was a gorgeous day, many people showed up, and the event went off without a hitch due to the hard work of the organizers who put it all together. I ended up writing several postcards, and while everyone had a bit of trouble at the beginning thinking of exactly what to write on them, the DFA Field Fellows had come up with a very helpful list of suggestions that made the process so much easier.

Luckily, the event was planned in conjunction with the Burlington Democratic Party picnic, so people could stay afterwards, enjoy some good food, play a little baseball or pet the dogs people brought with them. Tell me, how can you beat an event that had good food, good times, and a good message - all done in an effort to bring this party together to end the disastrous policies of the last eight years and to prevent four more of them?

The people united will never be defeated

Written by: Michael Langenmayr on Jun 17, 2008 9:58 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy For Vermont, Burlington DFA

Picture this: November 4, 2008. You’re watching the vote totals come in, and the map looks something like this:

Read more

Welcome to B-town DFA!!!

Written by: Sara Puls on Jun 12, 2008 11:49 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Burlington DFA

Hi Everyone!

My name is Sara Puls and I am one of the two new Field Fellows at DFA Headquarters, along with Michael Langenmayr.  Michael and I have started this new DFA group because ironically, Burlington does not have its own DFA group despite the fact that DFA's national headquarters are right off of Shelburne road.  Our hope is to get local Burlington residents together and organized to take action for the changes we want to see locally and nationally.

So, thank you all for joining Burlington’s new DFA group “B-town DFA”!! We are really excited to get this group up and running, so tell all your liberal friends and neighbors in Burlington to join our group!

Right now, we are working on planning our first event to take place on June 21st.  This event will be one of many nationawide DFA "Unite for America" unity action events taking place that day.  To learn more, look under our group events and click on the “Unity Action Event”.  Be sure to RSVP if you can attend!

We are also planning out first monthly meet-up to take place on July 2^nd at 7 pm.  We are still trying to figure out a place for our monthly meet-ups to take place (we have been thinking maybe the Skinny Pancake or a Pizza place downtown), so if you have any other suggestions let Michael or me know!

We look forward to getting this group going and taking action for the future of our great city, state and nation!

Sara
Field Fellow

P.S. - If you want more info on B-town DFA, please click here to visit our DFA Community Page.