Watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at http://liberal.democratz.org

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 4:04 PM EST

Linked to groups: Chittenden South DFA, San Francisco for Democracy, GA. Federation of Democratic Women, Blog For America, DFA Pasadena

Did you miss last night's episode of Countdown with Keith Olbermann? Does your tv system not have MSNBC? If so then you can watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at

http://liberal.democratz.org and if you can't get to that web page then go to

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2pnn4/dmocrats1/id2.html

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Send this letter to congress to end Republiklan filibusters and get needed legislation enacted. http://write2congress.buyblue.biz

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 1:19 PM EST

Linked to groups: Progressive Healthcare Reform, Change for Kentucky Organizers, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, Democracy for Texas - Austin

Send the following letter by fax to Senate Republican minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell. Tell other people to visit this site and have these people to get other people to visit this site.

Go to http://write2congress.buyblue.biz which will have the letter shown below in the text box and the fax information for Senator McConnell. Just enter your name and email in the left hand box and fill in the captcha code and then click on the button that reads send free fax now.


Dear Senator Senator McConnell

I want the following actions taken and legislation enacted into law.

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A "Critical" Look At Tom Daschle's Appointment to be Secretary HHS

Written by: Kevin Lynn on Feb 1, 2009 2:33 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Pasadena, Democracy For Downtown, Philly for Change, PA for Democracy, California for Democracy

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Dear All,

In his book "Critical", former Senator Tom Daschle argues the federal government should shrink away or rather, shirk the power vested in it and delegate the administration of the nation's healthcare insurance to private interests.  He would if he gets his way, place in charge the very same private interests that are currently responsible for the dysfunctional tripartite between the patient, healthcare provider and the insurer. 

The system he touts would in form resemble the current Federal Reserve System that arose out of the great compromise of 1913.  He proposes "a Federal Health Board, modeled loosely on the Federal Reserve System . . .  It would create a public framework for a largely private healthcare delivery system.  Its main job would be to develop standards and structures for a health system that ensures accessible, affordable, and high quality care."  He argues that "like the Federal Reserve, the Federal Health Board would be composed of independent experts insulated from politics."  He envisions either extending the current Federal Healthcare Benefits Program to all Americans or creating a group purchasing pool akin to it. 

Sound good – not so fast!  This is not Single Payer (SP).  This Federal Health Board would offer a menu of "private" healthcare plans from the current gaggle of healthcare providers.  You know, the same folks whose for-profit business models do well by providing us less care. 

In a pure SP environment the government is the insurance company.  It would be an extension of our current Medicare system with one big difference, the government would have free reign to collectively bargain with pharmaceuticals and healthcare providers.  There are some things the government does well and given its track record with Medicare and Social Security, I would say it should be able to effectively and efficiently deliver health insurance.   The streamlining of administration alone could generate as much as a 20% reduction in overall healthcare costs.  SP would remove the counter productive influences of the private insurers all together. 

The to question to ask is why is Tom Daschle so gung ho on a system modeled on the Federal Reserve?  I believe there are two reasons. 

First and foremost, he finds "a pure single-payer system to be politically problematic in the United States, at least right now."  He states that even though Americans have a highly favorable opinion of Medicare, they fear the "S" word – SOCIALISM.  I would argue that any American who has been in for surgery in the past ten years and inevitably wrestled with their coverage is probably ready for a little bit of socialism.  The second reason is he seems to be suffering from the delusion that the Federal Reserve System was and is some kind of panacea for the nation's monetary woes.

If I may digress, what many Americans fail to understand is that the whole idea of a "Federal Reserve" was not conceived of by economists, bankers, treasury officials, or scholars.   Rather, it was conceived in the late 1800's by barefoot farmers suffering under the practices of Eastern bankers such as J.P. Morgan and an inelastic monetary system that when combined deflated the prices of their crops.  What these early Populists had devised according to William Grieder in his book, Secrets of the Temple was a new monetary system for the nation that would create "money" in the name of the whole people.  This system would ensure ample credit for productive enterprises and free producers from the control of commercial bankers.  The plan was a radical one, perhaps too radical for the times.  But many years later, John Maynard Keynes postulated it would have probably worked. 

So what happened?  Well again, according to William Grieder, "the money system that was adopted in 1913, instead, preserved the banking system as the intermediary that controlled the distribution of new money and credit.  When the Fed expanded the money supply, commercial bankers decided who would get to use it and also how much it would cost."  

In much the same way that the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 neatly rolled the banks that were guilty of being part of the highly exploitative "Money Trust" into the new monetary system, so will Daschle's Federal Health Board allow the current group of insurance companies that we fight with over our coverage today to continue to profit from us. 

This is a real boon for the private insurers.  Under the auspices of the federal government, these companies will be able to greatly expand the pool they cover while being only nominally answerable to the people. 

After all, it probably makes a lot of sense in their eyes.  The insurance companies by now have figured out the average American is only going to get poorer, so what could be better than getting the government to compel all its citizens to pay them their premiums albeit, smaller premiums per capita. . . .  Ah, the best government money can buy!

Perhaps I am being a little conceited here, but if I am going to pay an insurance premium to the government, I do not want those monies finding their way into the pocket of a private for profit firm whose first (as should be expected) priority is to its shareholders.  No sir!  I believe this country not only needs but is ready for a SP.  Daschle argues that his Federal Health Board will ensure that Americans will not be underinsured, denied the care they need or be "forced to run up huge medical bills."  But so will SP, and SP will do it more effectively and efficiently than some quasi public/private system. 

Next week the Senate will move to confirm Daschle as Secretary for Health and Human Services.  There is going to be a lot of talk about the "Critical" issues affecting healthcare delivery.  We are going to hear the term "affordable" healthcare bantered around a lot.  But let's be very clear on one thing – affordable does not equate to SP.  If SP is what you want then let your voice be heard in the Senate chambers!

Cheers,

Kevin Lynn

Art of Strategy Workshop Starts February 16th

Written by: Kevin Lynn on Jan 31, 2009 7:29 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Pasadena, PA for Democracy, Johnny Clegg Lovers for Democracy, Democracy For Downtown, DFALA

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Dear All, 

Sun Tzu's Art of War is regarded as one greatest treatise on strategy and tactics ever produced. But more than that, it has a universal style that lends it to helping deal with life experience for anyone, at any time and in any situation. The Art of War has been translated many times over the centuries. In the early 1900's it was first translated into English by British Army officers living the Far East. I've owned several translations and the most useful to me has been R.L. Wing's translation, "The Art of Strategy".

What is profound about Wing's translation is the book is translated verbatim and spliced into 52 topical sections. The intent is for the reader to study a section a week over the period of a year. I think this method of transmission can be very effective in terms of better inculcating the essence of Sun Tzu's teachings into our daily lives.

Wing's book has been on my shelf for some 12 years now and over the years I have read and referenced parts of it many times. But I have not had the discipline to read, ponder, and fully absorb the teachings on a week by week basis as the author intends the reader to do.

With the power of Facebook, I would like to reach out to those "few" eager souls who would like to join me on a year long venture to master the teachings of Sun Tzu. I really believe it will make a profound difference in my life in terms of assisting me in managing conflicts with my self, career, and other people.

If this sounds interesting, please join me. My intent is for our group to begin reading and sharing thoughts on the first section on February 16, 2009. Given the range of political activists, merchants, financiers, salespeople and militarists I know; I'm hoping to have a diverse group with wide ranging viewpoints joining me. Just click on the below link and sign up (If you not a member of facebook, it may require you to complete a profile):< /O>

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=47375235348

New and used copies The Art of Strategy can be found on Amazon.com and I still see it at many book stores. 

Best regards,

Kevin Lynn

lynnke@earthlink.net

626.825.1331

Pasadena DFA 2/07 to 10/08 - Looking Back So We Can Move Forward!

Written by: Patrick Briggs on Jan 29, 2009 1:46 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Pasadena, DFALA, Democracy For Downtown, Glendale DFA, California for Democracy

To the Pasadena DFA membership:

It's important to look where we have been before deciding where to go next.  With that in mind, I've summarized most of, if not all, the links to past Pasadena DFA Events and DFA Link Blog Postings since the beginning of 2007.

Please take some time to click through some of the links and when you are finished, write a comment to this blog entry or email me at pbriggs@greeneggsandham.org .  We are going to need new leadership in 2009 and new ideas on how to organize our group.  

In the next several days, I will be posting one suggestion of my own (not officially endorsed by the steering committee), to help get the ball rolling.  I will have also sent out an email to the membership duplicating the information found in this DFA Link blog post.  

We cannot afford to let up in our civic activism after President Obama's great victory.  There is work to be done.  The national organization for Democracy for America has great online tools, infrastructure and a solid history of progressive activism to hang all of our hats on.  Pasadena DFA's steering committee needs NEW leadership and it needs the support of its membership.  Step up.

I look forward to your comments and will share them with the current Pasadena DFA Steering Committee over the next 3 weeks.  After which, if there is interest, we will hold a Visioning Meeting which will lead to a changed structure for group and changed leadership (probably to be held at the end of February).

Remember to click through the links below!

Best Regards,

Patrick Briggs,
Pasadena DFA Chapter Coordinator 

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A message from a four-legged friend.

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

Linked to groups: Progressive Democracy South Jersey, DFA HQ Grassroots, Courage Campaign, Olympia/Thurston DFA, Democracy for Gloucester 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: Minneapolis Democracy for America, Chittenden South DFA, Emerald City DFA, Gettysburg Area DFA Meetup, State of Oklahoma 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: MidMichigan Democracy for America, Jersey Shore DFA, Democracy for Louisiana, Sacramento For Democracy, Chicago South Suburban DFA

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: Democracy for America - Kent County, NE Minneapolis MNwrites, Democracy for Howard County, Hoboken Progressives, The Saint Paul Democracy for America Group

"...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

YES on Propositon 11 - End Cronyism in California

Written by: Kevin Lynn on Nov 4, 2008 1:44 AM EST

Linked to groups: California for Democracy, Democracy For Downtown, DFA Pasadena

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The below report from the Center for Government Studies comes as
validation for those of us within the California Democratic Party who
have been promoting Proposition 11 as way to end the ridiculous
gerrymandering that has bestowed upon our state the LEAST COMPETETIVE
congressional and state legislative electoral districts in the
nation. I entreat you to read the below and share it with other
California voters. YES ON PROPOSITION 11!!

Best regards,

Kevin Lynn
Delegate and Member Executive Board,
California Democratic Party


For Immediate Release - October 24, 2008
For further information contact: Bob Stern (310.470.6590 x117)
or Tracy Westen (310.470.6590 x114)

The Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) today released
Redistricting Reform in California: Proposition 11 on the November
2008 California Ballot, which makes five key findings:

The independent commission is likely to be more ethnically diverse
than the legislature's redistricting committees. The independent
commission will be more balanced between Republicans, Democrats and
members of neither major party. The independent commission will be
more open to public input than legislative committees.
The districts created by the independent commission will almost
certainly be more competitive than districts created by the
legislature. The independent commission will almost certainly produce
maps through a process that has improved transparency and public
access.

On November 4, 2008, Californians may have their last opportunity to
change the redistricting process before maps are redrawn in 2011—when
new districts will be locked into place for another decade.
California's current legislative redistricting law, under which
legislative committees draw the lines for state electoral districts,
usually benefits incumbents and the political party in power. This
leads to decreased competition; since the last redistricting in 2001,
only one seat changed parties due to competition in 459 legislative
and congressional races.

Proposition 11, by contrast, could increase fairness and public
involvement in the redistricting process, and it could decrease
political manipulation of district boundaries by requiring an
independent commission to follow specific criteria in drawing State
Assembly, State Senate and Board of Equalization districts.

Redistricting Reform in California: Proposition 11 on the November
2008 California Ballot and other CGS reports are available on the CGS
website, www.cgs.org. The James Irvine Foundation and Carnegie
Corporation provided generous funding for this report, but they are
not responsible for the statements or views it expresses.
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