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Democracy for America group blog for Progressive Democrats of Somerville

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: Democracy for Riverside, The Young Turks ~ ENOUGH!, Change for Kentucky Organizers, Democracy for Florida, Connecticut Greens

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: South Carolina Progressive Network, BlueWaveNJ, Change for Northern Kentucky, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Capitol Area Progressives (CAP)

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 message from a four-legged friend.

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

Linked to groups: Lane Democracy For America, Chicago South Suburban DFA, Southern Democrats Club, Democracy for West Linn & Lake Oswego, South Valley Democracy For America

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

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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: Western PA-DFA, Broward County Democracy for America, DFA Reno/Democracy for Nevada, Progressive Democrats of West Michigan, Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

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

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Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Nov 26, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: Rockingham/Strafford DFA, DFA Columbia, Tigard DFA, Democracy For the Heart of America, Atlanta DFA - Fundraising & House Parties

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

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"...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: Hoboken Progressives, Savannah DFA, DFA-Iowa 2nd District (DFIA-2D), Boulder DFC / DFA, Human Rights Campaign

"...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

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Exit Polling Volunteers are Needed in Southern New Hampshire

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

Linked to groups: Democracy for Newton (MA), Acton Area Democracy for America, Portland Area Democracy for America, Progressive Democrats of Jamaica Plain, Democracy For America - Metro West of Boston

Volunteers are Needed in Southern New Hampshire on Election Day for This Vital Project
You are needed to volunteer for a citizen-run independent exit polling project (EVP) in New Hampshire on Election Day.*

The data obtained will be analyzed on Election Night and serve as a measure of the legitimacy of the announced outcomes.  We need your help.  Please sign up NOW!

In the past two presidential elections, the polling company Edison-Mitofsky, that runs the official exit polls commissioned by the media consortium, has released only adjusted data that conform to the announced election outcomes and has withheld the raw data. 

Our project is essential to see if the official results – and the adjusted Edison–Mitofsy data – have likely been tampered with, and just how suspicious their numbers may be.  Our raw data, which we hope you will help us collect, as well as the analysis and the full protocol, will be made fully available to the public.

The citizen-managed polls will be run by a strict protocol and training will be provided. Shifts will probably average 4-6 hours.

1.  Volunteers are needed to hand out questionnaires and ask voters to fill them in and deposit in a locked box.

2.  Other volunteers are needed for data entry.

Can you help us with this important project to assure an honest election?  If so, Please sign up immediately at www.ElectionDefenseAlliance.org/EVP. You will receive information soon.

If you would like to take a leadership role for a Southern NH area, we can offer all the instructions, training, questionnaire, etc.
  Please contact Ryan or Sally (below). 

Questions to Ryan Herlinger, ryan.herlinger@gmail.com, Project Coordinator.
 
Thank you.
Sally Castleman
National Chairperson, Election Defense Alliance
 
* The EVP protocol was developed by Election Integrity's Steven Freeman (UPenn), Election Defense Alliance's Dr. Jonathan Simon, and Ken Warren of The Warren Poll.  Both the methodology and the logistics have been beta tested.
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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: Stamford Impeachment Committee, Democracy for America--Wichita, Upper Valley DFA, Lane Democracy For America, Democracy For Downtown

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

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Come watch political documentaries in Cambridge!

Written by: Resurgent One on Mar 27, 2007 6:24 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Progressive Democrats of Somerville

Hey everyone,

My name is Chris and I'm a friendly 23 yr. old from Cambridge. I organize a Meetup group entitled "Cambridge Political Documentaries."

I have a collection of over 500 progressive documentaries and would love to show them. Join us for films, snacks, and open-minded follow-up discussions. Once we get enough members I'll start showing films in larger venues, but until then--unless someone else offers their home for showings--we're limited to my apartment (better discussions there, anyway).

You'll have to sign up at Meetup.com to view my address, but the process is free, fast and painless. Hope you can make it to a screening! Take care,

-Chris
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Tues 9/26 at Library at 6:45 pm - September Meeting

Written by: Katherine Wallace on Sep 25, 2006 5:18 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Progressive Democrats of Somerville

Hi PDS,

PDS will hold its regular General September Monthly Meeting on the Fourth Tuesday of the Month, September 26. PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW LOCATION and TIME for this meeting! We will be meeting at the Somerville Public Library on Highland Ave (near City Hall and the High School). Accessible by bus via Highland Ave from Davis Square.

Our meeting time begins 15 minutes early to accommodate the Library closing time so we will begin at 6:45 pm and end by 8:45 pm.

It has been a pretty good September so far with a huge win for Deval Patrick as the Democratic Nominee for Governor. I know that many many PDSers were out working hard for this and in other important progressive races all around. It all makes a difference. Thanks to all.

As many of you know, we have two seats on the Steering Committee available and we are going to hold a vote to fill them on 9/26. If you are interested and have any questions please feel free to contact us.

PDS Meeting Agenda
September 26, 2006
6:45 pm to 8:45 pm
Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Avenue

Introductions and Question of the Month (10 min)
Can you tell us about an interesting moment you experienced on Primary Election Day such as an interaction with a voter or election official or fun moments at a victory party?

Elections
a) Deval Patrick and Mass Victory 06 (10 min)
We are very excited that our endorsed candidate Deval Patrick is the Democratic Nominee, but the election isn't over yet. The Patrick/Murray Campaign is now working with Mass Victory 06 to take back the Governor's office from the Republicans. We all need to work together to achieve our goal.
b) Congress (5 min)
When Congressman Michael Capuano visited us earlier this year, we pledged to take a day to go to a nearby state and canvass for Democratic Congressional Candidates so that the Democrats can take back the House from the Republicans. I spoke to him last week and he is planning on organizing some trips to key locations in New Hampshire.
c) PDS Elections (15 min)
We will solicit nominations and if any are put forward, we will vote to fill these open positions.
i) Co-Chair of the Endorsements Committee to serve along with Co-Chair Michael Conlon endorsements@pdsomerville.org
.
ii) Co-Chair of the Membership Committee to serve along with Co-Chair Greg Dennis membership@pdsomerville.org


Issues (40 min)
a) November Ballot Questions - Andy will let us know what questions you will see on your November ballot. Bring your Voter Guide if you got one in the mail from the Secretary of State's office.
b) Budget Update - What is the next step after our successful summer budget forum?
c) Jail Update - We've heard from Senator Barrios, Rep Toomey and Sherriff DiPaola. What's new in the plan for the Jail?
d) Participation - Issues are a big issue in Somerville. How can our Issues and Membership Committees increase participation and activism?

Committees and Commissions
a) What City Committees and Commissions (15 min) do PDS Members belong to? Which ones would PDS members like to participate in? There is a lot more to this City than the Mayor, Aldermen and School Committee. Committees, Commissions and other Boards make decisions and help our City government get things done. www.ci.somerville.ma.us/Boards.c...
b) Human Rights Commission Conversations Project (10 Min) - Cesar will talk about the Conversations Project that the Human Rights Commission will be holding in March 2007. "Young Somerville: Challenges and Changes"
www.ci.somerville.ma.us/CoS_Cont...
c) Somerville Commission for Women (5 min)- Katie will tell you about two upcoming events in October
i) Meeting to Discuss the Wall of Respect for Women October 3 Ciampa Manor 6:30 pm
ii) Vigil for victims of Domestic Violence October 11, Davis Square 6:00 pm

Plus/Delta (5 min)
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Videos of some of the 64 House Healthcare Heroes standing strong for a public health insurance option

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Congresswoman Maxine Waters

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