DFA Progressive Values group name change to Empathy Cafe.

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Aug 10, 2009 11:19 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Sacramento For Democracy, Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, Michigan Democracy for America, Democracy for Washington, Take Back Red California

Greetings

The DFA What are  Progressive Values? group
has not had much activity for some time. I wanted to let you know I've just
changed the group name to Empathy Cafe. http://democracyforamerica.com/groups/2285-empathy-cafe

 From my work of interviewing people about progressive values I've come to see empathy as a core progressive value. It's also the value that Obama ran on. See this compilation video I made from Obama's speeches on empathy.
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/Obama/ObamaOnEmpathy.htm

So with that in mind I've been refocusing my work on supporting Obama's call for standing in each other's shoes.  Below is some of the work we've been doing.  More to come shortly.
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BEEN so buzy -

Written by: darlene matthews on Jul 13, 2009 4:40 PM EDT

Linked to groups: East Bay DFA, San Francisco for Democracy, California for Democracy, Empathy Cafe, Canyon Democrats

I have been so buzy between fighting for help from DOR so i can get current education and experience and  work full time  someday again , and  WORKING ON health care VETS and other  women's  and disability and housing ISSUES and  PROGRAMS... and all the other hot topics ... like the e-letters went off to wdc  and  assembly members this am, that  I  haven't  restarted getting new votes  to promote me!

so here it comes-

MEMORIAL DAY -IRVINE- Honor and Gratitude - BETH KROM 2turn CA-48 BLUE

Written by: darlene matthews on May 22, 2009 11:49 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Access Now, Take Back Red California, Empathy Cafe, California for Democracy, Courage Campaign

Dear darlene, Memorial Day is our opportunity to honor the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers and to reflect on what it means to live in a country that promises "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" to all its citizens. There is a price to pay for such freedoms, and it is the men and women of our military who pay that price.  I grew up during the Vietnam War.  Today, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to challenge us as a nation. While war is always a hotly debated topic, there should be no debate about the debt we owe to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives defending our freedom.  As your Representative, I will work hard to ensure that that those who bravely serve in our military are not abandoned and neglected when they come home. Military families deserve a stronger voice in Washington. Let's ensure that the families of our fallen soldiers know just how much our nation values their sacrifice.   Please join me on Memorial Day, May 25th, at 10:00 a.m. to honor the sacrifice of our brave heroes at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park in Irvine (Barranca Parkway and Harvard).   Sincerely, Beth Krom Candidate for Congress 48th Congressional District P.S. With your help, I can fight on behalf of our veterans and military families.  Please consider contributing to our campaign today! info@bethkrom.com www.bethkrom.com

Forward email This email was sent to go2thesun@mac.com by info@bethkrom.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Beth Krom for Congress | PMB 211 | 14252 Culver Dr., Suite A | Irvine | CA | 92604

Want to be a pen pal so a child can learn good english?

Written by: darlene matthews on May 21, 2009 8:21 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Canyon Democrats, Empathy Cafe, East Bay DFA, California for Democracy, Access Now

CDC: Free Democratic Leadership Training - Orange County

Written by: Henry V on Apr 1, 2009 5:05 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Southern California for Democracy, California Democratic Council, San Diego for Democracy, Take Back Red California, DFALA

Linked to campaigns: Bill Hedrick for Congress, 44th District, California

California Democratic Council

and the

Orange County Democratic Party

Join our DFA group

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: Carpenter's Hall
1916 W. Chapman Ave., Orange CA 92868

Cost: Free. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. (Requested donation of $10.00 to help cover food and materials)

You must register here: http://www.cdc-ca.org/Training/

Sponsors: Please help us keep this training going - be a sponsor for only $50

This intense training consists of a variety of workshops for club/party leaders and political activists who want to advance their leadership roles in the Democratic Party or are just getting started! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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(Fresno, CA) Rally In the Valley this Sunday! Peace! Lets do it!

Written by: Susan Rowe on Mar 21, 2009 2:15 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Health Care for America Organizers, Blog For America, Courage Campaign, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties , DFA of Stanislaus County

"Peace! Let's Do It!"

Eighth Annual Rally in the Valley For Peace and Justice

"Peace! Let's Do It!" is the theme of Peace Fresno's 8th Annual Rally in the Valley for Peace and Justice. The rally will take place on Sunday, March 22nd from 1 to 4 p.m. in downtown Fresno next to the historic water tower at Eaton Plaza, Fresno and N Streets. Featured speakers will be peace activist & "Peace Mom," Cindy Sheehan, and award winning syndicated columnist Roberto Rodriguez. Musical performances by Kenny Hall, the Santa Fe Ramblers, Heartland Harvest, Los Traviesos Musical and the Raging Grannies. Admission is free.

Please join Peace Fresno and other peace and justice groups in rallying to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to bring all US troops home. US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused the deaths of over 5000 US soldiers and over 1.5 millions Iraqi and Afghan civilians.

Over 40 local peace, social, and environmental justice groups will have information booths. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.

For more information contact, Dan Yaseen VP - Membership, Peace Fresno email danyaseen[at]comcast[dot]net or call him at 559.251.3361.

Peace & Love

DFA Campaign Academy in Fresno March 28-29, 2009

Written by: Susan Rowe on Mar 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, Take Back Red California, DFA of Chowchilla, 2007 Training Academy Organizers, DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy Group: Updates

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Feb 27, 2009 12:10 PM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), California for Democracy, Philly for Change, DFA New Jersey

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The capacity to know emotionally what another is experiencing from within the frame of reference of that other person, the capacity to sample the feelings of another or to put oneself in another’s shoes.   D. M. Berger

Barack Obama is leading a movement based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy. Barack talks about empathy and the importance of 'standing in other peoples shoes', in many of his speeches (I've collected 50 so far).  Empathy is the most basic value he ran on and he says the country has an 'empathy deficit' that needs to be filled. We are forming an Empathy Values Group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. 

A sense of similarity in feelings experienced by the self and the other, without confusion between the two individuals.^{Jean Decety}

As part of this empathy movement, we are also putting together a video of his talking about this topic to give it some context and promote this foundational progressive value. Let's help fill the empathy deficit by making people more aware of the topic. This is a collaborative project and we invite you to take part.  See.

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy (rough cut 1)  (1 hr 15 min)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

A Chronological Video of Barack on Empathy - Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. 

Here's a review of the video:  Hi Edwin, It is truly wonderful that you and others have grasped the brass ring of the progressive movement by highlighting the core issue of Empathy. I now see that everything about the rising of Barack Obama and the revolution in America is based on this principle. Thank you, thank you for your effort and the timely reminder to me of what is really important. It's easy to get lost in the dust that is being raised by so many who sincerely want to see change and see it quickly. But it is crucial to remember why we are being called in this time in history to change. You are exactly right, it is Empathy. Warmly, Terri  Jan 28, 2009.
 

Some more Video About Empathy

•  
  •  
    •  
      •  
        •     Nova: Mirror Neurons and Empathy
              A video about Mirror Neurons which could be  the physiological source of empathy.

      •     George Lakoff on Empathy
            Lakoff talks about Obama and empathy.

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Next Empathy Group Meeting Dates
   (online and in person)
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How might we nurture, promote or foster empathy within ourselves, as a group and within the larger culture through a balance of action and reflection?

Attend In Person meetings in the Bay Area. El Cerrito, CA. Meetings are ongoing, every week .
Sign up at:

Saturday, Feb 28, 2009, 2 - 5 pm  
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt2lv
At this meeting we'll brainstorm  about projects to work on.

Saturday, Mar 07, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrd

Saturday, Mar 21, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrg

Saturday, April 04, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrl

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An affective response that stems from the apprehension or comprehension of another’s emotional state or condition, and that is similar to what the other person is feeling or would be expected to feel.   Nancy Eisenberg

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Resource Links
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Group  Website: Barack Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy
     http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/

Video: Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1 (1 hr 15 min)
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
    Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
    It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.

Online Discussion Group
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
     Take part from anywhere online. We hold ongoing online discussions, brainstorming and meetings.
      Join the project discussion list by sending an email to:
     ProgressiveValues-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
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Best

Edwin Rutsch

Realism vs. Idealism

Written by: Vincent Dunlap on Feb 13, 2009 7:27 PM EST

Linked to groups: Courage Campaign, California for Democracy

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

     The difference between Realism and Idealism is clouded to a certain point. There can be "practical (realistic)" "noble goals (idealistic)", but that concept of reality is far in-between. Practical nobility does exist. You just have to know what you are looking for, know where to look, and have to be willing to look for it.

Realism
re⋅al⋅ism [ree-uh-liz-uh m] –noun
1.interest in or concern for the actual or real, as distinguished from the abstract, speculative, etc.
2.the tendency to view or represent things as they really are.

Realistic
re⋅al⋅is⋅tic [ree-uh-lis-tik] –adjective
1.interested in, concerned with, or based on what is real or practical: a realistic estimate of costs; a realistic planner.
2.pertaining to, characterized by, or given to the representation in literature or art of things as they really are: a realistic novel.
3.resembling or simulating real life: a duck hunter skilled at making realistic decoys.
4.Philosophy. of or pertaining to realists or realism.

Realist
re⋅al⋅ist [ree-uh-list] –noun
1.a person who tends to view or represent things as they really are.
2.an artist or a writer whose work is characterized by realism.
3.Philosophy. an adherent of realism.–adjective
4.of or pertaining to realism or to a person who embodies its principles or practices: the realist approach to social ills; realist paintings.

Idealism
i⋅de⋅al⋅ism [ahy-dee-uh-liz-uh m] –noun
1.the cherishing or pursuit of high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.
2.the practice of idealizing.
3.something idealized; an ideal representation.

Idealistic
i⋅de⋅al⋅is⋅tic [ahy-dee-uh-lis-tik] –adjective
of or pertaining to idealism or idealists.

Idealist
I⋅de⋅al⋅is [ahy-dee-uh-list] –noun
1.a person who cherishes or pursues high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.
2.a visionary or impractical person.
3.a person who represents things as they might or should be rather than as they are.
4.a writer or artist who treats subjects imaginatively.
5.a person who accepts the doctrines of idealism.

Here are 3 examples that are idealistic, but are currently not realistic, practical ideas.
     Example 1 is a list of markets that are excessively saturated.
 -Computer/Network Support
 -Debt Collection
 -Debt Consolidation
 -Yard Care
 -Web Site Design
 -Construction
 -Advertisement
 -Cybersex Sites
 -Dating Sites
 -Online Porn in General
 -Indian and Asian Restaurants
 -General Automotive
 
     Example 2 is the hybrid vehicle market. They are great idealistically, but they are not practical in price from a calculated census that 85% of the US population (lower middle class 30%, working class 30%, working poor 13%, underclass 12%) can not afford that type of vehicle. It is said that the batteries within the vehicles will drop in price within the next 10 years. This will make the hybrids more affordable for the lower classes, but the original purpose of the hybrids will have already come and gone with as much pollution as we are creating now. That purpose is to cut vehicle emissions. Not enough people are buying them currently to make any such present difference.
 
     Example 3 is about the electric and hydrogen cell vehicles. They are highly noble ideas,but they are not realistic. Electric vehicles use electricity directly. Hydrogen cell vehicles use hydrogen cells filled by hydrogen extractors which use electricity.
     It is how we generate the electricity that keeps these vehicular technologies from being a practical idea. 48.9% of all electricity created in the US is from coal burning power plants. The rest is produced from nuclear 19.3%, natural gas 20%, petroleum 1.6%, hydroelectric conventional 7.1%, other renewables 2.4%, and other 0.7%.
     As it has been explained on wikipedia, blogged, put up on forums, and blatantly posted on websites, clean coal technology is an oxymoron, and an industry's hype; there is no such thing as clean coal. Clean coal sounds great, but it is unrealistic, a visionary's utopian idea.

     Now we will talk about one of the rare practical noble ideas, the GEET fuel processor, plasma power, but first we must speak of it's creator. A man by the name of Paul Patone, a exception plasma physicist who is wrongfully imprisoned in Utah State Asylum.
http://www.teslatech.info/ttmagazine/v4n4/pantone.htm
 
     "History is filled with the plunder, sabotage, neglect, persecution and erasure of key inventors and scientists working on crucial technologies for our future. The cost to mankind in lost science and technology is not well known and has been utterly disastrous. Nikola Tesla was prevented from bringing free wireless power to the public in the early 1900’s. The lives of hundreds of millions have been unnecessarily cut short and ruined because of the relentless A.M.A. persecution of Royal Rife and his incredible 1930’s technology to treat cancer. Philo T. Farnsworth’s promising research for electronic fusion was stopped cold by a corporate takeover in the 1960’s. These are just a few significant examples." TeslaTech Inc.
 
     How does the processor work?  Watch both these videos...
Video 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMNCebzgCgg
Video 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2KRRgjcJTg

If this does interest you please read the business proposal for The Ion Shop; http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=80283580&blogID=466725761.  What good is money if we are dead from our own destruction?...

Other Informational links are...
http://plasmas.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_(physics)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clean_coal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_generation
http://www.howstuffworks.com/

Obama Empathy Values Movement Meetings and Video Now Online

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Jan 27, 2009 3:53 PM EST

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Silicon Valley DFA, brought to you by Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley, DFA Film Club, Empathy Cafe, Courage Campaign

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

I recently uploaded a video I compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.  You can see it here;

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1(1 hr 15 min)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

I've also collect about 50 speeches from Barack and Michelle where they talk about empathy. You can see the full list and text here
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy

Obama Empathy Values Movement Group
Barack Obama led a campaign based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy.  Obama repeatedly says the country has an 'Empathy Deficit'. We are forming a group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. We are holding weekly meetings to form a group to promote a  national ethos change to greater empathy.  The weekly meetings are from 2 to 4 in El Cerrito (near Berkeley),  CA.  You can also join us for online discussions on the Yahoo discussion list at  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/

At the next meetings we'll brainstorm about how to build the group.

As part of this empathy movement, we're also putting together a video of Barack's many speeches on empathy.  You can see the first rough cut here. Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
 

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