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: Netroots Activism!, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Democracy for Chicago, dfaROCHESTER, Wisconsin Members of DFA

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

Read more

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: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), DFA Pasadena, Democracy For America - Metro West of Boston, iilinois federation of college democrats, North Dallas Democracy For America

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.

Read more

A message from a four-legged friend.

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

Linked to groups: Democracy for Newton (MA), Democracy for America-Quad Cities, Change For Kentucky Lexington, Bloggers, DFA Reno/Democracy for Nevada

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: DFA-Evanston North Shore, Rockingham/Strafford DFA, Democracy For the Heart of America, Southern Democrats Club, Democracy for America--Wichita

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: Democracy for Ohio (DFO), Elmbrook Progressive Coalition, Savannah DFA, UI-DFA, Capitol Area Progressives (CAP)

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: Lower Bucks for Democracy, East Bay DFA, Boulder DFC / DFA, Union County for Democracy, Athens - Clarke County DFA

"...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

Chittenden South DFA Endorses Gaye Symington For Vermont Governor!

Written by: Marcella Chiarello on Oct 8, 2008 4:24 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Chittenden South DFA, DFA HQ Grassroots

Yes, the poll results are in!  Gaye Symington is the winner.

Active CSDFA members in the area were asked their preference for Vermont gubernatorial candidate.  The choices were:  Anthony Pollina , Gaye Symington or No Endorsement.  Gaye Symington received the majority vote. 

Gaye Symington is my candidate of choice for Vermont Governor

Written by: Wendy Patterson on Aug 7, 2008 12:22 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Central Vermont DFA Link Up, Chittenden South DFA, Democracy For Vermont, DFA-Link Organizers, Rutland DFA

Linked to campaigns: Symington For Governor, Symington for Governor

After listening carefully to both candidates for Vermont Governor, I am decidely in favor of Gaye Symington to be our next Governor of Vermont.

I have been following her campaign and last night had the opportunity to hear her speak in Hinesburg.

I was excited to see a candidate whose values were more in line with mine and to hear someone who clearly has guiding principals toward the Common Good. Gaye has a long history of direct involvement and leadership in business, education, and sustainable environmental endeavors in line with our progressive agenda. In her 12 years in the Vermont State Legislature and then as Leader of the House, she has had to forge alliances with unlikely partners, made hard choices, in the interest of moving our agenda forward, one step at a time, in a climate of resistance to these efforts, and lack of creative leadership in the Administration. Gaye is pragmatic and realistic. She does not overpromise yet holds a bold vision for a positive future. She presents the plan for how we can attain that vision. Specifically, her recently announced Energy Plan accounts for our current need for energy saving, growth of good jobs, and environmentally sustainable sources of energy to support our residential and business needs.

I will be supporting Gaye Symington to help move Vermont forward to effectively keep Vermont vital, with a strong ecomony, positive energy future, to serve our own needs and those of our children.

Wendy Patterson

Chittenden South DFA

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: Georgia Indian DFA, Cheyenne DFA, Democracia para la Frontera: Reaching across Borders , Change for Kentucky Hardin County, Democracy for America--Wichita

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

Your Voice is Needed on Vermont's Energy Future

Written by: Dan Sullivan on Oct 5, 2007 11:22 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Chittenden South DFA

At CSDFA's recent monthly meeting, Chris Williams of Citizen's Action Network, gave a good update on why the Vermont Yankee license should not be renewed and Sean Sarah, of VPIRG,  talked to realistic alternatives. The thing that stood out to me was the practicality of wind power. Sean mentioned that the Sheffield wind project was recently approved and that it would take only 5-10 Sheffields to provide 20% of Vermont's electrical needs. This is very doable by 2012 and would be cost competitive, particularly with unsubsidized sources of power. This, along with some not particularly painful energy efficiency steps would go a long way towards replacing Vermont Yankee's output.

As you probably know, when Douglas vetoed the Legislature's energy bill he asked the Public Service Board to look into the matter. The PSB has set up several workshops around the state to get input. (See the note below for details.) In his "What can you do" chart Sean mentioned that attending one of these workshops is a priority. The idea is to get enough like-minded individuals to attend to make sure that the output of these workshops is not a rubber stamp of Douglas' pro - Vermont Yankee position. Sean said you might not have to register to attend but to vote (essential) you do need to do so. Chris and Marcella have already registered for the Rutland workshop and I plan to do so for the one in S. Burlington on the 17th. I think that, politically, it is very important that we be heard at these workshops.

Dan Sullivan

This fall the Department of Public Service will host five community workshops throughout the state to gather citizen input for the State and its electric utilities as they make decisions about Vermont's energy future. The Workshops are free but registration is required.

All workshops will begin at 5:30 p.m. with light dinner fare. The program begins at 6 p.m. and ends around 10. The workshops will include a presentation on our energy future, small group facilitated discussions, a question and answer session, keypad polling to register your preferences and opinions, and an open forum to express any further thoughts. More information is available at http://www.vermontsenergyfuture.info/

We invite you to attend the workshop closest to you. To ensure broad and diverse participation from across the state, participants may only register for one workshop. The workshops will be held at the following locations:

Oct. 3, 2007 St. Johnsbury Elementary School
Oct. 17, 2007 South Burlington High School
Oct. 18, 2007 Montpelier Elks Club, Montpelier, VT
Oct. 29, 2007 Dean Technical Center, Springfield, VT
Oct. 30, 2007 Rutland Intermediate School, Rutland, VT

We look forward to your help. Again, to register go to http://www.raabassociates.org/WebComponents/vtsignup/welcome.htm

Questions? Email Drew Hudson at drew@vpirg.org or call VPIRG at 802-223-8421 x4787.