Nobel Peace Prize winner in free talk Friday the 13th...and health care resolution action at the Boone County Central Committee

Written by: William Monroe on Nov 9, 2009 12:44 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Columbia, Missouri DFA

Come see Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams speaking at Ellis Library Auditorium on MU campus this Friday. The world needs more peace activism!

Date:     Friday, November 13, 2009
Time:     6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location:     Ellis Library, Ellis Auditorium

“We have to create a world in which there are no unknown, hostile aliens at the other end of any missiles, and that is going to take a tremendous amount of sheer hard work. The only force which can break down those barriers is the force of love, the force of truth, soul-force...” Betty Williams

And...

The Boone County Democrats are having their central Committee meeting this Thursday. Lets show up and help pass a resolution for health care reform with a strong public option. Details here:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/33761-health-care-resolution-presentation-at-the-boone-county-dems-cen

Discuss

Important events coming up in Columbia and the ongoing campaign for health care

Written by: William Monroe on Oct 18, 2009 1:42 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Missouri DFA, Democracy For the Heart of America, DFA Columbia

Our own 25th District Rep Mary Still and KC Rep John Burnett invite all to a "field hearing" on payday loan reform to be held at the Columbia Public Library Friends Room at 6:30 PM on November 16th. The average payday lender in Missouri charges 430.68% interest. For this and other reasons, reforms are needed to protect the poor and vulnerable in Missouri. The Republican Speaker of the House Ron Richard, has assigned a hearing for Mary Still's reform bill for the last day of the session in an attempt to kill it. This Columbia library hearing will kick off a campaign to have Mary's bill given a fair hearing and shot at passage. Come out and offer your opinion and stories on the Payday loan industry and hear how you can get involved...everyone welcome.

And on November 14th...

Our local returned Peace Corps Volunteer group is having a free international film festival on November 14th. Details here:

http://groups.google.com/group/central-mo-rpcvs/web/third-goal-film-festival-2

And health care reform?

Nationally, Democracy for America has taken a lead role with Howard Dean at its head, to push for the public option as the key to true heath care reform. DFA is holding online reform workshops on October 20th on how to get local and State Democratic committees to sign on to a resolution promoting the public option. Details here:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/resolutionworkshop

Lets all work to bring us  the true health reform including a strong public health option. This issue is very personal to me, as a nurse working in community health. I have seen the folks slipping thru the cracks in Missouri, unable to get the care they need. Every day 122 Americans die due to lack of sufficient health insurance. Thousands face bankruptcy and ruined lives due to health care costs.

Lets pull together for health care reform.

Discuss

Great turnout and experience at the DFA's Columbia Campaign Training and more...

Written by: William Monroe on Oct 5, 2009 11:14 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Columbia, Missouri DFA

An excellent time was had by all this weekend at the DFA Campaign Training Academy in Columbia. 66 pictures are worth...a lot of words:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/boonecountydemocrats/sets/72157622511380516/

Thank you Peg for the pics.

77 people atttended the event coming from Boone county, the rest of Missouri and as far away as California and South Carolina. Jm Dean and Minority Leader Paul LeVota exhorted the attendees to take back the missouri House and senate. Andrew Kling who managed Rebecca McClanahan's campaign, demonstrated the challenges of winning in a majority Republican District. He illustrated his talk with photos af some of the horrendous and deceitful negative advertizing that was used against Rebecca McClanahan. The people of her District were not fooled and Rebecca won by 10%.
Breakouts on fund raising, messaging, volunteer development, GOTV, winning in rural areas and event planning highlighted the weekend.

One good outcome was the interest in DFA and the establishment of DFA groups in St Louis and Southern Missouri. Hopefully there will be more Trainings in Missouri, in Kansas City and St Louis, next year. We WILL take back Missouri.

In local news, there will be a street theater event for health insurance reform at the Blue Cross office (Nifong and Forum) in Columbia on Tuesday Oct 6th at 1:00 PM. Meet at the corner at 12:45. This is sponsored by HCAN. It will be a crime scene investigation. Health care in the USA is a crime. Come if you can!

Also...tomorrow and Wednesday there is a call in day for health care to Senator McCaskill's office. Give her a call. Thank her for supporting a strong Public option.

Tell Senator McCaskill that a real public option must:

    * Be national, not different in different states
    * Be available on day one, not subject to a "trigger"
    * Establish payment rates like Medicare
    * Be publicly accountable

 1-877-264-4226

* Press 1 to be connected to your Senators.
* Provide your 5 digit zip code, and you will be given a choice of which of your US Senators you would like to talk to.  Choose Senator McCaskill
* Thank Senator McCaskill for her support of quality, affordable health care reform.  Remind her that health care reform must include a real public option, which must be national, available on day one, establish payment rates, and be publicly accountable

Discuss

Attend and/or support the DFA Campaign Training in Columbia MO this next weekend. You are invited!

Written by: William Monroe on Sep 26, 2009 1:04 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Change for Missouri, Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Democracy For the Heart of America, DFA Columbia, Missouri DFA

Columbia MO DFA is hosting the Democracy For America Campaign Training Academy October 3rd and 4th, just in time to help launch the 2010 campaign season.

If you have not yet RSVP'd please do:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia/event_attendees/new

Please help spread the word.

We have some great speakers, and the breakout sessions will focus on Missouri and how to swing voters in conservative areas. Andrew Kling, Rebecca McClanahan's campaign manager will be doing a breakout session on Sunday. Rebecca Richardson, Chair of Missouri Progressive Women's Caucus will share her expertise on how to elect progressive women candidates, and Brian Zuzenak, the MO Party Exec Director will focus on Party structure and the use of the voter file.

These folks are in addition to the other expert national campaign trainers specializing in media (Ellory Gould), finance (Jay Parmley), messaging (Brian Hageny), field organizing and issue advocacy (Helen Strain) as well as  DFA Chair Jim Dean and principle trainer Matt Blizek.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Pizza Party outside Shakespeare's pizza under big-top canopies with several  incumbent speakers and fantastic pizza courtesy of the host DFA organization, Democracy for Missouri. More details on the weekend here:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

Thus far we have 87 RSVPs, and although the training is not very expensive, ($60...$30 for low income/students) there are about 20 people who have requested help with tuition. Call it a sign of the economic times we are in. It would be great if you could help sponsor training attendees:
https://democracyforamerica.com/contribution_pages/89-scholarship-contribution?event=32787

Discuss

Details on the Columbia DFA Traning Academy

Written by: William Monroe on Sep 20, 2009 9:43 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Change for Missouri, Missouri DFA, DFA Columbia, Democracy For the Heart of America

The last Democracy for America Campaign Training of 2009, is in Columbia MO October 3rd and 4th, just in time to help launch the 2010 campaign season. If you have not yet RSVP'd please do...

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

Please help spread the word.

We have some great speakers, and the breakout sessions will focus on Missouri and how to swing voters in conservative areas. Andrew Kling, Rebecca McClanahan's campaign manager will be doing a breakout session on Sunday. Rebecca Richardson, Chair of Missouri Progressive Women's Caucus will share her expertise on how to support progressive women candidates, and Brian Zuzenak, the MO Party Exec Director will focus on Party structure and the use of the voter file.

These folks are in addition to the other expert national campaign trainers specializing in media (Ellory Gould), finance (Jay Parmley), messaging (Brian Hageny), field organizing and issue advocacy (Helen Strain as well as  DFA Chair Jim Dean and principle trainer Matt Blizek.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Pizza Party outside Shakespeare's pizza under big-top canopies with several  incumbent speakers and fantastic pizza courtesy of the host DFA organization, Democracy for Missouri.

Thus far we have 76 RSVPs, and although the training is not very expensive, ($60) there are about 20 people who have requested help with tuition. Call it a sign of the economic times we are in. It would be great if you could help sponsor training attendees:
https://democracyforamerica.com/contribution_pages/89-scholarship-contribution?event=32787

Sen McCaskills Health Forum in Jef City at a new time!!

Written by: William Monroe on Aug 25, 2009 6:10 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Missouri DFA, DFA Columbia, Democracy For the Heart of America

Claire's health care forum in Jefferson City has had a time change. Doors now open at 5:30 and the event kicks off at 6:00 PM.
Lewis and Clark Middle School - Cafeteria
325 Lewis and Clark Drive
Jefferson City, MO 6510
Details and RSVP:
http://mccaskill.senate.gov/jeffersoncity082609/
It is not necessary to RSVP on the above link...but it helps, and provides an opportunity to give input into the discussion. I attended the Moberly event. It seemed to be about 50 or 60% folks opposed to reform. We need more supporters to turn out. Claire manages these very well...no nastiness or name calling took place...come on out!

Bill Monroe, DFA Columbia

DFA Training Academy in Columbia:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

More McCaskill Health care events and some rally action as well!

Written by: William Monroe on Aug 22, 2009 6:26 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Greater Kansas City Democracy for America, Missouri DFA, Democracy For the Heart of America

There are two grassroots health insurance reform rallies and lots of Claire McCaskill health events coming up. 

http://mccaskill.senate.gov/

September 2nd:

Progressive organizations with the cooperation of the Johnson County Democratic Party & UCM College Democrats will host a march & rally in support of healthcare reform at 5.00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2 at the Johnson County Court House Grounds in Warrensburg, Missouri.

The Real Healthcare Reform March
We will start from the Johnson County Court House Grounds and march to the University Union Room 237B 5.30pm – 6.00pm

(We have been granted permission to hold a parade from the courthouse to the UCM union. We will have police escorts in front of and behind the group that walks)

Also on the 2nd:

Grass Roots Organizing and Health Care for America Now have a huge rally with great speakers also planned tor the 2nd on the Steps of the Capital in Jefferson City. Starts 10:30 til Noon with Speeches by Judy Baker, Senator Wes Shoemyer, Representative Rebecca McClanahan and others.

Lets turn out, get Claire and Obama's back, and help bring on the health reform with a Public Option that we need!

Claire's Health listening tour:

In addition to Health care "listening forums" in Moberly Kansas City and Hannibal on the 24th and Jefferson City on the 26th, Claire will be in Warrrensburg in the early ours of the 26th and in Springfield and West Plains on the 31st.

Healthcare Listening Forum
Rural Youth Community Center - Johnson County Fairgrounds
386 NW 145
4 miles west of Warrensburg on Hwy. 50
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Wednesday, August 26, 8:00 a.m.

Healthcare Listening Forum
West Plains Civic Center Theater
110 St. Louis Street
West Plains, Missouri 65775
Monday, August 31, 9:00 a.m.

Healthcare Listening Forum
Gillioz Theater
325 Park Central East
Springfield, MO 65806
Monday, August 31, 12:30 p.m.

Thanks to Ragh from Warrensburg for the alert on this.

Bill Monroe, DFA Missouri

Columbia stepping up to bring true health care reform.

Written by: William Monroe on Aug 15, 2009 1:05 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Missouri DFA, DFA Columbia

DFA Columbia is gathering at the Columbia Library just prior to a major meeting by OFA in the same venue:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/33406-columbia-focusing-on-health-care-with-the-public-option

Come on out on Saturday the 22nd at 1:00, learn about the Stand with Dr Dean small business outreach campaign, the latest on our October campaign training, and stay for the OFA event:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/healthcareorganizingevent/gpfz8y

One topic of the OFA meeting will be the Claire McCaskill health care meetings in our area. Two are scheduled. The 24th in Moberly at Moberly Area Community College (Doors open at Noon...event is at 1:00 and entry will be first come first seated),  and in Jef City on the 26th (No details as yet). Mark your calendar and come out to show support for insurance reform and Universal health care.

By the way, there are now 41 people who have RSVP'd to the October 3rd and 4th DFA Campaign Training Academy in Columbia!! The trainers are now being finalized and we have confirmed that DFA Chair Jim Dean will be in attendance. If you have not yet RSVP'd, please do:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

Health Care, Afghanistan, Training Academy, and Stand with Dr Dean...!

Written by: William Monroe on Jul 1, 2009 10:18 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Columbia, Missouri DFA

The usual first Wednesday of the Month DFA meeting has been deferred for July. We will meet at the Labor Temple at 7:00 PM on August 5th for a screening of "Rethink Afghanistan", the new and ongoing film project of award winning film maker Robert Greenwald.

http://rethinkafghanistan.com/

It is imperative that a discussion take place about the legacy wars of George Bush and what we can do to end them in the Obama era.

On the Health care initiative front, We have delivered the "Stand with Dr Dean" online petitions to both Senator Boind and McCaskill at their Columbia offices. We were well received in both locations, tho Claire's staff exclaimed "This is just what we need!" and Bond's was, shall we say, more subdued.
Here is the petition link if you have not already signed it:

http://standwithdrdean.com/

Later this week we will be dropping off a copy at Rep Leuktemeyer's office. Our grassroots friends affiliated with OFA have collected an astounding 700 names in the 9th District, on their petition also calling for Health care reform including a Public option. Here is the response by the local Leuktemeyer staffer Gary Marble:

"Congressman Luetkemeyer has made his position on health care very clear.  Socialized medicine has failed in every attempt.  The Congressman's position is in line with the overwhelming majority of the constituents who have contacted our office in opposition to Socialized medicine."

As you can see, Blaine is way out of touch with the 9th District (and reality, apparently). If you are from MO 9th District, you can add your name to the petition that elicited such a response here:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=rqv6aMVOTbUmMIMT1oPa7_Q&hl=en

Thank you  for all you are doing to help restore our Nation after 8 years of Cheney/Bush.
See you in August at the labor Temple (611 N Garth in Columbia).

Bill Monroe for DFA Columbia

PS: if you have not yet done so...please do sign up for the DFA Training Academy to be held at Stotler Lounge of Memorial Union this October:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia

Health Care reform gathering and petition presentation to Blaine Leuktemeyer

Written by: William Monroe on Jun 16, 2009 10:01 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Columbia

Obama's health care reform plan is not Single payer...but it is a good start. He has called for decreased cost, a choice of plans including a Public Plan option, with everyone covered. Preexisting conditon exclusions or cherry picking of the insured will not be allowed. Sounds good to me!

To that end, a lot of us have been working hard with OFA to gather signatures on a petition to present to Rep Leuktemeyer on June 26th. He will be in DC on that date, but his staff are aware we will be coming.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/33119-petition-presentation-to-blaine-leuktemeyer

Rep Leuktemeyer is on record saying that no one in his District has expressed approval of Obama's plan. Lets demonstrate the absurdity of that claim.

There will be folks clipboarding to gather signatures at the Fulton Street Fair this Friday Evening (June 19th) and Saturday (Check in at the Democratic Club booth to pick up a clip board and petitions.) Come on out...it is a fun Fair...complete with live mules, carnival rides, good people who want real health care reform, and some great BBQ.

This is real grassroots politics. As Howard Dean says..."Voting is not enough". Lets turn out to exercize our Constituional right to petition our Government and bring on real health care reform.

Thank you...hope to see you soon.

And...do not forget to RSVP to the DFA Campaign Training Academy in Columbia this October 3rd and 4th.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/32787-dfa-campaign-training-in-columbia