HOWARD DEAN’S PRESCRIPTION FOR REAL HEALTHCARE REFORM

Written by: Susan Rowe on May 30, 2009 1:00 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, DFA Books

IN NEW BOOK HOWARD DEAN TAKES ON OPPONENTS OF HEALTH CARE REFORM

Dean outlines debate, the arguments being used by the opposition and makes the case for ensuring a public option

Burlington, VT (May 29, 2009) -- Former Vermont Governor, physician and DNC Chairman Howard Dean brings his unique, no-nonsense perspective to the health care debate in a new book that explains both the obstacles to reform and what it will take to achieve real healthcare reform. HOWARD DEAN’S PRESCRIPTION FOR REAL HEALTHCARE REFORM: How We Can Achieve Affordable Medical Care for Every American and Make Our Jobs Safer (http://www.deanshealthcare.com) will be released as an e-book in all formats the week of June 8, 2009, then released as a printed paperback on July 1, 2009. It will also be released as an iPhone application available for download in the iTunes App Store. In addition to being able to navigate and search the entire book, this interactive book application will allow readers to quickly and easily take action and get involved in the fight for health care reform. The official publication date is July 20, 2009.

In a riveting call to action Dean takes on those who are once again mobilizing against real reform with many of the same hollow arguments and rhetorical charges about a socialist agenda. As Dean points out in his book, they should check the facts. “America has had ‘socialized’ medicine since 1964. It’s called Medicare; it covers every American over 65, and they are very happy with the program. The rest of America deserves a similar option.”

Dean argues that for real reform to happen, Americans must have the choice to either keep their existing coverage if they are happy with it, or have the option to select a public plan; and that America must continue to make key investments as President Obama has begun to make in health care information technology to reduce costs and improve the quality of care.

Dean also looks at the devastating impact has had on the American economy adding to job losses as rising health care costs cause a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds, 14,000 people lose their health insurance every day. Rising health care costs are also one of the major reasons why small businesses close down and corporations ship jobs overseas.

This new paperback original (and e-book) outlines a practical, pragmatic approach as proposed by President Obama during the 2008 Presidential campaign, and the arguments the opposition will use to prevent a system that includes the 48 million Americans who are forced to live without health insurance:

*Give every American the choice of public or private healthcare insurance

*Public health coverage for life, no matter where you live or work

*No forced moves if the consumer is happy with current coverage

*Small business assistance from the government for employee plans

*No American is disqualified for an existing health condition

*Similar premium costs for everyone, despite age or illness

*Fewer dollars spent on management and more on medicine

“This is the moment when real reform is finally possible. Governor Dean has been a passionate advocate for reform for a long time and, as a physician, has a unique perspective of what is needed and what will actually work. Anyone who wants to better understand the debate and how to fight back should read this book. Chelsea Green is honored to publish this important book that will no doubt influence the national debate about healthcare reform,” said Chelsea Green Publisher Margo Baldwin.

Howard Dean, former DNC Chairman, presidential candidate, six term Governor and physician, currently works as an Independent consultant focusing on the areas of health care, early childhood development, alternative energy and the expansion of grassroots politics around the world. Dean was recently named Chairman of the Board of the Progressive Book Club, which works to empower progressives to develop, debate and promote progressive ideas through books and is also working with Democracy for America to mobilize the grassroots in support of health care reform.

About the Publisher:

For 25 years Chelsea Green Publishing Company has been dedicated to the politics and practice of sustainable living. We seek to inspire present and future generations to reduce their ecological impact and to participate in the restoration of local communities, bioregional ecosystems, and a diversity of cultures. Our books are printed on recycled paper and use non-toxic, soy-based inks. For more information, go to (http://www.chelseagreen.com).

HOWARD DEAN’S PRESCRIPTION FOR REAL HEALTH REFORM

How We Can Achieve Affordable Medical Care for Every American and Make Our Jobs Safer

by Howard Dean, M.D. with Faiz Shakir and Igor Volsky

Paperback • $12.95 • 144 pages • ISBN 978-1-60358-228-5

E-book (all formats) • $9.95 • ISBN 978-1-60358-235-3

Senator Barbara Boxer: President Obama, nominate a woman

Written by: Susan Rowe on May 15, 2009 5:44 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

Senator Barbara Boxer of California speaks with MSNBC's Ed Schultz about why Justice Souter's replacement should be a woman.

Urge President Obama to choose a woman.

Tell President Obama to nominate a woman.

Women make up 51% of our nation's population.

Yet only 17% of the seats in Congress are held by women. Only 3% of corporate CEOs are women. And just one out of nine Supreme Court justices is a woman.

President Obama can change that.

Send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court!

Since Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement from the Supreme Court four years ago, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been the sole female Justice.

Now, with Justice Souter's recent retirement announcement, President Obama has a chance to nominate an intelligent, well-qualified person to the Supreme Court — and I believe that person should be a woman.

We need a Supreme Court that is more representative of all Americans, so that its decisions better reflect the diversity of life experiences and points-of-view in America.

Send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court!

Many pundits have warned President Obama to make his choice based on merit — and I agree. In fact, there are many highly qualified women to choose from.

When 96 percent of all Supreme Court Justices throughout our history have been men, clearly it is evident that we need another woman on the Court.

Send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court!

When asked recently how it felt to be the only woman on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg simply replied, "Lonely."

It's time to change that.

Thanks for your help.

In Friendship,

Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senator

P.S. President Obama may select his Supreme Court nominee in a matter of days — so it's critical that you join me and make your voice heard now. Please send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court! Then invite your friends and family to email the White House as well!

Mother's Day for PEACE

Written by: Susan Rowe on May 10, 2009 3:00 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Empathy Cafe

The origin of Mother's Day was a call by Julia Ward Howe in 1870 to the women of the world to come together "in a general congress of women" of all nationalities in the great interest of peace.

We need a UN 5WCW "in the name of womanhood and for humanity."

I Will Not Raise My Children to Kill Another Woman's Child

~ CODEPINK Mother's Day 2009 ~

(Sacramento) - Home Stretch...Vote for Karen Bernal: Friday 5:30 PM

Written by: Susan Rowe on Apr 23, 2009 6:38 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, California for Democracy, Sacramento For Democracy

We're Almost There!

 

Tomorrow evening at 5:30, the Progressive Caucus will meet and hold elections for new officers.  It's been an exciting campaign!  I've been able to travel throughout the state and talk to progressives to get their input on what they would like to see out of our Progressive Caucus.  From our big blue cities, to our most rural counties, I have spoken to many activists and found that we can learn a lot from them all.  I want to encourage greater participation in our caucus from progressives in ALL 58 counties and give them the representation that they deserve.  Let's give the 58 County Plan a progressive flavor! 

We must also end the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan and prevent future pre-emptive wars; Enact a Single-Payer Health Care system (SB 810 & HR 676) because Healthcare is a right, not a privilege for the few that can afford it; Demand Equal Rights for all regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or religion (and over-turn Prop 8);  Protect our environment for our children and our children's children; Protect and improve our Public School system by demanding it receive the funding it needs; Protect the right of all workers to organize; Insure that our voting systems allow everyone to cast a vote and have that vote counted as cast; Work for public financing of campaigns (Clean Money);  Abolish the Death Penalty; Increase affordable housing to help the growing numbers of homeless in our society; Adjust cuts to social services in our state; Close the digital divide and provide an internet that is accessible to all; Restore the Constitution and our democracy!; and much more - Wow, we've got a lot of work to do!

I am so honored by all of the great supporters of my campaign.  This week I received the endorsement from Henry Vandermeir (President, California Democratic Council) and the Yolo County Central Committee to add to the endorsements from over two dozen Democratic Clubs and Central Committees, five Democratic Regional Directors, over a dozen E-Board Reps, elected officials, candidates, LGBT & Labor leaders, and hundreds of Democratic delegates and activists throughout the state!   A list of my supporters can be found on my website:  http://karenforpcchair.org/2009/02/endorsements.html

I look forward to meeting many of you this weekend at the Convention.  Remember, you do not need to be a delegate to attend the Progressive Caucus.  Any registered Democrat can join the Caucus at the convention ($10 yearly dues) and vote for the officers, so feel free to bring your friends!  There will be great parties after our meeting at the convention center and the surrounding areas with lots of free food and drinks, so please join us and make an evening out of it.

The Progressive Caucus will meet:

Tomorrow, Friday, April 24th, 5:30 PM
Sacramento Convention Center
1400 J St., Sacramento, CA 95814
MAP

Just follow the signs to the Progressive Caucus (upstairs) once you get into the convention center.

I want to thank all of the volunteers from my campaign for the endless hours they have put into making phone calls, sending emails, organizing events, travel arrangements, etc...  Our campaign would be nothing with out their endless energy and support!

See you all this weekend!

Organizing Truth to Power,
Karen Bernal
Officer-At-Large, Progressive Caucus, CDP
5th AD Exec. Board Representative ; Elected Member, Sacramento County DCC
NorCal Coordinator, Progressive Democrats of America
Co-Founder, Wellstone Democratic Club of Sacramento
Co-Founder, Sacramento for Democracy
CWA, Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO; Former Organizer, ILWU Int'l

INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENTS (as of 04/22/09): * All titles for identification only

• Darrell Steinberg, Senate President pro Tem, CA District 6 *
  
• Mark Leno, State Senator, CA District 3; Author SR 7, Opposing Prop 8;
• Author SB 810, Single Payer Healthcare *
  
• Charlie Brown, Congressional Candidate, CA-04 *
  
• John A. Perez, Assemblymember, CA Dist 46, Los Angeles; Democratic Caucus Chair *
  
• Mariko Yamada, Assemblymember, CA District 8 *
  
• Pedro Nava, Assemblymember, CA District 35, Santa Barbara *
  
• Aleita Huguenin, Chair, DNC Western Regional Caucus; Vice Chair, Labor Caucus, CDP; Retired Political Director, CA Teachers Assoc. *
  
• Mayme Hubert, CDP, Region 2 Director, Co-Founder and Secretary, Progressive Caucus, CDP; Co-Founder, Take Back Red California *
  
• Mal Burnstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Progressive Caucus, CDP *
  
• Dotty LeMieux, DSCC E-Board Rep, Marin DCC; Co-Founder and Officer at Large, Progressive Caucus, CDP *
  
• Medea Benjamin, Co-Founder, CODEPINK; Co-Founder, Global Exchange; Board Member, Progressive Democrats of America *
  
• Laurie McBride, Co-Chair, National Stonewall Democrats; Northern Chair, LGBT Caucus, CDP; 9th AD Delegate; Member, Sacramento Stonewall *
  
• Henry Vandermeir, President, California Democratic Council (CDC) *
  
• Jamie Beutler, Chair, Rural Caucus, CDP *

more endorsements after the jump...

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(San Francisco) TEACH-IN: Bail Out Working People -- NOT the Banks!

Written by: Susan Rowe on Apr 21, 2009 2:04 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Health Care for America Organizers, Blog For America, California for Democracy

Bail Out Working People -- NOT the Banks!

Join us on May 9 in San Francisco for a

TEACH-IN & MASS MOBILIZATION PLANNING MEETING

Without joining together for our common interests, we don't have the strength to change our government's priorities. We must begin to build a massive movement that will have the power to impact government policy and give people genuine hope for a better future.

Help organize a mass mobilization and ongoing action campaign around the following demands:

- No layoffs. Massive job-creation program.

- Tax the rich -- don't bail out the banks.

- Pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

- Single-payer healthcare for all.

- Affordable housing for all. Tenants' rights. Moratorium on foreclosures & evictions.

- Funding for jobs and for social services & infrastructure, not for war.

- Stop the ICE raids and deportations. Legalization for all!

Speakers:

- Art Pulaski, Secretary-Treasurer, California Federation of Labor;

- N'tanya Lee, Executive Director, Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth;

- Mark Dudzic, National Organizer, Labor for Single Payer Healthcare Campaign (Washington, D.C.);

- Rosie Martinez, SEIU Local 721 (Los Angeles);

- Steve Williams, Executive Director, POWER (People Organized to Win Employment Rights);

- Conny Ford, Vice President, San Francisco Labor Council;

- Clarence Thomas, ILWU Local 10;

- Jack Rasmus, Professor of economics St. Mary's College and Santa Clara Univ.;

- Alan Benjamin, Executive Committee, San Francisco Labor Council and Workers Emergency Recovery Campaign;

- Student representative, City College of San Francisco, Mission Campus.

ALSO:

Extended remarks from Bay Area labor and community leaders -- and ample time for dialogue among teach-in participants.

AND:

Spoken Word performance by YOUNG PLAYA

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2009   -   1 to 5 p.m.

(registration begins at 12:30 p.m.)

Plumbers Hall,

1621 Market St. @ Franklin St. 

San Francisco, CA

Donations will be requested at door to defray cost of renting the hall, printing leaflets and posters, and copying teach-in packets for all participants. Suggested donations: $10 general, $5 senior, free for those recently laid off, students and disabled. No one turned away for lack of funds.

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SB 810 (Leno) Kick-Off Event Supporting California's Single Payer Bill

Written by: Susan Rowe on Apr 10, 2009 5:56 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Capitol Area Progressives (CAP) , California for Democracy, Sacramento For Democracy, Health Care for America Organizers, DFA of Chowchilla

SB 810 (the new single payer bill) has been introduced into the legislature. The first public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15th before the Senate Health Committee. Please join us for lunch and targeted legislative visits prior to the hearing at 1:30 in Room 4203.  We are hoping to turnout hundreds of supporters to show that the movement for single payer is growing – and that it is the only real health reform proposal that covers everyone and will contain costs.  If you cannot be in Sacramento, you can still help (see below).

Join us for the first hearing to support

SB 810 in the Senate Health Committee
 
WHEN -- Wed., April 15th : 12pm Lunch/1:30pm Hearing
WHERE --  Capitol Cafeteria (basement) - West Dining Room, Sacramento

Transportation available from the following locations:

Berkeley: 10:15am/Ashby Bart – Ashby @ MLK, Berkeley/ 415-550-0828
Central Valley: Carpools from Stockton & Modesto – Call 209-823-3890 to reserve
Placer County: Carpools from Rocklin area - Call 916-435-9760
San Francisco: 9:45am / N side Fulton St. between Hyde and Larkin, SF/ 415-550-0828
Vallejo: 10:30am/ Elks Lodge, 2850 Redwood Parkway, Vallejo/ 415-550-0828
SACRAMENTO AREA: You are on your own to get to the capitol – but must rsvp for lunch.

RSVP to California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) at 415-550-0828 if you are planning to attend and want lunch. You must rsvp by April 10th to be guaranteed a seat or ride. Donations will be collected.

UC Berkeley: Climate Change Policy Conference May 5, 2009

Written by: Susan Rowe on Apr 9, 2009 8:08 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, DFA Job Board, Blog For America, Democracy for Environmental Awareness, California for Democracy

Making Climate Change Policy

Work in Difficult Economic Times:

A CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON THE JOB AND EQUITY

IMPACTS OF CARBON PRICING POLICIES

May 5, 2009

8:30 AM-6 PM Conference

6:30 PM Reception

UC Berkeley International House

2299 Piedmont Avenue

Berkeley, CA

Carbon pricing policies like cap-and-trade programs are being proposed or implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California, the Western states of the US and Canada, and nationally. This conference will explore the design options within carbon pricing policies that shape impacts on employment and equity.

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(Green Job) Deputy Director, Sierra Club California

Written by: Susan Rowe on Apr 9, 2009 7:22 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, DFA Job Board, California for Democracy, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Democracy for Environmental Awareness

Deputy Director, Sierra Club California
Sacramento, California

Sierra Club California is seeking a Deputy Director to build our organization through fundraising, outreach and communications, and to manage our internal operations.


Job Duties:

Designs, develops, and implements a program that raises significant funds for Sierra Club California through direct mail and Internet (Convio) messages, EarthShare participation, donor database management, working with the Development Committee, participation in key donor visits, and building contacts with foundations.

Communicates with general public, media and Sierra Club membership about major state legislative, regulatory, and electoral issues. Duties include writing action alerts, press releases and articles for newsletter and website.

Supervises, directs, develops, and provides guidance to administrative staffer, which includes: assigning work and establishing standards and work priorities; insuring staff training and development of employee skills; providing ongoing performance feedback, preparing and conducting formal performance planning and evaluation; recommending salary, hiring and promotion decisions.

Manages internal office, financial management and budgeting for all Sierra Club California funds, and the Sierra Club California fundraising program.

Coordinates outreach and interaction with the 13 California chapters and with the national Sierra Club.

Assists the Director and performs miscellaneous duties as directed.

Qualifications:

1.  Demonstrated fundraising ability – at least 3 years’ experience.
2.  Experience in non-profit management – at least 3 years’ experience.
3.  Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Non-profit Management, Business, Marketing, Communication, Environmental Studies, Political Science or related field or the equivalent combination of experience and education.
4.  Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
5.  Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and work effectively with volunteers.
6.  Able to participate in evening meetings and 3-5 weekend meetings each year. 
7.  Able to travel about 15% of the time.
8.  Commitment to environmental protection.

Compensation: Salary depends on experience. Full benefits.

To apply: send a cover letter, resume and one-page writing sample to annie.pham[at]sierraclub[dot]org

Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

Annie Pham
Legislative Aide
Sierra Club California
801 K Street, Suite 2700
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916/557-1100 ext. 107

(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: Democratic Club of Coarsegold, Latinos for America, Health Care for America Organizers, Blog For America, DFA of Chowchilla

"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: Take Back Red California, DFA of Chowchilla, Training Academy Alumni, Class of 2007, DFA Night School, Democracy for Environmental Awareness