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Sure, it's early. But not too early to lay the groundwork for more and better Democrats -- the work has to be done by someone, why not someone who cares about it getting it done correctly -- why not you? This dispatch from reader Mommybrain is a good example of what readers and activists are doing to make that happen all over the country:
CALLING ALL SOCAL FIREPUPS
Avast, ye firepups! ( I missed International Talk Like a Pirate Day this year. Hornswoggled is what I be over the matter, but better late than never, is what I always sez.)
I am calling to invite all Southern California firepups to come to the next meeting of the Foothill Community Democrats, where our guest speaker will be our very own friend Howie Klein. His topic is "Politics and the New Media" - hey, that's us!
I am in awe of what Howie has accomplished in such a short time on the web – not only helping progressive candidates get elected with the power of the people, but then actually holding their tiny feets to the fire when they act like every politician we've ever known and betray the ideals they solemnly professed to us. Howie (and us, by extension) raised $535,000 in three months for progressive candidates through the Blue America series, making the New Media a force to be reckoned with. I know that change doesn't happen as fast as we'd like but we just have to keep pushing. Howie is with us all the way.
Russ Warner will be there, too. Come meet the man who will shortly make David Dreier ancient history. He could use some help with his campaign, I'm sure.
The meeting is on Sept. 27 at 7pm. Come a little early and have great coffee and a decadent dessert. If you call The Peach Cafe at 626-599-9092 any time between now and Thursday, you can order dinner, too. I recommend a salad or a wrap, as the restaurant closes at 3pm and they keep better than, say, bacon and eggs.
We are located at 141 E. Colorado Blvd. in Monrovia.
Please email me at crayon52 at gmail dot com for directions or questions. I'd love to see your unfamiliar faces. I'll be the reddhedd behind the counter, flustered by the huge crowd.
See you on Sept. 27 at 7pm in Monrovia.
And that's just one FDL reader in one area of the country. Imagine the impact of FDL readers all over the nation organizing efforts on behalf of more and better Democrats in all 50 states?
Thought we could spend some time today talking about what everyone is doing with their local Dem groups, DFA crew, individual candidate action, issue activism or whatever else it is that you are working on these days to change your community and your country for the better. What are you doing to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow?
PS -- You can contribute to Russ Warner and many other fine Blue America candidates on our Blue America page.
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woo hoo!
Make the effort to take it back, America…You might be ten steps behind.
OT, but from the last thread: I just emailed my Congressman and Senators and gave them an earful about how I feel about their possibly giving a free pass to telecoms and government officials on warrentless spying.
Nice Zed work, Adie.
Happy birthday, Adie!
What ET said, Adie
22 for 22!
It’s fun - it’s relatively cheap - and you get free postcards to piss off some spineless “Democrats”!
Hello Christy. We’re having a breakfast/coffee progressive chat starting every Saturday morning until the election. It’s going to be in a central town here in North San Diego County. There’s been a rally/anti-war march in the same town every Sunday from 1-2. I’m going to that today for the first time. It’s really nice to get with like minded people other than here (face to face)…good for the spirit.
I’m more involved in the political life of my state because of sites like FDL, and Blue America was a big part of getting me going.
Last cycle, I sent money, and did some phonebanking, and blogging for candidates, but fairly late in the game.
This cycle, my loathing of Junior John Cornyn led me to basically start scouting for a strong nominee.
Me. A pseudonymous blogger chick with no official party standing. Like I mattered or something. And my online activism is what emboldened me to take off line steps as well.
And here’s where I am today, working to make a brand new U.S. Senator in one of the largest, most populous states in the nation.
I’m honestly astounded.
Happy Birthday, Adie!
One very progressive candidate you can support through ActBlue is Diane Benson, who has been chewing the leg off of that wounded mink, Rep. Don Young, the most corrupt member of the US Congress.
Diane isn’t Blue America yet, but I’ve got a hunch that will change in a few days. At a local Democratic Paty event last Friday, her Dem primary opponent, former Alaska Dem Party Chairman Jake Metcalfe blew his Blue America chances. When asked by an old Dem stalwart why in 2006, Metcalfe, as party chair hadn’t supported the Benson campaign against Young until the last few days, and then with only $12,000, Metcalfe replied “Because Rahm Emanuel wouldn’t allow it…” and so on. I’m preparing a transcript and a YouTube.
Thanks all!
Hey Darkblack. May I please steal yer pic to put on my dartboard? The old one (The Nation’s brilliant MadMag “Worry” ren[e]dition is gittin’ kinda beat-up.
But of course, Adie…and many happy returns.
darkblack @ 2
Naomi Wolfe and Naomi Klein, both coming out with killer books right when I’ve got my eyes and hands full of great new books already.
Darkblack will be seen by some future historian as the DaVinci of progressive iconography!
Another great one, DB.
Are we allowed to organization whore?
Cool.
ANy Lawyers in NYS who want to do election monitoring and prevent election fraud (no stolen elections ever again) go to
www.nydlc.org and sign up. Tell ‘em FDL sent ya.
The New York Democratic LAwyers Council also does lection monitoring issue advocacy, think tanking and all sorts of good stuff.
Don’t worry if you know nothing about election law, we train.
And we through the NYS Bar association we do CLE. Great group of lawyers and friends.
If you are in another state and want to start a similar group in your state I think there is an email Addy on the “voting rights institute” page on the DNC Website. Tehy said they would put one up.,
Or send an email to the general mail mail box on the NY site and somebody will hook you up.
There is supposed to be a nationwide convocation of alwyers from alll 50 (or at least 48) states in November, so you may want to contact your own state party chair and ask if you can come to the DNC for that event. It’s where the planning will happen for 2008.
We need you!
E/T
Got my first mailer from Jake the Snake yesterday.
More and better Democrats..will that be enough? Our last chance to avoid going over the cliff is Nov. ‘08 but after last week, I am not sure we are going to make it. How do we avoid the Iranian War before the election? More “good” news:
(snip)
The London Sunday Times, meanwhile, reports that an elite Air Force unit called “Project Checkmate” was resurrected in June. The unit reports directly to US Air Force chief Gen. Michael Moesely and “consists of 20-30 top air force officers and defence and cyberspace experts with ready access to the White House, the CIA and other intelligence agencies.”
“Detailed contingency planning for a possible attack on Iran has been carried out for more than two years by Centcom (US central command),” says the Times’s Sarah Baxter. “Checkmate’s job is to add a dash of brilliance to Air Force thinking by countering the military’s tendency to ‘fight the last war’ and by providing innovative strategies for warfighting and assessing future needs for air, space and cyberwarfare.”
The group is led by Brigadier-General Lawrence Stutzriem, and assisted by a former Israeli military officer and cyberwarfare expert.
(snip)
link
DB, you have comment
Toby Wollin @ 3
Great.
I think in stead of the short ” I am for…, or I am agints….” emails I used to send, I am going to focus on more content rich emails explaining (with links to useful information) why they should be for or against they same as me.
We have to raise their cnsiousness and educate them
I gotta beg off writin’ for just a bit.
Poor poor. no, Really POOR, as in B.A.D. georgie voin**itch has to have a day or 2 to regrow his singed whisker after the blasting i gave him last week.
BigMitch @ 17
I think I used that term - “snake” - back in August, right after he declared his candidacy before anyone in the Dem Organization knew he’d left a sealed letter of resignation on his desk before flying off to DC to talk to Rahm’s people.
But, talking to him after Friday’s Egan Dinner in Wasilla, with Ms ET, we decided he’s more like Jake the Fake… Plus, he really wants us to like him.
We donated $5.00 to assure we stay on all his mailers. Wonder where he got his list? About time for an enterprising ADN reporter to visit the Anchorage office of the Democratic Party and ask that question…
Here’s how I spent Iraq Moratorium Day:
http://freewayblogger.blogspot.....m-day.html
estimated viewers: half a million.
High praise for one so unworthy as myself, ET and Loo Hoo, but thank you.
Yet as Christy has intimated, let us not dwell too long on why we arrived at an unwelcome destination, but what we can each do individually to leave this palace of sorrows crafted by malfeasant hands.
scarlet p. @ 23
Yes!
I saw “911 - V” painted in bright red on a freeway overpass on the way into Anchorage yesterday.
Adie @ 21
You know, especailly with respect to issue education, you don’t have to eb a constiuent to try to educate a given legislator.
darkblack,
Your Ted Stevens going down in flames was so awesome. Have you ever done Don Young? If not, this might provide some inspiration.
Fund raising, still registering voters, lobbying folks to Democratic fund raising dinners. Calling into radio shows. Have been calling, e-mailing, lobbying my Reps for years about the issues I am most concerned with.
The major addition to efforts that my card carrying union family trained all of their off spring to do, is coming to places like FDL and following the insightful and well researched suggestions of our FDL leaders. I am truly appreciative of all of the efforts made here at FDL to encourage all of us to be “vigilant”. Gives me hope
The one thing that a group of friends (all who marched, protested, e-mailed, called our Reps got arrested, before the invasion) and I are doing is going out on Saturdays with our “IMpeach” signs on the busy strip mall, farmers market road to stir it up. The reactions has been great lots of honking, thousands of thumbs up (we think 20 positive to 1 negative), smiles, etc. The folks who do not appreciate us are especially aggressive. We hear “fuck you, blow them all up, defend your country, we answer “we are defending our country.”
I think this activity has been especially rewarding when I witness old gals and guys drive by and give us the thumbs up when they read the “give Impeachment a chance” posters.
Okay, would anyone here like to try to explain to me why my favorite congressperson, John Murtha, is listed as one of the most corrupt members of congress? You will be doing it knowing that you will be destroying the image of Murtha as hero in my eyes and possibly those of some others here. I understand that he is presumably way more conservative than most of us, and I know there is a lot underlying the rumors that I don’t know, but that I should know. I guess I just feel I’d rather hear it here than somewhere else.
Why is that modern day Soapy Smith’s wife giving the Heil-Illhooha to Sargeant Schultz?…And him out of uniform, yet.
Scandalous goings on, ET.
;>)
looseheadprop @ 20
Terrific idea, guys. I’ve been sorta trying to do that all along, but was so afraid longer ones wouldn’t be read at all, mine were getting shorter and more strident as we knew we were running out of time during the last weeks.
It’s so hard to know how to reach congresscritters. Replies from some of them are usually so totally lacking in respect for us as constituents. With ones like voin-*itch, I have found I simply have to grind out several letters in a series, narrowing the focus bit by bit, insisting they deal with a specific issue, rather than just firing off a page full of pre-canned nonsense to get rid of my pestering.
I wasn’t abusive to voi-*itch. Let’s just say, more “tart” than usual twd the end of our rather one-sided “dialog”. He surely knew this ole biddy was ve-ry, ve-ry angry.
These Sens call us “vicious” without batting an eye, yet they are so delicate!?! I doubt any of them can even imagine the color pink any more without wincing and needing a change of “small clothes” (as they’re called in the O’Brian Aubrey/Maturin series).
Those folks in pink serve their purpose, but their effect is very limited. I love the idea of concerted efforts to bring reason and hard evidence to the fore. (bad cop/good cop?)
Ann in AZ @ 29
The rumors (and I take no opinion on their truth since I have not looked into this at all) are that he trades earmarks for campiagn doantions and other bennies.
Ed*ard Teller @ 25
wonderful!
Thought we could spend some time today talking about what everyone is doing with their local Dem groups, DFA crew, individual candidate action, issue activism or whatever else it is that you are working on these days to change your community and your country for the better. What are you doing to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow?
Proud member of the Barry Welsh staff here.
Ann in AZ @ 29
Yep. Kinda heartbreaking.
OT, but MSNBC is soliciting questions from voters for the Democratic debate this week. The debate is being “moderated” by Tim Russert. This is the question I submitted (slightly paraphrased as I did not write it exactly like this but close). I do not anticipate it being asked during the debate, however.
here’s a link on Murtha through CREW
scarlet p. @ 23
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Elliott @ 37
the Murtha ABSCAM video…
I have been working to oust Dan Lungren. Bill Durston announced his candidacy last weekend against Danny Boy. Dr. Durston is a man of great integrity. Anyone in the Sac/Rancho Cordova area we could use your help. Durston Site
marymccurnin @ 40
Mary, this guy has great Bay Area and Sacramento ties. Have he and Howie been introduced, I wonder?
dakine01 @ 36
If that question made it, Congress would probably feel the need to pass a resolution asking you to shut up.
Ed*ard Teller @ 22
[emphasis mine]
ET. By all accounts, you’re a masterful salmon fisherman, hint hint.
Suggest you keep delicate pressure on, just enuf so he doesn’t throw the hook. Right now, he apparently wants what you have (votes? influence? no matter). Walk him in real easy, & accomplish whatever you want that way, for as long as you feel it might be a productive exercise.
[example/confession time: ’tis what i did w/ deWhine afore we marched right over him with Brown in ‘04, yee haw. Since deW was worried about re-election, a bunch-a-folk in OH, some like me working independently, got him to vote “green” and even brag about it(!) several times - not enough to make a difference, but it was worth something to keep him listening to reason, in spite of party affiliation. ]
I’m in Rahm’s district - anyone planning anything here (no matter how futile)?
Jim Himes is having a end of quarter fundraiser and pub quiz this Saturday - see here via Myleftnutmeg.com
looseheadprop @ 32
Personal bennies, or ones that will benefit his constituents? Is there any real objective information that can be read that does not itself have an agenda? I know Murtha has a brother in construction or some relate industry, and I’ve heard that he may steer some serious contracts that way. I think of Murtha as a seriously sly and wise politician that may be and may have been keeping just our side of the law for years, but has done his share of wheeling and dealing in his time. I think he thinks strategically and may use some things like earmarks as chits with which to twist arms when necessary. In some respects, I can picture him a lot like LBJ. But I’d hate to think he’s a wholesale sellout. And if he were, would he have ever come out against the war?
EvilDrPuma @ 42
lmao
Ed*ard Teller @ 39
Elliott @ 37
the Murtha ABSCAM video…
I’ve seen it before - no way that Murtha was a virgin there. imo, it is very clear that he’d been in rooms like that before - and was in fact *so* experienced that he smelled the rat and walked outta there.
Drive by, any word on “Swift Boat” Noriega?
Not much of a mention on MTP, This Week or Chris Matthews this morning about the Blackwater hearing, still lots of talk about the Move On add.
Blackwaterhttp://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18
436.htm
I thought Tim Russert was especially hard (appropriate) on HRC this morning. He not only brought up n her 2002 war resolution vote but how she had voted against three amendments that would have made it more difficult for the Bush administration to invade Iraq.
Too bad Russert has not been equally as hard on Cheney the last few times he has been on MTP spewing lies about Iran. Russert did not even question the validity of Cheney’s comments about Iran when he was on a while back Russert just asked Cheney “how can we stop them” REal challenging (choke)
HRC was so clear and concise about health care, Greenspan is so damn brilliant and impressive.
Worth the watch
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/
One thing Hillary said today that caught my ear was how Clinton had wanted to get UN inspectors back on the ground in Iraq in 98 after Saddam had told them to leave.
I think I remember in one of Scott Ritters books Scott reporting that the US had had some influence on inspectors being pulled out of Iraq in the 90’s, and blamed it on Saddam.
Remember Hans Blix was trying to finish the inspections in Iraq when the Bushies decided to invade. We have not heard much out of Blix the last several years
At the end of MTP, Russert ask Greenspan a serious of questions about all of the Presidents that he served under.
Really worth the listen.
EvilDrPuma @ 42
In the immortal words of the Chimpenfuhrer, Bring It On!
newtonusr @ 41
Bill was on the Blue America list from last time. He got NO help from the dems on the national level. I am not sure but I think he got very little help from the state dems. Even Matsui was hesitant to endorse him since she thought he would lose and then Dan Lungren wouldn’t be nice to her. (over simplification)
Steve-AR @ 18
Well, here’s discouraging news on that front: Please see Glenn Greenwald’s
Former Clinton officials lobby for amnesty for FISA lawbreaking (Saturday September 22, 2007 08:15 EST). Apparently, its not just a few DLC-controlled Democrats, the whole effing Democratic leadership is in the control of the Corporate Elitists who are lobbying for a FISA “update” that will exonerate everyone– EVERYONE– involved in illegal warrantless wiretapping during Bush’s administration, if I read him right. From the closing paragraph:
Is there anything we can do to stop this travesty???
Bob in HI
Adie @ 43
He knows I’m working on his opponent’s campaign. But he knows I’ll be working for the winner of the Dem Primary. As I said in the previous thread, Alaska is the biggest small town in the world. Hopefully, he will be working for Diane Benson after the 2008 primary, too - unlike last year. The Alaska US House campaign is about to change markedly.
Oh, boo, I won’t be in So. Cal. until October 10 — but then I will be there until the 14th.
I just got a mailing from Nancy Pelosi and the DCCC soliciting funds, together with a big chart and lists/categories of candidates they plan to support or Repubs they plan to challenge.
I wrote back on their plea that I gave generously in 2006 and was rewarded with “Dems” like Shuler, Rodriguez, Carney & McNerney, so “no thanks,” and noted that I’d be continuing to be a strong Dem supporter [as far as I’m $$$ able], but that all support would go directly to candidates via Act Blue/Blue America.
Of course when I worked in a Congressional office, it was only crazy people who scrawled such items on our mailings, but I’m sure times have changed.
Ann in AZ @ 29
CREW on Murtha
I have just come home from church. The sermon was subtle and strong. The theme was how Bush has robbed the nation of something most precious: Hope. The call to action was that we need to do much much more to stop this war, a war built on a false premise.
The pastor reported that an article in the October Harpers calls for a general strike. It gets attention and it shuts down “profits.” Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit against CBS, claiming money is the only thing they understand. I think he is right. It is the only thing Bush understands. It is the only thing most politicians understand. One day of no work, no productivity, and more importantly no profits — would be heard. Maybe not understood, but it will be heard. And lack of clarity, control, and understanding creates uncertainty — and the Ownership Society hates that.
Elliott @ 47
Looking at the MSNBC website do not see the spot for submitting questions for the debate. Can you help?
Kathleen @ 58
Found it
Kathleen @ 58
dakine1 was the one who noted it, but
look around here
Ed*ard Teller @ 54
There are house renovation projects like Ted Stevens, and then there are House renovation projects like Darcy’s.
Keep up the good work, ET!
Kathleen @ 58
Submit questions for debate
dead last @ 57
I think that this is a great idea but it would take much organization to convince the working poor and middle class to imperil their jobs. People feel threatened now. And I think they feel alone. If we could organize in a way that would demonstrate unity across a broad spectrum I think it would work. And the added benefit would be that more people would vote.
From my blog, on Nov. 19, 2005:
Who is this guy? His website tells us that he had a long and distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990, having risen from the enlisted ranks which he volunteered for in 1952. He is a decorated combat veteran of Viet Nam, the recipient of two purple hearts, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Murtha was elected to Congress in 1974, one of only 131 people in the nation’s history to have served more than 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is ranking member and former chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Congressman Murtha is so well-respected for his first-hand knowledge of military and defense issues that he has been a trusted adviser to presidents of both parties on military and defense issues.
As you can see in this clip, Mr. Murtha has a steely eyed, resolute look that quietly says, “No me hoda.” If you are not one to judge a book by its cover, (See, Beauty is as beauty lies.) than consider how Jack Murtha answered criticism of his position on Iraq from Dick Cheney:
I like guys who’ve never been there that criticize us who’ve been there. I like that. I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don’t like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done.”
Referring to Bush, Murtha added, “I resent the fact, on Veterans Day, he criticized Democrats for criticizing them.”
Murtha has a realist’s view of war, and what it can accomplish. At the same time, Murtha speaks with heartfelt compassion for soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, and their families.
Clearly, this man is the Republican’s worst nightmare. A true military hero, with a safe seat and impeccable credentials, he’s a man who knows what he is talking about, and is not afraid to speak his mind.
Please read the entire post, For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap.
http://www.democrats.org/
This one of the best networking tools I have seen, as yet.And I think there are almost 70,000 members already.
It is the brainchild of some of Howard Dean’s original DFA crew, and it is very similar to the DFA site, they are actually interchangable in terms of passwords, etc.
So, consider this an open invitation, to all the Doggies who might want to sign on, we need you at The Party builder, my “real” name is John Patterson, so when you sign up, look for me and I would be overjoyed to see many of you on my friends list.
And anyone who thinks I’m a typical Party Dem hasn’t read many of my comments…
This Party Builder site is being patently ignored by just about all of the DLCers, so that should encourage some of you to sign on.
Ann in AZ @ 29
I’ve got bad news for you. Murtha’s a blue dog. Progressive punch rates 215 representatives as more progressive than he is, giving him a rating of 69.20. To give you an idea of what this means, he makes Steny Hoyer (84.13) and Rahm Emmanuel (89.83) look like flaming liberals.
Murtha makes great sense when he talks about the war; on most other things, however, not so much.
Bob in HI
LHP at 26.
Thanks. Absolutely! Never you fear.
[I just meant georgie v. probably needs not to be pestered again by me for just a little bit. (Somehow, I picture him cowering behind the drapes with the Suzi/OhLimpya twins.) But, I assure you, i’ll be b-a-c-k.]
On certain issues, I have been known to write every single member of the Senate, w/ special editions to leadership, comm. chairpersons, and tailored to any specifics I knew @ prior leanings and voting history. Sometimes I simply thank a Ccritter for a public stance on an issue, and other times I might say, “Below is a copy of what I sent your colleagues…”
I’ve almost always try to bring educational material into the mix, but it is a trick to keep such things short and pithy. eh?
I think it’s also worthwhile to consider using concurrent, multiple approaches:
1) writing letters to the editor of newspapers,
2) alerting acquaintances who seem politically aware & apt to spread the word to their own circle of contacts as well as pester in their own way,
3) alerting AND educating (reference links, mostly) local Democratic organizations(!) (I know it sounds silly. Some very well-meaning folk seem so-o-o prone to think only about their own little back yard, sigh)
4) signing any relevant petitions, etc.
bobschacht @ 53
jamie Gorelick was the author a memo which crated ridiculous partitions between the criminal side of the FBI and the foriegn counter intelligence side of the FBI ( And USAOs).
Remeber the famous FISA “wall”. That’s her fault. And she was wrong on the law, the memo is crappy bit of scolarship and when brave below belwo her on the food chain tried to explain to her why and how she was wrong on the law, she pulled rank on ‘em.
Bushco put her on hte 9-11 commission to let her cover up her very real culability. The minute I heard about her appointment, I knew is was gonna be a sham.
Bush/Cheney own her ass now.
She is just their very blackmailable puppet.
One for ET.
;>)
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:46 am
BigMitch (View this users Facebook profile)at #64,
From what I just read that you wrote above is why he’s my hero. I will follow the link and finish the picture, though.
Hey saw Jane on some PBS To the Contrary this morning. They had this total clap trap on feminism (clap trap meaning trite, as opposed to feminism which is not trite), and are women in control now that they have shows on tv. Jane didn’t say much. Who could when the questions are framed in such a way, but when she did it was great.
ET 54. BRAVO! Perfect!
You ARE good! ;->
I’m a precinct captain for my local party, and since we have some sort of election every year in VA, I’m hard at work on the November legislative elections. It’s now conventional wisdom that the Dems will probably take the State Senate this year, and it’s not impossible that we’ll take the House, too.
This is in part because I and other ‘new blood’ helped bring DFA’s “contest every seat” philosophy to the county two years ago. Apparently there used to be something of a gentlemen’s agreement that each party didn’t challenge most incumbents where they “couldn’t win.” We overturned that, and we’ve been gaining seats. Perhaps most exciting is that a good progressive candidate, Jay Donahue, recruited by a fellow DFA’er for one of these longshot races, actually has a decent chance of unseating a longtime incumbent in Herndon (home of the “Herndon Minutemen,” you may recall.) You can help out here!
Peterr @ 61
Then there are Senate renovation projects like dislodging certain officeholders…
The Bush administration and our Reps have been demanding that the Iraqi government “step up to the plate, take responsibility”. They are in the Blackwater tragedy…will the Bush administration get out of the way?
Or keep undermining the Iraqi government?
Blackwater
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20921619/
Adie @ 74
Then there’s those renovation projects which turn into demolition to clear out the rubble first ;-)
Mods. Something really weird happened to comment 192 on the previous thread. You may want to untangle or delete it.
Oops!
I gotta go gang. My honey is dislodging an 8-foot curtainrod single-handedly. Oh. On purpose, but the screwdriver just bounced across the room in 2 pieces. See ya!
peanutbutter @ 76
Of course, all that renovation work ain’t cheap . . .
I need some advise. I have been working with a progressive group for almost a year. I have almost quit several times. To make this a short story it seems like a closed loop. We have done tabling, etc but only the usual suspects showed up recently at a rally. The leader is ineffective, a nice person who seems to make things appear to be working when they are not. I want to quit but don’t know if I just don’t understand how these things work since I am fairly new at grassroots activism.
darkblack @ 69
spew!!! what can I say, other than muchas gracias!
Christy sez,
I’m the Honolulu organizer for Democracy for America, since December 2004. A year and a half ago, a group of fellow progressives organized a local chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, formally organized as PD of Hawaii. Mostly the same people were involved, so we have been holding joint meetings for more than a year, and that has worked well. I got elected to the PDH steering committee and was then selected as Secretary. We hold monthly meetings, and have a blog.
We have a 5 plank platform, and one of those planks is Impeach Bush & Cheney. I’m coordinator of that effort. We organized a joint meeting with the local chapter of Americans for Democratic Action of about 40 people with our congressperson in April. I’m not much of an organizer for public demonstrations, but I work with the local chapter of World Can’t Wait/NION, who are great field organizers. I got an op-ed published in one of the major newspapers last week to try to stimulate public awareness of the importance and validity of impeachment.
Here the point is not about me, but about collaboration among local groups. The effectiveness of individual action is multiplied through collaboration.
Bob in HI
I pitched an idea to the land preservation group I volunteer with to create a partnership program that will have a very specific componet, the business’ that benefit from having land preserved.
This is in response to the concerns that are addressed about spending state money to preserve land. NJ had a funding program that expired this year, and the Gov approved a ballot question for extending it for one year only.
Networking is a key componet in any success, and by providing an opportunity for the business people to network along with our group, we will demonstrate the viability of preserving land from ecological and economical point of view.
After all, how can the Garden State remain that with strip malls and tract housing everywhere.
Mary, I’m beginning to think that’s how these clubs are, begun by well-meaning people who really want to do something but are at the same time af